Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.4
4.1
Journals
Microorganisms
Special Issues
Latest Review Papers in Medical Microbiology 2024
share announcement

Latest Review Papers in Medical Microbiology 2024

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2024) | Viewed by 20282

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Antonella d'Arminio Monforte

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Icona Foundation, 20142 Milan, Italy
2. Clinic of Infectious Diseases, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
Interests: liver diseases; HIV infection; HIV prevention; tuberculosis; clinical infectious diseases; infectious disease epidemiology; mycobacterium tuberculosis; viral infection; immunology of infectious diseases
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is the continuation of our previous special issue "Latest Review Papers in Medical Microbiology 2023".

It aims to collect high-quality review papers in all the fields of medical microbiology. We encourage researchers from related fields to contribute review papers highlighting the latest developments in medical microbiology, or to invite other relevant experts and colleagues to do so. Full length comprehensive reviews will be preferred.

Prof. Dr. Antonella d'Arminio Monforte
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • review papers
  • medical microbiology
  • infectious diseases

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Review

37 pages, 2578 KiB  
Review
Tackling Infectious Diseases in the Caribbean and South America: Epidemiological Insights, Antibiotic Resistance, Associated Infectious Diseases in Immunological Disorders, Global Infection Response, and Experimental Anti-Idiotypic Vaccine Candidates Against Microorganisms of Public Health Importance
by Angel Justiz-Vaillant, Sachin Soodeen, Darren Gopaul, Rodolfo Arozarena-Fundora, Reinand Thompson, Chandrashekhar Unakal and Patrick E. Akpaka
Microorganisms 2025, 13(2), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13020282 - 27 Jan 2025
Viewed by 694
Abstract
This paper explores various aspects of microbiology and immunology, with a particular focus on the epidemiology and molecular characterisation of infectious diseases in the Caribbean and South America. Key areas of investigation include tuberculosis (TB), experimental vaccines, and bloodborne pathogens. A retrospective study [...] Read more.
This paper explores various aspects of microbiology and immunology, with a particular focus on the epidemiology and molecular characterisation of infectious diseases in the Caribbean and South America. Key areas of investigation include tuberculosis (TB), experimental vaccines, and bloodborne pathogens. A retrospective study conducted in Jamaica highlights the significance of early HIV screening, timely diagnosis, and inte-grated care. The paper also examines the challenges posed by nosocomial infections, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), emphasising the critical importance of infection control measures. Additionally, it explores the regional microbiome, the global response to infectious diseases, and immune responses in patients with immunodeficiency disorders such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), underscoring their heightened susceptibility to a wide range of infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Review Papers in Medical Microbiology 2024)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 785 KiB  
Review
A Comprehensive Review of the Diagnostics for Pediatric Tuberculosis Based on Assay Time, Ease of Operation, and Performance
by Soumya Basu and Subhra Chakraborty
Microorganisms 2025, 13(1), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13010178 - 16 Jan 2025
Viewed by 621
Abstract
Pediatric tuberculosis (TB) is still challenged by several diagnostic bottlenecks, imposing a high TB burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Diagnostic turnaround time (TAT) and ease of operation to suit resource-limited settings are critical aspects that determine early treatment and influence morbidity [...] Read more.
Pediatric tuberculosis (TB) is still challenged by several diagnostic bottlenecks, imposing a high TB burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Diagnostic turnaround time (TAT) and ease of operation to suit resource-limited settings are critical aspects that determine early treatment and influence morbidity and mortality. Based on TAT and ease of operation, this article reviews the evolving landscape of TB diagnostics, from traditional methods like microscopy and culture to cutting-edge molecular techniques and biomarker-based approaches. We examined the benefits of efficient rapid results against potential trade-offs in accuracy and clinical utility. The review highlights emerging molecular methods and artificial intelligence-based detection methods, which offer promising improvements in both speed and sensitivity. The review also addresses the challenges of implementing these technologies in resource-limited settings, where most pediatric TB cases occur. Gaps in the existing diagnostic methods, algorithms, and operational costs were also reviewed. Developing optimal diagnostic strategies that balance speed, performance, cost, and feasibility in diverse healthcare settings can provide valuable insights for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Review Papers in Medical Microbiology 2024)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

32 pages, 1321 KiB  
Review
Shattering the Amyloid Illusion: The Microbial Enigma of Alzheimer’s Disease Pathogenesis—From Gut Microbiota and Viruses to Brain Biofilms
by Anna Onisiforou, Eleftheria G. Charalambous and Panos Zanos
Microorganisms 2025, 13(1), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13010090 - 5 Jan 2025
Viewed by 2228
Abstract
For decades, Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) research has focused on the amyloid cascade hypothesis, which identifies amyloid-beta (Aβ) as the primary driver of the disease. However, the consistent failure of Aβ-targeted therapies to demonstrate efficacy, coupled with significant safety concerns, underscores the need to [...] Read more.
For decades, Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) research has focused on the amyloid cascade hypothesis, which identifies amyloid-beta (Aβ) as the primary driver of the disease. However, the consistent failure of Aβ-targeted therapies to demonstrate efficacy, coupled with significant safety concerns, underscores the need to rethink our approach to AD treatment. Emerging evidence points to microbial infections as environmental factors in AD pathoetiology. Although a definitive causal link remains unestablished, the collective evidence is compelling. This review explores unconventional perspectives and emerging paradigms regarding microbial involvement in AD pathogenesis, emphasizing the gut–brain axis, brain biofilms, the oral microbiome, and viral infections. Transgenic mouse models show that gut microbiota dysregulation precedes brain Aβ accumulation, emphasizing gut–brain signaling pathways. Viral infections like Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may lead to AD by modulating host processes like the immune system. Aβ peptide’s antimicrobial function as a response to microbial infection might inadvertently promote AD. We discuss potential microbiome-based therapies as promising strategies for managing and potentially preventing AD progression. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) restores gut microbial balance, reduces Aβ accumulation, and improves cognition in preclinical models. Probiotics and prebiotics reduce neuroinflammation and Aβ plaques, while antiviral therapies targeting HSV-1 and vaccines like the shingles vaccine show potential to mitigate AD pathology. Developing effective treatments requires standardized methods to identify and measure microbial infections in AD patients, enabling personalized therapies that address individual microbial contributions to AD pathogenesis. Further research is needed to clarify the interactions between microbes and Aβ, explore bacterial and viral interplay, and understand their broader effects on host processes to translate these insights into clinical interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Review Papers in Medical Microbiology 2024)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

45 pages, 612 KiB  
Review
Development of Effective Medical Countermeasures Against the Main Biowarfare Agents: The Importance of Antibodies
by Arnaud Avril, Sophie Guillier and Christine Rasetti-Escargueil
Microorganisms 2024, 12(12), 2622; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122622 - 18 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1678
Abstract
The COVID-19 and mpox crisis has reminded the world of the potentially catastrophic consequences of biological agents. Aside from the natural risk, biological agents can also be weaponized or used for bioterrorism. Dissemination in a population or among livestock could be used to [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 and mpox crisis has reminded the world of the potentially catastrophic consequences of biological agents. Aside from the natural risk, biological agents can also be weaponized or used for bioterrorism. Dissemination in a population or among livestock could be used to destabilize a nation by creating a climate of terror, by negatively impacting the economy and undermining institutions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classify biological agents into three categories (A or Tier 1, B and C) according to the risk they pose to the public and national security. Category A or Tier 1 consists of the six pathogens with the highest risk to the population (Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, Francisella tularensis, botulinum neurotoxins, smallpox and viral hemorrhagic fevers). Several medical countermeasures, such as vaccines, antibodies and chemical drugs, have been developed to prevent or cure the diseases induced by these pathogens. This review presents an overview of the primary medical countermeasures, and in particular, of the antibodies available against the six pathogens on the CDC’s Tier 1 agents list, as well as against ricin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Review Papers in Medical Microbiology 2024)
17 pages, 939 KiB  
Review
Optimizing Ultrasound Probe Disinfection for Healthcare-Associated Infection Control: A Comparative Analysis of Disinfectant Efficacy
by Gaetano Ferrara, Giovanni Cangelosi, Sara Morales Palomares, Stefano Mancin, Marianna Melina, Orejeta Diamanti, Marco Sguanci, Antonella Amendola and Fabio Petrelli
Microorganisms 2024, 12(12), 2394; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122394 - 22 Nov 2024
Viewed by 879
Abstract
Background/Aims: Ultrasound is a key diagnostic tool in modern medicine due to its ability to provide real-time, high-resolution images of the internal structures of the human body. Despite its undeniable advantages, there are challenges related to the contamination of ultrasound probes, with the [...] Read more.
Background/Aims: Ultrasound is a key diagnostic tool in modern medicine due to its ability to provide real-time, high-resolution images of the internal structures of the human body. Despite its undeniable advantages, there are challenges related to the contamination of ultrasound probes, with the risk of healthcare-associated infections. The aim of this review was to identify the most effective disinfectants for disinfecting ultrasound probes to prevent the transmission of pathogens between patients. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using the PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases, resulting in the inclusion of 16 studies from an initial 1202 records. Results: Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was the most effective disinfectant, especially in automated systems, achieving a >5-log10 reduction in viral load, including that of resistant pathogens like Human Papillomavirus. Chlorhexidine gluconate (4%) demonstrated strong antibacterial efficacy, eliminating 84.62% of bacterial contamination, but was less effective against viral pathogens. Glutaraldehyde was effective in some cases, though its use carried a higher risk of probe damage. The use of sodium hypochlorite varied across guidelines; some endorsed it for COVID-19 prevention, while others cautioned against its application due to potential probe damage. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of advanced disinfection technologies and strict adherence to protocols in improving infection control. Automated systems utilizing H2O2 strike an ideal balance between antimicrobial efficacy and equipment preservation. Future research should focus on developing disinfection methods that prioritize safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability in various clinical environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Review Papers in Medical Microbiology 2024)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 1819 KiB  
Review
MALDI-TOF MS: A Reliable Tool in the Real Life of the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory
by Adriana Calderaro and Carlo Chezzi
Microorganisms 2024, 12(2), 322; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12020322 - 3 Feb 2024
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 11590
Abstract
Matrix-Assisted Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) in the last decade has revealed itself as a valid support in the workflow in the clinical microbiology laboratory for the identification of bacteria and fungi, demonstrating high reliability and effectiveness in this application. Its [...] Read more.
Matrix-Assisted Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) in the last decade has revealed itself as a valid support in the workflow in the clinical microbiology laboratory for the identification of bacteria and fungi, demonstrating high reliability and effectiveness in this application. Its use has reduced, by 24 h, the time to obtain a microbiological diagnosis compared to conventional biochemical automatic systems. MALDI-TOF MS application to the detection of pathogens directly in clinical samples was proposed but requires a deeper investigation, whereas its application to positive blood cultures for the identification of microorganisms and the detection of antimicrobial resistance are now the most useful applications. Thanks to its rapidity, accuracy, and low price in reagents and consumables, MALDI-TOF MS has also been applied to different fields of clinical microbiology, such as the detection of antibiotic susceptibility/resistance biomarkers, the identification of aminoacidic sequences and the chemical structure of protein terminal groups, and as an emerging method in microbial typing. Some of these applications are waiting for an extensive evaluation before confirming a transfer to the routine. MALDI-TOF MS has not yet been used for the routine identification of parasites; nevertheless, studies have been reported in the last few years on its use in the identification of intestinal protozoa, Plasmodium falciparum, or ectoparasites. Innovative applications of MALDI-TOF MS to viruses’ identification were also reported, seeking further studies before adapting this tool to the virus’s diagnostic. This mini-review is focused on the MALDI-TOF MS application in the real life of the diagnostic microbiology laboratory. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Review Papers in Medical Microbiology 2024)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop