Eradication of single- and mixed-species biofilms of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus by pulsed streamer corona discharge cold atmospheric plasma.

Cold atmospheric plasma has recently gained much attention due to its antimicrobial effects. Among others, plasma has proven its potential to combat microbial biofilms. Yet, knowledge of complex network interactions between individual microbial species in natural infection environments of the biofilm as well as plasma-biofilm inactivation pathways is limited.

Practical application of PMA-qPCR assay for determination of viable cells of inter-species biofilm of .

Determining the number of viable cells by calculating colony-forming units is time-consuming. The evaluation of mixed biofilms consisting of different species is particularly problematic. Therefore, the aim of this study was to optimize a molecular method-propidium monoazide quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PMA-qPCR)-for accurate and consistent differentiation between living and dead cells.

Anti-Biofilm Effect of Hybrid Nanocomposite Functionalized with Erythrosine B on Due to Photodynamic Inactivation.

Resistant biofilms formed by on medical devices pose a constant medical threat. A promising alternative to tackle this problem is photodynamic inactivation (PDI). This study focuses on a polyurethane (PU) material with an antimicrobial surface consisting of a composite based on silicate, polycation, and erythrosine B (EryB).

Nanocomposite system with photoactive phloxine B eradicates resistant .

Nanomaterials modified with hybrid films functionalized with photoactive compounds can be an effective system to prevent and eradicate biofilms on medical devices. The aim of this research was to extend current knowledge on nanomaterial comprised of polyurethane (PU) modified with a nanocomposite film of organoclay with the functionalized photosensitizer (PS) phloxine B (PhB). Particles of the clay mineral saponite were, at first modified by octadecyltrimethylammonium cations to activate the surface for PhB adsorption.

-A Model for the Study of aPDT-Prospects and Drawbacks.

is a promising model insect used for microbiological, medical, and pharmacological research. It provides a platform for testing the biocompatibility of various compounds and the kinetics of survival after an infection followed by subsequent treatment, and for the evaluation of various parameters during treatment, including the host-pathogen interaction. There are some similarities in the development of pathologies with mammals.

Comparative Analysis of Two Isolates Originating from the Same Patient Harbouring the Y132F and R398I Mutations in the Gene.

This work presents a comparative analysis of two clinical isolates of , isolated from haemoculture (HC) and central venous catheter (CVC). Both strains harboured Y132F and R398I mutations in the gene associated with resistance to fluconazole (FLC). Differences between the HC and CVC isolates were addressed in terms of virulence, resistance to FLC, and lipid distribution.

Effect of Quorum Sensing Molecule Farnesol on Mixed Biofilms of and .

The natural bioactive molecule farnesol (FAR) is widely studied mainly for its antibiofilm and antimicrobial properties. In addition, it increases the effectiveness of some antimicrobial substances, which makes it interesting for the development of combined therapy. In the present work, the effect of FAR either alone or in combination with oxacillin (OXA) on mixed biofilms formed by clinically relevant pathogens, and , was studied.

Photodynamic Inactivation Effectively Eradicates Biofilm despite Its Interference with the Upregulation of and Efflux Genes.

, in recent years, has emerged as a dangerous nosocomial pathogen. It represents a challenge for effective treatment because of its multiresistance. Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) is a promising way to solve problems with a wide range of resistant microorganisms.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationship of berkeleylactone A-derived antibiotics.

Berkeleylactone A is a potent 16-membered macrolactone antibiotic, recently isolated from a coculture of Berkeley Pit Lake fungi. Although its antimicrobial activity has already been investigated, little is known about the structure-activity relationship. Based on our previous synthetic studies, a series of berkeleylactone A derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antimicrobial activities against methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant (MRSA) strains.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Biofilms Underlying Catheter-Related Bloodstream Coinfection by Complex and .

Biofilm-associated infections are a public health concern especially in the context of healthcare-associated infections such as catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). We evaluated the biofilm formation and antimicrobials resistance (AMR) of complex and co-isolated from a CRBSI patient. Antimicrobial susceptibility of central venous catheters (CVCs) and hemoculture (HC) isolates was evaluated, including whole genome sequencing (WGS) resistome analysis and evaluation of gene expression to obtain insight into their AMR determinants.

Farnesol Boosts the Antifungal Effect of Fluconazole and Modulates Resistance in through Regulation of the and Genes.

is considered a serious fungal pathogen frequently exhibiting a high resistance to a wide range of antifungals. In this study, a combination of the quorum-sensing molecule farnesol (FAR) and fluconazole (FLU) was tested on FLU-resistant isolates ( S and . R) compared to the susceptible H261.

Persistence and multi-ward dissemination of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium ST17 clone in hospital settings in Slovakia 2017-2020.

Objectives: Hospital vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) were evaluated in term of resistance and phylogenetic relatedness to estimate the location and possible route of transmission of resistance determinants.

Methods: Hospital VREfm (n = 49) were collected in the northern part of Slovakia during 2017-2020. The collection was analysed for the presence of the van operon and 10 representatives were subjected to whole-genome sequencing using Illumina MiSeq platform.

Surface Characterization and Anti-Biofilm Effectiveness of Hybrid Films of Polyurethane Functionalized with Saponite and Phloxine B.

The main objective of this work was to synthesize composites of polyurethane (PU) with organoclays (OC) exhibiting antimicrobial properties. Layered silicate (saponite) was modified with octadecyltrimethylammonium cations (ODTMA) and functionalized with phloxine B (PhB) and used as a filler in the composites. A unique property of composite materials is the increased concentration of modifier particles on the surface of the composite membranes.

Impact of Healthcare-Associated Infections Connected to Medical Devices-An Update.

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are caused by nosocomial pathogens. HAIs have an immense impact not only on developing countries but also on highly developed parts of world. They are predominantly device-associated infections that are caused by the planktonic form of microorganisms as well as those organized in biofilms.

Physico-Chemical Characterization and Antimicrobial Properties of Hybrid Film Based on Saponite and Phloxine B.

This research was aimed at the preparation of a hybrid film based on a layered silicate saponite (Sap) with the immobilized photosensitizer phloxine B (PhB). Sap was selected because of its high cation exchange capacity, ability to exfoliate into nanolayers, and to modify different surfaces. The X-ray diffraction of the films confirmed the intercalation of both the surfactant and PhB molecules in the Sap film.

Opportunist Coinfections by Nontuberculous Mycobacteria and Fungi in Immunocompromised Patients.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and many fungal species (spp.) are commonly associated with opportunistic infections (OPIs) in immunocompromised individuals. Moreover, occurrence of concomitant infection by NTM (mainly spp.

The Contribution of Photodynamic Inactivation vs. Corsodyl Mouthwash to the Control of Streptococcus mutans Biofilms.

This work compared the inhibition effect of the commercially available mouthwash Corsodyl, containing 0.1% chlorhexidine digluconate, and photodynamic inactivation (PDI) employing methylene blue (MB) with irradiation from a red laser on 24-h biofilms formed by Streptococcus mutans strains on hydroxyapatite surfaces. The cytotoxicity of Corsodyl and MB was evaluated by Galleria mellonella surviving assay.

Synergy Over Monotherapy.

Pathogenic fungi, as an increasing global threat to human health, represent a sizable risk. However, significant attention should also be paid to the yeast biofilms. One promising strategy for combating resistant microbes, as well as fungal biofilms, is to extend the lifespan and efficacy of our currently employed drugs by using combination therapy.

Evaluating Efficacy of Antimicrobial and Antifouling Materials for Urinary Tract Medical Devices: Challenges and Recommendations.

In Europe, the mean incidence of urinary tract infections in intensive care units is 1.1 per 1000 patient-days. Of these cases, catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) account for 98%.

Impact of Farnesol as a Modulator of Efflux Pumps in a Fluconazole-Resistant Strain of .

This work studied the impact of the quorum-sensing molecule, farnesol (FAR), on fluconazole (FLC)-resistant isolate CY 1123 compared with the susceptible standard strain SC5314. The genes encoding efflux pumps belonging to the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and major facilitator superfamilies, together with overexpression or point mutation of the gene, are the main resistance mechanisms to azole antifungal drugs. The upregulation of genes coding for and were confirmed by qPCR with respect to the housekeeping gene in the resistant strain.

Up-Regulation of Antimicrobial Peptides Gallerimycin and Galiomicin in Galleria mellonella Infected with Candida Yeasts Displaying Different Virulence Traits.

Galleria mellonella has been described as a cheap and an easy-to-reproduce model for the study of fungal infections. We hypothesized that yeasts with higher virulence potential decrease survival and significantly trigger an immune response in G. mellonella through the regulation of innate immunity-related genes encoding antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) such as gallerimycin and galiomicin.

Activity of anti-CR3-RP polyclonal antibody against biofilms formed by Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant emerging fungal pathogen.

Fungal biofilm has remained a serious medical problem that complicates treatment of mycoses. In particular, once biofilms are formed, they display high levels of resistance against most common antifungals. Candida auris is currently considered as a serious emerging fungal pathogen frequently exhibiting high levels of resistance to antifungals.

Impact of farnesol and Corsodyl on Candida albicans forming dual biofilm with Streptococcus mutans.

Objective: This work studied the biofilm formed by Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans on a hydroxyapatite surface after exposure to the quorum-sensing molecule farnesol (200 μM) in comparison with the diluted mouthwash Corsodyl (0.0001% chlorhexidine digluconate).

Materials And Methods: The cytotoxicity of farnesol was evaluated by Galleria mellonella surviving assay.

Properties and role of the quorum sensing molecule farnesol in relation to the yeast .

Farnesol is a quorum sensing (QS) molecule synthesized by Candida albicans acting as a negative regulator of morphogenesis; it blocks the yeast-to-hyphae transformation. This molecule is currently studied in particular from the viewpoint of possible use as a substance with anticancer properties and with an antimicrobial, and anti-biofilm effect in yeasts resistant or tolerant to conventional therapeutic agents, for example fluconazole. Besides the aforementioned effect on morphological transformation through cyclic AMP (cAMP)/protein kinase A (cAMP-PKA) pathway, it also affects other biochemical pathways of yeasts, for example those ones for sterol biosynthesis or triggering of apoptosis via accumulation of ROS (reactive oxygen species) that damage essential cellular compartments.

Anti-biofilm activity of antibody directed against surface antigen complement receptor 3-related protein-comparison of Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis.

Candida albicans and C. dubliniensis are related yeasts that differ in the expression of virulence-associated proteins involved in adherence and biofilm development. CR3-RP (complement receptor 3-related protein) is one of the surface antigens expressed by Candida species.