Artículos (Microbiología y Parasitología)

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

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Novel Bacterial Strains for Nonylphenol Removal in Water and Sewage Sludge: Insights from Gene Expression and Toxicity
(MDPI, 2025-06-06) Lara Moreno, Alba; Aguilar Romero, Inés; Madrid, Fernando; Villaverde, Jaime; Carlier, Jorge D.; Santos Morcillo, Juan Luis; Alonso Álvarez, Esteban; Morillo, Esmeralda; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Química Analítica; Junta de Andalucía; European Union (UE); Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia. Portugal
4-Nonylphenols (4-NPs) are persistent endocrine disruptors frequently found in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents and sewage sludge. This study evaluated the ability of eight bacterial strains that were isolated from sewage sludge to degrade 4-n-NP in an aqueous solution. Bacillus safensis CN12, Shewanella putrefaciens CN17, and Alcaligenes faecalis CN8 showed the highest degradation rates, removing 100%, 75%, and 74% of 4-n-NP (10 mg L⁻1), with DT50 values of 0.90, 8.9, and 10.4 days, respectively. Despite the reduction in 4-n-NP concentrations, ecotoxicity assays revealed that the resulting transformation products (TPs) were more toxic than the parent compound. To investigate the potential degradation mechanisms, in silico and gene expression analyses were conducted on B. safensis CN12, revealing a significant upregulation of the multicopper oxidase gene, cotA (7.25-fold), and the ring-cleaving dioxygenase gene, mhqO (13.9-fold). Although the CN12 strain showed potential for mineralization based on gene expression studies, this was not observed in the aqueous solution. However, when 4-n-NP was adsorbed on sludge and treated with CN12 in the presence of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPBCD) as a bioavailability enhancer, mineralization reached up to 33%, indicating a synergistic effect with the native sludge microbiota.
Dissimilar Effects of Selenite and Selenium Nanoparticles on Skeletal Muscle Development Unrelated to GPx1 Activity During Adolescence in Rats
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025-05-28) Nogales Bueno, Fátima; Pajuelo Domínguez, Eloísa; Gallego López, María del Carmen; Romero Herrera, Inés; Merchán Ignacio, Francisco; Carreras Sánchez, Olimpia; Ojeda Murillo, María Luisa; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Fisiología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Junta de Andalucía; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España
Background/Objectives: During adolescence, the critical growth period, the antioxidant selenium (Se), either as sodium selenite or selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), has shown contrasting effects on adipose tissue (AT) in rats, due to its role in insulin signaling. Since skeletal muscle (SKM) is also a key insulin-target tissue, this study aimed to assess whether a similar effect occurs in this tissue. Methods: Three groups of male adolescent rats (n = 18) were used: control (C), selenite supplemented (S), and SeNPs supplemented (NS). Low doses of Se were administered via drinking water in both supplemented groups. AT was utilized for transcriptomic analyses, while SKM was analyzed for oxidative balance, insulin-induced anabolic effects, and proteolysis. Myokine levels in serum were also determined. Results: SeNPs administration decreased SKM mass and protein content, increased serum creatinine, and decreased insulin levels, indicating impaired SKM development. Both supplemented groups upregulated genes related to creatine metabolism and muscle contraction. However, only the NS group showed upregulation of genes associated with glycogenolysis and glycolysis. Despite unchanged GPx1 expression, NS rats presented lower oxidation and insulin–pmTOR activation, and higher expression of proteins related to proteolysis (pAMPK, SIRT1, ULK1, FOXO3a, and MaFbx) and a myokine profile compatible to muscle atrophy, fatty acid oxidation, and impaired myoblast proliferation. Ultimately, the selenite group impaired SKM catabolism mainly by increasing insulin–pmTOR activation. Conclusions: Once again, the form of Se administration exerts opposing effects on metabolism tissues, suggests a potential therapeutic role for selenite in disorders that compromise muscle growth, such as muscular dystrophies, cachexia, or sarcopenia.
Studies on the bioaugmentation of Mycolicibacterium aubagnense HPB1.1 in aerobic granular sludge from a WWTP: Adaptability of native prokaryotes and enhancement of paracetamol intermediate metabolites biodegradation
(Elsevier, 2025-05) Carlier, Jorge D.; Lara Moreno, Alba; Igbodo, Benjamin; Costa, Maria C.; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Portuguese National Funds. FCT; CRESC Algarve 2020 and COMPETE 2020
This study aimed to evaluate for the first time the bioaugmentation of Mycolicibacterium aubagnense HPB1.1 in Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBRs) with Aerobic Granular Sludge (AGS), and its effect on the biodegradation of Paracetamol, also known as Acetaminophen and N -acetyl-para-aminophenol (APAP). The bioaugmentation was effective and persisted for at least nine days after five inoculations performed in 24 days (relative abundance of M. aubagnense was 0.13 ± 0.05 % in the test reactors and 0.0079 ± 0.0008 % in the control reactors) and for eight days after seven inoculations performed in 40 days (relative abundance of M. aubagnense was 0.04 ± 0.02 % in the tests and 0.0005 ± 0.0005 % in the controls). In what concerns APAP biodegradation, the results showed a faster removal of its transformation products Hydroquinone (HQ), 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone (2,5-HO-BQ) and 1,4-benzoquinone (BQ) in the bioreactors bioaugmented with the bacterial strain M. aubagnense HPB1.1 (59 % or 85 % of HQ, 67 % or 85 % of 2,5-HO-BQ and 75 % or 82 % of BQ removals, respectively for assay 1 or assay 2) in comparison to the non-bioaugmented bioreactors (15 % or 31 % of HQ, 36 % or 63 % of 2,5-HO-BQ and no removal of BQ, also for assy 1 and 2, respectively). Regarding the effect on organics and nutrients treatment, overall, the SBR conditions favored ammonia, nitrites, and organics removal. Yet, the conditions did not allow complete denitrification nor higher assimilation than release of PO43-.
Parasites and Parasitic Diseases in Small Animals
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025-04-21) García Sánchez, Ángela María; Callejón Fernández, Rocío; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología
Negative predictive value of the repeated absence of gluten immunogenic peptides in the urine of treated celiac patients in predicting mucosal healing: new proposals for follow-up in celiac diseas
(Elsevier, 2020) Ruiz Carnicer, Ángela; Garzón Benavides, Marta; Fombuena, Blanca; Segura Montero, Verónica; García-Fernández, Francisco-José; Sobrino Rodríguez, Salvador; Coronel Rodríguez, Cristóbal; Romero Gómez, Manuel; Sousa Martín, Carolina; Comino Montilla, Isabel María; Argüelles Arias, Federico; Pizarro Moreno, Ángeles; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Medicina; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Farmacología, Pediatría y Radiología; Junta de Andalucía; European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER); Gobierno de España
Background: The treatment of celiac disease (CD) is a lifelong gluten-free diet (GFD). The current methods for monitoring GFD conformance, such as a dietary questionnaire or serology tests, may be inaccurate in detecting dietary transgressions, and duodenal biopsies are invasive, expensive, and not a routine monitoring technique. Objectives: Our aim was to determine the clinical usefulness of urine gluten immunogenic peptides (GIP) as a biomarker monitoring GFD adherence in celiac patients and to evaluate the concordance of the results with the degree of mucosal damage. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted involving 22 de novo CD patients, 77 celiac patients consuming a GFD, and 13 nonceliac subjects. On 3 d of the week, urine samples were collected and the GIP concentrations were tested. Simultaneously, anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies, questionnaire results, clinical manifestations, and histological findings were analyzed. Results: Approximately 24% (18 of 76) of the celiac patients consuming a GFD exhibited Marsh II–III mucosal damage. Among this population, 94% (17 of 18) had detectable urine GIP; however, between 60% and 80% were asymptomatic and exhibited negative serology and appropriate GFD adherence based on the questionnaire. In contrast, 97% (31 of 32) of the celiac patients without duodenal damage had no detectable GIP. These results demonstrated the high sensitivity (94%) and negative predictive value (97%) of GIP measurements in relation to duodenal biopsy findings. In the de novo CD-diagnosed cohort, 82% (18 of 22) of patients had measurable amounts of GIP in the urine. Conclusions: Determining GIP concentrations in several urine samples may be an especially convenient approach to assess recent gluten exposure in celiac patients and appears to accurately predict the absence of histological lesions. The introduction of GIP testing as an assessment technique for GFD adherence may help in ascertaining dietary compliance and to target the most suitable intervention during follow-up.
Pseudomonas syringae subpopulations cooperate by coordinating flagellar and type III secretion spatiotemporal dynamics to facilitate plant infection
(Nature Research, 2025-04-02) López Pagán, Nieves; Rufián, José S.; Luneau, Julien; Sánchez Romero, María Antonia; Aussel, Laurent; van Vliet, Simon; Ruiz Albert, Javier; Beuzón, Carmen R.; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España; European Union (UE); Junta de Andalucía; Universidad de Málaga
Isogenic bacterial populations can display probabilistic cell-to-cell variation in response to challenges. This phenotypic heterogeneity can affect virulence in animals, but its impact on plant pathogens is unknown. Previously, we showed that expression of the type III secretion system (T3SS) of the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae displays phenotypic variation in planta. Here we use flow cytometry and microscopy to investigate single-cell flagellar expression in relation to T3SS expression, showing that both systems undergo phenotypic heterogeneity in vitro in apoplast-mimicking medium and within apoplastic microcolonies throughout colonization of Phaseolus vulgaris. Stochastic, spatial and time factors shape the dynamics of a phenotypically diverse pathogen population that displays division of labour during colonization: effectors produced by T3SS-expressing bacteria act as ‘common goods’ to suppress immunity, allowing motile flagella-expressing bacteria to increase and leave infected tissue before necrosis. These results showcase the mechanisms of bacterial specialization during plant colonization in an environmentally and agriculturally relevant system.
Diagnosis of celiac disease on a glutenfree diet: a multicenter prospective quasiexperimental clinical study
(Biomed Central Ltd, 2025) Gómez-Aguililla, Sara; Farrais, Sergio; López-Palacios, Natalia; Arau, Beatriz; Senosiain, Carla; Corzo, María; Ruiz Carnicer, Ángela; Sousa Martín, Carolina; Núñez, Concepción; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; European Union (UE); Instituto de Salud Carlos III
Background Diagnosing celiac disease (CD) in individuals adhering to a gluten-free diet (GFD) presents significant challenges. Current guidelines recommend a gluten challenge (GC) lasting at least 6–8 weeks, which has several limitations. Our aim was to compare four approaches previously proposed for diagnosing CD on a GFD: IL-2 serum levels, gut-homing CD8+ T cells, % TCRγδ+ intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), and UBE2L3 gene expression. Additionally, we evaluated the CD8+ T-cell-based method with a 3-day GC against the standard GC protocol. Methods We conducted a multicenter prospective quasi-experimental clinical study. Two subsets of individuals were considered: (1) 20 patients with CD previously diagnosed and 15 non-CD controls, to evaluate the first aim; (2) 41 individuals with uncertain diagnosis who were on a GFD and required GC following current clinical guidelines, to assess the second aim. All participants underwent a 3-day GC (10 g gluten/day). Results Among CD patients and non-CD controls, the sensitivity and specificity of IL-2, gut-homing CD8+ T cells, and UBE2L3 were 82.4% and 83.3%, 88.2% and 100%, and 52.9% and 100%, respectively. The percentage of TCRγδ+ IELs showed 88.2% sensitivity. In the uncertain diagnosis group, a CD8+ T-cell positive response was observed in 8 of the 41 subjects. Conclusions The percentage of TCRγδ+ IELs and the analysis of IL-2 levels and gut-homing CD8+ T cells are promising diagnostic methods for CD on a GFD. Notably, our results suggest that the CD8+ T-cell assay may provide a consistent and reliable alternative to the extended GC, eliminating the need for invasive procedures to obtain duodenal samples and prolonged gluten ingestion. However, further research with larger cohorts are necessary to validate these findings and establish their definitive clinical utility.
Enrichment of peat with a protein hydrolysate-based biostimulant obtained from wine lees: effect on pepper plants
(Taylor & Francis AS, 2025) Tejada Moral, Manuel; López-Rodríguez, Jesús; Gómez Parrales, Isidoro Ángel; Paneque Macías, Patricia Isabel; Navarro Torre, Salvadora; Orts Gómez, José María; Parrado Rubio, Juan; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; European Union (UE)
Currently, the use of biostimulants is considered an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers. In this work, we investigated the use of a biostimulant obtained from winemaking sludge by enzymatic hydrolysis processes in peat enrichment. The aim was to observe how this biostimulant affects the growth and development of green pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Italian) seedlings. The biostimulant was applied in three doses (1, 2, and 3 g/L) for a total of four applications. Seedlings were harvested at a height of 8–16 cm and with 5–7 leaves. Plant height, weight of aboveground and belowground parts, macro- and micronutrient contents, photosynthetic pigments in leaves, and enzymes related to plant stress were determined. The results obtained indicated that plant height, weight of the aboveground and belowground parts, and macro- and micronutrient content in the aboveground and root parts were higher in plants treated with the highest dose of biostimulant. Compared with the control treatment (without amendments), the contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total carotenoids increased by 57%, 51.9%, and 53.1%, respectively, in plants treated with the highest dose of biostimulant. These results suggest that peat enrichment with this biostimulant could be useful for improving bell pepper quality
Utility of 28S Ribosomal RNA Gene Domains for Molecular Classification and Phylogeny of Rhinonyssid Mites
(MDPI, 2025-02-06) Sánchez Carrión, Susana Araceli; Márquez, Francisco J.; Rojas Álvarez, Manuel de; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Universidad de Sevilla
The family Rhinonyssidae includes endoparasitic, blood-feeding mites that are parasitic on birds and that remain largely unstudied despite their potential role as vectors or reservoirs for various pathogens, like other Dermanyssoidea. Traditionally, the taxonomy of the group has been based on morphometric characteristics, which makes identification very difficult in many groups of closely related species. On the other hand, studies on the phylogenetic relationships within this group of mites have been neglected until the early years of the present century. In this study, twelve species belonging to five different species complexes were identified, and domains D1–D3 28S rRNA of each one were sequenced, for the first time, to investigate the sequence variation and its taxonomic implications for phylogenetic inference. Our data indicate that this molecular marker can effectively differentiate between species within the “motacillae”, “sairae”, “pari”, and “hirsti” complexes of the genus Ptilonyssus and the “melloi” and “columbae” complexes of the genus Tinaminyssus. Furthermore, the phylogenetic tree that can be derived from the domain D1–D3 28S rRNA sequences presented in this study is congruent with the current taxonomy of the Rhinonyssidae. This research calls for a reassessment of the taxonomic status of some group of species.
Conditions for vegetative propagation of three key halophytes from habitats of EU community interest: substrate nature, salinity and PGP-bacterial interactions and cost evaluation
(Elsevier, 2025-04-18) Valle Romero, Pedro; Martín Peláez, María Rocío; Flores Duarte, Noris J.; Redondo Gómez, Susana; Puglielli, Giacomo; Zunzunegui González, María; Álvarez Cansino, Leonor; Rodríguez Llorente, Ignacio David; Pajuelo Domínguez, Eloísa; Mateos Naranjo, Enrique; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; European Union (UE)
The ecological transition faces the challenge of expanding wetland restoration areas due to their critical role in ecosystem service provision. To improve restoration efforts, particularly in plant material production for revegetation, scientific knowledge is essential. This study focuses on establishing optimal vegetative propagation protocols for three slow-growing, perennial halophyte species from EU habitats of interest: Atriplex portulacoides, Arthrocaulon macrostachyum and Sporobolus maritimus. Cuttings were grown in three substrates (perlite, coconut fiber and mulch) with two salinity levels (0 and 171 mM NaCl) and three inoculation treatments (non-inoculated and inoculated with two plant growth-promoting (PGP) rhizobacteria consortia). Cuttings survival rate was species-specific, with A. portulacoides showing the highest survival range (78.75 ± 18.75) compared to the ranges observed for A. macrostachyum and S. maritimus (57.50 ± 12.50 % and 59.60 ± 9.00 %, respectively). Plants grown with coconut fiber performed best survival rate, followed by perlite independently of inoculation. Moreover, survival rates of S. maritimus were also enhanced by PGP inoculation. Similar patterns were observed for cutting development: cuttings grown in perlite, followed by coconut fiber, and exposed to high salinity showed higher above- and belowground biomass. By selecting this Substrate and Salinity, Inoculum had a positive effect on the development of A. portulacoides and A. macrostachyum. Furthermore, inoculated plants showed overall higher values of photosynthetic efficiency and carboxylation. Finally, a cost analysis comparing our approach to using direct transplant material indicates significant economic advantages. Our results provide compelling evidence to enhance nursery stock for future revegetation projects.
Elucidating Immune Cell Changes in Celiac Disease: Revealing New Insights from Spectral Flow Cytometry
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025-03-21) Gómez-Aguililla, Sara; Farrais, Sergio; Senosiain, Carla; López-Palacios, Natalia; Arau, Beatriz; Ruiz Carnicer, Ángela; Sánchez-Domínguez, Rebeca; Corzo, María; Casado, Isabel; Pujals, Mar; Bodas, Andrés; Sousa Martín, Carolina; Núñez, Concepción; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; Instituto de Salud Carlos III
Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy of the small intestine triggered by gluten ingestion. Although the small bowel is the main organ affected, peripheral blood cell alterations have also been described in CD. We aimed to investigate immunological cell patterns in the blood of treated CD patients and in response to a 3-day gluten challenge (GC). Blood samples were collected from 10 patients with CD and 8 healthy controls on a gluten-free diet at baseline and 6 days after initiating the GC. All the samples were analyzed by spectral flow cytometry using a 34-marker panel. We found that patients with CD displayed a lower proportion of memory B cells compared to healthy controls, both at baseline and post-GC. Additionally, we observed the previously reported activated gut-homing CD4+, CD8+, and TCRγδ+ T lymphocytes on day 6 post-GC, and found the CD8+ subpopulation to be the most readily identifiable by flow cytometry. Importantly, the CCR9 marker proved effective in enhancing the selection of these gluten-responsive T cells, offering the potential for increased diagnostic accuracy. Spectral flow cytometry involves a complex data analysis, but it offers valuable insights into previously unexplored immunological responses and enables in-depth cell characterization.
Development of a PGPB-based Biofertilizer to Optimize Strawberry Cultivation in Semiarid regions: Screening, Validation and Scaling up to Commercial Production
(Elsevier, 2025) Mateos Naranjo, Enrique; García López, Jesús V.; Flores Duarte, Noris J.; Romano Rodríguez, Elena; Rodríguez Llorente, Ignacio David; Pérez Romero, Jesús Alberto; Pajuelo Domínguez, Eloísa; Redondo Gómez, Susana; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España
The interest in the use of PGPR-based biofertilizers has increased in the last few years, since they may allow crops to increase their productivity through alleviating environmental stress. However, this promising technology is still at an early experimental stage since the majority of evidence has been obtained under controlled conditions. Therefore, the technology readiness levels (TRL) of PGPR-based biofertilizers is in low phases (1–4; laboratory environment), so it is necessary to focus on higher phases to achieve real implementation. In this study, our aim was to reach levels framed between TRLs 5–6, from relevant to the real environment, which addresses the design and development of a definitive prototype of PGPR-based biofertilizer to improve strawberry production under two agronomic managements [FS1 (100 % application of evapotranspired water and conventional fertilizer application) and FS2 (70 % application of irrigation and fertilization reduction to 70 %)] through three experimental phases (1: biofertilizer screening; 2: validation under greenhouse; and 3: trial validation in a commercial strawberry production facility). Phases 1 and 2 allowed us to select biofertilizer 2 (PGP strains SDT3, HPJ40, SMT38, SRT15 and S110) which was able to increase production c. 13 % and 23 % under the FS1 and FS2 treatments, respectively. Furthermore, a significant relationship was also found between biofertilizer supply and the accumulation of primary metabolites. These positive effects were associated with the higher plant carbon assimilation capacity and photosystem energy efficiency. Commercial facility trial validation results showed an increase of 10 % and 8 % in inoculated plots with respect to non-inoculated plots under FS1 and FS2 treatments, respectively. Likewise, this positive effect was related to positive physiological responses. Although the biofertilizer effect was less acute than under laboratory conditions, the magnitude of the percentages obtained was important enough to validate the positive impact of biofertilizer 2 on strawberry yield in the real environment to be able to verify the development of this technology up to level 6.
Microbial Strategies in Non-target Invasive Spartina Densiflora for Heavy Metal Clean up in Polluted Saltmarshes
(Elsevier, 2020) Mesa Marín, Jennifer; Redondo Gómez, Susana; Rodríguez Llorente, Ignacio David; Pajuelo Domínguez, Eloísa; Mateos Naranjo, Enrique; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO). España; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España
Rhizoremediation is the use of microorganisms from the rhizosphere to assist plant phytoremediation. Optimistic results have been obtained these years for this biotool, but its effects in non-target cohabiting species has never been studied. This concern, in principle pointless, gains importance when the non-target species is an invasive plant. It is the case of highly polluted saltmarshes in SW Spain, where the native cordgrass Spartina maritima, proposed for heavy metal rhizoremediation, cohabitates with the invasive Spartina densiflora. In this work, we designed a greenhouse experiment where S. densiflora was placed in pots with natural metal polluted soil from Tinto marsh and inoculated with a bacterial consortium designed for rhizoremediation purposes with S. maritima. After 30 days of treatment, our data revealed that inoculated S. densiflora showed better fitness and metal accumulation capacity than non-inoculated control plants. This enhancement was demonstrated by increased S. densiflora biomass (58% for belowground tissues), amelioration of photosynthetic parameters (i.e., 48% for net photosynthetic rate (AN) and stomatal conductance (gs) and 17% for intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE)), and finally by an increase of inoculated S. densiflora root metal uptake, reaching around 40% in case of cadmium and lead. Within this scenario, the rhizoremediation strategy proposed using S. maritima should be managed cautiously, and if would be entitled to determine to which extent its practical implementation may boost invasive capability of S. densiflora.
Strategies of Environmental Adaptation in the Haloarchaeal Genera Haloarcula and Natrinema
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025) Straková, Dáša; Sánchez-Porro Álvarez, Cristina; Ruiz de la Haba, Rafael; Ventosa Ucero, Antonio; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España
Haloarchaea, a group of extremophilic archaea, thrive in hypersaline environments characterized not only by high salinity but also by other extreme conditions, such as intense UV radiation, high osmotic pressure, heavy metal contamination, oxidative stress, and fluctuating temperatures. This study investigates the environmental adaptation strategies of species of two genera, Haloarcula and Natrinema, the second and third largest haloarchaeal genera, respectively, after Halorubrum. Comparative genomic analyses were conducted on 48 species from both genera to elucidate their genomic diversity, metabolic potential, and stress-tolerance mechanisms. The genomes revealed diverse metabolic pathways, including rhodopsin-mediated phototrophy, nitrogen assimilation, and thiamine biosynthesis, which support their survival and adaptation to extreme conditions. The analysis identified mechanisms for oxidative stress mitigation, DNA repair, “salt-in” and “salt-out” osmoregulatory strategies, adaptations to temperature shifts and heavy metal exposure, and immune defense. Experimental validation of four representative species, Haloarcula terrestris S1AR25-5AT, Haloarcula saliterrae S1CR25-12T, Haloarcula onubensis S3CR25-11T, and Natrinema salsiterrestre S1CR25-10T, isolated from the heavy-metal-rich hypersaline soils in the Odiel Saltmarshes (Huelva, Spain), demonstrated their tolerance, especially to arsenic, corroborating genomic predictions. This study advances our understanding of the resilience of haloarchaea under poly-extreme conditions and underscores their ecological significance and promise for biotechnological applications, such as the bioremediation of heavy-metal-polluted environments and the production of valuable biomolecules.
Citizen Science to Raise Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness in the Community: The MicroMundo Project in Spain and Portugal
(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2025-03) Gil-Serna, Jessica; Antunes, Patricia; Campoy, Susana; Cid, Ángeles; Cobo-Molinos, Antonio; Durão, Paulo; Fajardo, Carmen; Fouz, Belén; Freitas, Ana R.; Ruiz de la Haba, Rafael; Sánchez-Porro Álvarez, Cristina; Cid, Víctor J.; Autoría grupal: MicroMundo Teams Spain Portugal; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Universidad de Valencia; Universidad de Zaragoza; Universidad de Salamanca; Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia. Portugal; Universidad de Alcalá; Fundación Española para la Ciencia y la Tecnología; Xunta de Galicia
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global threat to human, animal and environmental health. Among the multidisciplinary tasks aimed at collectively tackling the AMR crisis, surveillance, research and education stand as major priorities. Based on a crowdsourcing research strategy, the MicroMundo project, a partner of the Tiny Earth initiative in Spain and Portugal, has been developed and consolidated with success in the academic environment. The objectives are focused on promoting research and, especially, on bringing knowledge of One Health and microbiology concepts, as well as AMR awareness to the community. Following a service-learning approach, MicroMundo integrates university and secondary/high school students in a citizen science-based research project to collectively isolate microorganisms with the potential to produce new antibiotics from soil environments. Over the last 7 years, 32 MicroMundo hubs operating across 31 different Portuguese and Spanish universities have recruited thousands of teenagers in this quest. Here we review the outcome of this unprecedented effort from a scientific and an educational perspective.
Urinary Excretion of Gluten Immunoreactive Peptides as an Indicator of Gastrointestinal Function after Fasting and Dietary Provocation in Healthy Volunteers
(Frontiers Media SA, 2024) Rodríguez Ramírez, Raquel; Fernández Peralbo, María Auxiliadora; Mendía, Irati; Long, Joshua C.D.; Sousa Martín, Carolina; Cebolla, Ángel; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; European Union (UE)
Introduction: Understanding intestinal permeability is paramount for elucidating gastrointestinal health and pathology. The size and nature of the molecule traversing the intestinal barrier offer crucial insights into various acute and chronic diseases, as well as the evolution of some conditions. This study aims to assess the urinary excretion kinetics of gluten immunogenic peptides (u-GIP), a unique class of dietary peptides detectable in urine, in volunteers under controlled dietary conditions. This evaluation should be compared to established probes like lactulose, a non-digestible disaccharide indicative of paracellular permeability, and mannitol, reflecting transcellular permeability. Methods: Fifteen participants underwent simultaneous ingestion of standardized doses of gluten (10 g), lactulose (10 g), and mannitol (1 g) under fasting conditions for at least 8 hours pre-ingestion and during 6 hours post-ingestion period. Urine samples were collected over specified time intervals. Excretion patterns were analyzed, and correlations between the lactulose-to-mannitol ratio (LMR) and u-GIP parameters were assessed. Results: The majority of u-GIP were detected within the first 12 hours post-ingestion. Analysis of the variability in cumulative excretion across two sample collection ranges demonstrated that lactulose and u-GIP exhibited similar onset and excretion dynamics, although GIP reached its maximum peak earlier than either lactulose or mannitol. Additionally, a moderate correlation was observed between the LMR and u-GIP parameters within the longest urine collection interval, indicating potential shared characteristics among permeability pathways. These findings suggest that extending urine collection beyond 6 hours may enhance data reliability. Discussion: This study sheds light on the temporal dynamics of u-GIP in comparison to lactulose and mannitol, established probes for assessing intestinal permeability. The resemblance between u-GIP and lactulose excretion patterns aligns with the anticipated paracellular permeability pathway. The capacity to detect antigenic food protein fragments in urine opens novel avenues for studying protein metabolism and monitoring pathologies related to the digestive and intestinal systems.
The Potential of Plant Growth-promoting Bacteria Isolated from Arid Heavy Metal Contaminated Environments in Alleviating Salt and Water Stresses in Alfalfa
(Oxford University Press, 2024) Raklami, A.; Slimani, A.; Oufdou, K.; Jemo, M.; Bechtaoui, N.; Imziln, B.; Meddich, A.; Navarro Torre, Salvadora; Rodríguez Llorente, Ignacio David; Pajuelo Domínguez, Eloísa; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST). Marruecos; Fundación Alexander von Humboldt. Alemania; Universidad de Sevilla
Co-evolution of plant beneficial microbes in contaminated environments enhances plant growth and mitigates abiotic stress. However, few studies on heavy metal (HM) tolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) promoting crop growth in Morocco’s farming areas affected by drought and salinity are available. Plant associated bacteria tolerant to HM and able to produce indole acetic acid and siderophores, display ACC-deaminase activity and solubilize phosphate, were isolated from long-term metal exposed environments. Tolerance to HM and biofilms formation in the absence or presence of HM were assessed. A consortium including two Ensifer meliloti strains (RhOL6 and RhOL8), one Pseudomonas sp. strain (DSP17), and one Proteus sp. strain (DSP1), was used to inoculate alfalfa (Medicago sativa) seedlings under various conditions, namely, salt stress (85 mM) and water stress (30% water holding capacity). Shoot and root dry weights of alfalfa were measured 60 days after sowing. In the presence of HM, DSP17 showed the greatest auxin production, whereas RhOL8 had the highest ACC-deaminase activity and DSP17 formed the densest biofilm. Root dry weight increased 138% and 195% in salt and water stressed plants, respectively, regarding non-inoculated controls. Our results confirm the improvement of alfalfa growth and mitigation of salt and drought stress upon inoculation.
Epidemiological Survey of Two Morphotypes of Demodex Folliculorum (Prostigmata: Demodicidade) in Young People from Southern Spain
(Elsevier, 2024) Márquez, Francisco J.; López Montoya, A. J.; Sánchez Carrión, Susana Araceli; Dimov, I.; Rojas Álvarez, Manuel de; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Universidad de Sevilla; Universidad de Jaén
Different morphotypes of Demodex from humans have been described. Among them, molecular studies have made it possible to discern between the Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis. Further studies showed two morphotypes of D. folliculorum harboured two different habits (human skin and human eyelashes), both of them with finger-shaped terminal opisthosoma difficult to differentiate and that can be assigned to D. folliculorum, Thus, a complete morphometric study of the species, which in this study are referred to as Demodex folliculorum species complex, was carried out. From this morphometric and meristic study two distinct morphological forms (short and long) could be identified within the Demodex folliculorum species complex. These forms differ significantly in four out of the six biometric parameters we analysed: gnathosomal length and width, podosomal width, and opisthosomal length. Moreover, a comprehensive survey of the two morphotypes from different habitats (skin and eyelashes), was carried out in young people of Southern Spain. Therefore, an analysis of 104 asymptomatic students, which were contact lens wearers, and the presence of D. folliculorum was carried out. A statistical analysis based on Bayesian zero inflated Poisson GLM has been applied to our sample data. For the age group considered (18–24 years old), the overall D. folliculorum prevalence for skin face or eye infections (at least one of them) was 19.31 % (51 people), with a statistically significant higher prevalence in males men. Furthermore, there is a slight statistical correlation between the presence of Demodex in silicone hydrogel soft contact lens wearers. This study confirms: i) the existence of two morphotypes of D. folliculorum that appear segregated due to the parasitization microhabitats,ii) a higher prevalence of mites in men than in women, iii) the existence of a high number of statistically supported double infections (skin-eyelashes). It also provides epidemiological data on the prevalence of long and short forms of D. folliculorum in a healthy young population.
Isoprenyl-thiourea and urea derivatives as new farnesyl diphosphate analogues: Synthesis and in vitro antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities
(2012) Vega Pérez, José Manuel; Argandoña Bertrán, Montserrat; Vega Holm, Margarita; Periñán, Ignacio; Palo Nieto, Carlos; Burgos Morón, Estefanía; López Lázaro, Miguel; Vargas Macías, Carmen; Nieto Gutiérrez, Joaquín José; Iglesias Guerra, Fernando; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Farmacología; Junta de Andalucía; Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (MEC). España; Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores y Cooperación. España
A series of new isoprenyl-thiourea and urea derivatives were synthesized by the reaction of alkyl or aryl isothiocyanate or isocyanate and primary amines. The structures of the compounds were established by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS, HRMS and elemental analysis. The new compounds were screened for in vitro antimicrobial activity against seven strains representing different types of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. More than a third of the synthesized compounds showed variable inhibition activities against the tested strains. Best antimicrobial activities were found for those thiourea analogues with 3-methyl-2-butenyl, isobutyl or isopentyl groups and aromatic rings possessing electron withdrawing substituents. The new compounds were also subjected to a preliminary screening for antitumoral activity. The presence of a highly lipophilic group and an electron withdrawing group in the aromatic rings enhanced anticancer activity of the synthesized compounds, showing in most cases more activity than that of the controls.
Isolation of plant-growth-promoting and metal-resistant cultivable bacteria from Arthrocnemum macrostachyum in the Odiel marshes with potential use in phytoremediation
(Elsevier, 2016-09-15) Navarro Torre, Salvadora; Mateos Naranjo, Enrique; Caviedes Formento, Miguel Ángel; Pajuelo Domínguez, Eloísa; Rodríguez Llorente, Ignacio David; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Junta de Andalucía; Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA)
Arthrocnemum macrostachyum is a halophyte naturally growing in southwest coasts of Spain that can tolerate and accumulate heavy metals. A total of 48 bacteria (30 endophytes and 18 from the rhizosphere) were isolated from A. macrostachyum growing in the Odiel River marshes, an ecosystem with high levels of contamination. All the isolates exhibited plant-growth-promoting (PGP) properties and most of them were multiresistant to heavy metals. Although the presence of heavy metals reduced the capability of the isolates to exhibit PGP properties, several strains were able to maintain their properties or even enhance them in the presence of concrete metals. Two bacterial consortia with the best-performing endophytic or rhizospheric strains were selected for further experiments. Bacterial inoculation accelerated germination of A. macrostachyum seeds in both the absence and presence of heavy metals. These results suggest that inoculation of A. macrostachyum with the selected bacteria could ameliorate plant establishment and growth in contaminated marshes.

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