This study investigates the potential effects of essential oils (EOs) in enhancing the efficacy of clindamycin against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) using in vitro and computer simulations. The research seeks to identify essential oils that exhibit synergistic activity with clindamycin and determine their potential key active components.

Essential oils commonly used in traditional medicine were tested for their antimicrobial activity against MRSA. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using in vitro microdilution assays. A synergistic test with clindamycin was performed, and molecular docking studies evaluated the interaction between a key compound (trans-cinnamaldehyde) and MRSA protein.

EOs from Cinnamomum verum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis, and Thymus vulgaris demonstrated significant inhibitory and synergistic activities against MRSA, standard strain, and human clinical isolates. Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy identified trans-cinnamaldehyde, eucalyptol, and thymol as prominent antibacterial compounds. Molecular docking studies confirmed trans-cinnamaldehyde's strong binding to MRSA's AgrA protein, elucidating its enhanced efficacy.

The study underscores the potential of plant-based therapies to augment the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics like clindamycin in combating MRSA and addressing antibiotic resistance by integrating traditional plant remedies with modern medical approaches.

Resistance in Gram-positive organisms, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), poses a significant healthcare challenge globally. However, data on these organisms in Lebanon remain limited. This retrospective study aimed to assess the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS), and Enterococcus spp. in clinical infections at the Lebanese Hospital Geitaoui - UMC from 2017 to 2023.

A total of 2676 isolates were collected from urine, blood, respiratory specimens, and other infection sites. Bacterial identification was performed following WHO clinical bacteriology procedures, utilizing gram staining, catalase and coagulase tests, and biochemical assays. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) analysis, interpreted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS® version 24, with significance set at p < 0.05.

CoNS were the most prevalent (42.83 %), followed by Enterococcus spp. (28.81 %) and S. aureus (28.36 %). Blood cultures had the highest isolation rates (29.04 %), predominantly CoNS (76.45 %). Enterococcus spp. dominated urinary tract infections (85.01 %), while S. aureus was prevalent in wound/surgical site infections (59.23 %). Gender-specific trends showed CoNS and S. aureus more in males, while Enterococcus spp. infections were more common in females.

This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence and resistance patterns of Gram-positive pathogens in a Lebanese hospital setting. The findings highlight the need for continuous surveillance and stringent antibiotic stewardship to combat antimicrobial resistance effectively.

The objective of this research was to investigate the genomic epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a pediatric population in Shanghai, China. Whole-genome sequencing was conducted for 492 randomly selected MRSA isolates obtained from a pediatric hospital between 2013 and 2022. ST59 (37.4%), ST398 (22.4%), ST88 (5.7%), and ST22 (5.5%) were the predominant lineages among these children. While ST59 maintained a dominant annual proportion before 2017, the proportion of ST398 gradually increased from 2013 to 2016, with ST398 ultimately emerging as a prevalent clone with a proportion comparable to that of ST59 after 2017. Among the prevalent STs, the spa-SCCmec structure also experienced dynamic changes. Within ST59, the t437-IV subtype experienced a decline and has even been replaced by t172-IV in recent years. In ST398, the t011-V subtype appeared in 2014 and rapidly became the leading subtype. The antibiotic resistance profiles and virulence factors exhibited clone-related features. Compared with other prevalent lineages, ST59 presented high resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin, whereas ST398 presented relatively low resistance to common antimicrobial agents and fewer virulence determinants. Panton-Valentine leucocidin was more common in ST338 and ST1232, whereas toxic shock syndrome toxin was closely associated with ST1 and ST5. The MRSA cases could also be classified into community- and hospital-associated cases, with highly significant differences between the two in terms of demographic characteristics, clindamycin susceptibility, and virulence genes. In conclusion, this study revealed high genetic diversity and dynamic changes in the molecular epidemiology of pediatric MRSA isolates from Shanghai collected over a decade.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has emerged as a significant global health concern. Previous research on MRSA epidemiology has predominantly focused on adult populations or targeted specific infection sites, while there was limited research on the long-term evolution of MRSA from the pediatric population. This study addresses this knowledge gap by conducting a comprehensive, 10-year surveillance of pediatric MRSA isolates using whole-genome sequencing. We characterized the molecular typing, as well as the phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance profiles, and virulence factors present in MRSA isolates obtained from children. Our results highlight the imperative for continuous, vigilant monitoring of MRSA within the pediatric demographic to track its evolving genetic landscape.

Introduction: Studies have shown that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swabs aid in de-escalating and decreasing the duration of antibiotic use in respiratory infections. However, the utility of MRSA PCR swabs is unknown for severely injured trauma patients. The aim of this study is to determine if negative MRSA PCR nasal swabs are associated with future MRSA infections in trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: Trauma patients admitted to the ICU that had a nasal MRSA PCR from July 2022 to March 2024 were evaluated. Demographics, as well as complication rates (including myocardial infarction, stroke, venous thromboembolism, acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute kidney injury), number and site of cultures obtained, days from MRSA PCR to culture, and positivity of a MRSA infection in those cultures, were evaluated. Results: In the study period, 65 severely injured patients were identified with an infection and nasal MRSA PCR. Most patients were male (74%), suffered a blunt mechanism (85%), and had a 28-day mortality rate of 36.9%. The median injury severity score was 26. Of the 65 injured patients, 7 (10.8%) had a positive MRSA PCR. There were 142 cultures obtained. No patient that had a negative PCR had a positive MRSA infection. The performance characteristics of a MRSA PCR swab included sensitivity (100%), specificity (92%), positive predictive value (29%), and negative predictive value (NPV, 100%). Conclusion: The incidence of MRSA-positive infections in trauma patients is low with a negative MRSA PCR swab, NPV of 100%. On the basis of these findings, there should be consideration of withholding empiric MRSA coverage in trauma ICU patients with a negative MRSA PCR. This may aid in reducing unnecessary antibiotic initiation and healthcare costs. Larger studies are needed to validate these findings and help delineate patients for which empiric MRSA coverage can be withheld.

Molecular docking is an effective tool for screening bioactive compounds based on molecular mechanistic values. Efforts were taken to identify and screen plant secondary metabolites against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) using essential oil (EO) extracted from locally available species of Cymbopogon such as C. flexuosus, C. winterianus, and C. martinii. Hydro distillation of EO followed by GCMS characterization was accomplished. The library-generated compounds were docked against penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a) (PDB ID: 3ZG5). We targeted PBP2a, a transpeptidase because it produces high-level resistance to MRSA against β-lactam antibiotics through its expression. Importantly, PBP2a catalyzes cell-wall cross-linking in the face of the defy by β-lactam antibiotics. A 100ns MD simulation was conducted to find the stability of the receptor-ligand complex. The anti-MRSA activity against different clinical isolates of MRSA was performed and the genetic similarity between the isolates of MRSA was analyzed through the RAPD technique which is a quick, cost-effective, and affordable technique.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-025-00334-4.

In recent years, medicinal plants have gained significant attention in modern medicine due to their accessibility, affordability, widespread acceptance, and safety, making herbal remedies highly valued globally. Consequently, ensuring medicinal plants' quality, efficacy, and safety has become a critical concern for developed and developing nations. The emergence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms poses a serious global health threat, particularly in low-income regions, despite significant advancements in antimicrobial drugs and medical research over the past century. The rapid spread of these multidrug-resistant infections is primarily attributed to improper prescriptions, overuse, and unregulated access to antibiotics. Addressing these challenges, the standardization of plant-derived pharmaceuticals could pave the way for a transformative era in healthcare. Preserving and leveraging the historical knowledge of medicinal plants is essential before such valuable information is lost. Recently, there has been growing interest among natural and pharmaceutical scientists in exploring medicinal plants as potential sources of antimicrobial agents. This current review aims to identify the most common pathogens threatening human health, analyze the factors contributing to the rise of drug-resistant microorganisms, and evaluate the widespread use of medicinal plants across various countries as alternative antibiotics, highlighting their unique mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a leading cause of hospital- and community-acquired infections, necessitating the development of novel antibacterials. Here, we designed and synthesized 30 osthole derivatives with pyridinium quaternary ammonium moieties. In vitro bioassay showed that compounds 8u and 8ac exhibited potent antibacterial activity against S. aureus ATCC 29213 and ten clinical MRSA isolates (MIC = 0.5-1 μg/mL), with low hemolytic activity, rapid bactericidal effects, and minimal resistance induction. In MRSA-infected mouse models of skin abscesses and sepsis, 8u and 8ac also displayed excellent antibacterial effects and safety, which were comparable to vancomycin. Mechanistic studies revealed that 8u and 8ac selectively target bacterial membranes via binding to phosphatidylglycerol (PG), increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), inducing content leakage, and ultimately causing bacterial death. These findings suggest 8u and 8ac as promising novel lead candidates for anti-MRSA drug development.

Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI), using photosensitisers in combination with antibiotics, is a promising multi-target strategy to address antibiotic resistance, particularly in wound infections. This study aimed to elucidate the antibacterial mode of action of combinations of berberine (Ber) or curcumin (Cur) with selected antibiotics (Ber-Ab or Cur-Ab) under blue light irradiation (420 nm) against Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) strains. Multiple physiological parameters were assessed using complementary assays (fluorometry, epifluorescence microscopy, flame emission and atomic absorption spectroscopy, zeta potential, flow cytometry, and the plate agar method) to examine the effect on ROS production, membrane integrity, DNA damage, motility and virulence factors of S. aureus. Results indicated that blue light photoactivated Ber-Ab and Cur-Ab combinations led to substantial ROS generation, even at low concentrations, causing oxidative stress that severely impacted bacterial membrane integrity (approximately 90 % in MRSA and 40 % in MSSA). Membrane destabilization was further confirmed by elevated intercellular potassium release (≈ 2.00 and 2.40 µg/mL in MRSA and MSSA, respectively). Furthermore, significant DNA damage was observed in both strains (≈ 50 %). aPDI treatment with blue light also reduced S. aureus pathogenicity by impairing motility and inhibiting key virulence factors such as proteases, lipases, and gelatinases, all of which play key roles in the infectious process. Overall, Ber-Ab combinations demonstrated the highest efficacy across all parameters tested, highlighting for the first time the multi-target therapeutic potential of this phytochemical-based aPDI strategy to combat antibiotic-resistant S. aureus infections and improve wound infection treatment outcomes.

Humanized mice, which carry a human hematopoietic and immune system, have greatly advanced our understanding of human immune responses and immunological diseases. These mice are created via the transplantation of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells into immunocompromised murine hosts further engineered to support human hematopoiesis and immune cell growth. This article explores genetic modifications in mice that enhance xeno-tolerance, promote human hematopoiesis and immunity, and enable xenotransplantation of human tissues with resident immune cells. We also discuss genetic editing of the human immune system, provide examples of how humanized mice with humanized organs model diseases for mechanistic studies, and highlight the roles of these models in advancing knowledge of organ biology, immune responses to pathogens, and preclinical drugs tested for cancer treatment. The integration of multi-omics and state-of-the art approaches with humanized mouse models is crucial for bridging existing human data with causality and promises to significantly advance mechanistic studies.

Background:Staphylococcus aureus constitutes a significant public health threat due to its exceptional adaptability, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and capacity to form biofilms, all of which facilitate its persistence in clinical and environmental settings. Methods: This study undertook an extensive in silico analysis of 44,069 S. aureus genomic sequences acquired from the NCBI database to assess the global distribution of biofilm-associated and resistance-associated genes. The genomes were categorized into human clinical and environmental groups, with clinical samples representing a predominant 96%. Results: The analysis revealed notable regional discrepancies in sequencing efforts, with Europe and North America contributing 76% of the genomes. Key findings include the high prevalence of the ica locus, which is associated with biofilm formation, and its robust correlation with other genes, such as sasG, which was exclusively linked to SCCmec type IIa. The AMR gene analysis revealed substantial genetic diversity within environmental samples, with genes like vga(E) and erm being identified as particularly prominent. The clonal complex analysis revealed ST8 (USA300) and ST5 as the predominant types in human clinical isolates, while ST398 and ST59 were most frequently observed in environmental isolates. SCCmec type IV was globally prevalent, with subtype Iva being strongly associated with ST8 in North America and subtype IVh with ST239 in Europe. Conclusions: These findings underscore the dynamic evolution of S. aureus via mobile genetic elements and highlight the necessity for standardized metadata in public genomic databases to improve surveillance efforts. Furthermore, they reinforce the critical need for a One Health approach in monitoring S. aureus evolution, particularly concerning the co-dissemination of biofilm and resistance genes across various ecological niches.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of skin and soft tissue infections which, due to the spread of antimicrobial resistance, have become increasingly serious. Bacterial skin infection affects the barrier function of skin causing depletion of the ceramide content in the stratum corneum (SC) of the epidermis. In the study reported herein, luteolin (LUT) a naturally-occurring flavonoid was incorporated in PEGylated cerosomes (PCs) to boost its antibacterial action as a topical application. The opimal formulation of the surface-modified lipidic vesicles was chosen with the aid of a 23 full factorial design. The effectiveness of the optimal LUT formulation which was developed was evaluated using several MRSA strains both in vitro and in vivo studies.

A 23 full factorial design was employed for the preparation of the optimum PC formulation, designated herein as F5. A comparative in vitro release study revealed the superiority of F5 over a LUT suspension in solubilizing and releasing after 24 h, a higher percentage 78.1 ± 1.8% of luteolin compared with only 18.3 ± 2.1% for the luteolin suspension. When tested against MRSA strains, F5 showed antimicrobial activity that was higher than that of the luteolin suspension, having a MIC value of 187.5 µg/mL versus 1500 µg/mL. In addition to having enhanced anti-virulence activity than the luteolin suspension in terms of antibiofilm formation (with % inhibition ranging from 45 to 99% with the tested strains at 0.5 × and 0.25 × MICs, where the luteolin suspension only had a range from 1 to 45%), enhanced anti-pigment production, and anti-α-hemolysin activity were also observed. Moreover, F5 affected the cell wall integrity as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) verified the effect of F5 on bacterial biofilm formation, showing reduction of cellular adhesion and disruption of biofilm, factors which greatly contribute to bacterial pathogenesis and antibiotic resistance. When compared to the negative control and the luteolin suspension groups, the F5 formulation also resulted in reducing the bacterial load in the murine skin infection model.

F5 PEGylated cerosomes are potential new potent defense agents against MRSA infections, demonstrating promising therapeutic capabilities.

Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic microorganism which can cause minor skin infections and also serious diseases, and its increasing antibiotic resistance necessitates further discovery of new targets and inhibitors for antibacterials. The transmembrane protein LcpASA that plays an essential role in the synthesis of cell wall in S. aureus has been identified as a potential drug target. In this study, we performed virtual screening of chemical compound libraries to establish their binding with target protein and molecular docking among other studies which led to identification of hit compounds with good binding affinity towards LcpASA domain and involvement of key amino acid residues in the intermolecular interactions. All molecules showed satisfactory drug-likeness properties such as ADME and non-carcinogenicity. 500 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using Amber18 was performed on all molecular systems to explain the mechanism of LcpASA extracellular domain function and reveal potential hit molecules to bind the enzyme. Based on the post-MD data analysis; such as RMSD, RMSF, SASA, intermolecular hydrogen bonds, clustering analysis, anisotropic network model-based normal mode analysis and mechanical stiffness, and essential dynamics seven molecules were finally selected as hit compounds to bind LcpASA. Steered MD was employed to study the unbinding of the hit molecules.

Public health is seriously threatened by the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, especially methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This study investigated the phytochemical compounds, and possible antibacterial effects of a methanolic extract of the cactus species Opuntia monacantha Haw. against MRSA. The powdered substance was extracted with methanol and filtered, and the filtrate was partitioned with n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate. The fractions with higher percentage yields such as the n-hexane and chloroform fractions went through GC-MS analysis. They consist of various compounds that are known to have strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The antimicrobial activity of the plant was measured via a diffusion assay. On the basis of these results, the Opuntia monacantha crude methanolic extract, and the n-hexane and chloroform fractions significantly inhibited all the MRSA strains used in the test at 100, 75 and 50 mg/mL. Furthermore, the minimum inhibitory concentrations of various fractions of the methanolic extract of Opuntia monacantha were also examined. Therefore, Opuntia could be a promising candidate for strengthening the existing formulations in pharmaceutical science for the treatment of MRSA. However, additional research is necessary before its therapeutic use is recommended. The results are intended to provide important new information for the creation of sustainable and alternative antimicrobial agents.

Osteomyelitis, a severe bone infection, poses a significant therapeutic challenge in both human and veterinary medicine, especially due to the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Conventional treatments, including surgical debridement and systemic antibiotics, often prove inadequate due to the ability of bacteria to form biofilms and evade host immune responses. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), such as LL-37 and β-defensins, have emerged as a promising alternative therapeutic strategy. AMPs exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, including efficacy against resistant strains, and possess immunomodulatory properties that can promote bone regeneration. This article comprehensively reviews AMP applications in treating osteomyelitis across both human and veterinary medicine. We discuss diverse therapeutic approaches, including free AMPs, their conjugation with biomaterials such as collagen and chitosan to enhance delivery and stability, and the development of AMP-based nanoparticles. Furthermore, we analyze preclinical and clinical findings, highlighting the efficacy and safety of AMPs in combating osteomyelitis in both human and animal patients. Finally, we explore future perspectives and challenges, such as optimizing delivery, stability, and efficacy, while minimizing cytotoxicity, and in translating AMP-based therapies into clinical practice to effectively manage this debilitating disease.

Staphylococcus aureus is a significant human pathogen causing acute life-threatening, and chronic infections often linked to biofilms. This study conducted a comparative lipidomic analysis of a methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and a methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) S. aureus strain in both planktonic and biofilm cultures using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The developed protocol successfully differentiates between the strains in various living states (planktonic and biofilm) and growth media (Tryptic Soy Broth and Brain Heart Infusion) using S. aureus USA300 LAC (MRSA) and S. aureus Newman (MSSA). LC-MS and NMR lipidomics profiles revealed global differences and particular ones among the following classes of bacterial lipids: phosphatidylglycerols, diacylglycerols, monoglycosyldiacylglycerols, diglycosyldiacylglycerols, and cardiolipins. Lipid content was higher in the biofilm states for most of these classes. Growth media differences were significant, while differences between MRSA and MSSA were less pronounced but still detectable. Additionally, we provide data on hundreds of unknown compounds that differ based on living state, strain background, or growth media. This study offer insights into the dynamic nature of S. aureus lipid composition and the used methods are adaptable to other organisms.

A medical predicament has led to extensive drug resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and the complexity of treatment has increased exponentially with the induction of osteomyelitis. In view of the severe situation and the potential of bacterial antivirulence strategies, this study focused on the key virulence factor caseinolytic protease (ClpP) of S. aureus to identify new strategies against MRSA-induced osteomyelitis. As the main protein "quality control" system of S. aureus, ClpP is indispensable for coordinating drug resistance, regulating adhesion, and acting on numerous virulence targets. Through fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), we successfully identified isochlorogenic acid A (I-A), a polyphenol derivative, as an efficient inhibitor of ClpP, with an IC50 value of 24.89 μg/mL. Further analysis revealed that I-A can effectively inhibit the expression of virulence factors of MRSA and significantly reduce its adhesion to fibrinogen. Molecular docking revealed the potential binding sites of ClpP and I-A, namely, ILE-81, LYS-109, GLU-156, ARG-157, and GLY-184. At the cellular level, I-A can alleviate the death and increased secretion of inflammatory factors caused by MRSA USA300 in MC3T3-E1 cells. Moreover, it downregulates the activity of ClpP and reduces the response of bacteria to environmental stress. In vivo experiments have confirmed that I-A shows significant efficacy in both rat osteomyelitis models and Galleria mellonella infection models. This study provides new insights into the field of treatment strategies targeting virulence and provides a solid foundation for further exploration of the potential of I-A in combating drug-resistant S. aureus.

The microbial pollution status of river surface water is important to ensure a river-based quality drinking water supply for the public. The present study aimed to investigate bacterial contamination status in the upper Mahaweli River, the main drinking water supplier to the hill country of Sri Lanka. Both the raw surface water and treated water, taken at 14 drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) along the river segment of 60 km between Kotmale and Victoria reservoirs, were tested for total bacterial counts (TBC), total coliform counts (TCC) and faecal coliform counts (FCC). Irrespective of the flow, the selected river segment showed significant contamination variations of TBCs, TCCs and FCCs between dry and wet seasons due to point source discharges and drains of septic waste. The level of pollution was enhanced in the wet season due to the diffusion of pollutants with the runoff. Locations of DWTPs could be clustered into 3 categories according to microbial contamination as very low (Kotagala, Thalawakelle-Galkanda, Kandy South, Pundaluoya, Ulapane, Greater Kandy), moderate (Nawalapitiya, Paradeka, Elpitiya, Nillambe, Balagolla, Haragama, University Plant, Polgolla) and high (Thalawakelle-Nanuoya). Although the bacterial reduction efficiencies of many DWTPs (10 out of 14) were higher than 77.9%, treated water samples from 10 DWTPs exceeded the maximum TBC recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (2.70 log10 CFU/mL) for drinking water, during wet season due to high bacterial load in the surface water. Isolates from treated water were Gram-positives with Staphylococci (74.3%) and Micrococci (25.7%). Total coliforms and faecal coliforms were absent in treated water satisfying the SLS 614:2013 guidelines for drinking water. The disinfection process of DWTPs should be improved to ensure the safety of drinking water, particularly during the wet season. Incorporation of more microbiological parameters into routine testing practices is important in understanding bacterial load and diversity to improve treatment strategies.

This review explored research trends in One Health and planetary health in the Arab world, a region confronting major sustainability challenges. These fields are crucial in combating global pressing concerns like infectious diseases, biodiversity loss, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, and air pollution. The COVID-19 pandemic stressed their significance to global health and sustainable development. This analysis assessed the Arab world's contributions to these concepts applying performance analysis and visualization mapping, revealing that One Health outperformed planetary health in terms of productivity and number of contributed countries. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have emerged as leading contributors to One Health and planetary health research in the Arab world. Meanwhile, the United States and the United Kingdom, as non-Arab nations, play a pivotal role in fostering collaborative efforts with the region. The trajectory of One Health research has indeed shown remarkable exponential growth, especially since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, which is an indication of increasing relevance in the address of global health challenges. Conversely, planetary health presents an irregular growth pattern, with a strong point in the development of this area standing out in 2023. The unique set of social, cultural, governance, and agricultural attributes of the Arab region are joined by major environmental challenges that define the focus of both One Health and planetary health research efforts. Climate change, environmental contexts, and public health feature prominently in both One Health and planetary health, with One Health focusing mainly on infectious diseases and planetary health addressing the implications of climate change on human health. Advancing these concepts demands the establishment of a regional governing body to oversee an integrated One Health and planetary health strategy, foster regional research communities and alliances, secure political will and funding, and ensure the integration of these concepts into policy and academic frameworks.

Multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) poses an increasingly serious threat to agricultural safety and public health. Based on the concept of "One Health," this study analyzed the multidrug resistance and transmission factors of S. aureus isolated from the "animal-environment-human" interface during one feeding cycle of commercial broilers in China by using antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing (WGS) technologies. The results showed that in stage 1, the isolation rate of S. aureus was 1.32% (6/453), that of workers was 25.0% (4/16), and that of environmental samples was 0.69% (2/287), and the multidrug resistance rate was 83.33%. After one feeding cycle, the isolation rate of S. aureus (221/772, 28.63%) increased significantly (p < 0.01) during stage 2, and the multidrug resistance rate was as high as 97%. The resistance rates to eight drugs including erythromycin, clindamycin, enrofloxacin, ofloxacin, doxycycline, florfenicol, tylosin, and tilmicosin were elevated, but the differences were not significant (p > 0.05). ST398 (79.13%) was the dominant strain in both stages, which was prevalent in 11 types of samples from 3 sources and clustered in the same sub-branch of the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) evolutionary tree. The loci difference between the strains ranged from 1 to 541, with SNPs of less than 10 between the human strains of stage 1 and the three sources in stage 2. The 42 representative strains carried mobile elements, mainly plasmid replicons (10 types), transposons (3 types), and 20 antibiotic resistance genes in 9 classes. A total of 10 ST398 strains exhibited the fosB gene for fosfomycin resistance, and 6 ST9 strains from stage 2 exhibited the mecA resistance gene. The SNP evolutionary analysis revealed that the fosB resistance gene might have been brought in by workers during stage 1. This study revealed the critical impact of environmental residual and worker-carried S. aureus, as well as the transmission of antibiotic resistance in stage 1. It highlighted the importance of the "One Health" approach and biosecurity measures and provided recommendations for the prevention of the spread of pathogens and resistance.

Infectious diseases pose a growing challenge in healthcare, with the increasing rate of antimicrobial resistance limiting therapeutic options available for treatment. Rapid detection of infections at the earliest opportunity can significantly improve patient outcomes. In this report, ion current rectifying quartz nanopipettes with ca. 109 nm orifices were utilized for the label-free detection of DNA indicative of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). By immobilizing probe DNA complementary to the mecA gene on the internal walls of the nanopipette, the detection was achieved by monitoring changes in ion current rectification (ICR) following probe-target hybridization. We demonstrate enhanced sensitivity by controlling the surface probe density, resulting in a tunable, sensitive sensor technology with a detection limit as low as 0.35 pM. Finite element simulations are used to support our experimental findings, revealing that to maximize target-induced changes to ICR, the probe surface density must be minimized. This sensitive and label-free methodology was integrated with the polymerase chain amplification reaction to achieve selective identification of this pathogen from laboratory-grown cultures, highlighting that ion current rectifying nanopipette sensors offer the potential to be a cost-effective and rapid tools for infectious disease detection.

Staphylococcus aureus is a ubiquitous nosocomial bacterium, which confers hospital-associated infections ranging from moderate to life-threatening disorders. The pathogenicity of the microorganism is attributed to various camouflage mechanisms harbored in its genome. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains have become significant pathogens in nosocomial and community settings. In the current study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of S. aureus, and more specifically, MRSA at different departments in four major hospitals in Jordan. A total of 500 inanimate surfaces located in the intensive care unit ICU, kidney department, surgery department, internal department, sterilization ‎department, burn department, and operation department were swabbed.‎ All isolates were identified by using routine bacterial culture, Gram staining, and a panel of biochemical tests such as; catalase, coagulase, DNase, urease, oxidase, and hemolysin production were performed. In terms of PCR, three main genes were screened, the 16S rRNA gene targeting Staphylococcus spp as a housekeeping gene, the coA gene was used as a specific gene to detect S. aureus, and the mecA gene used to identify MRSA isolates. Results revealed the prevalence of Staphylococcus spp was 212 (42.4%), ‎S. aureus ‎prevalence by coA gene 198 (39.6%), and MRSA by mecA gene in 81 samples ‎‎ (16.2%)‎. There was a strong positive connection (P < 0.01) found between department site and bacterial contamination.‎ It was concluded that inanimate hospital environments contain a relatively high number of S. aureus and MRSA. Proper sterilization techniques, infection prevention, and control management strategies should be implemented.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a Gram-positive bacterium capable of causing a range of infections and displaying significant antibiotic resistance. S. aureus can exhibit resistance to multi-antibiotics, particularly penicillin, methicillin, linezolid, and daptomycin. The prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) ranges from 10%-50% in China and Russia, neighboring countries of Mongolia. This study aimed to assess S. aureus contamination in raw beef samples and surface swabs from meat-processing areas and markets, while detecting, as well as to detect virulence and resistance genes in the isolates. A total of 156 raw beef samples and 131 surface swabs were collected and analyzed using ISO 6888-1:2021 standards. The nucA gene specific to S. aureus was amplified by PCR, and antibiotic susceptibility was evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Resistance genes (mecA, mecC, vanA, and vanB) and virulence genes (sea, sed, tsst, eta, and etb) were detected via PCR. The results showed contamination rates of 26.9% in raw beef and 15.3% in surface swabs. The isolates exhibited high resistance to oxacillin, ampicillin, and penicillin in meat samples and to oxacillin, tetracycline, azithromycin, and clindamycin in surface swabs. No resistance genes for vancomycin or methicillin (mecC, vanA, vanB) were detected. Virulence genes, including tsst (14.5%), sea and etb (9.7%), eta (3.2%), and sed (1.6%), were identified. Contamination was more prevalent in centers responsible for both transportation and sales, compared to meat-processing areas. These findings highlight the need for stricter hygiene and handling practices in meat transport and markets to reduce S. aureus contamination and limit the spread of resistant strains.

The essential oil extracted from the flowers of Chrysanthemum zawadskii var. latilobum (Maxim.) Kitam (CZEO), family Asteraceae, was investigated to determine its ability to inhibit the pathogenicity of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The chemical composition of CZEO was analyzed using gas chromatography-flame ionization detector and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and 88 compounds were identified and categorized as monoterpenes (68.82%), sesquiterpenes (17.82%), and others (5.01%). CZEO inhibited MRSA floating cell growth, acid production, and biofilm formation in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, confocal laser scanning and scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the CZEO treatment decreased MRSA viability and notably reduced the three-dimensional density of the biofilm. Real-time PCR demonstrated that the mRNA expression of the MRSA gene A (mecA), accessory gene regulator A (agrA), staphylococcal accessory regulator A (sarA), and staphylococcal enterotoxin A (sea), which are pivotal genes implicated in MRSA pathogenicity, declined in a concentration-dependent manner following the CZEO treatment compared with the control. Thus, CZEO appeared to directly target the pathogenicity MRSA regulators. These findings substantiate the potential of CZEO as a natural antimicrobial agent for preventing MRSA infections.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is still a growing concern in the field of antimicrobial resistance due to its resistance to conventional antibiotics and its association with high mortality rates. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been shown as a promising and attractive alternative treatment for bacterial infections, due to their antibacterial properties and potential to bypass traditional resistance mechanisms. This study aims to shed light on the antibacterial potential of adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cell (AD-MSC) secretome against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus spp., including MRSA strains.

Using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, broth microdilution assays, and colony-forming unit (CFU) counting, the antibacterial activity of AD-MSC secretome was assessed. These tests were first conducted on Staphylococcus (S.) aureus ATCC 25923, then on 73 clinical isolates including MRSA strains. Further molecular analysis was performed to identify resistant genes in MRSA isolates.

The AD-MSC secretome demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus ATCC with a 32 mm inhibition zone. 96% of the collected staphylococcal clinical isolates showed susceptibility to the secretome with 87.5% inhibition observed in MRSA isolates, along with 100% in MSSA, MSSE, and MRSE strains. Molecular analysis revealed that MRSA strains resistant to the secretome harbored mecA, ermA, and ermB genes. Additionally, the mecA-negative MRSA strains remained susceptible to the secretome, suggesting alternative resistance mechanisms.

These findings emphasize the ability of AD-MSCs secretome as a promising alternative for treating antibiotic-resistant infections, with potential applications in combating MRSA. However, further research is required to explore its clinical applications as a complementary or standalone therapy for resistant infections.

This study aimed to evaluate the biofilm formation abilities of clinical Staphylococcus aureus strains, assess their antibiotic susceptibility patterns, and identify the prevalence of adhesion-associated genes.

In this study, a total of 60 S. aureus strains were collected from urine, pus, wounds, blood, body fluid, and sputum in health centers affiliated with Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Strains were identified via microbiological methods and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to target the nuc gene. Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) was conducted via the disc diffusion method. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains were identified by cefoxitin disc diffusion and PCR targeting the mecA gene. Biofilm formation was assessed via a microtiter plate assay, and the prevalence of adhesion-encoding genes was evaluated via PCR. The data were analyzed in Excel and SPSS via statistical methods, with P-values <0.05 considered significant.

Using AST, daptomycin and linezolid were the most effective antibiotics (100 % susceptibility rate). According to the results of the cefoxitin disc test, 48.3 % (n = 29/60) of the strains were MRSA. All the MRSA strains harbored the mecA gene. In total, 32 % of the strains were biofilm producers. Moreover, 56.2 %, 28.1 %, and 15.6 % of the strains produced weak, moderate, and strong biofilms, respectively. There were no significant differences between the MRSA and MSSA strains in terms of the association of biofilm formation with antibiotic resistance except for erythromycin (P-value = 0.0087), gentamicin (P-value = 0.0009), and penicillin (P-value = 0.0009). The most prevalent biofilm-encoding genes were icaA (76.7 %), followed by icaD (70 %), clfA (65.0 %), and fnbA (53.3 %).

This study identified MRSA strains with biofilm-forming abilities that possess adhesion-associated genes. The most prevalent biofilm-encoding gene was icaA. To prevent further spread of these strains, regional preventive measures are needed.

Bovine mastitis is a considerable challenge within the dairy industry, causing significant financial losses and threatening public health. The increased occurrence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has provoked difficulties in managing bovine mastitis. Bacteriophage therapy presents a novel treatment strategy to combat MRSA infections, emerging as a possible substitute for antibiotics. This study evaluated the therapeutic potency of a novel bacteriophage cocktail against MRSA mastitis. Two new bacteriophages (vB_SauR_SW21 and vB_SauR_SW25) with potent lytic activity against MRSA were isolated and characterized. The one-step growth curve displayed a rapid latent period (20-35 min) and substantial burst size (418 and 316 PFU/ cell). In silico analyses have confirmed the absence of antimicrobial resistance or virulence factor-encoding genes within their genomes. According to the results, combining these phages augmented their host range and virulence. The phage cocktail significantly reduced bacterial burden in a BALB/c mastitis model, demonstrating efficacy comparable to antibiotic treatment. Moreover, its administration led to decreased concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-α compared to the negative control group. The bacteriophage cocktail (SW21-SW25) exhibits a promising profile for therapeutic applications and may represent a novel substitute to antibiotics for managing MRSA bovine mastitis.

To elucidate the global epidemiology of Ophthalmia Neonatorum (ON), as well as its causative organisms and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns.

A systematic review of studies reporting the epidemiology of ON was performed using four electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Medline. Data were extracted and study-specific estimates were combined using meta-analysis to obtain pooled proportions.

A total of 25 studies, which evaluated the epidemiology of ON in 1,117,966 live births, were included in this study. A total of 2,902 cases of ON were identified. The global incidence and prevalence of ON are 2.04% [(95% CI 0.70-5.79%), I2 = 99.4%] and 7.79% [(95% CI 2.93-19.10%), I2 = 99.1%], respectively. Staphylococcus spp. (gram-positive) and Serratia marcescens (gram-negative) were the most frequently isolated bacteria associated with the incidence of ON. The pooled resistance of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli are highest to Penicillin [91.67% (95% CI 87.96-94.31%) and 100.00% (95% CI 0.00-100.00%), respectively], and lowest to Gentamicin [20% (95% CI 15.85-24.91%) and 59.30% (95% CI 52.36-65.89%), respectively]. The pooled resistance of Pseudomonas spp. and Klebsiella spp. to Gentamicin are 50% [(95% CI 43.11 to 56.89%), I2 = 0.00%] and 50.02% [(95% CI 27.50-72.53%), I2 = 95.3%], respectively.

ON is a common ocular morbidity in neonates, especially in those from low-income settings. It is important that all newborns receive adequate preventive care, regardless of their socioeconomic status, in order to reduce the risk of visual impairment and blindness.

Antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) pose a significant challenge in modern medicine, rendering infections increasingly difficult to treat as bacteria acquire mechanisms to resist antibiotics. Addressing ARGs necessitates a multifaceted approach, encompassing surveillance efforts to monitor their presence and the development of strategies aimed at managing and curbing the spread of antibiotic resistance. Hence, this study characterized the genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance among isolates responsible for Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTIs) in People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Uyo.

Sputum samples were collected from 61 LRTI suspects, with bacterial isolates identified using VITEK-2 technology. Polymerase chain reaction assays were employed to detect resistance genes within the isolates.

Results revealed a bacterial etiology in 39.3% of the samples, with a majority (79.2%) originating from St. Luke Hospital, Anua (SLHA), and the remainder (20.8%) from the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH). Staphylococcus aureus emerged as the predominant isolate (46.6%), while resistance was notably high against Gentamicin and Sulphamethazole/Trimethoprim. Conversely, Azithromycin, imipenem, clindamycin, erythromycin, and ceftriaxone displayed relatively lower resistance levels across all isolates. Notably, four resistance genes CTX-M, Aac, KPC, and MecA were identified, with CTX-M detected in all multidrug-resistant isolates. This underscores the predominantly community-acquired nature of resistance as conferred by CTX-M.

In conclusion, this study underscores the critical importance of continued vigilance and proactive measures in combating antibiotic resistance, particularly within vulnerable populations such as PLWHA. By elucidating the genetic mechanisms underlying antibiotic resistance, informed targeted interventions can be mitigated to curb threats posed by multidrug-resistant bacteria in clinical settings.

Camel mastitis especially caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), is a major risk to animal health and milk production. The current investigation evaluated the antibiotic susceptibility and virulence factors of S. aureus isolates from subclinical mastitis in camels. A total of 384 milk samples were collected and submitted to isolate S. aureus. The S. aureus isolates exhibiting resistance to Penicillin and Cefoxitin disc on Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method were considered as β-lactam resistant S. aureus (BRSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) which were further confirmed by PCR targeting blaZ and mecA genes, respectively. The results showed that S. aureus was found in 57.06% of subclinical (SCM) positive camel milk samples. A high molecular prevalence of BRSA and MRSA were found to be 48.51% and 46.53% respectively depicting that treating these infections is challenging due to their high resistance levels. The phylogenetic analysis revealed a significant resemblance of the study isolates with each other and with already reported sequences from different countries which shows the potential for the spread of pathogen. Virulence profiling of antibiotic resistance strains showed the presence of virulence markers (nuc and coag genes), intercellular adhesion genes (icaA, icaD), Panton-Valentine leukocidin (pvl) gene, and enterotoxin-producing genes including sea, seb, sec, and sed. In-vitro antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that the most resistant antibiotic group was penicillin followed by aminoglycosides and cephalosporins. Drug repurposing analysis of different non-antibiotics for combination therapies with resistant antibiotics was done to combat the S. aureus isolates harboring the mecA and blaZ genes. The results revealed the synergistic effect of amoxicillin, sulfamethoxazole, gentamicin, and doxycycline with ketoprofen, amikacin with flunixin meglumine, and gentamicin with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against study isolates. The current investigation provides the status of antibiotic-resistant strains and virulence factors of S. aureus in the udder of dromedary camels. The combinational therapy of resistant antibiotics with non-antibiotics provides a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of resistant strains.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a global concern owing to the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. Vancomycin has been the primary treatment for MRSA; however, Vancomycin-resistant strains are being increasingly reported worldwide. Therefore, comparative studies are essential to support antimicrobial stewardship and improving clinical management. Ultimately, the findings from this study are expected to inform treatment strategies and guide public health interventions effectively.

This study investigated the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence characteristics of Vancomycin-sensitive S. aureus (VSSA) and Vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) within MRSA strains. By employing a combination of phenotypic methods, such as antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and genotypic techniques, including molecular typing and identification of virulence genes, we obtained comprehensive insights into VRSA and VSSA profiles.

Of 250 clinical samples, 62 (24.8%) were S. aureus and 27 (43.5%) were identified as MRSA. All MRSA isolates exhibited MDR patterns. Most MRSA strains were VSSA (20/27, 74.1%), while 7 (25.9%) were VRSA. The VRSA isolates showed more antimicrobial resistance than VSSA isolates; however, the VRSA isolates had less virulence than VSSA isolates. Linezolid was the most effective treatment, with a 3.7% resistance rate. A higher percentage of biofilm-producing MRSA (96.3%) was confirmed by both phenotypic and genotypic methods. All isolates, except one VRSA, showed multi-virulence patterns (harbored more than 3 virulence genes). High diversity and low clonality (D-value = 0.99) were found in both VSSA and VRSA. Based on our correlation findings, the emergence of vancomycin resistance could modify the association between antimicrobial resistance and virulence, potentially affecting the pathogenic profile of these strains. The study also revealed complex interactions among host factors (including age and gender), sample origin, antimicrobial resistance, biofilm production, and virulence genes.

This study highlights the alarming spread of MRSA and VRSA, which show significant resistance and virulence.

Antibiotic therapy has been a common method for treating bacterial infections over the past century, but with the rise in bacterial resistance caused by antibiotic abuse, better control and more rational use of antibiotics have been increasingly demanded. At the same time, a journey to explore alternatives to antibiotic therapies has also been undertaken. Chitosan and its derivatives, materials with good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and excellent antibacterial properties, have garnered significant attention, and more and more studies on chitosan and its derivatives have been conducted in recent years. In this work, we aim to elucidate the biological properties of chitosan and its derivatives and to track their clinical applications, as well as to propose issues that need to be addressed and possible solutions to further their future development and application.

The escalation of antibiotic resistance and the diminishing antimicrobial pipeline have emerged as significant threats to public health. The ESKAPE pathogens - Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp. - were initially identified as critical multidrug-resistant bacteria, demanding urgently effective therapies. Despite the introduction of various new antibiotics and antibiotic adjuvants, such as innovative β-lactamase inhibitors, these organisms continue to pose substantial therapeutic challenges. People's Republic of China, as a country facing a severe bacterial resistance situation, has undergone a series of changes and findings in recent years in terms of the prevalence, transmission characteristics and resistance mechanisms of antibiotic resistant bacteria. The increasing levels of population mobility have not only shaped the unique characteristics of antibiotic resistance prevalence and transmission within People's Republic of China but have also indirectly reflected global patterns of antibiotic-resistant dissemination. What's more, as a vast nation, People's Republic of China exhibits significant variations in the levels of antibiotic resistance and the prevalence characteristics of antibiotic resistant bacteria across different provinces and regions. In this review, we examine the current epidemiology and characteristics of this important group of bacterial pathogens, delving into relevant mechanisms of resistance to recently introduced antibiotics that impact their clinical utility in China.

Antibiotic resistance has become one of the most serious threats to human health in recent years. In response to the increasing microbial resistance to the antibiotics currently available, it is imperative to develop new antibiotics or explore new approaches to combat antibiotic resistance. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have shown considerable promise in this regard, as the microbes develop low or no resistance against them. The discovery and development of AMPs still confront numerous obstacles such as finding a target, developing assays, and identifying hits and leads, which are time-consuming processes, making it difficult to reach the market. However, with the advent of genome mining, new antibiotics could be discovered efficiently using tools such as BAGEL, antiSMASH, RODEO, etc., providing hope for better treatment of diseases in the future. Computational methods used in genome mining automatically detect and annotate biosynthetic gene clusters in genomic data, making it a useful tool in natural product discovery. This review aims to shed light on the history, diversity, and mechanisms of action of AMPs and the data on new AMPs identified by traditional as well as genome mining strategies. It further substantiates the various phases of clinical trials for some AMPs, as well as an overview of genome mining databases and tools built expressly for AMP discovery. In light of the recent advancements, it is evident that targeted genome mining stands as a beacon of hope, offering immense potential to expedite the discovery of novel antimicrobials.

Introduction: An ambulance used by an emergency medical service team is the workplace of specialised medical personnel, providing daily transportation for patients in life-threatening conditions, from all walks of life, with numerous diseases and injuries. MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) strains are classified as Gram-positive cocci, characterised primarily by their multidrug resistance. Infections caused by S. aureus have a low treatment success rate and are associated with persistent carrier state. This study aimed to isolate MRSA and MSSA (methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus) in the emergency vehicle and determine drug resistance of these isolates. Materials and Methods: This study involved an ambulance vehicle operated in central Poland. A total of 39 swabs were taken and evaluated from inside the ambulance on permanent duty. The isolates were analysed using catalase and coagulase assays, Gram staining, culturing on Chapman medium, growth evaluation on agar with 5% sheep blood, and assessing the strains' sensitivities to selected antibiotics. Material was collected from 13 designated points located in the medical compartment and driver's cabin. Results:S. aureus bacteria were detected in 51.28% of the samples, 40% of which were MRSA strains. Despite the application of high disinfection standards for the interior of the ambulance, it was not possible to kill all S. aureus strains, which may be because the pathogens in question produce a biofilm that effectively allows them to survive on various surfaces, including those disinfected. Almost 100% of the MRSA isolates were resistant to antibiotics from the β-lactam group (penicillin, ticarcillin, cefotaxime, and cefoxitin), the macrolide group (erythromycin) and the lincosamide group (clindamycin). However, only a few MRSA strains proved resistant to streptomycin (12.5%) and ciprofloxacin (37.5%). β-lactam antibiotics, such as cefotaxime (100% resistant strains) and penicillin (58% resistant strains), were also ineffective against MSSA. Although MSSA isolates showed slight resistance to ticarcillin and erythromycin (33.3%) and clindamycin (25%), the remaining antibiotics proved effective (no resistant strains). Conclusions: Among the isolated strains, the greatest resistance to β-lactam antibiotics and erythromycin was observed. Multidrug-resistant strains of S. aureus were found in the emergency medical system. Even the MSSA strains detected in the studied ambulance showed resistance to some of the antibiotics used. The prevalence of S. aureus strains within ambulances indicates the need for a high hygiene level in daily prehospital work with patients.

The rapid progress of antibiotic resistance among bacteria has prompted serious medical concerns regarding how to manage multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. One emerging strategy to combat antibiotic resistance is the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are amino acid chains that act as broad-spectrum antimicrobial molecules and are essential parts of the innate immune system in mammals, fungi, and plants. AMPs have unique antibacterial mechanisms that offer benefits over conventional antibiotics in combating drug-resistant bacterial infections. Currently, scientists have conducted multiple studies on AMPs for combating drug-resistant bacterial infections and found that AMPs are a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics. On the other hand, bacteria can develop several tactics to resist and bypass the effect of AMPs. Therefore, it is like a battle between the bacterial community and the AMPs, but who will win? This review provides thorough insights into the development of antibiotic resistance as well as detailed information about AMPs in terms of their history and classification. Furthermore, it addresses the unique antibacterial mechanisms of action of AMPs, how bacteria resist these mechanisms, and how to ensure AMPs win this battle. Finally, it provides updated information about FDA-approved AMPs and those that were still in clinical trials. This review provides vital information for researchers for the development and therapeutic application of novel AMPs for drug-resistant bacterial infections.

Veterinary medications used for disease treatment and prevention may remain in animal-origin foods, such as milk, eggs, honey and meat, which could pose a risk to the public's health. These drugs come from different groups of drugs, mostly with antibiotic, anti-parasitic or anti-inflammatory actions, in a range of food matrices including milk, meat or egg. This review is intended to provide the reader with a general insight about the current status of veterinary drug residues in food products of animal origin, detection methods and their public health consequences. The discovery of antimicrobials has led to the development of antibiotics for treating and preventing cattle illnesses and encouraging growth. However, the rise of drug resistance has led to increased antibiotic consumption and resistance among microbes in the animal habitat. This resistance can be passed to humans directly or indirectly through food consumption and direct or indirect interaction. Improper and illegal use, inadequate withdrawal periods and environmental contamination from veterinary drugs are reported to be the major causes for the formation of residue in food products of animal origin. The use of veterinary products above or below the advised level may also result in short- or long-term public health issues, such as the creation of resistant strains of micro-organisms, toxicity, allergy, mutagenesis, teratogenicity and carcinogenetic effects. To ensure consumer safety, veterinary drug residues in food must be under control.

This study investigated the toxigenic genes and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from 260 raw milk samples collected from dairy farms in Türkiye. The results indicated that 60.7% of staphylococcal enterotoxin genes (sea, seb, sed, seg, sei, sej, sek, seq, sem, seo, and seu) and 21.4% of the tst and eta genes were positive, with most enterotoxin-positive samples carrying more than one gene. The sec, see, seh, sel, sen, sep, and etb genes were not identified in any samples. The prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes (mecA, blaR, blaI, blaZ, vanA, ermT, tetK, aac/aph, ant, dfrA, tcaR, IS256, and IS257) was high at 89.2%, with bla being the most frequently detected gene (75%). The mecA gene was present in 14.2% of samples, while tcaR was detected in 78.5%. Nevertheless, the mecC was not identified. Disinfectant resistance genes (qacA/B, qacC, qacJ, smr) were detected in 21.4% of the samples. The results of the disk diffusion test showed that 64.2% of strains were resistant to penicillin G and ampicillin, with additional resistance found for cefoxitin, teicoplanin, levofloxacin, norfloxacin, and other antibiotics. These findings highlight a significant public health and food safety risk associated with raw milk due to the presence of S. aureus strains with toxigenic genes and high antimicrobial resistance.

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) present significant treatment challenges. These infections often require systemic antibiotics such as vancomycin, which poses a risk for increased bacterial resistance. Topical treatments are hindered by the barrier function of the skin, and microneedles (MNs) offer a promising solution, increasing patient compliance and negating the need for traditional needles.

This study focused on the use of sodium alginate MNs for vancomycin delivery directly to the site of infection via a cost-effective micromolding technique. Dissolving polymeric MNs made of sodium alginate and loaded with vancomycin were fabricated and evaluated in terms of their physical properties, delivery ability, and antimicrobial activity.

The MNs achieved a 378 μm depth of insertion into ex vivo skin and a 5.0 ± 0 mm zone of inhibition in agar disc diffusion assays. Furthermore, in ex vivo Franz cell experiments, the MNs delivered 34.46 ± 11.31 μg of vancomycin with around 35% efficiency, with 9.88 ± 0.57 μg deposited in the skin after 24 h.

These findings suggest that sodium alginate MNs are a viable platform for antimicrobial agent delivery in SSTIs. Future in vivo studies are essential to confirm the safety and effectiveness of this innovative method for clinical use.

Staphylococcus aureus-induced mastitis is a serious disease in dairy bovine, with no currently effective treatment. Antibiotics demonstrate certain therapeutic potency in dairy husbandry; they generate drug-resistant bacteria, thereby harming public health. LncRNAs and m6A have been verified as potential targets in infectious diseases and have powerful regulatory capabilities. However, the biological regulation of lncRNAs with m6A modification in mastitis needs further investigation. This study aims to determine the m6A-modified lncRNAs in bovine mammary epithelial cells and their diversity during S. aureus induction. Heat-inactivated S. aureus was used to develop the cell injury model, and we subsequently found low cell viability and different m6A modification levels. Our analysis of m6A-modified lncRNA profiles through MeRIP-seq revealed significant differences in 140 peaks within 130 lncRNAs when cells were injured by S. aureus. Furthermore, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses revealed that these differential m6A-modified lncRNAs were mainly enriched in the WNT pathway, and their functions were associated with amino acid metabolism, lipid translocation, and metalloproteinase activity. Here, we report for the first time lncRNAs with m6A modification in regulating S. aureus infection, revealing potential mechanisms and targets of infectious diseases, such as mastitis, from an epigenetics perspective.

The virulence factors, antibiotic resistance patterns, and the associated genetic elements have been investigated in Staphylococcus species. A total of 100 strains has been isolated from clinical samples in the Microbiology Laboratory of Hesperia Hospital, Modena, Italy, and identified as Staphylococcus aureus (65), Staphylococcus epidermidis (24), Staphylococcus hominis (3), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (3), and Staphylococcus warneri (5). All the strains were analyzed to determine phenotypic and genotypic characters, notably the virulence factors, the antibiotics susceptibility, and the genetic determinants. The highest percentage of resistance in Staphylococcus spp. was found for erythromycin and benzylpenicillin (87% and 85%, respectively). All S. aureus, two S. epidermidis (8.3%), and one S. saprophyticus (33.3%) strains were resistant to oxacillin. The methicillin resistance gene (mecA) was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification in 65 S. aureus strains and in 3 coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (8.6%). With regard to the virulence characteristics, all the S. aureus were positive to all virulence tests, except for slime test. Among the CoNS isolates, 19 (79.1%) S. epidermidis and one (33.3%) S. saprophyticus strains resulted positive for the slime test only. The results obtained are useful for a more in-depth understanding of the function and contribution of S. aureus and CoNS antibiotic resistance and virulence factors to staphylococcal infections. In particular, the production of slime is very important for CoNS, a virulence factor frequently found in infections caused by these strains. Further investigations on the genetic relatedness among strains of different sources will be useful for epidemiological and monitoring purposes and will enable us to develop new strategies to counteract the diffusion of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and CoNS strains not only in clinical field, but also in other related environments.

"One health" is an integrated, unifying approach that recognizes the interconnectedness between the health of people, animals, and the environment. Oral diseases are the most common diseases to affect humankind, and it is increasingly acknowledged that key determinants of oral heath are social and environmental. However, there is a dearth of information on the relationship between oral health and one health.

A scoping review was conducted to examine how animal and environmental health affects human oral health and vice versa, to examine the interest in the field overtime, and to provide a synthesis of the literature concerning one health in the oral health context to date.

A broad standardized search strategy was employed across 5 electronic databases. Screening of publications with defined inclusion and exclusion criteria followed PRISMA-ScR (the Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines.

The initial search yielded 345 articles; 163 remained after removal of duplicates. Nineteen articles were identified as "potentially effective studies," and after consideration of the full text, 13 articles were identified as "effective studies" to inform this review. Most studies were published since 2020 (60.5%, 8/13), and there were reports from 5 of the 6 World Health Organization regions (except the Eastern Mediterranean region). Most studies were observation in nature and mostly of cross-sectional study design (84.7%, 11/13 studies). More than half of the studies (53.8%, 7/13) were concerned with how environmental factors such as chemical exposures affect human oral health. Studies involving animals (46.2%, 6/13) highlighted the risk of zoonotic infections from horses and livestock to humans.

There is a recent and growing interest in "one health" in the oral health context. Qualitative synthesis of data highlighted the interconnectedness between the health of animals and environment with human health with implications for consideration and action by dentistry.

The results of this scoping review address the importance of dentistry in the "one health" concept. This scoping review will allow other researchers to be aware of and fill literature gaps with respect to the impact of animal health and environment on oral health and contribute to future research.