Artículos (Microbiología y Parasitología)

URI permanente para esta colecciónhttps://hdl.handle.net/11441/11055

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Estuaries of the Tinto, Odiel and Piedras rivers as source of new species of Pseudomonas with biofertilizer potential under stress conditions
(Nature, 2025-12-09) Flores Duarte, Noris Jarleny; Rodríguez Llorente, Ignacio David; Pajuelo Domínguez, Eloísa; Redondo Gómez, Susana; Mateos Naranjo, Enrique; Navarro de la Torre, Salvadora; Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Microbiología y Parasitología; Junta de Andalucía; European Union (UE)
The estuaries of the Tinto, Odiel, and Piedras rivers have been extensively studied by several groups due to ecological aspects such as heavy metal contamination, nutrient deficiency and degradation influenced by climate change. Aimed to recover these ecosystems, a large collection of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), several of them previously identified as new species, was isolated from the rhizosphere and tissues of native plants. In this study, we analyse the strains N4, N8T, L1T, and SDT3T as potential new species. A phylogenomic analysis revealed that four strains belong to the genus Pseudomonas, forming distinct clades with full support. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values were below the species delineation thresholds (70% and 95–96%), confirming the novelty of strains N8T, L1T, and SDT3T, while N4 and N8T were identified as the same species. As a result, we propose the names Pseudomonas medicae sp. nov., Pseudomonas onubensis sp. nov., and Pseudomonas spartinae sp. nov., with P. medicae comprising two strains. These strains, previously identified as PGPB, harboured genes related to PGP traits and were further characterized phenotypically and biochemically. To evaluate the agroecological potential of N8T strain, it was tested in co-inoculation with the corresponding rhizobia on lentil, pea, alfalfa, and bean under greenhouse conditions. In all legumes, N8T enhanced shoot and root biomass, increased nodule numbers, and improved nitrogen content compared with single rhizobia inoculation. In summary, these estuarine ecosystems are not only ecologically significant for their microbial diversity but also serve as reservoirs of beneficial bacteria with promising agroecological applications.
Soil physicochemical traits and environmental context shape the efficacy of a halophyte-derived plant growth-promoting bacterial biofertilizer
(Elsevier, 2026) Romano Rodríguez, Elena; Martín Peláez, María Rocío; Valle Romero, Pedro; Redondo Gómez, Susana; Flores Duarte, Noris J.; Campuzano, Alfonso; Pajuelo Domínguez, Eloísa; Rodríguez Llorente, Ignacio David; Mateos Naranjo, Enrique; Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Microbiología y Parasitología
PGPB-based biofertilizers offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for agriculture; however, their widespread adoption remains limited due to gaps in understanding strain adaptability to the physicochemical variability of soils and the reproducibility of results under field conditions. This study evaluated how soil properties and environmental variability modulate the beneficial effects of a halophytic PGPB inoculum, composed of self-compatible, stress-tolerant strains with multiple growth-promoting traits, on crop productivity. To this end, two experimental approaches were designed in which Beta vulgaris plants were subjected to two inoculation treatments (non-inoculated and inoculated) and grown in two soils with contrasting physicochemical properties, both under controlled greenhouse and field conditions, respectively. Results showed that the bacterial inoculum significantly enhanced. B. vulgaris growth, physiological performance, and nutritional balance under controlled greenhouse conditions. However, inoculation efficacy was strongly soil-dependent and did not scale linearly from greenhouse to field. In Soil 1, characterized by a sandy texture, low organic matter content, and limited water and nutrients retention, inoculation increased leaf dry matter content by 55 % and 91 %, respectively. In contrast, plants grown in Soil 2, with finer texture, higher organic matter content, and greater nutrient availability, exhibited a modest increase of 17 % following inoculation. Field validation further confirmed this context dependency. While inoculation enhanced plant yield and physiological performance in plants grown in experimental Area 1, no significant benefits were detected in Area 2. In fertile soils like Area 2, optimal nutrient availability and favorable climatic conditions likely reduce plant dependence on microbial related functions, masking inoculation effects. These findings demonstrate that halophytic PGPB inoculum can substantially improves B. vulgaris growth and physiology performance under suboptimal edaphic and climatic conditions, particularly in nutrient-poor, sandy soils, while its benefits are limited in fertile soils with optimal climate, emphasizing the need to consider soil and environmental context for effective biofertilizer use.
Amphiphile-Assisted Synthesis of Ruthenium Nanoparticles for Controlled Release and Enhanced Antibacterial Activity
(Wiley, 2025-11-19) Gimeno Ferrero, Raúl; Estruch Blasco, Manel; Pajuelo Domínguez, Eloísa; Fernández Fernández, Inmaculada; García Martín M. L.; Pernia Leal, Manuel; Microbiología y Parasitología; Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España; Junta de Andalucía; European Union (UE); Universidad de Sevilla
A novel procedure for preparing Ruthenium nanoparticles (RuNPs) based onlow-molecular-weight amphiphilic molecules and Ru(III) complexes asantibacterial agents with controlled release properties has been developed.Two hydrophobic Ru(III) complexes, Ru-TOA and Ru-Benza, analogs to theNAMI-A prodrug, are encapsulated within the core of the micelles formedthrough the self-assembly of these amphiphiles. The self-assembly ofamphiphile I, which contains a double polar head, results in highlywater-stable and monodispersed RuNPs incorporating both hydrophobic Rucomplexes. These RuNPs exhibit hydrodynamic sizes ranging from 26.7 to104.2 nm for NPs derived from Ru-TOA complex, and ≈10 nm for thosederived from Ru-Benza. Compared to Ru(III) complexes, these RuNPs oﬀerseveral advantages, including protection from aqueous degradation andenhanced bacterial uptake. Moreover, post-synthesis modiﬁcation of theRuNPs with molecular staples based on polyethylene glycol chains of varyinglengths enables controlled Ru release, reducing the burst eﬀect. Interestingly,these RuNPs demonstrate excellent antibacterial activity, with minimuminhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 16 mg·L−1 and minimum bactericidalconcentration (MBC) values of 32 mg·L−1 against a broad range ofGram-positive bacteria, including S. aureus, Staphylococus pseudintermedius,and Enterococcus faecalis, highlighting their potential eﬃcacy againstclinically relevant bacterial strains.
Highlighting zoonotic importance of synanthropic fleas through microbiome analysis
(Nature Research, 2025-10-28) Trujillo, Ignacio; Trujillo, Ignacio; Zurita Carrasco, Antonio; García Sánchez, Angela María; Microbiología y Parasitología; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; European Union (UE)
The role of domestic and peridomestic animals in vector-borne diseases is critical as they share a common environment with people having the potential to extend the network of pathogen transmission to humans. In the present study, amplicon sequencing was employed to characterize the microbial communities associated with five flea species (Archaeopsylla erinacei, Ctenocephalides felis, Spilopsyllus cuniculi, Pulex irritans and Ctenocephalides canis) collected from dogs, cats, and hedgehogs in Andalusia (Spain). The analysis focused on identifying the presence and infection rate of pathogenic bacteria within these synanthropic flea populations. The higher relative abundance of the Phylum Pseudomonadota was primarily attributed to the presence of the endosymbiont Wolbachia, along with consistently elevated levels of the genera Rickettsia and Bartonella across all flea species. This study reports, for the first time, the detection of Babesia sp. in all tested flea species, with the highest abundance observed in S. cuniculi collected from cats, emphasizing the need for further investigation into its potential implications as vectors. Our results also demonstrate that the microbiota composition of fleas is largely influenced by the host they parasitize. The study of microbiota allowed for the ecological separation of flea species, with individuals from these five species clustering distinctly each other.
RNA-binding antiterminators: regulation of metabolism and pathogenicity in bacteria
(Taylor & Francis Inc., 2025-11-04) Soussan, Diane; Tahrioui, Ali; Ruiz de la Haba, Rafael; Forge, Adrien; Chevalier, Sylvie; Lesouhaitier, Olivier; Muller, Cecile; Microbiología y Parasitología; Agency of National Research
Antiterminators are essential components of bacterial transcriptional regulation, allowing the control of gene expression in response to fluctuating environmental conditions. Among them, RNA-binding antiterminator proteins play a major role in preventing transcription termination by binding to specific RNA sequences. These RNA-binding antiterminators have been extensively studied for their role in regulating various metabolic pathways. However, their function in modulating the physiology of pathogens requires further investigation. This review focuses on RNA-binding proteins displaying CAT (Co-AntiTerminator) or ANTAR (AmiR and NasR Transcription Antitermination Regulators) domains reported in model bacteria. In particular, their structures, mechanism of action, and target genes will be described. The involvement of the antitermination mechanisms in bacterial pathogenicity is also discussed. This knowledge is crucial for understanding the regulatory mechanisms that control bacterial virulence, and opens up exciting prospects for future research, and potentially new alternative strategies to combat infectious diseases.
Judicial Opinion 131
(Microbiology Society, 2025-02-28) Arahal, David R.; Bull, Carolee T.; Christensen, Henrik; Dunlap, Christopher; Montero-Calasanz, Maria Del Carmen; Parker, Charles T.; Ventosa Ucero, Antonio; Göker, Markus; Microbiología y Parasitología; Ministerio de Economia, Industria y Competitividad (MINECO). España; National Institute of Food and Agriculture Federal (USDA); NBFC, Italian National Biodiversity Future Centre
Opinion 131 addresses a Request for an Opinion asking the Judicial Commission to conserve the genus name Proteus Hauser 1885 (Approved Lists 1980) over its earlier homonym, the protozoan genus name Proteus Müller 1786. The Judicial Commission agrees that the later homonym is illegitimate and that the replacement of the prokaryotic name Proteus would be undesirable. It is also concluded that Proteus Müller 1786 is an objectively invalid name under the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Judicial Opinions 9, 12 and 130 serve as precedents for the conservation of Proteus Hauser 1885 (Approved Lists 1980) over Proteus Müller 1786. This action is taken here and makes the prokaryotic name Proteus legitimate.
Morphological data and molecular characterization of Lagostonema ecasiense (Nematoda, Molineidae) parasite of Lagostomus maximus (Rodentia, Chinchillidae) from Argentina and other considerations
(Cambridge University Press, 2025-07-14) Canova, Victoria; Digiani, Maria Celina; Callejón Fernández, Rocío; Balcazar, Darío; Gerreiro Martins, Natalia Beatriz; Abba, Agustín Manuel; Robles, María del Rosario; Microbiología y Parasitología; Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET); Universidad Nacional de La Plata
Lagostonema ecasiense is a bursate nematode parasite of Lagostomus maximus in Argentina. New morphological data, geographical distribution, ecological data, molecular characterization and exploratory phylogenetic analysis are provided. The general morphology and measurements agree with the original description with minimal discrepancies. The geographical distribution of Lagostonema is expanded with 3 new provinces and 9 new departments in Argentina. The molecular characterization constitutes the first molecular contribution for the genus Lagostonema. The analysis of genetic distances and phylogenetic exploration allow considering L. ecasiense as a nominal species, confirming its nomenclatural taxonomic identity. Likewise, although morphological studies allow the identification of specimens from all populations as L. ecasiense, molecular studies show a major genetic distance in the population from Santiago del Estero Province concerning the rest of the populations. Consequently, the haplotypes are mentioned as Lagostonema sp. with the possibility that these specimens belong to a new species. This study is valuable because it contributes to the ratification of a nominal species described decades ago, adding new morphological aspects and providing an understanding of their value as a marker of host populations.
Microbes without borders: uniting societies for climate action
(American Society for Microbiology, 2025-09-23) Lennon, J. T.; Bittleston, L. S.; Chen, Q.; Cooper, V. S.; Fernández, J.; Gilbert, J. A.; Häggblom, M. M.; Ventosa Ucero, Antonio; Nguyen, N. K.; Microbiología y Parasitología
The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges of our time, yet the role of microorganisms remains underrecognized in climate science and policy. Microbes are highly sensitive to environmental change and regulate essential biogeochemical processes, while also offering solutions for reducing emissions, restoring ecosystems, and enhancing resilience. Microbiology societies from five continents recently convened in Washington, DC, for the inaugural Global Strategy Meeting on Microbes and Climate Change. The gathering launched a global alliance to position microbial science as a pillar of climate action and identified four priorities: building a coalition, embedding microbes in climate frameworks, transforming communication, and advancing real-world demonstration projects. This initiative marks the beginning of coordinated global action to harness microbial life for climate solutions.
Body-wide synchronization of insulin-signaling dependent DAF-16/FOXO nuclear translocation pulses correlated with C. elegans growth
(Springer Nature, 2025-12-11) Demirbas, Burak; Filina, Olga; Louisse, Timo; Natarajan, Ananya; Goos, Yvonne; Sánchez Romero, María Antonia; Olmedo López, María; van Zon, Jeroen S.; Microbiología y Parasitología; Genética; Dutch Research Council (NWO); Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España; National Institutes of Health-Office of Research Infrastructure Programs
Insulin signaling is the core pathway regulating body growth, but the dynamics of insulin signaling across an organism has not been studied experimentally. By imaging C. elegans larvae in microchambers, we follow the key insulin signaling step, DAF-16/FOXO nuclear translocation, at cellular level throughout the body. We show that under constant stress, translocation occurs in stochastic pulses, but with each translocation pulse occurring near-simultaneously in all cells. Pulsatile DAF-16/FOXO translocation is correlated with growth, as periods of long or frequent pulses coincide with bouts of growth arrest, and short, infrequent pulses with body growth, while the animal’s ability to arrest growth is lost in daf-16/FOXO mutants. Organism-wide coordination of DAF-16/FOXO translocation pulses might thus be important to ensure uniformity of body growth, with potential implications for understanding tissue- and body-wide coordination of insulin-dependent processes also in humans.
Epigenetic control of the ferric uptake regulator (Fur) and fumarate nitrate reductase (FNR) master regulatory proteins contributes to Haemophilus influenzae survival during lung infection
(American Society for Microbiology, 2025-08) Gil-Campillo, Celia; Euba, Begoña; Rodríguez-Arce, Irene; San León, David; Marino, Mary C.; Asensio-López, Javier; Gutiérrez Pozo, Gabriel; Sánchez Romero, María Antonia; Garmendia, Junkal; Genética; Microbiología y Parasitología; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España; Sociedad Española de Neumología y Cirugía Torácica (SEPAR); Gobierno de Navarra
DNA regulatory elements that dictate how the bacterial pathobiont Haemophilus influenzae infects and adapts to the airways of immunocompromised patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are poorly understood. This is in part due to the scarcity of research integrating genetic and epigenetic perspectives to shed light on the role of distinct bacterial adaptive strategies within the human airways. In this work, global fitness profilingof H. influenzae mutants by high-throughput transposon mutant sequencing within the mouse lung identified Dam methyltransferase as an in vivo requirement for respiratory infection. Equally, single-molecule real-time sequencing methylome analyses found undermethylation of GATC motifs within putative regulatory elements and revealed the first case of phenotypic variation controlled by variable Dam methylation in H. influenzae. Moreover, RNA sequencing differentialgene expression disclosed a novel regulatory network where Dam methyltransferase positively regulates the expression of the ferric uptake regulator (Fur), which in turn represses the expression of the fumarate nitrate reductase (FNR) regulator and, subsequently, of a repertoire of genes that belong to the FNR regulon and encode bacterial anaerobic defenses against, among others, reactive nitrogen species produced within the diseased airways. Our results present a multifactorial regulatory network where the interplay between the Fur and FNR master transcriptional regulators is controlled epigenetically by Dam methylation. We put forward the notion that this network regulates H. influenzae survival in diseased airway niches with high nitrosative stress where damage reduces the amount of oxygen in the lungs, as encountered in COPD.
Olive Leaf Protein Hydrolysate as a Novel Source of Antimicrobial Peptides: Peptidomic Characterization and In Silico Evaluation
(2025-08-14) González de la Rosa, Teresa; Herreros Isidro, Alonso; Márquez Parada, Elvira; Barrera Chamorro, Luna; León León, María José; Montserrat de la Paz, Sergio; Microbiología y Parasitología; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España
Olive (Olea europaea) leaves, a by-product of olive oil production, represent a promising source of bioactive peptides. In this study, the peptidome of an olive leaf protein hy- drolysate (OLPH) obtained via enzymatic hydrolysis with Alcalase was identified and analyzed for the first time. Liquid Chromatography coupled to Trapped Ion Mobility Spectrometry and Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-TIMS-MS/MS) analysis revealed over 7000 peptide sequences. Peptides with PeptideRanker scores above 0.79 were selected for in silico evaluation of antimicrobial potential, including physicochemical characterization and molecular docking. Several peptides—such as NYPAWGY, SSKGSLGGGF, QWDQ- GYF, and SGPAFNAGR—exhibited strong predicted antimicrobial potential, supported by favorable interactions with bacterial, viral, and fungal targets in docking simulations. Correlation analysis revealed that physicochemical features, such as net hydrogen, am- phipathicity, and isoelectric point, were positively associated with predicted antimicrobial activity. These findings highlight the potential of olive leaf-derived peptides as natural antimicrobial agents and support the valorization of olive by-products as a sustainable source of functional ingredients for applications in food safety and health. Further ex- perimental validation is needed to confirm the efficacy and mechanism of action of the identified peptides.
Examining intraindividual variability of urinary gluten immunogenic peptides compared to the lactulose-mannitol ratio in healthy volunteers: implications for clinical assessment of intestinal permeability
(Frontiers, 2025-09-04) Rodríguez Ramírez, Raquel; Fernández Peralbo, María Auxiliadora; Cebolla, Ángel; Sousa Martín, Carolina; Microbiología y Parasitología; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España; CTA; CDTI; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
Introduction: The intestinal barrier plays a crucial role in preventing the translocation of harmful substances. Intestinal permeability is commonly assessed using the lactulose-mannitol ratio (LMR) test, which measures absorption of non-metabolizable sugars. However, it does not reflect permeability to larger, potentially antigenic molecules such as proteins. Urinary gluten immunogenic peptides (u-GIP), derived from gluten, have emerged as promising biomarkers, showing sensitivity to mucosal disruption. This study compared the intraindividual variability of u-GIP and LMR under fasting conditions in healthy volunteers to assess the consistency and reproducibility of both methods for evaluating intestinal barrier function. Methods: Twelve healthy adult volunteers underwent a controlled dietary protocol and repeated intestinal permeability testing on three separate days. After a fasting period, each participant ingested gluten, lactulose and mannitol. Urine samples were collected at 0–6 and 0–15-hour intervals. GIP levels were assessed using a lateral flow immunoassay, while lactulose and mannitol were quantified via ion chromatography. Intraindividual variability was evaluated using coefficients of variation (CV) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and the results were compared with reference ranges. Results: Excretion patterns for u-GIP, lactulose and mannitol were generally similar, with detection within the first 3 hours and peaks around 4–5 hours. u-GIP consistently exhibited lower intraindividual variability than the traditional LMR. The CV for u-GIP excretion remained within an acceptable range (~20%) and its ICC reached 0.750 in the 0–15-hour interval, indicating excellent reproducibility. In contrast, the LMR showed higher CVs and poor ICC values, which only improved modestly after outlier exclusion. GIP measurements consistently fell within established reference ranges across test repetitions, further supporting their stability. Discussion: u-GIP demonstrated lower intraindividual variability and higher consistency than LMR, indicating its potential as a robust and reliable marker for assessing intestinal permeability. Unlike LMR, GIP showed better reproducibility across days and minimal influence from dietary fluctuations. Its advantages include direct clinical relevance as an immunogenic dietary protein marker, reduced physiological variability and non-invasive methods. These features highlight u-GIP promising potential for future clinical and research applications. However, further studies are needed to validate its effectiveness specifically in patients with altered intestinal permeability.
Unlocking the potential of biocrust microorganisms in agriculture: cyanobacteria and heterotrophic bacteria with plant growth-promoting properties
(Frontiers, 2025-09-24) Pagli, Carlotta; Maggioli, Lisa; Roncero Ramos, Beatriz; Pajuelo Domínguez, Eloísa; Muñoz Rojas, Miriam; Braglia, Roberto; Cantón, Yolanda; Microbiología y Parasitología; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
Introduction: Drylands are subject to multiple overlapping stresses, including high temperatures, drought, and salinity, along with soils that are low in organic matter and nitrogen. Hence, both agricultural practices and natural regeneration in these areas are hindered by poor plant establishment and growth. The use of plant growth-promoting (PGP) microorganisms has recently emerged as a promising strategy to enhance plant performance under these harsh conditions. Methods: In this context, the aim of this work was to isolate and screen the PGP properties of cyanobacteria and heterotrophic bacteria from biocrusts in arid soils, representing a highly unexplored niche of microorganisms with potential application in agriculture and ecological restoration. We determined key PGP traits, including phosphate and potassium solubilization, growth under nitrogenfree conditions, siderophore and auxin production, as well as protease, lipase, DNase, amylase, catalase, and cytochrome-C-oxidase activities. Results: Our results showed that, among the cyanobacteria analyzed, Nostoc commune CANT2, isolated from the province of Almería (Spain), exhibited the highest number of PGP properties, followed by N. commune AB55 (southern Sardinia, Italy) and Trichocoleus cf. desertorum CAU7 (Almería). Both strains AB55 and CANT2 are characterized by their production of exopolysaccharides (EPS). Regarding the heterotrophic bacterial strains, those with the best PGP properties were identified as Peribacillus frigoritolerans and Bacillus atrophaeus by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Seed biopriming experiments with the model plant Triticum aestivum showed that application of N. commune CANT2, either alone or in combination with P. frigoritolerans 1E, enhanced vigor indices by up to 58% compared to the control. Discussion: These findings highlight the potential of combined microbial consortia with PGP activities as candidates for the development of biostimulants, offering a sustainable approach to improve plant growth and resilience in dryland agriculture.
Halophytes as holobionts: disentangling the contribution of plant genotype and environmental factors to the associated microbiome of hydro- and xerohalophytes
(2025-11) Pajuelo Domínguez, Eloísa; Romano Rodríguez, Elena; Mateos Naranjo, Enrique; Flores Duarte, Noris J.; Rodríguez Llorente, Ignacio David; Redondo Gómez, Susana; Microbiología y Parasitología; Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; European Union (UE)
Halophytes are of great interest for their ecosystemic beneﬁts and valuable secondary metabolites. However, they are threatened by factors such as heat waves, drought, increased salinity and pollution, associated with climate change and human activity. In this context, their associated microbial communities are crucial for their survival. Despite that, there are no comparative studies on microbial communities associated with two types of halophytes: hydrohalophytes (plants from humid saline environments) and xerohalophytes (plants from saline arid environments). This study aimed to investigate the factors that determine the structure of microbial com-munities of three hydrohalophytes of the Southwest Spain (Atlantic coastal), in particular Atriplex portulacoides, Salicornia perennis and Suaeda vera; and three xerohalophytes of Southeast Spain (Mediterranean coast and inland saltmarshes), namely, Atriplex glauca, Anabasis articulata and Halocnemum strobilaceum. Samples were collected in three locations and two seasons (autumn and spring) to analyze how plant genetics and environmental factors inﬂuence their microbiota. The analysis was done by sequencing the 16S V3-V4 region in samples of different plant compartments: endophytes, rhizosphere soils and bare soils. The results showed strong attraction of bac-teria and archaea to the rhizosphere, although further tight selection limits the number of endophytes. A "core" of endophytes common to both functional halophytes was identiﬁed, including the genera Kushneria, Halomonas, Pseudoalteromonas and Zunongwangia, which were considered generalists. In addition, speciﬁc genera considered as specialists were found: hydrohalophytes showed afﬁnity for Vibrio, Pseudomonas and Marinomonas, while xerohalophytes harbored Marinilactobacillus, Alkalicoccus, Alkalibacterium and Arthrobacter. Although most en-dophytes persist across seasons, their relative abundances can change for better adaptation. Clear differences were also encountered among the rhizosphere inhabitants in both functional halophytes: whereas halophilic ammonia oxidizing archaea were prevalent in the rhizosphere of hydrohalophytes, versatile adaptive bacteria were predominant in that of xerohalophytes. These microorganisms play vital roles, including promoting plant growth, participating in the carbon and nitrogen metabolisms, and recycling organic matter. In conclusion, the study determined that the main factors shaping the microbial populations associated to halophytes were: halophyte type > halophyte species > soil characteristics > seasonality.
Potential Transfer of Toxic Gluten from Biodegradable Tableware to Gluten-Free Foods: Implications for Individuals with Gluten-Related Disorders
(American Chemical Society, 2025-10-25) Sousa, Carolina; Heredia Barroso, Abel; Arcos, Lucía de; Segura Montero, Verónica; Ruiz Carnicer, Ángela; Comino Montilla, Isabel María; Microbiología y Parasitología; Junta de Andalucía
The increasing use of biodegradable food-contact materials poses a risk for individuals with gluten-related disorders, including celiac disease. Tableware manufactured from wheat or other cereal derivatives may retain gluten proteins; regulations do not mandate allergen labeling. This study evaluated gluten transfer from eight commercial biodegradable items to representative gluten-free foods under realistic conditions. Gluten was quantified in biodegradable tableware and food samples after contact, using monoclonal antibody-based assays (G12 and A1) which detect gluten immunogenic peptides (GIP), providing a sensitive measure of potential immunological risk. Only one wheat-derived dish contained gluten and transferred it into solid and liquid foods. Migration was greater in liquid foods, particularly emulsified systems. In several cases transferred gluten exceeded the 20 mg/kg threshold for gluten-free labeling. Heat and prolonged exposure increased transfer. These findings highlight a critical regulatory gap, underscoring the urgent need for mandatory allergen labeling on biodegradable tableware to protect vulnerable consumers.
Investigación basada en diseño (IBD): Una propuesta socioconstructivista e investigativa para el aprendizaje de la herencia y la reproducción en la educación secundaria
(Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa (UEPG), 2025-09-27) González Rovira, María; Cattani Delord, Gabriela Carolina; Porlán Ariza, Rafael; Microbiología y Parasitología; Didáctica de las Ciencias Experimentales y Sociales
En el ámbito de la enseñanza de las ciencias, abordar las ideas espontáneas del alumnado resulta clave para promover aprendizajes significativos. Este estudio se enmarca en un enfoque socioconstructivista e investigativo, y tiene como objetivo analizar el impacto de una Unidad Didáctica Investigativa (UDI) sobre herencia y reproducción en el aprendizaje de estudiantes de educación secundaria. La intervención se desarrolló mediante una Investigación Basada en Diseño (IBD), aplicada en un centro educativo de Sevilla (España) en una muestra de 29 estudiantes. A partir de un cuestionario inicial para conocer las ideas del alumnado, se diseñaron contenidos, problemas y actividades orientados a favorecer la evolución de las mismas. La evaluación, de carácter formativo, permitió identificar progresiones de aprendizaje significativas. Los resultados, representados mediante escaleras de aprendizaje, evidencian el potencial del enfoque empleado para transformar las ideas iniciales del alumnado, fortalecer su alfabetización científica y promover una enseñanza conectada con la realidad.
A molecular phylogeny of Ceratophyllomorpha (Insecta: Siphonaptera): geographical distribution, origins, and host associations
(Oxford University Press, 2025-07) Zurita Carrasco, Antonio; Matthee, Conrad A.; Microbiología y Parasitología; Ministerio de Universidades. España
From a taxonomic and systematic perspective, the order Siphonaptera is a neglected and overlooked group of insects. The classification of fleas is further hampered by a few classical taxonomic keys published over 40 years ago and, in many cases, they are not digitized and thus not easily accessible. More recently, molecular data have been utilized with great success in an attempt to resolve some of the higher level taxonomic uncertainties for Siphonaptera, but detailed phylogenetic studies of fleas are still scarce. Here we conduct a comprehensive phylogenetic and evolutionary review using 148 taxa within the infraorder Ceratophyllomorpha with 4689 aligned sites derived from seven different molecular markers. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses supported the monophyly of 34/48 genera (71%), and also supported the monophyly of most members within the Leptopsyllidae, Ceratophyllidae, and Ischnopsyllidae. The dated phylogeny constructed shows that diversification within the Ceratophyllomorpha dates back to ~23.1 Mya, and from this period onwards, the evolution of the fleas included herein was influenced by both host association and host distribution. The most common hosts of the Ceratophyllomorpha group were various families of rodents, with the exception of the Ischnopsyllidae, that was specific to the order Chiroptera. The rich extant Ceratophyllomorpha diversity is mainly confined to the Palaearctic region, and this geographic pattern was most evident for the family Leptopsyllidae. The present study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive taxonomic revision for the order Siphonaptera. Since the current taxonomic schemes are mainly based on morphology, future focus should be given to those species where no molecular data are available and where molecular data are scarce.
Endophytic Diversity in Sicilian Olive Trees: Identifying Optimal Conditions for a Functional Microbial Collection
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025-06-27) Crucitti, Dalila; Barone, Stefano; Navarro Torre, Salvadora; Quatrini, Paola; Carimi, Francesco; Caruso, Tiziano; Pacifico, Davide; Microbiología y Parasitología; National Research Council (CNR). Italy; European Union (UE)
This study aims to identify the optimal conditions—host, plant material, seasonality, and agricultural practices—for isolating and developing a collection of culturable endophytic microorganisms to support sustainable Olea europaea L. cultivation. Samples were collected from three Sicilian olive cultivars (‘Nocellara del Belice’, ‘Nocellara Etnea’, and ‘Nocellara Messinese’) and six wild olive accessions across different phenological phases and under organic and conventional agronomic management. Endophytes were isolated from leaves and twigs using a culture-dependent approach, and their taxonomic diversity and plantgrowth-promoting (PGP) traits were analyzed. A total of 133 endophytic isolates were identified, spanning bacterial (Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria) and fungal (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota) phyla. Wild olive trees contributed more than cultivated varieties to enriching the diversity and composition of culturable endophyte collection as well as twigs instead of leaves. Winter sampling allowed to implement the taxonomic genera of olive endophyte collection. Both farming systems favored an increase in the composition of microbial collection, though organic farming systems supported greater microbial richness. Functional analysis highlighted key PGP traits in a selection of bacterial isolates, including indole-3-acetic acid and siderophore production, nitrogen fixation, and antifungal activity. Bacillus spp. dominated enzymatic activities, such as amylase, protease, and lipase production, as well as antifungal activity against the olive fungal pathogen Neofusicoccum vitifusiforme. This research highlights the significant diversity and functional potential of Mediterranean olive endophytes. Our findings emphasize the role of native microbial communities as bio-inoculants, promoting plant growth, nutrient uptake, and disease resistance. These insights lay the groundwork for developing targeted olive-microbial consortia for biocontrol and stress tolerance applications.
Fodinibius alkaliphilus sp. nov., a moderately halophilic and alkaliphilic bacterium isolated from an inland saltern in central Portugal and reclassification of Aliifodinibius salipaludis as Fodinibius salipaludis sp. nov.
(Microbiology Society, 2025-07-09) He, Yang; Simões, Marta Filipa; Ruiz de la Haba, Rafael; Santos-Pereira, Cátia; Sousa, Joana; Gomes, Joana S.; Antunes, André; Microbiología y Parasitología; National Key Research and Development Program. China; Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT). Macau SAR, China; Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). Portugal
A novel moderately halophilic and alkaliphilic Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, bacterial strain (N2T) was isolated from an inland saltern in central Portugal. The taxonomic position of this isolate was determined based on polyphasic taxonomic and phylogenomic analysis. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that isolate N2T belongs to the genus Fodinibius, showing the highest similarity to Fodinibius halophilus 2W32T (98.14%). Phylogenomic analysis based on whole genomes, using the up-to-date bacterial core gene sets (92 genes), showed that strain N2T formed a distinct monophyletic lineage within the genus Fodinibius. The cells of N2T were motile rods that grew at temperatures between 30 and 40°C (optimum at 35°C), pH levels of 6.0–11.0 (optimum at pH 9.0) and salinities of 13–20% (w/v) NaCl (optimum at 15% NaCl). Cells tested positive for oxidase and catalase activity. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone-7 (MK-7), and the major fatty acids were iso-C15:0, anteiso-C15:0, C16:1ω6c and/or 10-methyl C16:0. The polar lipids included two aminolipids, two glycolipids and seven phospholipids. The DNA G+C content was 42.0mol%. Based on phylogenetic, phylogenomic, genomic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data, we propose that strain N2T (=KCTC 102228T=MCCC 1K08942T) represents a novel species within the genus Fodinibius, with the name Fodinibius alkaliphilus sp. nov. We also propose the reclassification of Alifodinibius salipaludis as Fodinibius salipaludis sp. nov.
Microbes without borders: uniting societies for climate action
(Oxford University Press, 2025-09-24) Lennon, Jay T.; Bittleston, Leonora S.; Chen, Quanrui; Cooper, Vaughn S.; Fernández, Julieta; Ventosa Ucero, Antonio; Nguyen, Nguyen K.; Microbiología y Parasitología

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