Latest Articles
Research ArticleStreptococcus suis MsmK: Novel Cell Division Protein Interacting with FtsZ and Maintaining Cell ShapeBacterial cell division is a highly ordered process regulated in time and space and is a potential target for the development of antimicrobial drugs. Bacteria of distinct shapes depend on different cell division mechanisms, but the mechanisms used by ovococci remain largely unknown.
Research ArticleMicrobial Diversity and Mercury Methylation Activity in Periphytic Biofilms at a Run-of-River Hydroelectric Dam and Constructed WetlandsMonomethylmercury (MMHg) is a biomagnifiable neurotoxin of global concern with risks to human health mostly associated with fish consumption. Hydroelectric reservoirs are known to be sources of MMHg many years after their impoundment.
Research ArticleGenomic Epidemiology of CC30 Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains from Argentina Reveals Four Major Clades with Distinctive Genetic FeaturesThe rise in prevalence of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is of public health concern. In Argentina, several studies documented a shift in the epidemiology of CA-MRSA since 2009, with clonal complex 30 (CC30) and, in particular, sequence type 30 MRSA SCCmec type IV(ST30-MRSA-IV) replacing other clones both in...
Resource ReportMapping Gene-by-Gene Single-Nucleotide Variation in 8,535 Mycobacterium tuberculosis Genomes: a Resource To Support Potential Vaccine and Drug DevelopmentTuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In the first half of the 20th century, the discovery of the Mycobacterium bovis BCG vaccine and antituberculous drugs heralded a new era in the control of TB.
Editor's Pick Research ArticlePathogenesis Study of Enterovirus 71 Using a Novel Human SCARB2 Knock-In Mouse ModelEnterovirus 71 (EV71) is associated with severe hand-foot-mouth disease. Recently, outbreaks of EV71 infection with high mortality have been reported in the Asia-Pacific region, posing a great challenge for global public health.
Research ArticleGraXRS-Dependent Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to Human Osteoarthritic Synovial FluidOsteoarthritis, a degenerative disease that results in the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone, is the most prevalent joint disease in the United States. Surgical intervention, including total joint replacement, is a clinically effective procedure that can help to restore the patient’s quality of life.
Research ArticleComparative Study of the Susceptibility to Oxidative Stress between Two Types of Mycobacterium bovis BCG Tokyo 172This study revealed the difference of in vivo and in vitro antioxidative stress properties of BCG Tokyo 172 types I and II as one of the bacteriological characteristics. In particular, the bacilli exhibited differences in catalase/peroxidase activity, which could explain their different protective effects against infection.
Opinion/HypothesisOriginal Antigenic Sin: the Downside of Immunological Memory and Implications for COVID-19The concept of original antigenic sin (OAS) was put forth many years ago to explain how humoral memory responses generated against one set of antigens can affect the nature of antibody responses elicited to challenge infections or vaccinations containing a similar but not identical array of antigens. Here, we highlight the link between OAS and the germinal center reaction (GCR), a process unique to activated B cells undergoing somatic...
Research ArticleBroadly Reactive H2 Hemagglutinin Vaccines Elicit Cross-Reactive Antibodies in Ferrets Preimmune to Seasonal Influenza A VirusesH1N1 and H3N2 influenza viruses have cocirculated in the human population since 1977. Nearly every human alive today has antibodies and memory B and T cells against these two subtypes of influenza viruses.
Research ArticleThe ABC-Type Efflux Pump MacAB Is Involved in Protection of Serratia marcescens against Aminoglycoside Antibiotics, Polymyxins, and Oxidative StressThe opportunistic pathogen Serratia marcescens can cause urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, meningitis, and sepsis in immunocompromised individuals. These infections are challenging to treat due to the intrinsic resistance of S. marcescens to an extensive array of antibiotics.
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