The source of microbial transmission influences niche colonization and microbiome development.

Early life microbial colonizers shape and support the immature vertebrate immune system. Microbial colonization relies on the vertical route via parental provisioning and the horizontal route via environmental contribution. Vertical transmission is mostly a maternal trait making it hard to determine the source of microbial colonization in order to gain insight into the establishment of the microbial community during crucial development stages. The evolution of unique male pregnancy in pipefishes and seahorses enables the disentanglement of both horizontal and vertical transmission, but also facilitates the differentiation of maternal versus paternal provisioning ranging from egg development, to male pregnancy and early juvenile development. Using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and source-tracker analyses, we revealed how the distinct origins of transmission (maternal, paternal and horizontal) shaped the juvenile internal and external microbiome establishment in the broad-nosed pipefish Syngnathus typhle. Our data suggest that transovarial maternal microbial contribution influences the establishment of the juvenile gut microbiome whereas paternal provisioning mainly shapes the juvenile external microbiome. The identification of juvenile key microbes reveals crucial temporal shifts in microbial development and enhances our understanding of microbial transmission routes, colonization dynamics and their impact on lifestyle evolution.

A Clinical Study on Microbiological Profile in Tracheostomy Wounds.

Tracheostomy is a surgical procedure in an emergency setting to relieve the upper airway obstruction by creating an opening in the anterior part of trachea. It can also be done electively to wean off from a ventilator, during an elective surgery and clearance of pulmonary secretions. This study was a retrospective analysis of microbiological profile, antibiotic sensitivity & resistance pattern in patients with a tracheostomized wound. A retrospective review of the microbiological profiles of all adult patients who underwent a tracheostomy was conducted between May 2022 and May 2023 at our hospital. Based on the tracheostomy indications, patients were allocated under obstructed and non-obstructed group. Any patient with at least one positive sample was followed up quarterly for a year. The first culture result obtained was recorded at least one month following the last antibiotic dose in each quarter. Out of the 65 tracheal aspirate results obtained from 58 patients (mean age, 57.5 ± 16.48 years), the most common procedure and indications were surgical tracheostomy (72.4%) and non-obstructed causes (74.1%), respectively. Moreover, 47.7% of the culture results indicated Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which showed significantly different proportions across the quarters (p = 0.006). Among obstructed patients, P. aeruginosa was the most common (35%), followed by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA; 23.5%). The colonization was predominantly by gram negative bacteria Acinetobacter species, P. aeruginosa & Klebsiella pneumoniae and fungal species like Candida albicans followed by Aspergillus niger and non-Albicans candida.

Microbial Symphony: Navigating the Intricacies of the Human Oral Microbiome and Its Impact on Health.

This comprehensive review delves into the forefront of research on the human oral microbiome, exploring recent advancements that span microbial colonization, state-of-the-art detection methodologies, and the complex interplay involved in disease progression. Through an exhaustive analysis of the contemporary literature, we illuminate the dynamic orchestration of microbial communities within the oral cavity, underscoring their pivotal role in health and disease. Cutting-edge detection techniques, including metagenomics and high-throughput sequencing, are discussed regarding their transformative impact on understanding the intricacies of oral microbial ecosystems. As we stand on the cusp of a new decade, this review anticipates a paradigm shift in the field, emphasizing the potential for rapid identification and targeted management of detrimental oral microorganisms. Insights gained from this exploration not only contribute to our fundamental understanding of the oral microbiome but also hold promise for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to maintain oral health. This article aims to serve as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals engaged in unraveling the mysteries of the microbial symphony within the human oral cavity.

Leveraging aquatic-terrestrial interfaces to capture putative habitat generalists.

Habitat type is a strong determinant of microbial composition. Habitat interfaces, such as the boundary between aquatic and terrestrial systems, present unique combinations of abiotic factors for microorganisms to contend with. Aside from the spillover of certain harmful microorganisms from agricultural soils into water (e.g. fecal coliform bacteria), we know little about the extent of soil-water habitat switching across microbial taxa. In this study, we developed a proof-of-concept system to facilitate the capture of putatively generalist microorganisms that can colonize and persist in both soil and river water. We aimed to examine the phylogenetic breadth of putative habitat switchers and how this varies across different source environments. Microbial composition was primarily driven by recipient environment type, with the strongest phylogenetic signal seen at the order level for river water colonizers. We also identified more microorganisms colonizing river water when soil was collected from a habitat interface (i.e. soil at the side of an intermittently flooded river, compared to soil collected further from water sources), suggesting that environmental interfaces could be important reservoirs of microbial habitat generalists. Continued development of experimental systems that actively capture microorganisms that thrive in divergent habitats could serve as a powerful tool for identifying and assessing the ecological distribution of microbial generalists.

Exploring the Microbial Landscape of Neonatal Skin Flora: A Comprehensive Review.

This comprehensive review explores the intricate landscape of the neonatal skin microbiome, shedding light on its dynamic composition, developmental nuances, and influential factors. The neonatal period represents a critical window during which microbial colonization significantly impacts local skin health and the foundational development of the immune system. Factors such as mode of delivery and gestational age underscore the vulnerability of neonates to disruptions in microbial establishment. Key findings emphasize the broader systemic implications of the neonatal skin microbiome, extending beyond immediate health outcomes to influence susceptibility to infections, allergies, and immune-related disorders. This review advocates for a paradigm shift in neonatal care, proposing strategies to preserve and promote a healthy skin microbiome for long-term health benefits. The implications of this research extend to public health, where interventions targeting the neonatal skin microbiome could potentially mitigate diseases originating in early life. As we navigate the intersection of research and practical applications, bridging the gap between knowledge and implementation becomes imperative for translating these findings into evidence-based practices and improving neonatal well-being on a broader scale.

Microbiome-derived acidity protects against microbial invasion in Drosophila.

Microbial invasions underlie host-microbe interactions resulting in pathogenesis and probiotic colonization. In this study, we explore the effects of the microbiome on microbial invasion in Drosophila melanogaster. We demonstrate that gut microbes Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Acetobacter tropicalis improve survival and lead to a reduction in microbial burden during infection. Using a microbial interaction assay, we report that L. plantarum inhibits the growth of invasive bacteria, while A. tropicalis reduces this inhibition. We further show that inhibition by L. plantarum is linked to its ability to acidify its environment via lactic acid production by lactate dehydrogenase, while A. tropicalis diminishes the inhibition by quenching acids. We propose that acid from the microbiome is a gatekeeper to microbial invasions, as only microbes capable of tolerating acidic environments can colonize the host. The methods and findings described herein will add to the growing breadth of tools to study microbe-microbe interactions in broad contexts.

Surgical Outcome and Microbial Colonization of Standardized Smear Locations after Pancreatic Head Resection (Pylorus-Preserving Pancreatoduodenectomy, PPPD) for Chronic Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Head Carcinoma.

Introduction: Patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) as well as with pancreatic head carcinoma (CA) undergo the surgical intervention named "pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy according to Traverso-Longmire (PPPD)", which allowed a comparative analysis of the postoperative courses. The hypothesis was that patients with CA would have worse general as well as immune status than patients with CP due to the severity of the tumor disease and that this would be reflected in the more disadvantageous early postoperative outcome after PPPD. Methods: With the aim of eliciting the influence of the different diagnoses, the surgical outcome of all consecutive patients who underwent surgery at the Dept. of General, Abdominal, Vascular and Transplant Surgery at the University Hospital at Magdeburg between 2002 and 2015 (inclusion criterion) was recorded and comparatively evaluated. Early postoperative outcome was characterized by general and specific complication rate indicating morbidity, mortality, and microbial colonization rate, in particular surgical site infection (SSI, according to CDC criteria). In addition, microbiological findings of swabs and cultures from all compartments as well as preoperative and perioperative parameters from patient records were retrospectively documented and used for statistical comparison in this systematic retrospective unicenter observational study (design). Results: In total, 192 cases with CA (68.1%) and 90 cases with CP (31.9%) met the inclusion criteria of this study. Surprisingly, there were similar specific complication rates of 45.3% (CA) vs. 45.6% (CP; p = 0.97) and in-hospital mortality, which differed only slightly at 3.65% (CA) vs. 3.3% (CP; p = 0.591); the overall complication rate tended to be higher for CA at 23.4% vs. 14.4% (CP; p = 0.082). Overall, potentially pathogenic germs were detected in 28.9% of all patients in CP compared to 32.8% in CA (p = 0.509), and the rate of SSI was 29.7% (CA) and 24.4% (CP; p = 0.361). In multivariate analysis, CA was found to be a significant risk factor for the development of SSI (OR: 2.025; p = 0.048); the underlying disease had otherwise no significant effect on early postoperative outcome. Significant risk factors in the multivariate analysis were also male sex for SSI and microbial colonization, and intraoperatively transfused red cell packs for mortality, general and specific complications, and surgical revisions. Conclusions: Based on these results, a partly significant, partly trending negative influence of the underlying disease CA, compared to CP, on the early postoperative outcome was found, especially with regard to SSI after PPPD. This influence is corroborated by the international literature.

Prosthetic Design Factors Influencing Peri-Implant Disease: A Comprehensive Review.

Peri-implant disease, encompassing peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis, presents a growing challenge in implant dentistry. This comprehensive review explores the intricate interplay between prosthetic design factors and the development of peri-implant disease. By analyzing the impact of prosthetic components on microbial colonization, mechanical stress, and soft tissue health, the review highlights their crucial role in disease prevention and management. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of maintenance protocols, prosthetic adjustments, and patient education in ensuring favorable long-term outcomes. The review underscores the potential for future advancements in prosthetic design, including innovative materials and digital technologies, and stresses the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in optimizing patient care. Overall, the review underscores the critical role of prosthetic design in addressing the complexities of peri-implant disease, offering insights for clinicians and researchers to enhance the success and longevity of implant-supported restorations.

Avaliação longitudinal da microbiota intestinal de uma coorte de nascimentos exposta a poluentes ambientais durante o período perinatal: Projeto Infância e Poluentes Ambientais (PIPA) / Longitudinal evaluation of the intestinal microbiota of a birth cohort exposed to environmental pollutants during the perinatal period: Childhood and Environmental Pollutants Project (PIPA)

Este estudo é parte do Projeto Infância e Poluentes Ambientais (PIPA). A contaminação do meio ambiente com uma ampla variedade de poluentes ambientais pode impactar os ecossistemas, diminuir a diversidade microbiana ambiental e alterar a microbiota associada ao trato gastrointestinal. No entanto, o efeito da exposição a poluentes ambientais na microbiota intestinal em desenvolvimento ainda é pouco investigado. Esta tese tem como objetivo estudar o efeito da exposição a poluentes ambientais na microbiota intestinal durante os primeiros seis meses de vida. Além de investigar a relação entre o consumo materno de alimentos ultraprocessados com níveis de poluentes no sangue de cordão umbilical. O gene 16S rRNA foi avaliado em amostras de mecônio e fezes de bebês com um, três e seis meses de vida e o microbioma infantil foi associado com as concentrações de metais (arsênio, cádmio, mercúrio e chumbo), substâncias perfluoroaquiladas (PFAS) e pesticidas aferidos no sangue e urina maternos e no sangue de cordão umbilical. O consumo materno de alimentos ultraprocessados foi investigado por meio de questionário de frequência alimentar. Os resultados mostram que o efeito da exposição aos poluentes foi maior quando associado a estressores do início da vida como parto cesariano e nascimento pré-termo em relação a bebês que nasceram por parto vaginal. O efeito da exposição aos poluentes na microbiota fecal também apresentou maior magnitude em bebês sob aleitamento materno exclusivo, o que sugere contaminação do leite materno. As alterações observadas na microbiota associadas a exposição aos poluentes foram diferentes quando os poluentes foram aferidos no sangue materno ou no cordão umbilical ­ sugerindo que o momento da exposição pode ser importante. Por fim, apesar da alta variabilidade intrínseca a microbiota em desenvolvimento, comunidades microbianas foram consistentemente afetadas por todos os poluentes, com clusters de táxons presentes em amostras de bebês com alta exposição aos poluentes. Além disso, recém-nascidos de mães que consumiram três ou mais subgrupos de alimentos ultraprocessados apresentaram maiores níveis de PFAS no cordão umbilical. Os resultados evidenciam que a exposição perinatal a poluentes ambientais se associa com alterações da microbiota em desenvolvimento o que pode ter relevância para a saúde. Nossos achados mostram que o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados é uma via potencialmente importante de exposição a essas substâncias.

Dynamics of Microbial Colonization of the Oral Cavity in Newborns

The host defense mechanisms are not well developed in neonates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of microbial colonization of the oral cavity in newborns. Eighty-one samples of the oral microbiota were obtained from 51 healthy newborns 10 min to 53 h after birth by gently rubbing sterile swabs onto the surface of the tongue, cheek mucosa, alveolar process and palate. After microbiological processing, counting of the colony forming units of streptococci, staphylococci and Gram-negative aerobic bacilli was performed. Between 10 min and 8 h, Staphylococcus epidermidis was detected in 30.7% of the samples; between 8 and 16 h, S. epidermidis was detected in 69.5% of the samples and streptococci in 56.5% of the samples; between 16 and 24 h, S. epidermidis, streptococci and S. aureus were detected in 77.78%, 85.18% and 37.03% of the samples, respectively. Between 24 and 53 h, S. epidermidis was detected in 88.89%, streptococci in 94.4% and S. aureus in 33.3% of the samples. Mutans streptococci were not detected in any of the samples. The adoption of strict hygienic measures by the mother and the nursing staff should be emphasized to avoid or at least delay the occurrence of infections caused by microorganisms in newborns. In addition, hospital procedures must be aseptic and invasive interventions must be minimized.

Os mecanismos de defesa do hospedeiro não estão bem desenvolvidos em neonatos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a dinâmica da colonização microbiana da cavidade oral em recém-nascidos. Oitenta e uma amostras da microbiota oral foram obtidas a partir de 51 recém-nascidos saudáveis, entre 10 min e 53 h após o nascimento, esfregando-se, suavemente, cotonetes esterilizados sobre a superfície da língua, mucosa bucal, processo alveolar e palato. Após o processamento microbiológico foi realizada a contagem de unidades formadoras de colônias de estreptococos, estafilococos e bacilos aeróbios Gram-negativos. Entre 10 min e 8 h, Staphylococcus epidermidis foram detectados em 30,7% das amostras; entre 8 e 16 h, S. epidermidis foram detectados em 69,5% das amostras e streptococci foram detectados em 56,5% das amostras. Entre 16 e 24 h, S. epidermidis, streptococci e S. aureus foram detectados em 77,78%, 85,18% e 37,03% das amostras, respectivamente. Entre 24 e 53 h, S. epidermidis foram detectados em 88,89% das amostras, streptococci em 94,4% e S. aureus em 33,3% das amostras. S. mutans não foram encontrados em nenhuma amostra. A adoção de medidas de higiene rigorosas por parte da mãe e da equipe de enfermagem deve ser enfatizada para evitar ou pelo menos retardar a ocorrência de infecções causadas por microorganismos em recém-nascidos. Adicionalmente, procedimentos hospitalares devem ser assépticos e intervenções invasivas devem ser minimizadas.