Publications by authors named "Meriem Laamarti"
The classical microbiology techniques have inherent limitations in unraveling the complexity of microbial communities, necessitating the pivotal role of sequencing in studying the diversity of microbial communities. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) enables researchers to uncover the metabolic capabilities of the microbial community, providing valuable insights into the microbiome. Herein, we present an overview of the rapid advancements achieved thus far in the use of WGS in microbiome research.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is a pathogenic bacterium accountable for 10.6 million new infections with tuberculosis (TB) in 2021. The fact that the genetic sequences of M.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDraft Genome Sequences of Two Enterobacter hormaechei subsp. Strains Isolated from the Moroccan Sahara.
Microbiol Resour Announc
February 2023
We report the draft genome sequences of Enterobacter hormaechei subsp. strains MDMC82 and MDMC76, which were isolated from the sand dunes of the Merzouga desert in the Moroccan Sahara. These bacteria are able to tolerate the harsh environmental conditions of the Moroccan desert.
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- Microorganisms in hot deserts, like Paenibacillus sp. MDMC362 from the Merzouga desert, develop unique survival traits due to extreme environmental conditions such as heat, UV radiation, and lack of nutrients, which can be useful in biotechnology.
- The genome of Paenibacillus sp. MDMC362 was sequenced, revealing genes that help the bacteria cope with temperature stress, UV damage, and desiccation, including mechanisms for DNA repair and sporulation.
- Research on the catalase enzyme from this bacterium confirmed that it remains stable at high temperatures, suggesting its potential for use in applications requiring heat-resistant proteins, with implications for closely related strains from similar harsh environments.*
Article Synopsis
- Deserts pose extreme challenges for microorganisms, which can adapt to conditions like high salinity and UV radiation, making them valuable for biotechnological applications.
- In this study, researchers sequenced the genomes of two Bacillus safensis strains, BcP62 and Bcs93, identifying three potential subspecies and revealing their genetic traits.
- The strains were found to possess plant growth-promoting features and could be valuable for agriculture in harsh environments due to their ability to thrive under extreme conditions.
In late December 2019, an emerging viral infection COVID-19 was identified in Wuhan, China, and became a global pandemic. Characterization of the genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial in following and evaluating it spread across countries. In this study, we collected and analyzed 3,067 SARS-CoV-2 genomes isolated from 55 countries during the first three months after the onset of this virus.
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- * An analysis of 30,983 complete SARS-CoV-2 genomes from 79 countries revealed 3,206 variant sites, with only a small number of mutations (5.27%) showing prevalence over 1% across genomes.
- * The overall low mutation rate of SARS-CoV-2 compared to viruses like influenza or HIV suggests a better likelihood for developing an effective global vaccine.
Article Synopsis
- The study presents draft genome sequences for six SARS-CoV-2 strains, which causes COVID-19.
- These strains were collected from Moroccan patients through nasopharyngeal swabs.
- Analysis showed that all six genomes contained the spike D614G mutation, common in various strains globally.
Article Synopsis
- The draft genome sequence of MDMC339, a strain resilient to harsh conditions in the Merzouga desert, was reported.
- The genome consists of 4,788,525 base pairs and includes 4,262 genes that code for proteins.
- Several of these genes are associated with stress response, indicating the strain's ability to endure extreme environments.
Article Synopsis
- Tuberculosis (TB) primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other organs like the kidneys, glands, and bones, and is a significant public health issue in Morocco.
- The disease spreads through the air when someone inhales microdroplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze.
- The text discusses the whole-genome shotgun sequences of three multidrug-resistant TB strains that were isolated from patients in Morocco.
Article Synopsis
- - The report details the whole-genome shotgun sequences of two multidrug-resistant strains, ABE8_07 and ABE12_M, found on a hospital floor in Morocco.
- - These genome sequences are significant for starting research on the genetic characteristics of these strains in Morocco.
- - The study aims to enhance understanding of antibiotic resistance and its implications in healthcare settings in the region.