A UF researcher with expertise in infectious bacteria offers commentary and perspective on extensively drug-resistant Shigella infections following a recent CDC warning.
Bacterial spot caused by spp. is a significant disease that challenges pepper growers worldwide and is particularly severe in a hot and humid environment. Understanding the pathogen’s population biology is critical for sustainable disease management. The goal of this study was to characterize the species, race, and bactericide sensitivity of bacterial spot-associated Xanthomonas collected from pepper in Florida.
For most of the 20th century, Xanthomonas euvesicatoria was the only known bacterium associated with bacterial spot of tomato in Florida. X. perforans quickly replaced X. euvesicatoria, mainly because of production of three bacteriocins (BCNs) against X. euvesicatoria; however, X. perforans outcompeted X. euvesicatoria even when the three known BCNs were deleted. Surprisingly, we observed antimicrobial activity against X. euvesicatoria in the BCN triple mutant when the triple mutant was grown in Petri plates containing multiple spots but not in Petri plates containing only one spot.
An individualized intensified treatment with high-dose therapy was initiated and weekly monitoring of TTP, regular pDST and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing in mycobacteria growth indicator tubes (MGIT), gDST by whole-genome sequencing (WGS), TDM and electro-cardiographic (ECG) monitoring of the QTc-interval were performed. Drug concentrations were compared to reference values and observational studies
Tuberculosis meningitis (TBM) is the most lethal form of TB. It is difficult to treat in part due to poor or uncertain drug penetration into the central nervous system (CNS). To help fill this knowledge gap, we evaluated the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of fluoroquinolones and carbapenems in patients being treated for TBM.
UF’s EPI is partnering with Gainesville-based tech company SurfPlasma, Inc. to test a new device’s ability to kill pathogens — even the celestial kinds.
Tuberculosis is an age-old respiratory scourge, with a new twist: growing resistance to multiple first- and second-line drugs. UF researchers and physicians report on using a novel treatment to slash treatment time — and cure — a patient with extensively drug-resistant TB.
New work from the lab of Tony Maurelli, associate chair of the department of environmental and global health in UF's College of Public Health and Health Professions, has solved a quirky mystery about parasitic bacteria that cause the sexually-transmitted disease known as Chlamydia.
EPI investigator KC Jeong aims to uncover the next generation of antimicrobials. From his microbiology lab to an experimental farm, his research explores how food animals are affected by novel and drug-resistant pathogens — and what kills them.
An Emerging Pathogens Institute microbiologist has identified high concentrations of naturally-occurring antibiotic-resistant microbes within the guts of grazing cows and calves fed a diet free from antibiotics. The source? Soil, water and forage found in the cows’ environment.
