bims-fagtap Biomed News
on Phage therapies and applications
Issue of 2026–02–22
43 papers selected by
Luca Bolliger, lxBio
  1. Eating Away at Antibiotic Resistance - Is Phage Therapy Our Future?
  2. Bacteriophage based live biotherapeutics: A novel approach to tackle drug resistant infectious diseases.
  3. Cocktail of genetically diverse lytic phages reduces uropathogenic Escherichia coli colonization in mouse urinary tract.
  4. 2025 Conference on Bacteriophages: Biology, Dynamics, and Therapeutics.
  5. A deep Siamese network framework for precision phage selection in pulmonary infections.
  6. A theoretical exploration of protocols for treating prosthetic joint infections with combinations of antibiotics and bacteriophage.
  7. Computational insights into the natural phage endolysin linker landscape.
  8. Synergistic Potential of Bacteriophage and Blue Light Therapy Against Biofilm-Associated Klebsiella pneumoniae in Postoperative Gynaecological Infections.
  9. Evaluation of bacteriophage efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in ex vivo and in vitro canine skin systems.
  10. Genetic Exchanges Shape the Evolutionary Diversification Among Shigella phages.
  11. Phage Therapy: Targeting the Gut Microbiota for the Treatment of Acute Pancreatitis.
  12. Phage-meropenem synergy against OXA-48-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates.
  13. The application of bacteriophage to veterinary and One-Health medicine-a road map.
  14. Isolation, characterization and genomic analysis of a novel lytic bacteriophage EcoPhCCP1, capable of infecting multiple strains of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli recovered from urinary tract infections.
  15. Assessing carbonylation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates infected by bacteriophages using flow cytometry (FCM).
  16. Treatment sequences of a phage and colistin combination trigger different evolution pathways of a multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii yielding distinct treatment outcomes.
  17. Amalgamation of Biofilms and Synthetic Biology: A Paradigm Shift in Biotechnology.
  18. Simplified and Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Offloading and Plantar Pressure Redistribution.
  19. Artificial intelligence for microbiology and microbiome research.
  20. Collision of hydrogels, chronic wounds, and nanotechnology: A bibliometric analysis from 2009 to 2024.
  21. Recent advances of microbial medicine to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease.
  22. Technologies to support vaccine development against antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.
  23. Effect of temperate phage SapYZUs891 as a biocontrol agent on the Chinese foodborne multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates.
  24. Wound Healing Property of a Novel Thermo-Reversible Wound Gel With Lasting Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity.
  25. Genomic analysis and biological characterization of a Leuconostoc mesenteroides bacteriophage isolated from kimchi.
  26. Optimizing Local Treatment in Pemphigus and Pemphigoid: Current Evidence and Unmet Needs.
  27. Antibody-Antibiotic Conjugates: Mechanisms, Clinical Progress, and Next-Generation Strategies Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Infections.
  28. Characterizing the gut virome in ulcerative colitis and crohn's disease: signatures of disease severity.
  29. Efficacy and Safety of Bromelain-Based Enzymatic Debridement for Chronic Wounds: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.
  30. Comparison of Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction and Anaerobic Culture for Detecting and Quantifying Porphyromonas gingivalis in Subgingival Plaque From Periodontitis and Healthy Subjects.
  31. Synergistic effects of antibiotics and fucoidan on dual-species Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm in diabetic rat wound models.
  32. Electrospun dressing promotes diabetic-infected wound healing via rapid and sustained antibacterial, ROS scavenging, and immune modulation ability.
  33. Cationic Antimicrobial Carbon Acid Polymer Eradicates Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms.
  34. Exploring the perspectives of antimicrobial stewardship pharmacists in England on the subscription model for antimicrobial drugs.
  35. Identification of the Biological Properties of Three Novel Lytic Bacteriophages Capable of Infecting Bacillus anthracis: Novel Members of the Class Caudoviricetes.
  36. Targeting antimicrobial resistance through vaccinology: a review of preclinical and clinical pipeline vaccines against WHO priority bacterial pathogens.
  37. A comprehensive review of resistome profiles in ocular pathogens: Insights into Pseudomonas aeruginosa and emerging resistance trends.
  38. The use of therapeutic exosomes for in vivo wound healing.
  39. Aging with CF: Endocrine and Metabolic Considerations.
  40. Decapping scavenger enzyme as a promising biomarker in diabetic foot ulcers: A need for cautious interpretation.
  41. When Neutrophils Go Rogue: Dysregulated Inflammation in Airway Diseases and Implications for Therapy.
  42. Microbiome-driven PKs: redefining drug metabolism beyond host enzymes.
  43. Diagnosis and Management of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review of Clinical Guidelines and Consensus Statements.
  1. Pathog Immun. 2026 ;11(1): 66-68
    Eating Away at Antibiotic Resistance - Is Phage Therapy Our Future?
    Michael M Lederman, Robert A Bonomo.
      
    Keywords:  Antibiotic Resistance; Bacterial Infections; Bacteriophages; Multidrug-resistant Bacteria; Phage Therapy
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.20411/pai.v11i1.967
  2. Prog Mol Biol Transl Sci. 2026 ;pii: S1877-1173(26)00007-4. [Epub ahead of print]220 247-265
    Bacteriophage based live biotherapeutics: A novel approach to tackle drug resistant infectious diseases.
    Kajal Kamboj, Bhabatosh Das, Christophe Possoz.
      The global rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a critical threat to public health, with multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections rendering conventional antibiotic therapies increasingly ineffective. In this context, bacteriophage-based live biotherapeutics have emerged as a promising alternative or adjunct to traditional antibiotics. Bacteriophages, viruses that selectively infect and lyse bacteria, offer a unique therapeutic potential due to their specificity, self-amplification at the site of infection, and ability to disrupt biofilms. These phages offer a range of strategies to combat resistant infections, from traditional phage therapy to advanced approaches such as genetically engineered phages, phage-derived enzymes, and phage-antibiotic combinations. Understanding the mechanisms by which bacteriophages identify and destroy their bacterial hosts not only enhances our knowledge of their therapeutic potential but also supports the development of more effective treatments. Their high specificity allows targeted bacterial clearance with minimal impact on the normal microbiota. In addition, phages can adapt to bacterial mutations, making them a dynamic tool in the fight against resistance. Evidence from clinical trials further reinforces their efficacy in real-world healthcare settings, validating their role as viable biotherapeutics. Together, these advantages position bacteriophages as a powerful and adaptable tool in the global fight against AMR.
    Keywords:  Antimicrobial resistance; Bacteriophages; Biotherapeutics; Microbiota
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pmbts.2026.01.007
  3. Sci Rep. 2026 Feb 19.
    Cocktail of genetically diverse lytic phages reduces uropathogenic Escherichia coli colonization in mouse urinary tract.
    Panupon Mongkolkarvin, Chutikarn Sukjoi, Watcharapol Suyapoh, Songphon Buddhasiri, Ifeoluwa Emmanuel Ilugbusi, Poochit Nonejuie, Michael Harrison Hsieh, Vorrapon Chaikeeratisak, Parameth Thiennimitr.
      Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are one of the most common bacterial infections in humans. The rise of multidrug-resistant UPEC strains increases the urgent need for alternative treatment. Two diverse lytic bacteriophages (phages), SR02 and SR04, recently exhibited an in vitro anti-UPEC activity. In this study, we reported the interplay among UPEC, phages, and the microenvironment of mammalian urinary tract in UTI phage therapy using both in vitro (human bladder cell line) and in vivo (murine acute UTI) models. A gentamicin protection invasion assay was performed in UPEC-infected human bladder cells (UM-UC-3). Both monophages and the phage cocktail significantly reduced UPEC invasion into UM-UC-3 with a synergistic effect between SR02 and SR04. Female C57BL/6 mice were transurethrally infected with 107 colony-forming units of UPEC, and 2 h later, 108 plaque-forming units of monophages and cocktail were single transurethrally administered to the mouse bladder. At 24 h post-UPEC infection, the cocktail significantly reduced UPEC colonization in the mouse bladder and kidney, but not in the urine. The synergism between SR02 and SR04 was observed only in the mouse bladder. Both monophages and cocktail markedly reduced UPEC ascension into mouse kidneys without a synergism or robust tissue proinflammatory cytokine gene expression. However, increased polymorphonuclear cell infiltration was observed in the bladders of SR04-treated mice. In conclusion, we report the contribution of different host urinary tract microenvironments (urine, bladder, and kidney) in the outcomes of UTI phage therapy with two lytic phages and their combination.
    Keywords:  Bacteriophage (phage) therapy; Mouse model for acute UTI; Multidrug-resistant (MDR) UPEC; Phage cocktail; Urinary tract infection (UTI); Urinary tract microenvironment; Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC)
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-39877-7
  4. Pathog Immun. 2026 ;11(1): 69-95
    2025 Conference on Bacteriophages: Biology, Dynamics, and Therapeutics.
    Ahmed Elshazly, Daniel A Russell, Graham F Hatfull, Robert T Schooley, Paul L Bollyky, Julie D Pourtois, Krista G Freeman.
      The 2025 Conference on Bacteriophages: Biology, Dynamics, and Therapeutics, supported by the International Antiviral Society-USA, brought over 250 researchers, clinicians, and industry innovators from 17 countries to Washington, DC, from October 12 - 14, 2025. The meeting emphasized collaboration across the full spectrum of phage science-from molecular biology to clinical translation-reflecting a field rapidly translating novel biological insights from the laboratory into clinical applications. This summary provides highlights of the 43 oral and 97 poster presentations made during this 2.5-day conference.
    Keywords:  Antibiotic Resistance; Antimicrobial Resistant Infections (AMR); Bacteriophage; Phage; Phage Engineering; Synthetic Biology
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.20411/pai.v11i1.942
  5. Front Med (Lausanne). 2026 ;13 1758028
    A deep Siamese network framework for precision phage selection in pulmonary infections.
    Xinghong Wang, Mingpeng Fu, Shigang Lin, Yanshuang Wang, Hua Pei.
      Pulmonary infections pose a significant global health challenge to human life and health. In patients with chronic pulmonary diseases such as cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis, structural abnormalities of the airways and impaired mucociliary clearance contribute to recurrent and challenging pulmonary infections. These infections are frequently complicated by antimicrobial resistance, making them difficult to treat with conventional antibiotics. As a result, phage therapy has emerged as a promising alternative for treating resistant pulmonary infections. Recently, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has improved the efficiency of phage selection. Nevertheless, the accuracy of predicting phage-bacterial host interactions remains limited, posing a significant obstacle to the clinical translation of phage-based therapies. To address this issue, we propose a deep Siamese network framework for precision phage selection in pulmonary infections. Specifically, we employ an identical model architecture to process both phage and host genomes. Initially, the genomic sequences of both phages and hosts are encoded into feature representations using k-mer segmentation followed by the skip-gram model. Subsequently, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and Transformers are introduced to extract local and global features, respectively. Finally, the extracted features are fused to predict phage-host interactions. Experimental results on dataset created from the NCBI genome database demonstrate that our proposed method achieves superior performance in the precise identification of phages targeting specific bacterial hosts, thereby supporting its potential application in phage therapy for pulmonary infections.
    Keywords:  Siamese network; artificial intelligence; phage selection; phage therapy; pulmonary infection
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2026.1758028
  6. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes. 2026 Feb 14. 12(1): 51
    A theoretical exploration of protocols for treating prosthetic joint infections with combinations of antibiotics and bacteriophage.
    Bruce R Levin, Teresa Gil-Gil, Brandon A Berryhill, Michael H Woodworth.
      With the increase in the placement of prosthetic joints and other hardware in the body, associated infections have risen. These infections are complicated to treat due to the underlying bacteria generating matrices that resist clearance by immune system effectors or antibiotics. These matrices, biofilms, have two primary ways of being eradicated: either by physical removal during surgery or by killing the underlying bacteria, usually with antibiotics. The viruses that kill bacteria, bacteriophages, are readily capable of entering biofilms and eradicating the bacteria therein. Therefore, bacteriophages have therapeutic potential as a supplement to antibiotics for the treatment of prosthetic joint infections. In this investigation, we generate a mathematical and computer-simulation model to explore the contributions of the innate immune system with antibiotics, bacteriophage, and the joint action to control biofilm-associated infections. Our results question the proposition that bacteriophages are an effective addition in the treatment of prosthetic joint infections.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41522-025-00908-2
  7. BioData Min. 2026 Feb 19.
    Computational insights into the natural phage endolysin linker landscape.
    Emma Cremelie, Alexandre Boulay, Roberto Vázquez, Yves Briers.
      
    Keywords:  Bacteriophages; Linker; Machine learning; Molecular evolution; Phage endolysin; Protein engineering
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s13040-026-00526-4
  8. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther. 2026 Feb 18. pii: S1572-1000(26)00066-9. [Epub ahead of print] 105399
    Synergistic Potential of Bacteriophage and Blue Light Therapy Against Biofilm-Associated Klebsiella pneumoniae in Postoperative Gynaecological Infections.
    Alka Shukla, Alshad Seyyadali, Sonam Rastogi, Swati Rani, Gopal Nath.
       BACKGROUND: Klebsiella pneumoniae, a prominent member of the ESKAPE pathogen group (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species), represents a serious concern in postoperative gynaecological infections due to its multidrug resistance (MDR) and strong biofilm-forming ability. The limited efficacy of conventional antibiotics against such infections underscores the need for innovative combinatorial strategies, such as bacteriophage therapy and phototherapy.
    AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic antibacterial potential of bacteriophage therapy and blue light (450 nm) phototherapy against biofilm-associated MDR K. pneumoniae isolated from a post- cesarean wound infection.
    METHODS: A clinically isolated MDR K. pneumoniae strain was characterised, and biofilms were treated with phage, blue light, or sequential phage-light combinations. Crystal violet assays and microscopy quantified biofilm biomass reduction, while synergy was analysed using the Bliss independence model. Phage stability under blue light and cytocompatibility with HiFi™ human PBMCs were also assessed, along with cytokine profiling.
    RESULTS: The combined phage-blue light treatment achieved an 82.3% reduction in biofilm biomass, significantly surpassing either monotherapy (p < 0.0001). Sequence-dependent synergy was observed, with Phage→Light treatments showing stronger early effects (6 h). Phage viability remained unaffected by blue light, and PBMC assays confirmed high cytocompatibility with no detectable cytokine induction. Mechanistically, blue light-induced ROS disrupted the biofilm matrix, facilitating enhanced phage penetration and infection.
    CONCLUSIONS: Bacteriophage-blue light combination therapy represents a safe, synergistic, and resistance-mitigating approach for managing MDR K. pneumoniae biofilm infections, offering promising translational potential in postoperative gynaecological wound care.
    Keywords:  Bacteriophage therapy; Biofilm; Blue light phototherapy; Gynecological wound care; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Multidrug resistance; Synergy
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2026.105399
  9. Sci Rep. 2026 Feb 17. 16(1): 7167
    Evaluation of bacteriophage efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in ex vivo and in vitro canine skin systems.
    Anne Dalponte, Viviane Filor, Andreas Nerlich, Mathias Müsken, Marcus Fulde, Wolfgang Bäumer.
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for chronic infections in both human and veterinary medicine, with biofilm formation and multidrug resistance posing major clinical challenges. The efficacy of two bacteriophages, JG003 and PTLAW1, alone and in combination, was evaluated. In vitro biofilms grown on abiotic 96-well plates showed significant reduction after treatment with individual bacteriophages or their combination, as confirmed by confocal microscopy. To better simulate physiological conditions, efficacy was assessed using an epidermal equivalent model and an ex vivo canine skin model. In the ex vivo system, bacteriophage treatment reduced bacterial load by 4 logs, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and immunofluorescence imaging. In the epidermal equivalent model, bacteriophage therapy decreased bacterial counts and CXCL8 levels without inducing cytotoxicity or disrupting the skin barrier. Integration of in vitro and ex vivo systems bridges the gap between traditional biofilm assays and in vivo studies. The use of Franz-type diffusion cells provides a physiologically relevant platform for evaluating topical bacteriophage delivery and skin permeation. These findings establish a reproducible preclinical framework for biofilm-targeted therapies, demonstrating that bacteriophage combinations effectively reduce Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms and inflammation on skin, supporting their potential for wound treatment in both human and veterinary medicine.
    Keywords:  Bacteriophage therapy; Epidermal equivalent; Franz-type diffusion cell; Pseudomonas aeruginosa
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-40091-8
  10. J Mol Evol. 2026 Feb 17.
    Genetic Exchanges Shape the Evolutionary Diversification Among Shigella phages.
    Joyeeta Chatterjee, Pratanu Kayet, Manisha Ghosh, Shanta Dutta, Surajit Basak.
      Shigella is a genus of bacteria that is a prevalent cause of bacterial diarrhoea (i.e., shigellosis). Shigella bacteriophages are shaping bacterial fitness. Bacteriophages can carry genes that contribute to Shigella virulence and antibiotic resistance, and these genes are frequently found on mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of these components is a major driver of bacterial evolution. A comprehensive genomic analysis of these bacteriophages is required to deepen understanding of candidate genes for MGEs and HGTs. Through genetic exchange, phages acquire novel genetic features that confer selective advantages. In this study, we identified the weighted gene repertoire relatedness (wGRR) metric. We associated it with the infecting host species andgenetic exchanges among Shigella phages using the weighted gene repertoire relatedness (wGRR) metric. We associated them with the infecting host species and phage lifestyles to examine evolutionary constraints among phages. We observed that HGTs can affect genes' GC content, which, in turn, influences amino acid usage, thereby shaping the amino acid usage of the resulting proteins. Host-range expansion is also observed among Shigella phages. However, we also noted that Shigella phages do not have the propensity for genetic transfer with dissimilar lifestyles. The gene pool of bacteriophages, due to horizontal transfer, can broaden their host range, making them more suitable for applications in phage therapy against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Horizontal gene transfer can expand the bacteriophage gene pool, thereby increasing host range and making them more suitable for phage therapy against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Overall, this study provides deeper insight into MGEs and HGTs among Shigella phages and their evolutionary significance for infectivity.
    Keywords:  Ancestral gene; Genetic exchange; Horizontal gene transfer; Host range expansion; Similarity network; Weighted gene repertoire relatedness
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s00239-026-10304-9
  11. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2026 Feb 21.
    Phage Therapy: Targeting the Gut Microbiota for the Treatment of Acute Pancreatitis.
    Jiawei Chen, Caihan Duan, Keyi Zhang, Jun Liu, Chaoqun Han.
      Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common clinical inflammatory condition whose severity is closely associated with both local pancreatic injury and systemic complications. Research indicates that gut microbiota dysbiosis and subsequent bacterial translocation can exacerbate disease progression via the gut-pancreas axis, representing a critical factor influencing patient outcomes. Although antibiotics remain a primary approach for infection control, their extensive use has led to increasingly prominent issues of bacterial resistance, and their broad-spectrum nature may further disrupt microbial homeostasis. Within this context, phage therapy, by virtue of its high specificity for targeted bacterial elimination, offers a novel approach for precisely modulating the gut microbiota, demonstrating unique therapeutic potential. This review explores the emerging role of phage therapy in regulating the pancreas-gut axis, focusing on mechanisms such as precise pathogen eradication, immunomodulatory effects, and restoration of microbial equilibrium, thus effectively inhibiting the progression of pancreatitis. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future prospects of translating this promising strategy into clinical practice for AP.
    Keywords:  acute pancreatitis; drug resistance; dysbiosis; gut–pancreas axis; immune effects; phage
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1111/jgh.70308
  12. NPJ Antimicrob Resist. 2026 Feb 16. 4(1): 12
    Phage-meropenem synergy against OXA-48-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates.
    Irene Cantallops, Celia Ferriol-González, Tamara Barcos-Rodríguez, Felipe Fernández-Cuenca, Javier E Cañada-García, Silvia García-Cobos, Pilar Domingo-Calap.
      Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global healthcare crisis, driven by the rapid spread of resistant pathogens that compromise existing treatments. Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae is a major public health threat, requiring novel therapeutic strategies. Phage therapy, which employs phages to target bacterial pathogens, is a promising approach, particularly when combined with antibiotics to enhance efficacy through synergistic interactions. In this study, time-kill curve assays were used to evaluate the synergy between the lytic phage vB_Kpn_2-P4 and meropenem against twelve K. pneumoniae clinical isolates from Spanish hospitals that carried diverse carbapenemases. Notably, in OXA-48-producing isolates, this combination prevented the emergence of resistant mutants, highlighting the therapeutic potential of phage-antibiotic synergy. The observed effect, linked to the presence of the pOXA-48 plasmid, suggests a promising strategy for combating multidrug-resistant bacteria.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s44259-026-00186-8
  13. Front Microbiol. 2025 ;16 1725071
    The application of bacteriophage to veterinary and One-Health medicine-a road map.
    Robert J Atterbury, Adriano M Gigante, Matti Jalasvuori, Robert Lavigne, Catherine Schouler, Valeria Mariano, Paul Barrow.
      The STAR-IDAZ international research consortium established a working group on Alternatives to Antimicrobials to explore various approaches for reducing our reliance on antimicrobials. These included bacteriophages, activating the immune system and manipulating the microbiome. The sub-group investigating bacteriophages have developed a road map for the application of phages in a One Health context. We present this roadmap here, in review format, along with a discussion of how phages may be combined with other therapies.
    Keywords:  AMR; antimicrobial-resistant; bacteriophages; one-heath medicine; phage
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1725071
  14. J Gen Virol. 2026 Feb;107(2):
    Isolation, characterization and genomic analysis of a novel lytic bacteriophage EcoPhCCP1, capable of infecting multiple strains of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli recovered from urinary tract infections.
    Boris Parra, Maximiliano Sandoval, Maximiliano Matus-Köhler, Dácil Rivera, Mathias I Hepp, Andrés Opazo-Capurro, Gerardo González-Rocha.
      There is an urgent need for alternative solutions to combat multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli infections. In recent years, there has been an increase in MDR strains causing urinary tract infections (UTIs), which has resulted in more challenging treatment options, increased healthcare costs and prolonged hospital stays. The utilization of bacteriophages as a prospective modality for the management of bacterial infections has garnered significant attention. The objective of this study was to isolate and describe a phage capable of infecting MDR E. coli strains isolated from the urine of patients affected with UTI. The phage EcoPhCCP1 was isolated using the plaque assay from the influent of a wastewater treatment plant. The phage was characterized by phenotypic and genomic features. Morphological characteristics such as shape and size were determined using electron microscopy, and its host range was determined against multiple MDR strains. The complete genome of the phage was subjected to whole-genome sequencing and then assembled and annotated to search for virulence or antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG). VIRIDIC was employed to compare the closest phage genomes, while VICTOR and taxMyPhage were used to construct its phylogeny. EcoPhCCP1 is a tailed phage capable of infecting and propagating in multiple MDR E. coli strains recovered from UTI. The phage genome is 44,482 bp in length, with a GC content of 50.7 mol%, and encodes 87 ORFs, 33 of which have been previously functionally annotated. Phage EcoPhCCP1 is a Kagunavirus, in the recently created Sarkviridae family. Notably, phage EcoPhCCP1 does not harbour ARGs or virulence genes, thus rendering it a promising candidate for phage therapy against clinically significant MDR E. coli strains. Moreover, phage EcoPhCCP1 possesses putative anti-CRISPR proteins.
    Keywords:  E. coli; antimicrobial resistance; bacteriophages; wastewater
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1099/jgv.0.002198
  15. Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2026 Feb 12. pii: S0924-8579(26)00028-2. [Epub ahead of print] 107739
    Assessing carbonylation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates infected by bacteriophages using flow cytometry (FCM).
    Jia Hao Yeo, Shuhua Thong, Shimin Jasmine Chung, Andrea Lay-Hoon Kwa.
       OBJECTIVE: Phage therapy is emerging as alternative therapy for difficult-to-treat bacterial infections. Flow cytometry (FCM) can screen for infective phages rapidly, reducing time taken for screening infective phages to deliver a timely and effective phage-based therapy. Phage infection increases reactive oxygen species in bacteria, which cause oxidative damage, such as protein carbonylation - an irreversible addition of carbonyls to amino acids, causing loss-of-function in proteins. We aim to assess carbonylation for predicting bacterial response to phage infection. We hypothesise that the extent of protein carbonylation corresponds to the susceptibility of bacteria to phage.
    METHOD: Fourteen Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates were exposed to bacteriophage at a bacteriophage:bacteria ratio of 100:1. Bacteria were then stained with cascade-blue hydrazine, which labels carbonylation, prior to FCM. Fluorescence intensities of cascade-blue hydrazine from FCM analyses were used to construct polar plots, illustrating both the extent of carbonylation and heterogeneity of isolates exhibiting carbonylation.
    RESULT: Increased carbonylation was observed at 2 hours-post-phage-infection (hppi), in clinical isolates determined to be phage-susceptible by double agar overlay assay. FCM further revealed decreased carbonylation in several isolates at 4-hppi from 2-hppi. Phasor approach was adopted to estimate when the isolate would exhibit decreased carbonylation. Our estimations are hitherto accurate in 11 of 14 isolates assessed (accuracy: 78.6%).
    CONCLUSION: Compared to traditional methods requiring overnight incubation, assessing carbonylation by FCM is more rapid at determining phage infectivity. As carbonylation often cause irreversible loss-of-functions in proteins, we postulate the onset of subsequent, decreased carbonylation indicates bacterial attempt to survive by degrading carbonylated proteins.
    Keywords:  Protein carbonylation; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; bacteriophage; flow cytometry; reactive oxygen species
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2026.107739
  16. Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2026 Feb 12. pii: S0924-8579(26)00034-8. [Epub ahead of print] 107745
    Treatment sequences of a phage and colistin combination trigger different evolution pathways of a multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii yielding distinct treatment outcomes.
    Subhankar Mukhopadhyay, Xiaoxu Zhang, Kenneth K W To, Yannan Liu, Changqing Bai, Sharon S Y Leung.
      Phage and antibiotic synergy (PAS) are often adopted clinically to address shortcomings of phage monotherapy. While treatment order has shown to significantly influence the extent of synergy, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood, particularly in the context of planktonic bacterial populations. Building on a previously identified PAS combination, IME-AB2 phage and colistin, demonstrating sequential effects, we conducted a systematic investigation to elucidate mechanisms driving the phenotypic outcomes of three treatment orders (phage-first, simultaneous and antibiotic-first) against a resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Our findings revealed phage pretreatment effectively decapsulated bacteria to promote colistin binding and bacterial killing, while colistin pretreatment altered bacterial morphology and intracellular machinery, reducing phage reproduction and hence the PAS level. For simultaneous treatment, colistin also reduced the phage reproduction rate, but phage-mediated bacterial decapsulation promoted colistin binding and outer membrane disruption, leading to significant PAS. Noteworthy, only the simultaneous treatment capable of suppressing resistance evolvement. Genome sequencing analysis revealed that colistin-pretreated bacteria modified LPS/outer membrane structure via regulating the QseB/C signal transduction system to promote resistance. On the other hand, phage-pretreated bacteria acquired mutation in gene clusters related to polysaccharide synthesis, impairing phage adsorption at the cost of weakening biofilm formation ability. Overall, this extended mechanistic study provided important insights into the impacts of treatment orders on PAS and resistance dynamics, suggesting the need for more fundamental studies to realize the full clinical potential of the PAS strategy.
    Keywords:  Antimicrobial resistance; PAS, Treatment order effect, Phage resistance evolvement; Phage-antibiotic synergy
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2026.107745
  17. Med Princ Pract. 2026 Feb 17. 1-14
    Amalgamation of Biofilms and Synthetic Biology: A Paradigm Shift in Biotechnology.
    Durgananda Lahari Bhamidipaty, Veenadhari Bhamidipaty, Fayaz M Shaikh, Kanaka Durga Prasad Bhamidipaty, Rajesh Botchu.
      Biofilms are intricately organized microbial communities enveloped in self-produced extracellular polymeric substances. They display remarkable resilience to environmental and antimicrobial stresses and adhere to various surfaces. Synthetic biology, which combines molecular biology with engineering principles, offers tools to modulate biofilm behaviour for biotechnological applications and to address associated challenges. This review examines recent developments at the intersection of biofilm engineering and synthetic biology, highlighting strategies such as phage therapy, electrogenetic systems, microbial consortia design, quorum sensing regulation, genetic circuits, extracellular polymeric substances modification, and antimicrobial peptide-coated surfaces. These tools allow precise manipulation of biofilm structure, composition, and metabolic output. Biofilms are increasingly optimized for applications such as wastewater treatment, bioremediation, bioenergy, and diagnostics. Enhancements in stability and function are achieved via engineered circuits and extracellular polymeric substances adjustments, while antimicrobial approaches help control pathogenic biofilms. Despite these innovations, challenges remain, including biosafety, heterogeneity, scalability, and regulatory compliance. Continued interdisciplinary efforts are essential for translating these systems into viable technologies.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1159/000550994
  18. Adv Skin Wound Care. 2026 Mar 01. 39(2): 65-71
    Simplified and Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Offloading and Plantar Pressure Redistribution.
    Bharat Kotru, Laura Lee Kozody, Tobi Mark, Emerson Jiang, R Gary Sibbald.
      Early treatment interventions to prevent or heal a diabetic foot ulcer can often prevent amputations. Redistributing pressure on the plantar aspect of the foot is a mainstay of prevention strategies. Two enablers are described that summarize critical findings in the literature and attempt to simplify the evidence for practitioners in their offloading decision-making. The enablers are constructed based on the International Working Group of the Diabetic Foot Guidelines and distill offloading interventions. The enablers include interventions directed toward feet with and without neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, and active foot ulcers.
    GENERAL PURPOSE: To present current International Working Group of the Diabetic Foot recommendations for preventing and healing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) through offloading and plantar pressure redistribution.
    TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.
    LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES: After participating in this educational activity, the participant will:Explain recommendations to prevent DFUs.Evaluate appropriate offloading and pressure redistribution interventions for persons with DFUs.Summarize care and educational considerations for patients with DFUs using offloading devices.
    Keywords:  diabetic foot ulcers; enablers; plantar pressure redistribution; pressure offloading
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1097/ASW.0000000000000406
  19. Cell Syst. 2026 Feb 18. pii: S2405-4712(26)00013-X. [Epub ahead of print]17(2): 101531
    Artificial intelligence for microbiology and microbiome research.
    Xu-Wen Wang, Tong Wang, Yang-Yu Liu.
      Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have transformed many scientific fields, with microbiology and microbiome research now experiencing significant breakthroughs through machine-learning applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of AI-driven approaches tailored for microbiology and microbiome studies, emphasizing both technical advancements and biological insights. We first introduce foundational AI techniques and offer guidance on choosing between traditional machine-learning and sophisticated deep-learning methods based on specific research goals. The primary section on application scenarios spans diverse research areas from taxonomic profiling, functional annotation and prediction, microbe-X interactions, microbial ecology, metabolic modeling, precision nutrition, and clinical microbiology to prevention and therapeutics. Finally, we discuss challenges in this field and highlight some recent breakthroughs. Together, this review underscores AI's transformative role in microbiology and microbiome research, paving the way for innovative methodologies and applications that enhance our understanding of microbial life and its impact on our planet and our health.
    Keywords:  artificial intelligence; deep learning; language models; machine learning; microbiology; microbiome
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cels.2026.101531
  20. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. 2026 Feb 11. pii: S0927-7765(26)00137-2. [Epub ahead of print]262 115549
    Collision of hydrogels, chronic wounds, and nanotechnology: A bibliometric analysis from 2009 to 2024.
    Hongshuo Shi, Kai Yang, Wei Jiang, Yang You, Xiaoxiao Men, Lei Wang, Chunxiao Dang.
       BACKGROUND: Nanoscale hydrogels hold tremendous potential for chronic wound management, prompting the study to employ a bibliometric analysis of research focusing on hydrogels, chronic wounds, and nanotechnology. This study explores the current global research landscape, identifies influential research foci, and offers perspectives for future development.
    METHODS: We searched the Web of Science Core Collection database comprehensively for relevant research regarding the application of hydrogels, chronic wounds, and nanotechnology. Our study performed bibliometric analysis utilizing CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and R (version 4.3.1) to highlight the most significant research.
    RESULTS: Our literature search identified 704 publications between 2009 and 2024 relevant to the utilization of hydrogels, chronic wounds, and nanotechnology. China contributed the most to this area, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences exhibited the highest productivity. Hu Chen from that institution stood out as a prominent researcher in this domain, while the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules was the most prolific journal. The analysis identified key terms such as "nanoparticles" (243), "wound healing" (182), "in vitro" (116), and "hydrogel" (111).
    CONCLUSION: This paper systematically explained advancements regarding nanoscale hydrogels for chronic wound management over the past 15 years. Focal points in this field include drug delivery systems, antimicrobial properties, wound healing, and nanomaterials, while future research must focus on relevant clinical translation.
    Keywords:  Bibliometric analysis; Chronic wounds; Hydrogels; Nanotechnology; Research hotspots
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2026.115549
  21. Prog Mol Biol Transl Sci. 2026 ;pii: S1877-1173(26)00043-8. [Epub ahead of print]220 305-337
    Recent advances of microbial medicine to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease.
    Shriram Mahajan, Anagha Nk, Sanjay K Banerjee.
      Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of global mortality, with standard pharmacological interventions often failing to fully address their complex pathophysiology. Recent advances in microbial medicine highlight the human gut microbiome as a critical regulator of cardiovascular health. Gut microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), and indole derivatives play pivotal roles in modulating inflammation, lipid metabolism, immune function, and vascular homeostasis. Dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, has been strongly associated with atherosclerosis, hypertension, and heart failure. Consequently, therapies targeting the gut microbiota including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics have emerged as promising adjuncts in CVD prevention and treatment. Moreover, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and synthetic biology approaches using engineered microbes offer novel strategies to restore microbial balance and deliver therapeutic molecules. Dietary interventions, particularly Mediterranean and fiber-rich diets, further support cardiovascular health through microbiota modulation. While preclinical and clinical studies underscore the potential of microbiome-based interventions, challenges related to strain specificity, delivery systems, and regulatory frameworks remain. Nonetheless, integrating microbial medicine into cardiovascular care represents a transformative shift toward precision, holistic, and personalized treatment paradigms. This chapter explores these cutting-edge therapeutic interventions and their implications for reshaping the future landscape of cardiovascular disease management.
    Keywords:  Cardiovascular diseases; Gut microbiome; Microbial metabolites; Microbiome-based therapeutics
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pmbts.2026.01.028
  22. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2026 Feb 19. pii: 20250004. [Epub ahead of print]381(1944):
    Technologies to support vaccine development against antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.
    Giulia Cardinali, Eleonora Nencini, Ceren Gul, Rino Rappuoli, Claudia Sala, Giampiero Batani.
      Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents one of the most critical global health challenges of the twenty-first century. The emergence and spread of microorganisms that no longer respond to the available antibiotics has prompted the World Health Organization to call for renewed commitment and investments in the discovery and development of novel prophylactic and therapeutic strategies. In particular, vaccines can help reduce the incidence caused by antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, thereby decreasing the need for antibiotics and the risk of selecting resistant strains. Here we describe standard and innovative approaches to vaccine design starting from live-attenuated and killed whole-cell vaccines, going through the revolution represented by Reverse Vaccinology and recombinant DNA technologies, and finally ending with rational vaccine design allowed by monoclonal antibody discovery, structural biology, nanoparticles and mRNA biology. Overall, we expect that the recent major progress in vaccinology will enhance health protection and reduce the impact of the AMR phenomenon in high-income as well as in low- and middle-income countries. This article is part of the Royal Society Science+ meeting issue 'Vaccines and antimicrobial resistance: from science to policy'.
    Keywords:  antimicrobial resistance; bacteria; immune system; infectious diseases; vaccines
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2025.0004
  23. Arch Microbiol. 2026 Feb 16. 208(4): 194
    Effect of temperate phage SapYZUs891 as a biocontrol agent on the Chinese foodborne multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates.
    Xiaoxing Fan, Zhilan Yao, Yuhong Wu, Wenjuan Li, Yeling Han, Xuan Li, Aiping Deng, Guoqiang Zhu, Zhenquan Yang, Wenyuan Zhou.
      The development of resistance to antibiotics and bacteriophages highlights the necessity of alternative therapy for Staphylococcus aureus. This study aimed to explore the utility of temperate phages as a biocontrol agent against multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. aureus. Four S. aureus temperate phages were successfully isolated, and their biological features, genomic properties, and antibacterial effect against S. aureus and biofilm were characterised. Phage SapYZUs891 exhibited relatively high titre (1.7 × 1010 PFU/mL), short latent period (5 min), large burst size (554 PFU/cell), strong pH (4-10) and thermal stability (25-70 °C), and a broad lytic spectrum (47.3%, 43/91; p ≤ 0.05). Comparative genomic analysis suggested that SapYZUs891 lacks antibiotic resistance or virulence genes, but contains unique gene content, including genes encoding DNA polymerase, DNA packaging protein, holin, and tail fibre protein. Notably, SapYZUs891 significantly inhibited biofilm formation (28.3%-70.6%, p < 0.01), scavenged mature S. aureus biofilms (36.9%-61.5%, p < 0.001) and reduced the counts of S. aureus (1.14 - 1.40 Lg CFU/mL, p ≤ 0.01) in milk at 4°C. Furthermore, SapYZUs891 effectively reduced the minimum inhibitory concentrations of MDR S. aureus against antibiotics by 2 - 64 folds (p ≤ 0.05). Therefore, the temperate phage SapYZUs891 with attractive biological properties, genetic features and antibacterial potential is an effective biocontrol agent against MDR S. aureus.
    Keywords:   Staphylococcus aureus ; Biocontrol agents; Genomes; Multidrug resistance; Temperate phage
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s00203-026-04780-2
  24. Int Wound J. 2026 Feb;23(2): e70845
    Wound Healing Property of a Novel Thermo-Reversible Wound Gel With Lasting Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity.
    Jeyachchandran Visvalingam, Jie Li, Ivan Jozic, Sheung Pui Lee, Miloslav Sailer, Joel Gil, Michael Solis, Stephen C Davis, Robert B Huizinga.
      This study investigated the efficacy and safety of a novel thermo-reversible antimicrobial wound gel (TRG, revyve Antimicrobial Wound Gel) designed to combat biofilm-related infections in wounds. The TRG was evaluated for its ability to disrupt biofilms, sustain antimicrobial activity and promote wound healing. The gel exhibited thermo-reversible properties, transitioning from a less viscous liquid ≤ 18°C to a highly viscous solid gel at wound temperature which would facilitate easy application and removal. Antimicrobial testing demonstrated that TRG effectively inactivated a broad range of wound-related pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with a 99.99%-99.9999% reduction in bacterial counts within 30 min. The TRG also maintained its antimicrobial efficacy after multiple inoculations with high microbial load (107 CFU/mL) over 7 days. In vitro biofilm assays showed effectiveness against biofilm bacteria with a reduction of ≥ 99.99% bacterial counts with one application over the course of 7 days. Biocompatibility testing confirmed that TRG was safe, with no signs of tissue necrosis or signs of tissue damage and no impact on wound healing in a porcine wound model. TRG's ability to reduce both planktonic and biofilm-based bacteria without compromising wound healing makes it a promising candidate for treating both chronic and acute wounds.
    Keywords:  acute wounds; antibiofilm; antimicrobial activity; chronic wounds; revyve antimicrobial wound gel; thermo‐reversible gel; wound healing
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1111/iwj.70845
  25. Food Sci Biotechnol. 2026 Feb;35(3): 581-591
    Genomic analysis and biological characterization of a Leuconostoc mesenteroides bacteriophage isolated from kimchi.
    Kye-Hwan Byun, Ji-Hyoung Ha.
      Leuconostoc mesenteroides is crucial to kimchi fermentation and is increasingly used as a vegetable fermentation starter culture. Although bacteriophages are abundant in kimchi, little is known about those infecting L. mesenteroides or their impact on fermentation. Here, we report three novel Caudoviricetes phages (ΦLM0121_01, ΦLM0121_03, and ΦLM0121_04) isolated from kimchi using starter strain WIKIM 0121, showing < 80% intergenomic similarity to known Leuconostoc phages. The phages had an optimal MOI of 1, burst sizes of 50.37-94.57 PFU/cell, and > 90% adsorption within 15 min. They remained viable at 50 °C, pH 4-10, and salinity up to 6%, with ΦLM0121_03 and ΦLM0121_04 retaining viability at 70 °C. Viability decreased significantly in fermented kimchi juice compared to simulated conditions, suggesting that microbial metabolites and food-derived compounds influence stability. These findings advance understanding of Leuconostoc phage biology and support the development of phage control strategies and resistant starter cultures for fermented foods.
    Graphical abstract:
    Keywords:  Bacteriophage; Genome analysis; Kimchi; Leuconostoc mesenteroides
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-025-02049-w
  26. Int J Dermatol. 2026 Feb 15.
    Optimizing Local Treatment in Pemphigus and Pemphigoid: Current Evidence and Unmet Needs.
    Roberto Maglie, Dario Didona, Maria Chiara Collina, Emiliano Antiga, Alessia Paganelli.
      Autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBDs), including pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and bullous pemphigoid (BP), are characterized by painful erosions and chronic wounds that significantly impair patient quality of life. While systemic therapies remain the cornerstone of treatment, optimal strategies for local management, including wound care and topical therapies, are not well defined. The aim of this study is to review and synthesize current evidence on topical treatments and wound care strategies in AIBDs, with a focus on their role in disease control, infection prevention, and enhancement of healing. A narrative review of the literature was conducted using PubMed-indexed articles and guidelines relevant to topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, antiseptics, antibiotics, and wound dressings in the management of PV, BP, and related disorders. Topical corticosteroids, particularly clobetasol propionate, are the first-line treatment for BP and play an adjunctive role in PV. Topical calcineurin inhibitors have shown promise as steroid-sparing agents in localized disease, though evidence remains limited. Antiseptics such as chlorhexidine may aid in infection control, though clinical data are sparse. Topical antibiotics like mupirocin and fusidic acid might be used in case of secondary infection or critical colonization. Dressing selection-favoring non-adherent, antimicrobial, or moisture-retentive options-is crucial to minimize trauma, promote healing, and prevent complications, particularly in elderly or high-risk patients. Topical therapies and wound care are essential components in the management of AIBDs but remain understudied and poorly standardized. Evidence supports the use of high-potency corticosteroids in BP and adjunctive use in PV, while promising data on antiseptics and advanced dressings warrant further investigation. Well-designed clinical trials are needed to establish evidence-based guidelines in this setting.
    Keywords:  antiseptics; autoimmune blistering diseases; bullous pemphigoid; calcineurin inhibitors; dressings; pemphigus vulgaris; topical antibiotics; topical corticosteroids; wound care
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.70333
  27. Microbiologyopen. 2026 Feb;15(1): e70234
    Antibody-Antibiotic Conjugates: Mechanisms, Clinical Progress, and Next-Generation Strategies Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Infections.
    Parvin Askari, Soudabeh Eshaghi, Leila Omidvar, Motahareh Mahi-Birjand.
      The rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens presents a critical challenge to global health, highlighting the need for innovative therapeutic strategies beyond conventional antibiotics. Antibody-antibiotic conjugates (AACs) combine the high specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the potent bactericidal activity of antibiotics, offering targeted delivery to extracellular and intracellular bacteria while minimizing off-target toxicity. The present review provides a comprehensive analysis of AAC development, including key components, such as antigen selection, antibody engineering, linker chemistry, antibiotic payload optimization, and bioconjugation strategies. We summarize the mechanistic principles underlying AAC-mediated bacterial clearance, emphasizing targeted payload release, fragment crystallizable region of the antibody (Fc)-mediated immune engagement, and intracellular delivery. The temporal evolution of AACs is examined, highlighting milestones from early proof-of-concept studies to modern site-specific, humanized constructs and emerging bispecific or dual-payload designs. Furthermore, clinical development is discussed, focusing on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, efficacy, and regulatory considerations, for example, intracellular infections and biofilm-associated infectious agents. Current challenges, including antigen heterogeneity, immunogenicity, linker-payload optimization, and manufacturing scalability, are critically analyzed, alongside strategies for next-generation AACs. Collectively, AACs represent a transformative platform for precision-targeted antimicrobial therapy, bridging gaps left by conventional antibiotics and offering a promising approach to combating MDR bacterial infections and associated clinical complications.
    Keywords:  antibiotic payload; antibody–antibiotic conjugates; bioconjugation; linker chemistry; multidrug‐resistant bacteria; targeted antimicrobial therapy
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/mbo3.70234
  28. Virol J. 2026 Feb 14. 23(1): 46
    Characterizing the gut virome in ulcerative colitis and crohn's disease: signatures of disease severity.
    Nasser Ebrahimi Daryani, Seyed Mohammad Jazayeri, Nasim Izadi, Hadi Ahmadi, Hossein Bannazadeh Baghi, Masoud Shirmohammadi, Mohammad Sabbaghian, Ali Akbar Shekarchi, Shima Sadeghipour Marvi, Arezou Azadi, Vahdat Poortahmasebi.
       BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is a chronic disorder marked by intestinal inflammation and immune dysregulation. While bacterial dysbiosis has been widely investigated, the gut virome remains less explored. Altered viral communities, particularly bacteriophages, may destabilize microbial balance and amplify host inflammation.
    METHODS: To characterize virome alterations, we conducted a cross-sectional observational study in Tabriz, Iran, involving fifty participants divided into five groups: mild UC, severe UC, mild CD, severe CD, and healthy controls. Stool samples were processed for viral nucleic acid extraction and analyzed using metagenomic next-generation sequencing. Bioinformatics pipelines included diversity assessment, taxonomic profiling, functional annotation, and discriminant analysis (LEfSe). Predictive modeling was performed with random forest classifiers.
    RESULTS: Virome richness and diversity were reduced in severe UC and CD compared with controls, whereas mild cases showed values closer to healthy individuals. Taxonomic profiling revealed depletion of crAss-like phages and microviridae in IBD, along with enrichment of Caudovirales families such as siphoviridae and myoviridae. Among eukaryotic viruses, anelloviridae were prominent in severe IBD, and herpesviridae were enriched specifically in severe UC. Functional annotation highlighted enrichment of structural and lytic phage proteins in severe groups, whereas lysogeny-associated domains were more abundant in healthy controls. Random forest models based on viral features achieved appropriate accuracy, with an AUC of 0.89 for distinguishing IBD from controls and 0.83 for classifying mild versus severe disease.
    CONCLUSION: Thus, IBD is associated with reduced virome diversity, loss of core protective phages, and selective enrichment of bacteriophages and eukaryotic viruses. These findings suggest that virome features may have potential as biomarkers for non-invasive diagnosis and severity stratification in IBD, requiring validation in larger and longitudinal cohorts.
    Keywords:  Crohn’s disease; Gut virome; Inflammatory bowel disease; Metagenomics; Ulcerative colitis
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-026-03091-8
  29. Wound Repair Regen. 2026 Jan-Feb;34(1):34(1): e70132
    Efficacy and Safety of Bromelain-Based Enzymatic Debridement for Chronic Wounds: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.
    Ulgar Boran Günay, Muhammet Kadir Tanin, Anıl Demiröz.
      Bromelain-based enzymatic debridement (BBD) may selectively remove devitalised tissue in chronic wounds, but randomised evidence is limited. Following PRISMA and a PROSPERO-registered protocol (CRD420251116455), we searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL and Embase from inception to 8 Aug 2025 for randomised controlled trials in adults with chronic wounds comparing topical BBD versus standard care/vehicle. Two reviewers screened, extracted and assessed risk of bias. Primary outcomes were incidence of complete debridement (efficacy) and ≥ 1 adverse event (safety). Of 24 records, 3 RCTs (n = 314) met inclusion; 2 contributed complete-debridement data and 3 contributed adverse-event data. BBD increased complete debridement versus control (RR 2.81, 95% CI 1.15-6.86; I2 = 58.7). Safety was comparable (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.76-1.36; I2 = 0), and leave-one-out analyses for adverse events showed no influential study. BBD improves the likelihood of complete debridement without increasing adverse events, suggesting a possible role in its use as a selective, non-surgical adjunct alongside guideline-directed care.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1111/wrr.70132
  30. Cureus. 2026 Jan;18(1): e101778
    Comparison of Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction and Anaerobic Culture for Detecting and Quantifying Porphyromonas gingivalis in Subgingival Plaque From Periodontitis and Healthy Subjects.
    T Rachita, Shubha Kumaraswamy, Sravya Kodati, Thouseef Ansari, Shivani Karre, Amelia David, Rahul Tiwari, Seema Gupta.
      Background Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is a key pathogen in chronic periodontitis that drives dysbiosis and tissue destruction. Anaerobic culture often underestimates fastidious bacteria, whereas real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) can provide higher sensitivity and accurate quantification. This study compared both methods for detecting and quantifying P. gingivalis in subgingival plaque from patients with chronic periodontitis and healthy controls. Methodology In total, 32 participants (16 with chronic periodontitis and 16 healthy) were included. Pooled subgingival plaque samples were analyzed by anaerobic culture on selective media and by RT-PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene with a TaqMan probe and standard curve quantification. Clinical parameters were recorded (probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and gingival index (GI)), and data were analyzed using t-tests, chi-square tests, Pearson's correlation, and diagnostic metrics. Results Participants with chronic periodontitis had significantly higher clinical parameters (PD = 6.38 ± 0.96 mm, CAL = 3.63 ± 1.09 mm, GI = 2.50 ± 0.22; all p = 0.001) and P. gingivalis loads (culture = 82.13 ± 54.26 CFU/mL, p = 0.031; RT-PCR = 97.44 ± 59.02 CFU equivalents/mL, p = 0.039) than controls. Bacterial load showed moderate positive correlations with clinical parameters (r = 0.35-0.42, p < 0.05). RT-PCR detected P. gingivalis in 59.4% of samples versus 50% by culture, achieving 100% sensitivity and 90.6% accuracy. Conclusions RT-PCR is more sensitive than culture for P. gingivalis detection, supporting its use for improved periodontal diagnosis and risk assessment.
    Keywords:  anaerobic; culture; periodontitis; porphyromonas gingivalis; real-time polymerase chain reaction
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.101778
  31. PLoS One. 2026 ;21(2): e0342905
    Synergistic effects of antibiotics and fucoidan on dual-species Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm in diabetic rat wound models.
    Mohsen Nazari, Mohammad Taheri, Fatemeh Nouri, Maryam Bahmanzadeh, Mohammad Yousef Alikhani.
       BACKGROUND: Chronic diabetic wounds are often complicated by biofilm-forming, antibiotic-resistant pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii, which delay healing. This study evaluated the synergistic effects of gentamicin and imipenem in combination with fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide from brown seaweed, against dual-species biofilms in a diabetic rat wound model.
    METHODS: Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strain 6 and A. baumannii strain 1, isolated from diabetic foot ulcers, were used to establish dual-species biofilms in vitro and in vivo. Excisional wounds were created in male Wistar rats with streptozocin-induced type II diabetes and infected with the biofilms. Rats received daily treatments of gentamicin, imipenem, their combination, or the triple combination with fucoidan. Outcomes assessed included bacterial load (CFU/g), biofilm formation, expression of biofilm-related genes (icaA and bap by real-time PCR), wound size, and histological healing parameters.
    RESULTS: The triple therapy demonstrated the strongest antibacterial effect, reducing bacterial load by more than 4 log₁₀ CFU/g compared to controls (p < 0.005). Real-time PCR revealed significant downregulation of icaA in S. aureus (threefold decrease) and bap in A. baumannii (fourfold decrease) relative to antibiotic-only groups (p < 0.005). Histology showed accelerated wound contraction and complete re-epithelialization by day 14 with the triple combination, whereas monotherapy or dual antibiotics led to delayed healing and persistent inflammation.
    CONCLUSIONS: Fucoidan enhances the efficacy of gentamicin and imipenem against biofilm-associated infections and promotes diabetic wound healing. This combinatorial approach offers a promising strategy for managing chronic, biofilm-infected wounds and combating antibiotic resistance.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0342905
  32. J Nanobiotechnology. 2026 Feb 14.
    Electrospun dressing promotes diabetic-infected wound healing via rapid and sustained antibacterial, ROS scavenging, and immune modulation ability.
    Hao Li, Haibing Liu, Rong Chen, Siqi Zheng, Yixin Xu, Mingyuan Lei, Huaming Mai, Hongyu Wang, Taotao Cao, Li Li, Yang Zhang, Jian Wang, Hao Cheng.
      Diabetic wounds remain a major clinical challenge due to bacterial infection, persistent inflammation, and excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This highlights the urgent need for wound dressings that provide sustained antibacterial effects, stable ROS scavenging, and effective immune modulation. To this end, we developed a multifunctional electrospun polyvinyl alcohol-chitosan (PVA-CS) nanofibrous dressing by integrating black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNSs) with polydopamine-coated zinc oxide nanoparticles (PDA@ZnO NPs). This dressing achieved synergistic photothermal-Zn2+ ion antibacterial activity, rapidly reducing the viability of MRSA, MSSA, and E. coli, along with their biofilms, to 0-2% in 3 min while enabling Zn2+ release to support a sustained antibacterial microenvironment. The dresssing also provided sustained ROS scavenging due to stabilized BPNSs, with intracellular ROS levels reduced to 13-20%, accompanied by an overall 50-70% improvement in antioxidant capacity, thereby alleviating oxidative stress and suppressing inflammation. In addition, ZnO NPs also promoted anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization, accelerated tissue healing, and supported natural repair processes. This work introduces a multifunctional wound dressing with rapid and sustained antibacterial, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties, offering a promising solution for chronic diabetic wounds.
    Keywords:  Anti-inflammatory; Black phosphorus nanosheets; Diabetic wound; Photothermal therapy; ZnO nanoparticle
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12951-026-04134-6
  33. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2026 Feb 16.
    Cationic Antimicrobial Carbon Acid Polymer Eradicates Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms.
    Wenbin Zhong, Lin Ruan, Chongyun Tan, Kalisvar Marimuthu, Partha Pratim De, Oon Tek Ng, Yabin Zhu, Paula T Hammond, Mary B Chan-Park, Kaixi Zhang.
      Biofilm-associated infections exhibit high tolerance to antibiotics and antimicrobials, posing a significant challenge to wound management. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are among the most prevalent pathogens in biofilm-associated wound infections. Here, we report a main-chain cationic antimicrobial polymer, poly(butylimidazolium) (PIM1), whose imidazolium units feature an acidic C2-H carbon center. PIM1 demonstrated potent broad-spectrum activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria with minimal cytotoxicity toward multiple mammalian cell lines in vitro. PIM1 retained fast bactericidal activity under physiological conditions, including whole blood and high bacterial inoculum. Interestingly, its potency increased 2- to 4-fold in the presence of serum. PIM1 also eliminated antibiotic-tolerant persister cells and eradicated biofilms formed by MDR pathogens. In vivo, 7-day continuous topical administration of PIM1 on murine wounds caused no observable toxicity. In murine excisional wound infection models, topical PIM1 treatment achieved >99% eradication of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus biofilms, outperforming imipenem and vancomycin controls, respectively. These findings support PIM1 as a safe and effective therapeutic candidate for treating biofilm-associated wound infections caused by MDR bacteria.
    Keywords:  antibiofilm; broad spectrum; carbon acid polymer; multidrug-resistant; poly(butylimidazolium)
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.5c22543
  34. JAC Antimicrob Resist. 2026 Feb;8(1): dlag018
    Exploring the perspectives of antimicrobial stewardship pharmacists in England on the subscription model for antimicrobial drugs.
    Stephen Hughes, Ioannis Baltas, Mark Gilchrist.
       Background: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) introduced the world's first 'subscription-type' antimicrobial payment model in the UK in 2022 for ceftazidime-avibactam and cefiderocol, decoupling reimbursement from usage to stimulate innovation. The model is being expanded to additional antimicrobials. We aimed to explore the views of lead antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) pharmacists, key model implementers and stakeholders, using a nationwide survey.
    Methods: An online survey was distributed to lead AMS pharmacists of NHS acute Trusts (n = 131) in England (February-July 2025).
    Results: Forty-three pharmacists (response rate 32.8%) participated. Most were familiar with the model (86.1%) and supported its principle (88.4%), believing it promotes stewardship and innovation. Strong support existed for model expansion to antifungals, antivirals and novel modalities such as phage therapy.Key priority pathogens for candidate drugs included carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales. Respondents prioritized candidate drugs with oral or once-daily intravenous administration. Over half (51.2%) favoured empirical use in high-risk patients, the remainder would restrict novel antimicrobials to microbiologically-proven infections. Top risk factors for empirical use included previous infection/colonization with carbapenem-resistant bacteria and carbapenem treatment failure.Aseptic preparation requirements were the major practical barrier, rather than drug monitoring, storage or interaction management. Median fair price for Trust contribution was 50% of the list cost.
    Conclusions: AMS pharmacists view the subscription model positively but highlight the need to refine product award criteria to reflect clinical implementation priorities. Their insights are critical to optimizing future delinked payment models and ensuring equitable access to novel antimicrobials.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1093/jacamr/dlag018
  35. Vet J. 2026 Feb 18. pii: S1090-0233(26)00054-7. [Epub ahead of print] 106598
    Identification of the Biological Properties of Three Novel Lytic Bacteriophages Capable of Infecting Bacillus anthracis: Novel Members of the Class Caudoviricetes.
    Arif Bozdeveci, Şengül Alpay Karaoğlu, Ayhan Akman, Şeyma Suyabatmaz, Rahşan Akpınar, Şemistan Kızıltepe, Özlem Altıntaş, Selahattin Şen.
      Bacillus anthracis spores can remain viable for many years in regions where anthrax cases are reported or where deceased animals are buried. Anthrax occurrences may be more common in areas where livestock farming is a primary source of livelihood. In this study, 43 Bacillus anthracis isolates were used, which were isolated from samples collected in different provinces of Türkiye. Three lytic bacteriophages(BaTR8, BaTR13, and BaTR16) were isolated from environmental soil samples. These three lytic bacteriophages' biological properties (host range, burst size, and phage morphology) were defined, and molecular methods were used to determine their genomic structures. It was determined that three lytic phages were able to infect 84.1% of the host bacteria and formed clear phage plaques. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis identified them as siphoviruses. Bacteriophage genome lengths ranged from 35587 to 37369kb, and the GC content was approximately 35%. The genome structures of the three phages were analyzed, determining that they contained 58-62 ORFs and did not encode any tRNA genes. Phylogenetic analyses of the bacteriophages were performed based on whole-genome sequences and conserved signature genes (major capsid, portal, and terminase large subunit proteins), and the phages were taxonomically classified within the class Caudoviricetes. The three phages isolated in this study, together with the Athena phage, which infects Bacillus anthracis, were determined to form a new cluster distinct from the Wbetavirus and Hubeivirus genera. Our study presents, for the first time, the results of a detailed evaluation of Bacillus anthracis phages isolated from Türkiye.
    Keywords:  Anthrax; Bacillus anthracis; Bacteriophage; Genome analysis; Host range; Siphovirus
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2026.106598
  36. Infection. 2026 Feb 21.
    Targeting antimicrobial resistance through vaccinology: a review of preclinical and clinical pipeline vaccines against WHO priority bacterial pathogens.
    Helal F Hetta, Zinab Alatawi, Salwa Q Bukhari, Ali M Atoom, Noura H Abd Ellah, Yasmin N Ramadan.
       BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a critical and escalating global health threat, with resistant bacterial infections contributing to millions of deaths annually. While the development of novel antibiotics remains essential, preventive strategies, particularly vaccination, offer a sustainable and underutilized approach to mitigating AMR. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of vaccine development efforts targeting bacterial pathogens listed in the World Health Organization (WHO) 2024 Priority Pathogens report.
    METHODS: We systematically analyzed both preclinical and clinical-stage vaccine candidates, focusing on platform technologies, antigen selection strategies, and pathogen-specific challenges.
    RESULTS: Advances in mRNA platforms, outer membrane vesicles, reverse vaccinology, and structure-guided antigen design are accelerating vaccine development. However, significant challenges persist, including antigenic diversity, limited correlates of protection, and regulatory complexity.
    CONCLUSION: Vaccination represents a promising strategy to reduce antibiotic use and limit resistance prevalence. By integrating current pipeline data with AMR reduction frameworks, this review provides an updated resource to guide vaccine design, investment prioritization, and global AMR control strategies.
    Keywords:  Antimicrobial resistance (AMR); Preclinical and clinical vaccines; Vaccine pipeline; WHO priority pathogens; mRNA and novel vaccine platforms
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-026-02752-8
  37. J Infect Public Health. 2026 Feb 12. pii: S1876-0341(26)00055-9. [Epub ahead of print]19(4): 103183
    A comprehensive review of resistome profiles in ocular pathogens: Insights into Pseudomonas aeruginosa and emerging resistance trends.
    Raghav Krishnan Kulandaivelu, Aditi Roy, Soham Roy, J S Amith Velavan, Reddysai Amudala, Debraj Joel Das Adhikari, Karan S V, Sudha Ramaiah, Anand Anbarasu.
      Eye infections are a significant area of microbial adaptation and therapeutic challenge, as antibiotic resistance threatens vision. In the last ten years, our knowledge of the ocular resistome has expanded through genomics and molecular epidemiology. An analysis of global evidence from 2015 to 2025 on the resistance architecture of major ocular pathogens will be presented, with a focus on Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). The organism shows remarkable genomic flexibility by incorporating intrinsic resistance elements, biofilm-mediated tolerance, and by acquiring ARGs such as blaVIM, blaGES, QnrVC and RmtB by horizontal transfer. According to researchers, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae), and Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) have evolved mechanisms of drug resistance. Geographic analysis shows regional disparities, particularly in South Asia and North America, which are associated with antibiotic use and clinical exposure. To prevent the emergence of ocular antimicrobial resistance, there's an urgent need for rapid molecular diagnostics, genomic-based surveillance, and responsible antimicrobial stewardship.
    Keywords:  Antimicrobial resistance; Conjunctivitis; Endophthalmitis; Genomic surveillance; Keratitis
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiph.2026.103183
  38. Cell Transplant. 2026 Jan-Dec;35:35 9636897261418580
    The use of therapeutic exosomes for in vivo wound healing.
    Elena Bigliardi, Paul Bigliardi, Julianna Goenaga, Nikhil Iyer, Dilmareth Natera-Rodriguez, Madison B Waldron, Walter C Low, Mei Bigliardi-Qi.
      Normal wound healing is a complex, yet critical process. Unfortunately, delayed or impaired wound healing presents a significant burden for numerous patients worldwide. Recent research has demonstrated that exosomes, a subtype of extracellular vesicles, may play a pivotal role in mediating cell-cell communication during wound healing. This narrative review aims to explore the use of exosomes in wound healing, with a focus on in vivo application of exosomes in animal wound models. A total of 73 studies are outlined in this narrative review, exploring either excisional, diabetic, burn, ischemic, or pressure wounds. Overall, the most frequent source of exosomes was adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and the most common application method was local or subcutaneous injection. While these studies demonstrated great promise for the use of exosomes for therapeutic use in wound healing, this review also discusses the challenges and obstacles that will need to be overcome, including standardizing methods, further characterizing exosomes and identifying the optimal sources and doses in the development of exosome therapies.
    Keywords:  burn; diabetic wound; excisional wound; exosomes; extracellular vesicles; in vivo models; thermal wound; wound healing; wound repair
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1177/09636897261418580
  39. Endocr Pract. 2026 Feb 12. pii: S1530-891X(26)00783-4. [Epub ahead of print]
    Aging with CF: Endocrine and Metabolic Considerations.
    Katie Kaput, Samantha Steinmetz-Wood, Melissa S Putman, Heidi Guzman.
      Cystic fibrosis (CF) has transitioned from a disease predominantly affecting the pediatric population to a chronic disease of adulthood. As patients with CF continue to prolong their survival with CFTR modulator therapy, there has become increased relevance of age-related endocrine, metabolic, and cardiovascular complications. Endocrinopathies in this population include but are not limited to diabetes, bone disease, menopause, and obesity. In this review, we summarize the current evidence on these endocrine and metabolic complications, emphasizing the importance of early screening, multidisciplinary management, and continued efforts to address the evolving health and quality-of-life needs of an aging CF population including the need for CF-specific population based studies to adapt current clinical practice guidelines that remain targeted towards the general population.
    Keywords:  Aging; Cardiovascular disease; Cystic fibrosis; Cystic fibrosis-related bone disease; Cystic fibrosis–related diabetes; Menopause
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eprac.2026.01.753
  40. World J Diabetes. 2026 Feb 15. 17(2): 116056
    Decapping scavenger enzyme as a promising biomarker in diabetic foot ulcers: A need for cautious interpretation.
    Xiao-Ling Huang, Ying Wang, De-Fang Chen, Jin-Nian Duan, Ntim Michael, Rong Jiang, Yu-Song Ge, Bin Wang.
      Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) remains a major cause of morbidity and lower-limb amputation worldwide. Accurate risk assessment and timely intervention are critical for improving healing outcomes. A recent study identified the decapping scavenger enzyme (DCPS), an N7-methylguanosine (m7G)-related gene, as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker for DFU. Reduced DCPS expression was found to impair keratinocyte proliferation, migration, and cell-cycle progression, highlighting its possible role in m7G-mediated wound repair. Despite these promising insights, several challenges must be addressed before DCPS can be translated into clinical practice. First, DCPS expression may vary among patients with metabolic or inflammatory disorders, limiting its disease specificity. Second, standardized reference ranges for DCPS quantification have not yet been established. Moreover, whether DCPS modulation can directly enhance wound healing remains uncertain. Overall, DCPS provides a novel mechanistic link between RNA methylation and chronic wound pathology, but its clinical application as a biomarker or therapeutic target warrants careful validation.
    Keywords:  Biomarker; Decapping scavenger enzyme; Diabetic foot ulcer; Keratinocyte proliferation; RNA methylation; Wound healing
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.4239/wjd.v17.i2.116056
  41. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci. 2026 Feb 13. 9(2): 282-306
    When Neutrophils Go Rogue: Dysregulated Inflammation in Airway Diseases and Implications for Therapy.
    Yimin Zhu, Sarmi Sardar, Jane E Bourke, Peter A B Wark, Laura E Edgington-Mitchell, Elena K Schneider-Futschik.
      Failure to resolve the neutrophilic inflammation during the innate immune response results in neutrophil accumulation in the airways. These cells exhibit prolonged survival, increased necrosis, and impaired phagocytic capacity. Paradoxically, despite reduced pathogen-clearing ability, neutrophils release serine proteases that drive the destruction of airway tissue. Their persistence in the lung chronically promotes a cycle of tissue damage, remodeling, and inflammation, leading to progressive pulmonary dysfunction. Recent discoveries in neutrophil dysregulation open up the possibility of developing more targeted, disease-specific therapies, potentially revolutionizing the treatment of diseases like cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis, and asthma, where current treatments remain largely generalized and ineffective. This review explores the complex relationship between neutrophil dysregulation and disease progression, highlighting the different roles that neutrophils play across various lung diseases, and will summarize current strategies to target key pathways. Understanding these pathways could inform the development of therapeutic strategies to effectively mitigate neutrophil-driven inflammation to improve the clinical outcome.
    Keywords:  chronic lung diseases; inflammation; neutrophil; neutrophil serine proteases
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1021/acsptsci.5c00640
  42. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol. 2026 Feb 20. 1-20
    Microbiome-driven PKs: redefining drug metabolism beyond host enzymes.
    Andrej Belančić, Almir Fajkić, Yun Wah Lam, Lejla Alić, Marc Labriffe, Kristina Pilipović, Amina Džidić-Krivić, Hing Yee Sy, Slobodan Janković.
       INTRODUCTION: Interindividual variability in drug response remains a significant clinical challenge, leading to therapeutic failure and toxicity. Much of this variability is unexplained by classical host-centric pharmacokinetic (PK) models, highlighting a critical gap in understanding of drug disposition. This review addresses this gap by establishing the gut microbiome as an important determinant of drug fate.
    AREAS COVERED: This narrative review with scoping approach examines how microbial enzymes affect therapeutics through comprehensive analysis of mechanistic and clinical studies. Key examples discussed include irinotecan, digoxin, and sulfasalazine. We highlight specific situations where the influence of gut bacteria is particularly significant, such as with low-bioavailability drugs and in patients with an ileocolonic anastomosis, where gut bacteria directly impact drug absorption and metabolism. Additionally, we address the limitations of current PK models and explore the potential of new integrated approaches.
    EXPERT OPINION: We propose that the gut microbiome should be recognized as a 'fifth pillar' of PKs. This shift in perspective is crucial for advancing personalized medicine. In this new model, a 'PK profile card' integrating microbial, genomic, and clinical data will help guide dosing. We anticipate microbiome analysis to become a standard clinical tool to optimize drug efficacy and safety.
    Keywords:  Drug metabolism; gut microbiome; interindividual variability; pharmacokinetics; pharmacomicrobiomics
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/17425255.2026.2631415
  43. Pediatr Dermatol. 2026 Feb 16.
    Diagnosis and Management of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review of Clinical Guidelines and Consensus Statements.
    Rachel Creighton, Sana Gupta, Courtney Langille, Ashley Sutherland.
      Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare, life-threatening mucocutaneous reactions. Pediatric mortality is lower than in adults, but children face higher risks of recurrence and long-term sequelae. Despite disease severity, pediatric-specific guidelines remain scarce and often extrapolated from adult populations. We systematically reviewed and appraised national and international clinical practice guidelines and consensus statements on pediatric SJS/TEN, focusing on supportive care, pharmacologic interventions, mucosal management, and long-term follow-up. A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, and CINAHL (January 2000-April 2025) identified national and international guidelines. For feasibility, we restricted full appraisal to documents published in English or French. Eligible documents provided explicit recommendations for patients < 18 years. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed quality using the AGREE II instrument. Of 144 records screened, 10 guidelines met inclusion criteria; 60% were published within the last 5 years, and 50% were consensus-based without systematic evidence synthesis. Most (90%) endorsed supportive measures such as wound care, nutritional support, and fluid resuscitation. Recommendations for pharmacologic therapy varied considerably: intravenous immunoglobulin (50%), systemic corticosteroids (40%), and cyclosporine (40%), with limited pediatric dosing guidance. Only one guideline mentioned biologics. Multidisciplinary care was recommended in 90%, yet long-term follow-up for sequelae appeared in only 50%. AGREE II appraisal showed high clarity of presentation but consistently low applicability; only the British Association of Dermatologists guideline achieved high quality across all domains. Current pediatric SJS/TEN guidelines display heterogeneity in scope and rigor. While supportive care is emphasized, pharmacologic and long-term management guidance remains inconsistent. Standardized, evidence-based, pediatric-specific guidelines are urgently needed.
    Keywords:  SJS/TEN; clinical practice guideline; consensus statement; management; pediatrics; systematic review
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1111/pde.70149
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