American Society for Microbiology

Antibiotic Adjuvants for Combatting Antimicrobial Resistance | ASM.org

Discovering novel antibiotics is only a single part of the solution to antimicrobial resistance—preserving the activity of existing drugs using antibiotic adjuvants is another. Learn how these compounds preserve antibiotic efficacy to ensure treatable infections stay treatable.

Antibiotic Adjuvants for Combatting Antimicrobial Resistance | ASM.org Used alongside antibiotics to minimize or block bacterial resistance, antibiotic adjuvants are key for preserving the activity of existing drugs amidst the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Up this week in : flu antivirals, advancements in phage research, protist predation and more!

(1) It's flu season! Learn about current FDA-approved influenza antivirals, viral- and host-directed antiviral approaches and the potential utility of machine learning in developing next-generation antivirals against influenza. : https://asm.social/118

(2) Introducing PhyloPlus! A new web portal allowing users to generate custom phylogenies that may be applied to any data set. : https://asm.social/11a

(3) We have only just begun to explore the murky waters surrounding phage biology. This minireview provides an overview of phage research efforts today—and how to move forward. https://asm.social/11c

(4) In researchers show that the oligosaccharide region of LPS governs predation of Escherichia coli by the bacterivorous protist, Acanthamoeba castellanii. https://asm.social/119

(5) E. coli-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) lead host cells to release EVs that enhance inflammatory responses, thus providing a novel example whereby bacterial EVs transduce biological signals to mammalian EVs. : https://asm.social/11b

Tune in next Friday for some more of the latest research published in ASM Journals!

Dr. Squire Booker ensures his students have numerous opportunities to explore their passions in STEM, and, ultimately, pursue projects that they are curious and excited about. Learn more about Dr. Booker's microbiology journey when you read the Spotlight: https://asm.social/115

In “Black Yeast Genomes Assembled from Plastic Fabric Metagenomes Reveal an Abundance of Hydrocarbon Degradation Genes,” a notable article from the Microbiology Resource Announcements Top Cited Collection, the authors explore the assembly and annotation of 10 different black yeast genomes from microbiome metagenomic data derived from biofouled plastic fabrics.

Read this paper and explore the entire collection at: https://asm.social/111

Scarlet Fever: A Deadly History and How it Prevails | ASM.org

Why did scarlet fever used to be such a dangerous disease, and why do outbreaks continue to occur even after the development of penicillin? Review the deadly history of scarlet fever and learn how the disease prevails in the modern era: https://asm.social/10Y

Scarlet Fever: A Deadly History and How it Prevails | ASM.org Why did scarlet fever used to be such a dangerous disease, and why do outbreaks continue to occur even after the development of penicillin?

Should whole genome sequencing data be included in patient records? In this lively symposium, teams will debate the issue in an attempt to win votes from the audience. Want to present at the session? Submit an abstract by Jan. 25, 12 p.m. ET! https://asm.social/10T.

The answer to this month’s Case Study Saturday question is 🥁…

C. Cryptococcus neoformans!

Get the details and learn more when you watch the video on the Case Study page: https://asm.social/10R

The presence of people from historically underrepresented groups (HUGs) in the microbial sciences is lagging. This session will discuss the successes & pitfalls of mentoring programs for HUGs, & how to address roadblocks. Submit an abstract: https://asm.social/10M

Microbiology Monday: The key to resisting predation by protists? Mixed biofilms! Strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas protegens sensitive to grazing by the protist, Tetrahymena pyrifomis, gain associational resistance when they form biofilms with grazing-resistant P. aeruginosa. How? P. aeruginosa secretes toxic molecules that keep the protist at bay. This image shows confocal micrographs of grazed and ungrazed single or mixed species biofilms. Learn more in : https://asm.social/10K

DEADLINE TOMORROW! What makes an ASM Distinguished Lecturer? These exceptional scientists have a passion for inspiring future generations of microbiologists. Lecturers for the ASMDL roster are chosen through a competitive nomination process. Submit your nomination today and help connect top experts with early-career scientists! Nominations are due on Jan. 23, 2023. Nominees must be an ASM member. https://asm.social/10J

Bacteriophage Bunks in Bacterial Barriers

On BacterioFiles: A bacteriophage that overcomes the bacterial CRISPR/Cas immune system by interrupting the CRISPR DNA with its own genome!

https://asm.social/10G

Bacteriophage Bunks in Bacterial Barriers A bacteriophage that overcomes the bacterial CRISPR/Cas immune system.

La Tripanosomiasis Americana o Enfermedad de Chagas

New, from our Spanish language podcast, Mundo de los Microbios: American Trypanosomiasis is an important public and individual health problem in the American continent. It can cause severe complications in rural populations in Central and South America and in Latin American migrants in the United States

La Tripanosomiasis Americana es un importante problema de salud pública e individual en el continente americano. Puede causar complicaciones severas en poblaciones rurales de Centro y Sudamérica y en migrantes latinoamericanos en Estados Unidos.

https://asm.social/10F

La Tripanosomiasis Americana o Enfermedad de Chagas La Tripanosomiasis Americana es un importante problema de salud pública e individual en el continente americano. Puede causar complicaciones severas en poblaciones rurales de Centro y Sudamérica y en migrantes latinoamericanos en Estados Unidos.

It’s Case Study Saturday!

The case patient is an immunocompromised male in his 50s, who presents with fatigue, weakness, failure to thrive, low back and right leg pain with a rash on the thigh and lower abdomen and altered mental status. He is HIV-negative, with a past medical history of recent orthotopic liver transplantation, no travel outside the U.S. Midwest and no recent known animal or outdoor exposures.

Can you determine the diagnosis?

A) Cutaneotrichosporon mucoides
B) Histoplasma capsulatum
C) Cryptococcus neoformans
D) Blastomyces dermatitidis

Comment below and get the answer Tuesday, Jan. 24, when you visit ASM’s Case Study Page: https://asm.social/10D

Up this week in , we've got articles about outer membrane vesicles, new β-lactamase inhibitors, the future of microbiome-based forensics and more. Check them out!

(1) Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) may shield Klebsiella pneumoniae and act as decoys to polymyxin attack by reducing the export of proteins involved in polymyxin resistance. : https://asm.social/10x

(2) There are more than 7,700 class A β-lactamase variants. Researchers conducted biochemical & structural analyses on 2 boronic acid state inhibitors, which could be optimized as potent inactivators of KPC and CTX-β-lactamases. : https://asm.social/10B

(3) Apergillus fumigatus drives tissue damage via iterative assaults on mucosal integrity and immune homeostasis. Learn more in : https://asm.social/10A

(4) This new review explores how to integrate microbiome-based analyses into existing forensic frameworks to provide alternate lines of evidence & improve the quality of crime scene investigations: https://asm.social/10z

(5) Acinetobacter baumannii kills fungi by injecting a DNase effector into cells via its T6SS—degradation of the immunity protein preventing the effector from harming A. baumannii itself may be an effective strategy to kill the pathogen. : https://asm.social/10y

Check back next week for more articles from ASM Journals!

Molecular Testing for Periprosthetic Joint Infections

The applications of large multiplex panels for detection of pathogens have greatly expanded in the past several years. Initial tests were for detection of respiratory viruses, and the first such test was labor intensive and vulnerable to frequent contamination. Since then, additional sample types have been added, such as cerebrospinal fluid and positive blood culture broths, and tests are easier to perform and reasonably reliable.

Editors in Conversation discuss a research use only multiplex PCR assay for detection of pathogens in joint infections, and find out how it compares to targeted metagenomic sequencing and culture for detection of pathogens in periprosthetic joint infections.

Guests:

- Dr. Marisa Azad - Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at The Ottawa Hospital and an Associate Clinical Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.
- Dr. Robin Patel - Co-Director of the Bacteriology Laboratory at the Mayo Clinic, where she is Professor of Medicine and Professor of Microbiology.

https://asm.social/10v

Molecular Testing for Periprosthetic Joint Infections A research use only multiplex PCR assay for detection of pathogens in joint infections.

LAST CHANCE! 55 Years & 500+ lectures strong, the ASM Distinguished Lecturer (ASMDL) Program brings together a diverse roster of accomplished scientists who deliver lectures to ASM branches throughout the United States. Nominate exceptional scientists for this prestigious program and help shape and inspire future generations of microbiologists. Nominations are due on Jan. 23., 2023. Nominees must be an ASM member. https://asm.social/10s

Gut Microbiome Communication: The Gut-Organ Axis | ASM.org

How can microbes in the gut impact brain, skin and other major organ function? Learn about the gut-organ axis and how dysbiosis in the human gut microbiome has been linked to diseases of the body and mind. https://asm.social/10q

Gut Microbiome Communication: The Gut-Organ Axis | ASM.org The relationship between the human gut microbiome and organ function outside the gut is known as the gut-organ axis.

An Update on COVID-19 Therapeutics

COVID-19 continues to pose major problems in the winter in the USA. Infections and hospitalizations are increasing and there is a fear of emergence of new variants. Therapeutic tools are also evolving. Editors in Conversation discuss these new developments including:

- The latest facts on COVID
- Current therapeutic approaches including antivirals and monoclonal antibodies
- Future perspectives for the coming year on COVID-19.

Guest:

Adarsh Bhimraj, MD. Director of Education and Fellowships, Division of Infectious Diseases, Houston Methodsit Hospital. Chair IDSA Guidelines for COVID-19.

https://asm.social/10n

An Update on COVID-19 Therapeutics The latest facts on COVID, the current therapeutic approaches including antivirals and monoclonal antibodies, and future perspectives for the coming year on COVID-19.

If you study the role of microbes in crop resistance & resilience to environmental changes, disease pressure, yield & quality, this session is for you! To submit an abstract for this in-depth symposium, & explore other sessions, visit https://asm.social/10j.

ASM Microbe brings together renowned scientists who are experts in the hottest topics and most pressing global issues in microbiology. This year, Ambassador John Nkengasong, M.Sc., Ph.D., will share his insights at ASM Microbe 2023. Will you? Submit an abstract to share your research among world leaders and peers. Submissions close on Jan. 25. https://asm.social/10g

This just in! Edward Holmes, "Virus Hunter," world-renowned expert on virus evolution and a key figure in the debate over the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, will share his insights during the President's Forum at ASM Microbe 2023. Submit an abstract to add your science to the program. Submissions close in 1 week! https://asm.social/10e

Want to improve your science communication skills? Register for ASM’s online training course, “Science Communication for Microbiologists.” Offered exclusively for ASM members, this 5-week course uses literature-based theory and real-world practice to lead participants through the basics of effective communication. Register here: https://asm.social/10d

As ASM looks toward celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2024, shared findings from the oral and written records are helping to identify gaps, progress and successes in past and current DEI efforts, while honoring individuals who have fought (and continue to fight) social injustice and racial disparities in order to address systemic inequities in the microbial sciences and around the globe. Read the article: https://asm.social/10a

How Do Microbes Remove Radioactive Waste? | ASM.org

Certain environmental bacteria can remove radioactive elements from nuclear waste, protecting humans & the environment from the harmful effects of radionucleotides. How can scientists harness this microbial adaptability for the bioremediation of radioactive waste? https://asm.social/105

How Do Microbes Remove Radioactive Waste? | ASM.org Certain environmental bacteria can remove radioactive elements from nuclear waste, reducing the deleterious impact. How do microbes protect from radionucleotides, and how can the tactics be harnessed?

What makes an ASM Distinguished Lecturer? This exceptional group of scientists have outstanding speaking skills and a certain passion for inspiring future generations of microbiologists. Lecturers for the ASMDL roster are chosen through a competitive nomination process, and only the most distinguished lecturers and researchers are selected to participate. Submit your nomination today! Nominations are due Jan. 23, 2023. Nominees must be an ASM member. Learn more: https://asm.social/104

Antifungal resistance is becoming a major threat. Share your work on the mechanisms and clinical applications of, and resistance to, new antifungal agents by submitting an abstract to this session. Find all the info you need here: https://asm.social/101

In case you missed it! Medical lab science is a broad field that applies hands-on, laboratory-based skills to numerous disciplines.

In the latest episode of Career Conversations for the Medical and Public Health Laboratory Scientist, Neil Greene, Ph.D., of the University of Rhode Island, Wilson Vientos, M.S., MT(ASCP)SM of VA Connecticut Healthcare System, and Justine Chelette, MLS(ASCP) of Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College and Rhode Island Hospital, discuss how to navigate career opportunities related to the medical laboratory.

Learn more when you listen to the episode now: https://asm.social/ZX and stay tuned for upcoming Career Conversations coming soon to https://asm.social/ZY

Microbiology Monday: In 2015, in the Kingdom of Tonga in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, an island was formed. Born from a series of month-long underwater volcanic eruptions, the island, Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha'apai (HTHH), offered a rare chance to study the succession of microbes on a newly formed landmass. In , scientists characterized the microbes in HTHH's surface sediments to learn about their origins and unique metabolisms. Though HTHH was obliterated by a massive volcanic eruption in 2022, thus preventing follow-up investigations, the findings bolster our understanding of early microbial colonizers of volcanic islands. Learn more: https://asm.social/ZU

DEADLINE APPROACHING! Do you know an exceptional scientist with outstanding speaking ability and a passion to help inspire future generations of microbiologists? Nominate them for the ASM Distinguished Lecturer (ASMDL) Program today! Lecturers present at ASM Branch meetings throughout the U.S. and participate in career development and mentoring activities that benefit students, postdocs and early career scientists. Nominations are due Jan. 23, 2023. Nominees must be an ASM member. https://asm.social/ZR

January is “National Mentoring Month”! Whether you are a student or early career or established scientist, research shows that mentorship plays a significant role in developing and sustaining personal and professional career goals. With ASM’s Future Leaders Mentoring Fellowship, engaging in leadership training and development, enhancing your skills, and connecting with peers has never been easier. Don’t wait to apply—the application deadline is March 10. https://asm.social/ZQ

Plasmids and the Spread of Antibiotic Resistance Genes | ASM.org

Bacteria sharing their antibiotic resistance genes is one of the main perpetuators of the ongoing AMR crisis. New research explores how Salmonella Typhimurium uses a plasmid to share resistance genes in the mammalian gut, even without antibiotic pressure. https://asm.social/ZM

Plasmids and the Spread of Antibiotic Resistance Genes | ASM.org Bacteria sharing their antibiotic resistance genes is a primary perpetuator of the ongoing AMR crisis. Research sheds light on how S. Typhimurium does so, even without antibiotic pressure.

Happy Friday! Up this week in , we've got articles about gut bacteria, the microbial effects of sleep deprivation, β-lactamases and more. Check them out!

(1) Clostridium innocuum has been implicated as a potential causative agent of diarrhea in patients from whom Clostridioides difficile could not be isolated. This study is the first to explore the bacterium's diversity & prevalence in the human gut: https://asm.social/ZH

(2) Bugs & β-lactamases? In , researchers present the complete genome sequence of an Entomomonas strain isolated from larvae of the darkling beetle, Zophobas morio. The isolate was resistant to aztreonam & contained a novel class D β-lactamase gene. https://asm.social/ZI

(3) B and T cells gain a diverse repertoire of receptors via V(D)J recombination. However, the topic can be difficult for students to master. This article describes a hands-on activity to teach students the recombination process as it occurs in B cells: https://asm.social/ZK

(4) Sleep deprived? According to this study, sleep deficiency causes qualitative & selective changes in gut microbiota composition, & decreases concentrations of butyrate, ultimately causing small intestinal mucosal injury. https://asm.social/ZL

(5) Mycobacterium smegmatis has been at the vanguard of mycobacterial research. This review outlines how the bacterium has advanced our understanding of mycobacteria, including by serving as a model for M. tuberculosis drug-target studies. https://asm.social/ZJ

Stay tuned for more articles from ASM Journals!