All posts by Anna Białecka

MICROBIAL HAZARDS IN POST-FLOOD SOILS – AN OVERVIEW


Karolina Furtak

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Abstract: Becoming increasingly common across Poland and Europe. However, to date, microbiological studies have primarily focused on water intakes and the presence of indicator bacteria (i.e., fecal bacteria) in flood sediments. Data on soil microbial loads are lacking.
This short review synthesizes the available evidence on pathogen detection in soils after flooding and identifies gaps. Some researchers have reported a high diversity of bacterial, viral, and protozoan pathogens in river water and have shown that selected bacteria, such as Escherichia coli or Salmonella spp., may persist in post-flood soils for up to 44 days. The lack of systematic soil-focused research limits accurate risk assessment and may pose a significant threat to public health and food safety. Research priorities and mitigation strategies relevant to climate change–driven flood risk are proposed.

MALDI-TOF MS-BASED DETECTION OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE: BIOMARKERS, ASSAYS AND CLINICAL APPLICATIONS – A CRITICAL REVIEW


Zuzanna Pudzianowska, Katarzyna Szwed, Julia Szewczyk, Maciej Grzegorczyk, Sylwia Andrzejczuk, Urszula Kosikowska

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Abstract: The MALDI-TOF MS technique is now playing a major role in improving microbial diagnostics by enabling rapid and accurate identification of pathogens from minimal amounts of biological material. In recent years, its application has been extended to the detection of antimicrobial resistance trough diverse approaches (e.g., MALDIxin test, MBT-ASTRA, MBT-RESIST, FLAT or DOT-MGA). These strategies allow phenotypic assessment of resistance by measuring antibiotic degradation, identifying resistance-associated spectral peaks, or monitoring bacterial growth in the presence of antimicrobials, thereby providing clinically relevant results. This review critically discusses current evidence on MALDI-TOF MS-based detection of resistance to key antibiotic classes in major pathogens. It also highlights a typical performance metrics, antibiotic- and species-dependent variability, and focuses on remaining gaps in coverage of important resistance mechanism.

THE ROLE OF SIALIDASES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS AND THEIR USE AS POTENTIAL MARKERS IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF VAGINAL INFECTIONS


Małgorzata Bodaszewska-Lubaś, Karolina Kot, Monika Brzychczy-Włoch

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Abstract: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an inflammatory condition of the vagina with a polyetiological origin, most commonly associated with an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis or Prevotella spp. Pathogens compromise the protective barrier of the vagina through multiple mechanisms. Sialidases, key virulence factors of BV pathogens, desialylate vaginal glycans, altering their structure and function. Point-of-care tests based on sialidase activity are available for diagnostics. This work reviews the role of sialidases in BV pathophysiology, focusing on their effects on mucosal integrity and biofilm formation, as well as their potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

PARASPORAL δ-ENDOTOXINS OF BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS: POTENTIALS AND CHALLENGES AS A NEW FRONTIER IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER


Yazeed A. Al-Sheikh, Abdullah A. Alyousef, Hazem K. Ghneim, Talat A. El-kersh and Mourad A. M. Aboul-Soud

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Abstract: Parasporins (PSs), also known as delta endotoxins or Mammalian Pore-forming Proteins (Mpp), are non-hemolytic, non-insecticidal proteins secreted by Bacillus thuringiensis. They exhibit selective anticancer activities against various human tumor cell lines by recognizing and binding to specific cell membrane receptors. Currently, six PS families (PS1–PS6) have been identified in at least 11 B. thuringiensis strains. While distinct mechanisms have been proposed for some families (e.g., pore-formation by PS2, apoptosis induction by PS1), the precise molecular pathways for all families are not yet fully elucidated, and mechanistic overlap may exist. Through the exploration of established mechanisms-of-action (MOA) involving pore-forming proteins, significant alterations have been revealed, specifically in the permeability of the plasma membrane of their target cells, potentially culminating in cell death. The in vivo antitumor activity of PS proteins in animal models, such as mice and rats, remains relatively unexplored. This review aims to summarize the MOA of PS protein families produced by B. thuringiensis, evaluate research gaps in therapeutic development, in vivo efficacy, and the challenges of targeted delivery. Future perspectives and directions for harnessing these proteins as potential natural alternatives for cancer treatment are also highlighted.

PILOT STUDY OF THE MICROBIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY OF THE URINARY TRACT OF HEALTHY YOUNG MEN IN POLAND


Filip Bielec, Stanisław Klimaszewski, Piotr Machnicki, Dorota Pastuszak-Lewandoska

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Abstract: The urinary tract microbiota (urobiota) in healthy individuals remains understudied, particularly in men. Methods: Expanded quantitative urine cultures were performed on 40 asymptomatic, presumably healthy males (18–40 years). Results: 88% of samples showed bacterial growth, predominated by Firmicutes (Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium). Sexual behavior influenced diversity. Conclusions: The male urinary tract harbors a complex microbiota, challenging the “sterile urine” paradigm.

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