Letters in applied microbiology
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Lett. Appl. Microbiol. · May 2020
2019_nCoV/SARS-CoV-2: rapid classification of betacoronaviruses and identification of Traditional Chinese Medicine as potential origin of zoonotic coronaviruses.
The current outbreak of a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome-like coronavirus, 2019_nCoV (now named SARS-CoV-2), illustrated difficulties in identifying a novel coronavirus and its natural host, as the coding sequences of various Betacoronavirus species can be highly diverse. By means of whole-genome sequence comparisons, we demonstrate that the noncoding flanks of the viral genome can be used to correctly separate the recognized four betacoronavirus subspecies. The conservation would be sufficient to define target sequences that could, in theory, classify novel virus species into their subspecies. ⋯ Although bats are the likely natural host of 2019_nCoV, the exact bat species that serves as the natural host of the virus remains as yet unknown. Chinese bat species with commercial value were identified as natural reservoirs of coronaviruses and are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Since their trading provides a potential risk for spreading zoonoses, a change in these practices is highly recommended.
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Lett. Appl. Microbiol. · Nov 2019
Analysis of bacterial diversity during fermentation of Chinese traditional fermented chopped pepper.
Fermented chopped pepper is a widely used ingredient in traditional Chinese cuisine. To improve the quality and solve safety problems during production, it is essential to fully understand the bacterial diversity present during the fermentation process. In this study, the dynamics and diversity of the bacterial community present during the fermentation of chopped pepper were analysed by high-throughput sequencing. ⋯ SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Fermented chopped pepper is an important ingredient in traditional Chinese foods. As of yet, the bacterial community dynamics that take place during the fermentation of chopped pepper have not been described. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing to investigate the bacterial community, deepening our understanding of the microbial mechanisms underlying the fermentation of traditional chopped pepper.
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Lett. Appl. Microbiol. · Apr 2019
Synergistic cranberry juice combinations with natural-borne antimicrobials for the eradication of uropathogenic Escherichia coli biofilm within a short time.
Urinary tract infections (UTI), one of the most common diseases in humans, are caused primarily by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Cranberry juice (CB) is a widely known prophylaxis for UTI, but the treatment of CB alone could not effectively eradicate preformed UPEC biofilms. The aim of this study was to develop enforced CB composites within a short time by adding a small quantity of natural borne antimicrobials. ⋯ The results of this study could be widely applicable in the functional food, medical and healthcare field. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Anti-biofilm effect of cranberry juice (CB) has been focused mainly on inhibiting biofilm formation of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC); however, combined treatment with natural borne antimicrobials derived from coconut oil (caprylic acid) and oregano essential oil (thymol) could synergistically enhance its eradicating activity against biofilms. This study developed novel CB composites showing marked anti-biofilm effects (complete eradication of UPEC biofilms within just 1 min).
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Lett. Appl. Microbiol. · Feb 2019
Coriander essential oil and linalool - interactions with antibiotics against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of coriander essential oil and its major constituent, linalool, in combination with antibiotics against Gram-positive (methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli). The chemical composition of coriander essential oil was analyzed by gas chromatography with flame ionization and mass spectrometry detection. The antibacterial activity of coriander essential oil, linalool and their combinations with antibiotics were assessed by the broth microdilution and checkerboard assays respectively. ⋯ Our study found synergistic interactions between coriander essential oil/linalool and antibiotics against MRSA and other Gram-positive bacteria (methicillin-susceptible S. aureus, S. epidermidis), but also Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli). Increase in antibiotic susceptibility and reversal of antibiotic resistance were also demonstrated. Combinations of coriander essential oil/linalool and antibiotics are thus very promising for the development of novel antibacterials.
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Lett. Appl. Microbiol. · Oct 2018
Comparative genomics of Vibrio cholerae O1 isolated from cholera patients in Bangladesh.
Whole genome sequencing was utilized to investigate the genomic profile of Vibrio cholerae O1 strains, isolated from symptomatic patients in a low-income urban area of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Comparative genomics using bioinformatics tools were applied to identify major virulence factors, biotype and antimicrobial resistance genes in three V. cholerae O1 strains (VC-1, 2 and 3) isolated from two case patients. A phylogenetic SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism)-based analysis was conducted to infer the relatedness to V. cholerae O1 strains isolated elsewhere. ⋯ All strains harboured the integrase gene of the SXT element (intSXT ), antimicrobial resistance genes for aminoglycosides, phenicol, sulphonamide and trimethoprim except VC-1 that lacked sulphonamide resistance genes. The multilocus sequence typing (MLST) revealed that the strains belonged to sequence type, ST69. The study provides knowledge on current genetic traits of clinical V. cholerae O1 circulating in urban household clusters of Bangladesh which may help in predicting emergence of new pandemic strains in Bangladesh.