Gamification as a tool to teach key concepts in microbiology to bachelor-level students in biology: a case study using microbial interactions and soil functioning.

Microbiology is a difficult topic to teach given that the objects of study are mostly invisible to the learner. The majority of university students beginning their training in biology are more interested in natural objects that can be seen with the naked eye. Nonetheless, micro-organisms are key components of the biosphere and a good microbiological background is required for a thorough training in natural sciences.

Rapid Detection of Ceftazidime/Avibactam Susceptibility/Resistance in Enterobacterales by Rapid CAZ/AVI NP Test.

We developed a novel culture-based test, the Rapid CAZ/AVI NP test, for rapid identification of ceftazidime/avibactam susceptibility/resistance in Enterobacterales. This test is based on glucose metabolization upon bacterial growth in the presence of a defined concentration of ceftazidime/avibactam (128/53 μg/mL). Bacterial growth is visually detectable by a red to yellow color change of red phenol, a pH indicator.

Diurnal cycles drive rhythmic physiology and promote survival in facultative phototrophic bacteria.

Bacteria have evolved many strategies to spare energy when nutrients become scarce. One widespread such strategy is facultative phototrophy, which helps heterotrophs supplement their energy supply using light. Our knowledge of the impact that such behaviors have on bacterial fitness and physiology is, however, still limited.

Rapid ResaImipenem/Acinetobacter NP Test for Detection of Carbapenem Susceptibility/Resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii.

The rapid ResaImipenem/ NP test was developed for the identification of carbapenem resistance among isolates. The principle of this test is based on the reduction of resazurin (a viability colorant) by metabolically active bacterial cells, hence detecting bacterial growth, in the presence of a defined concentration of imipenem chosen to be slightly above that defining imipenem resistance (6 μg/ml). Bacterial growth is visually detected by a color change from blue (resazurin) to purple or pink (resorufin product).

A Selective Culture Medium for Screening Ceftazidime-Avibactam Resistance in and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The SuperCAZ/AVI medium was developed for screening ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA) resistance among Gram-negative bacteria ( and ). It was evaluated using 50 CZA-susceptible and 42 CZA-resistant Gram-negative isolates. Its sensitivity and specificity of detection were 100%.

Rapid Polymyxin/Pseudomonas NP test for rapid detection of polymyxin susceptibility/resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Polymyxins are becoming an added value for treating infections due to multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Therefore, the Rapid Polymyxin/Pseudomonas NP test was developed for the identification of polymyxin resistance in P. aeruginosa isolates.

A Resazurin Reduction-Based Assay for Rapid Detection of Polymyxin Resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

A rapid test was developed for identification of polymyxin resistance in nonfermenting bacteria. This test detects viable cells after growth in a medium containing a defined concentration of colistin. The principle of this test is based on the visual detection of the reduction of the resazurin reagent, a viability colorant, as observed by its color change (blue to purple or pink).

Persistence of root-colonizing Pseudomonas protegens in herbivorous insects throughout different developmental stages and dispersal to new host plants.

The discovery of insecticidal activity in root-colonizing pseudomonads, best-known for their plant-beneficial effects, raised fundamental questions about the ecological relevance of insects as alternative hosts for these bacteria. Since soil bacteria are limited in their inherent abilities of dispersal, insects as vectors might be welcome vehicles to overcome large distances. Here, we report on the transmission of the root-colonizing, plant-beneficial and insecticidal bacterium Pseudomonas protegens CHA0 from root to root by the cabbage root fly, Delia radicum.