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As many aspects of medical practice have become digitized in recent years, surgical pathology is also experiencing a digital transformation whereby traditional glass slides are scanned and then viewed on [...], * Context.--The diagnosis of some infectious diseases requires their identification in tissue specimens. As institutions adopt digital pathology for primary diagnosis, the limits of microorganism detection from digital images must be delineated. Objective.--To assess the reliability of microorganism detection from digitized images of histochemical and immunohistochemical stains commonly used in pathology. Design.--Original glass slides from 620 surgical pathology cases evaluated for the presence of infectious microorganisms were digitized. Immunohistochemical stains included those for herpes simplex virus (n = 100), cytomegalovirus (n = 100), Helicobacter pylori (n = 100), and spirochetes (n = 80). Histochemical stains included mucicarmine for Cryptococcus spp (n = 20), Grocott methenamine silver for fungi (n = 100), Giemsa for H pylori (n = 100), and Ziehl-Neelsen for acid-fast bacilli (n = 20). The original diagnosis based on the glass slides was regarded as the reference standard. Six pathologists reviewed the digital images. Results.--Digital review was generally associated with high (ie, [greater than or equal to]90%) specificity and positive predictive value owing to a low percentage of false-positive reads, whereas a high percentage of false negatives contributed to low sensitivity and negative predictive value for many stains. Fleiss k showed substantial interobserver agreement in the interpretation of Grocott methenamine silver and immunostains for herpes simplex virus, H pylori, and cytomegalovirus; moderate agreement for spirochete, Ziehl-Neelsen, and mucicarmine; and poor agreement for Giemsa. Conclusions.--Digital immunohistochemistry generally outperforms histochemical stains for microorganism detection. Digital interpretation of Ziehl-Neelsen and mucicarmine stains is associated with low scores for interrater reliability, accuracy, sensitivity, and negative predictive value such that it should not substitute for conventional review of glass slides. (Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2024;148:1337-1343; doi: 10.5858/arpa.2023-0214-OA)

Objective Characterise oral health, and the presence in the oral cavity of pathogenic non-oral microorganisms potentially associated with nosocomial infections and antimicrobial resistance in non-intubated patients admitted to a Brazilian university hospital.Materials and methods An intraoral examination and oral swab were performed on hospitalized individuals at three different times, T1 (within 48 h of hospitalization), T2 (48 h after T1) and T3 (7 days after hospitalization). The oral health status was defined by the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) and Tongue Coating Status (TCS). The swabs were processed and microorganisms potentially related to nosocomial infections were phenotypically identified through colony morphology, staining and microscopy.Results The most prevalent microorganisms were Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., Enterobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp., Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. The oral health status was considered median, and the tongue coating index was considered high throughout the study period. The prevalence of potentially pathogenic non-oral microorganisms was high and constant from the first 48 h to the seventh day of hospitalization.Conclusions The results point out that the mouth can act as a reservoir of epidemiologically important pathogens within hospital settings, even in patients without mechanical ventilation, thus increasing the risk of nosocomial infections in susceptible individuals. KEY MESSAGESThe present study investigated the oral health status and the presence of pathogenic non-oral microorganisms in the oral cavity of patients hospitalized in the ward, non-intubated and mostly independent of self-care.The presence in the mouth of microorganisms related to the epidemiology of nosocomial infections and resistance to antimicrobials was high and constant from the first 48 h to the 7th day of hospitalization.The results of this study point out that the mouth can act as a reservoir of epidemiologically important pathogens within hospital settings even in patients without mechanical ventilation, increasing the risk of nosocomial infections in susceptible individuals.

Nanocomposites, formed by combining a matrix (commonly polymer or ceramic) with nanofillers (nano-sized inclusions like nanoparticles or nanofibers), possess distinct attributes attributed to their composition. Their unique physicochemical properties and interaction capabilities with microbial cells position them as a promising avenue for infectious disease treatment. The escalating prevalence of multi-drug resistant bacteria intensifies the need for alternative solutions. Traditional approaches involve antimicrobial agents like antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals, targeting specific microbial aspects. This review presents a comprehensive overview of diverse nanocomposite types and highlights the potential of tailored matrix and antibacterial agent selection within nanocomposites to enhance treatment efficacy and decrease antibiotic resistance risks. Challenges such as toxicity, safety, and scalability in clinical applications are also acknowledged. Ultimately, the convergence of nanotechnology and infectious disease research offers the prospect of enhanced therapeutic strategies, envisioning a future wherein advanced materials revolutionize the landscape of medical treatment.

Infections represent a possible risk factor for parkinsonism and Parkinson’s disease (PD) based on information from epidemiology and fundamental science. The risk is unclear for the majority of agents. Moreover, the latency between infection and PD seems to be very varied and often lengthy. In this review, the evidence supporting the potential involvement of infectious microorganisms in the development of Parkinson’s disease is examined. Consequently, it is crucial to determine the cause and give additional treatment accordingly. Infection is an intriguing suggestion regarding the cause of Parkinson’s disease. These findings demonstrate that persistent infection with viral and bacterial microorganisms might be a cause of Parkinson’s disease. As an initiating factor, infection may generate a spectrum of gut microbiota dysbiosis, engagement of glial tissues, neuroinflammation, and alpha-synuclein accumulation, all of which may trigger and worsen the onset in Parkinson’s disease also contribute to its progression. Still uncertain is the primary etiology of PD with infection. The possible pathophysiology of PD infection remains a matter of debate. Furthermore, additional study is required to determine if PD patients develop the disease due to infectious microorganisms or solely since they are more sensitive to infectious causes.

Background: We aimed to identify the genes of 35 pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and protozoa that cause waterborne infectious diseases, and to assess the feasibility of a wastewater-based surveillance system., Materials and Methods: Wastewater was aseptically sampled once a month from 2 sites. A total of 1 L of wastewater from each site underwent 0.2 µm filtration to generate the sample A. Subsequently, 200 ul of the filtered water was ultra-filtered and concentrated to generate the sample B, which was mixed with sample A in a 1:1 ratio. We performed a Filmarray ® Gastrointestinal (GI) panel (BioFire Diagnnostics', Salt Lake City, UT, USA) test to simultaneously detect 13 enterobacteria, 5 enterovirus, and 4 protozoa. RNA was extracted to assess 18 types of viruses., Results: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 adenovirus, bocavirus, and rhinovirus was detected at both site. Norovirus GI/GII was continuously detected at both sites. Moreover, adenovirus, group A rotaviruses, and hepatitis A virus were frequently detected; however, hepatitis E virus was absent at either site. Campylobacter, enteroaggregative Escherichia coli , enterotoxigenic E. coli , Shiga toxin-producing E. coli , and Clostridioides difficile toxin A/B were detected at both sites. Giardia lamblia was also detected in both sites., Conclusion: We analyze multiple infectious disease pathogens under sample surveillance with incidence. Further in-depth studies on wastewater-based surveillance will be feasible and important., Competing Interests: No conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 by The Korean Society of Infectious Diseases, Korean Society for Antimicrobial Therapy, and The Korean Society for AIDS.)

Introduction & Objective: Teucrium polium belonging to Lamiaceae family has been widely used in traditional medicine for treatment of diseases. Regarding the existence of the active biological compounds in this plant, it seems that this plant has considerable antimicrobial ef-fects. The aim of this study is to investigate the antimicrobial effect of different concentra-tions of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Teucrium polium (different concentrations) on Escherichia coli PTCC 1330, Staphylococcus aureus PTCC 1337, Staphylococcus epider-midis PTCC 1435, Streptococcus pyogenes PTCC 1447 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PTCC 1310” in vitro”. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, antimicrobial effect of the extracts was ex-plored by two methods including “Collins method” (spreading of the extract on medium sur-face) and “disk agar diffusion method”. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were determined using the dilution method. Results: The results showed that in "disk agar diffusion method ", the ethanolic extract had the inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococ-cus aureus. The MIC of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts for Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 64 and 32 mg/ml, respectively and the MBC of aqueous and ethanolic extracts for Pseudo-monas aeruginsa was 256 and 128 mg/ml, respectively. Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed the highest level of resistance against the aqueous and ethanolic Teucrium polium extracts. Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Teucrium polium “in vitro” showed a considerable antim-icrobial effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the gram-negative bacteria and Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus as the gram-positive bacteria.

Pathogen transfer and infection in the built environment are globally significant events, leading to the spread of disease and an increase in subsequent morbidity and mortality rates. There are numerous strategies followed in healthcare facilities to minimize pathogen transfer, but complete infection control has not, as yet, been achieved. However, based on traditional use in many cultures, the introduction of copper products and surfaces to significantly and positively retard pathogen transmission invites further investigation. For example, many microbes are rendered unviable upon contact exposure to copper or copper alloys, either immediately or within a short time. In addition, many disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7, hospital superbugs, and several viruses (including SARS-CoV-2) are also susceptible to exposure to copper surfaces. It is thus suggested that replacing common touch surfaces in healthcare facilities, food industries, and public places (including public transport) with copper or alloys of copper may substantially contribute to limiting transmission. Subsequent hospital admissions and mortality rates will consequently be lowered, with a concomitant saving of lives and considerable levels of resources. This consideration is very significant in times of the COVID-19 pandemic and the upcoming epidemics, as it is becoming clear that all forms of possible infection control measures should be practiced in order to protect community well-being and promote healthy outcomes.

Background: We aimed to identify the genes of 35 pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and protozoa that cause waterborne infectious diseases, and to assess the feasibility of a wastewater-based surveillance system. Materials and Methods: Wastewater was aseptically sampled once a month from 2 sites. A total of 1 L of wastewater from each site underwent 0.2 μm filtration to generate the sample A. Subsequently, 200 ul of the filtered water was ultra-filtered and concentrated to generate the sample B, which was mixed with sample A in a 1:1 ratio. We performed a Filmarray® Gastrointestinal (GI) panel (BioFire Diagnnostics’, Salt Lake City, UT, USA) test to simultaneously detect 13 enterobacteria, 5 enterovirus, and 4 protozoa. RNA was extracted to assess 18 types of viruses. Results: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 adenovirus, bocavirus, and rhinovirus was detected at both site. Norovirus GI/GII was continuously detected at both sites. Moreover, adenovirus, group A rotaviruses, and hepatitis A virus were frequently detected; however, hepatitis E virus was absent at either site. Campylobacter, enteroaggregative Escherichia coli, enterotoxigenic E. coli, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, and Clostridioides difficile toxin A/B were detected at both sites. Giardia lamblia was also detected in both sites. Conclusion: We analyze multiple infectious disease pathogens under sample surveillance with incidence. Further indepth studies on wastewater-based surveillance will be feasible and important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Thousands of different microorganisms affect the health, safety, and economic stability of populations. Many different medical and governmental organizations have created lists of the pathogenic microorganisms relevant to their missions; however, the nomenclature for biological agents on these lists and pathogens described in the literature is inexact. This ambiguity can be a significant block to effective communication among the diverse communities that must deal with epidemics or bioterrorist attacks. Results We have developed a database known as the Microbial Rosetta Stone. The database relates microorganism names, taxonomic classifications, diseases, specific detection and treatment protocols, and relevant literature. The database structure facilitates linkage to public genomic databases. This paper focuses on the information in the database for pathogens that impact global public health, emerging infectious organisms, and bioterrorist threat agents. Conclusion The Microbial Rosetta Stone is available at http://www.microbialrosettastone.com/. The database provides public access to up-to-date taxonomic classifications of organisms that cause human diseases, improves the consistency of nomenclature in disease reporting, and provides useful links between different public genomic and public health databases.

Matrix-laser desorption ionization time-of flight/mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a powerful tool for the detection of target molecules in body fluids. Recently, the MALDI-TOF MS technique was applied for the rapid detection of protein profiles in cultured strains, and has rapid, simple, and universal advantages over the conventional technique. MALDI mass patterns were compared with the unique ribosomal 16S protein profiles of standard microorganism strains in a commercial database. Although this present MS technique has already been adopted as a routine method for the identification of general bacteria in the clinical laboratory field, there are still many problems to overcome regarding current challenges, necessitating the identification of more valuable species of microorganism. As the first step, we have begun the standardization of sample preparation to identify species causing infectious diseases by MALDI-TOF MS. In this special issue, we summarize the challenges in the modified preparation of clinical samples, such as blood, urine, and sputum, in our laboratory to rapidly diagnose severe infectious disease, and describe the current trends in clinical microbiology.