Central carbon metabolism is essential for bacterial survival, making it a promising target for antimicrobial strategies. Bacterial cuproptosis-like and ferroptosis-like deaths are tightly linked to central carbon metabolism, yet their complete mechanistic cascades remain poorly understood. In addition, both death pathways are constrained by intracellular glutathione (GSH). Herein, we constructed chitosan-copper nanoclusters (CS-CuCs) as nanoantibiotics that selectively accumulate within bacteria to synergistically disrupt the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. CS-CuCs induces copper overload, impairs lipoylated and iron-sulfur (Fe-S) proteins, triggering cuproptosis-like death. Their peroxidase-like activity further generates reactive oxygen species, thereby exacerbating TCA cycle disruption. The subsequent dysfunction in central carbon metabolism reduces the supply of biosynthetic precursors of GSH, thereby compromising antioxidant defenses and provoking ferroptosis-like death. Metabolic collapse ultimately leads to cascading metabolic cell death in bacteria. Notably, CS-CuCs effectively eradicate biofilm-embedded and multidrug-resistant bacteria and exhibit excellent therapeutic efficacy in a mouse peritonitis-sepsis infection model. This study establishes a central carbon metabolism-targeted metabolic disruption strategy, providing a novel paradigm for triggering bacterial metabolic cell death.

We evaluated the probability of needing public health actions against trachoma in Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador, by estimating seroconversion rates of Chlamydia trachomatis plasma gene protein 3 IgG in children. Seroconversion rates suggest high probability of the need for public health interventions in rural communities and motivate further assessment.

Integrating light-harvesting materials with non-photosynthetic microbes offers a promising route to convert sunlight into chemicals. However, many existing biohybrid systems lack a clear architectural basis linking external light capture to intracellular redox processes. Inspired by the modular architecture of anoxygenic photosynthesis, we report a dual biohybrid system for light-enhanced chemical production in Escherichia coli. The system combines extracellular conjugated polymer nanoparticles as light-harvesting antenna with intracellularly biomineralized CdS nanoparticles as reaction-center-like charge-separation modules. This architecture supports light-enhanced malate production, yielding nearly a 30-fold enhancement relative to unmodified cells. Illumination-dependent studies reveal that activity is governed by light absorption, photon flux, and the intracellular redox environment. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy further indicates photophysical coupling between the polymer and CdS components, consistent with energy transfer across the bio-synthetic interface and enhanced intracellular redox activity. Together, these results show how modular organization at the bio-synthetic interface can couple light harvesting with intracellular redox chemistry in living systems.

Antimicrobial resistance is a major global health threat, with disproportionate impact in regions with limited diagnostic infrastructure. To address this challenge, we developed BADLOCK (Bacterial and AMR Detection by SHERLOCK), a rapid, low-cost molecular diagnostic platform for direct detection of bacterial pathogens and resistance genes from clinical samples. BADLOCK operates as a one-pot CRISPR-Cas13a reaction capable of detecting nine bacterial species and four major resistance genes directly from positive blood culture. It requires only a heat block and a basic fluorometer for operation. We validated BADLOCK on 194 sequentially collected clinical blood culture specimens growing Gram-negative rods, supplemented with 69 mock samples generated from banked isolates enriched for targeted resistance genes. In all, we conducted 2224 individual reactions, achieving 97.6% accuracy (2171 of 2224) at the reaction level. At the assay level, 89.5% (274 of 306) showed perfect or partial concordance with gold-standard species and resistance gene detection, including 255 assays with perfect concordance and 19 with partial concordance (correct detection of at least one pathogen). This included an evaluation of BADLOCK as a potential culture-free diagnostic for urinary tract infections (UTIs), achieving 98.0% reaction-level accuracy. At the assay level, 95.3% (41 of 43) were partially or perfectly concordant with gold-standard detection of both species and resistance genes. To our knowledge, this represents the first demonstration of the CRISPR-Cas13a diagnostic platform on clinical bloodstream infections to date and supports BADLOCK's potential as a practical and scalable solution for rapid pathogen and resistance gene detection in resource-constrained settings.

Post-transcriptional transfer RNA (tRNA) modifications dynamically regulate translational capacity, yet whether the tRNA epitranscriptome is temporally coordinated with gene expression programs during bacterial growth remains unknown. Here, we combine time-resolved nanopore tRNA sequencing, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry modification profiling, transcriptomics, and proteomics across the Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 growth cycle to show that tRNA-modifying enzymes, the corresponding tRNA modifications, and modification-dependent genes are expressed in a coordinated temporal cascade. GidA-dependent 5-methylaminomethyl-2-thiouridine (mnm5s2U) modifications exemplify this program: GidA expression peaks during early growth, followed by rising mnm5s2U levels coinciding with maximal expression of genes enriched in rare AGA and UUA codons, with a concomitant enrichment of virulence-associated functions. This sequential pattern is consistent with a feedforward architecture in which the modification machinery acts in advance of translational demands. This mechanism is especially relevant for a set of horizontally acquired genes, suggesting that temporally programmed tRNA epitranscriptomic remodeling may help bridge local codon usage deviations between horizontally acquired genes and the core translational context.

Flagella and nanotubes are two major bacterial apparatuses involved in driving bacterial interactions. Flagella enable cells to perform exploratory roles, whereas nanotubes physically connect nearby cells, facilitating direct transfer of cytoplasmic materials. The only known regulatory protein in Bacillus subtilis that modulates nanotube biogenesis is metallophosphodiesterase YmdB, a global effector, through a route largely elusive. We report that YmdB recruits YdzF for nanotube production. YdzF is a MarR/DUF24 family transcriptional regulator belonging to MarR superfamily required for oxidative stress adaptation, a phenomenon executed by redox-sensing cysteine switches. However, YdzF behaves non-canonically due to proximally positioned intermolecular cysteine residues, hindering its conformational rearrangement. Independent of redox sensing, YdzF recognizes an unrelated flagellar Pfla/che promoter to modulate fla/che operon expression required for nanotube and flagella biogenesis. This promoter recognition by YdzF is entirely governed by YmdB. Furthermore, YdzF-mediated nanotube formation is widespread in Gram-positive bacteria.

Enterococcus faecalis is a commensal of the human gastrointestinal microbiota that has emerged as a successful opportunistic pathogen associated with persistent infections, antimicrobial resistance, and biofilm formation. Increasing evidence indicates that iron availability functions as a master environmental signal coordinating E. faecalis pathogenic traits. This review summarizes clinical, molecular, and sequencing-based studies linking iron homeostasis to extracellular DNA (eDNA) dynamics, biofilm architecture, virulence regulation, and immune evasion, and critically evaluates the emerging but still associative evidence connecting E. faecalis to colorectal carcinogenesis. We highlight how iron sensing and uptake systems modulate biofilm stability through eDNA release, metabolic cooperation, and transcriptional control via the ferric uptake regulator (Fur) and other regulatory networks. We further integrate experimental findings that suggest how these mechanisms may promote inflammation-driven tumorigenesis in the colon, although a complete causal pathway has not yet been established. Finally, we discuss translational implications, including iron-targeting and eDNA-disruptive strategies as promising anti-virulence approaches, and identify key knowledge gaps requiring future investigation. This review positions iron metabolism at the center of E. faecalis pathogenicity and underscores its potential as a therapeutic target, while recognizing the need for further mechanistic and clinical validation.

Bacteria inhabiting the mammalian gut coexist in dense communities where contact-dependent antagonism mechanisms are widespread. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is an interbacterial toxin delivery pathway prevalent among gut Bacteroidales, yet its function in naturally evolved microbiomes remains poorly defined. Here, we examine the role of the T6SS in Bacteroides within a physiologically relevant gut community derived from wild mice (the WildR microbiome). Using newly developed genetic tools and a strategy for functional replacement of strains within the WildR community, we demonstrate that the WildR isolate B. acidifaciens employs a T6SS to antagonize co-resident Bacteroidales. We also show that loss of T6SS function compromises the long-term maintenance of B. acidifaciens in the community but not its initial colonization, establishing the system as a determinant of strain persistence. The T6SS we identified resides on an integrative and conjugative element (ICE). ICE-seq, a targeted sequencing approach, reveals that the T6SS-ICE is distributed among select Bacteroidales and Muribaculaceae species in the WildR microbiome, between which it appears to be recently exchanged. We also show that transfer of the T6SS-ICE to WildR isolate Phocaeicola vulgatus confers transient colonization benefits in mice, but is linked to eventual population decline. Our findings demonstrate that the T6SS can stabilize the presence of specific strains within a complex, co-evolved gut microbiome, yet its value is context dependent and constrained by the ecological and physiological landscape of the host community.

In this study, a total of 2818 food samples of animal origin collected from 18 states of India using a stratified random sampling method were processed for isolation of Salmonella spp. PCR serotyping was performed to identify non-typhoidal serovars. All confirmed Salmonella isolates were screened for antibacterial susceptibility and for their virulence potential using the Galleria mellonella larvae. Microbiological screening identified 58 Salmonella spp. isolates (2.06%). Variation in isolation rate was not evident in various types of samples that were screened, and the place of isolation. On PCR serotyping, 39.65% were identified as S. Typhimurium, 32.76% as S. Enteritidis, and the remaining 27.59% were other Salmonella serovars. Notably, 44.83% of the Salmonella isolates exhibited MDR pattern with a MAR index of > 0.2. All the isolates were virulent to G. mellonella larvae. Findings of the study warrants further investigations and appropriate preventive cum control measures to ensure food safety.

This study evaluated the effects of dietary Bixa orellana leaf meal on the growth performance and haemato-biochemical responses of Amur carp (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus) against Edwardsiella tarda infection. A total of 180 fish (9.23 ± 0.82 g) were equally distributed into four groups: control (0%), T1 (1%), T2 (3%), and T3 (5%) B. orellana supplementation for 90 days. Edwardsiella tarda was injected intraperitoneally into fish for 14 days after the feeding trial; RPS and histopathological changes was recorded. The result revealed a considerable improvement (P < 0.05) in growth performance (Weight gain, SGR, PER and survival rate) and a decreased feed conversion ratio with increasing BoLM supplementation. However, hematological indices differed significantly among treatments, with T3 showing higher TEC, TLC, hemoglobin, and hematocrit values. Fish Serum biochemical response showed a significant increase, as indicated by total protein, globulin, and albumin in T3 and T2, whereas glucose and cortisol levels were highest in the control group. Histopathological examination revealed distinct tissue alterations in the gills, liver, and intestine among the experimental groups following E. tarda challenge. Furthermore, the treatment group significantly reduced mortality rate following challenges with E. tarda challenge. In conclusion, 5% B. orellana supplementation enhanced growth performance, haemato-biochemical (health) status, and disease resistance in Amur carp.

Wiskott-aldrich syndrome (WAS) is a rare X-linked primary immunodeficiency characterized by thrombocytopenia, eczema, and recurrent infections. Live vaccines, such as Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), routinely administered in tuberculosis-endemic regions, may cause severe complications in undiagnosed patients. We report a 2-year-old boy with genetically confirmed WAS who developed a rare BCG-related brain abscess. The patient initially presented with neonatal thrombocytopenia and eczema, followed by recurrent respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Whole exome sequencing identified a pathogenic mutation in the WAS gene. During pre-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) evaluation, brain imaging revealed a large multiloculated right parieto-occipital abscess with significant mass effect. Surgical drainage was performed, and polymerase chain reaction confirmed Mycobacterium bovis (BCG strain). Antitubercular therapy was initiated. Severe thrombocytopenia complicated management and necessitated splenectomy. Although platelet counts improved and infection was partially controlled, HSCT was postponed due to active infection. The patient subsequently died following a severe COVID-19 infection. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of BCG-related brain abscess in patients with WAS and underscores the importance of early genetic diagnosis, avoidance of live vaccines, and timely definitive treatment in primary immunodeficiencies.

This report documents the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes Subcommittee on the Taxonomy of Mollicutes minutes for the meeting held on 6 July 2026, Kraków, Poland, at the 26[th] International Organization for Mycoplasmology Congress.