Complete Genome Sequences of Subcluster C1 Mycobacteriophages Blackbrain, Cactojaque, Kboogie, Trinitium, and YoungMoneyMata.

Five subcluster C1 mycobacteriophages, Blackbrain, Cactojaque, Kboogie, Trinitium, and YoungMoneyMata, were isolated from soil using the host Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2155. The genome sizes range from 154,512 to 156,223 bp. The largest genome encodes 237 predicted proteins, 34 tRNAs, and 1 transfer-messenger RNA (tmRNA).

Complete Genome Sequences of Mycobacteriophages SynergyX, Abinghost, Bananafish, and Delton.

Four lytic mycobacteriophages, namely, SynergyX, Abinghost, Bananafish, and Delton, were isolated from soil in Washington, DC, using the bacterial host Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2155. Analysis of the genomes revealed that they belong to two subclusters of actinobacteriophage cluster B (subclusters B2 and B3) and subcluster D1 of cluster D.

Trichomoniasis, a new look at a common but neglected STI in African descendance population in the United States and the Black Diaspora. A review of its incidence, research prioritization, and the resulting health disparities.

Structural racism plays a significant role in limited access to higher education, financial resources, employment opportunities, and high-quality healthcare for African Americans. The lack of healthcare equity and infrastructure has directly contributed to overall poor healthcare outcomes for the Black community. Studies have shown that adverse health outcomes such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are more prevalent in African Americans, regardless of their socioeconomic factors and lifestyles. For example, trichomoniasis, transmitted sexually by its etiological agent, Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis), predisposes those infected to co-infections with other STDs, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes, and other related infections. Our review showcases the impact of trichomoniasis on the health of the Black community with an emphasis on African American women. A critical examination of the socio-demographic history of Black people in the United States (US) is vital to illustrate the origin of past and current racial health disparities. Further, we expand the complex and nuanced conversation on the intersectionality of racism, health equity, and innovative epidemiological and biomedical research strategies needed to eradicate this global public health threat.

Complete Genome Sequences of Mycobacteriophages Dallas and Jonghyun.

Two temperate mycobacteriophages, Dallas and Jonghyun, were isolated from soil in Washington, DC, using the bacterial host Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2155. Analysis of the genomes revealed that Dallas and Jonghyun belong to clusters J and G, respectively. The structures of the genomes are typical of their respective clusters.