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PubMed2026

A complete hlyCABD-like RTX operon marks a virulence-associated subset of trh-positive Vibrio parahaemolyticus from Hangzhou Bay, China.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus remains a major cause of seafood-associated gastroenteritis, yet routine surveillance still relies largely on the canonical hemolysin markers thermostable direct hemolysin (tdh) and tdh-related hemolysin (trh). To determine whether this framework overlooks accessory virulence determinants in trh-positive lineages, we analyzed 193 V. parahaemolyticus isolates collected between 2022 and 2025 from clinical, environmental, and seafood-associated sources in the Hangzhou Bay region of China. Serotyping identified 45 serotypes, with O10:K4 predominating among clinical isolates. Both clinical and non-clinical populations showed open pan-genomes, although the non-clinical group carried a larger accessory gene pool. We identified a complete hlyCABD-like RTX operon in 10 trh-positive isolates with T3SS2-associated virulence backgrounds. These RTX-positive isolates were distributed across seven sequence types and three of five phylogenetic groups. This distribution was lineage-restricted but non-clonal. In the representative hybrid-assembled genome, the operon occurred within a mosaic genomic region containing additional virulence- and mobility-associated genes, indicating a composite pathogenicity island-like element. In the tested subset, RTX-positive isolates showed significantly greater hemolytic activity than RTX-negative trh-positive isolates. This significant difference was consistently observed in both plate-based and liquid assays, and within the RTX-positive subset, hlyA expression correlated with hemolytic activity, whereas the trh gene and the tlh (thermolabile hemolysin) gene did not. A complete hlyCABD-like RTX operon therefore identifies a hemolysis-associated subset of trh-positive V. parahaemolyticus and supports its further evaluation as an additional target for food safety surveillance.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus↗

PubMed2026

Evaluation of one-step amplicon-based targeted enrichment for SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequencing using the Midnight amplicon scheme.

Genomic surveillance proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic for tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants and guiding outbreak responses, underscoring the ongoing need to reduce whole-genome sequencing (WGS) costs and improve workflow efficiency to ensure accessibility in resource limited settings. Here, we evaluated a one-step reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) approach using the Midnight V2 primer scheme for targeted amplification of the SARS-CoV-2 genome, assessed its compatibility with Illumina sequencing, and compared its performance to a well-established two-step method. Initially, we determined optimal RT-PCR reaction conditions using the Midnight V2 primer panel for the one-step RT-PCR kit and scaled reaction volumes for both RT-PCR and library preparation. Clinical specimens (n = 53) that had undergone routine WGS for surveillance purposes using the established two-step RT-PCR method were compared using the one-step RT-PCR assay. For samples with genome completeness greater than 70%, both methods gave comparable results with similar sequence coverage and 100% concordance for lineage assignment. Further investigation revealed a higher percentage of reads aligning to the SARS-CoV-2 genome with a greater depth of coverage using the one-step method compared to the two-step method. Finally, analysis of scaled one-step and library reaction volumes revealed significant cost savings for samples undergoing WGS. Overall, the results presented here verify the accuracy and reproducibility of one-step targeted amplification and offer an efficient and cost-effective workflow for routine SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Comparative genomic epidemiology of food- and patient-derived diarrheagenic Escherichia coli from sentinel surveillance in Southeast China.

Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) remains an important foodborne pathogen, yet long-term comparative genomic surveillance data jointly characterizing food-derived and patient-derived isolates remain limited. This surveillance-based comparative study integrated antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing to characterize diarrheagenic Escherichia coli isolates recovered from food and patient sources in Lishui, Southeast China, during 2018-2025, with emphasis on occurrence, resistance profiles, genomic backgrounds, and plasmid replicon-associated features. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for 258 selected isolates, and whole-genome sequencing was conducted for a curated analytical subset of 204 isolates. The sequenced subset was used for diversity-oriented comparative genomic analysis rather than for unbiased prevalence estimation of the entire DEC collection. EAEC predominated in both sources, although food-associated occurrence was heterogeneous across categories, with the highest recovery rate observed in raw meat. Patient-derived isolates showed a broader overall resistance burden, whereas food-derived isolates retained substantial resistance to tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and florfenicol. Phylogenetic analysis showed partial overlap in genomic backgrounds between food-derived and patient-derived isolates, while representative resistance determinants displayed both broadly distributed and lineage-enriched patterns. Replicon-based plasmid profiling identified 42 plasmid types, including 12 detected in both sources, with IncF-related replicons predominating among these shared profiles. Several food-derived isolates carried multiple plasmid replicon types that were also observed in patient-derived isolates. Overall, food-derived and patient-derived DEC showed partial overlap in genomic backgrounds, resistance determinants, and replicon-defined plasmid profiles within this surveillance setting, while retaining source-associated heterogeneity. These findings should be interpreted as surveillance-based comparative evidence rather than as evidence of direct source attribution or transmission.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Emerging hantavirus risks in mass gatherings: epidemiology, diagnostic challenges, and outbreak preparedness.

Hantaviruses are emerging rodent borne zoonotic pathogens of increasing global public health concern because of their high mortality, expanding ecological distribution, and potential for international dissemination. Although traditionally associated with sporadic rural outbreaks, recent ecological disruption, climate variability, urbanization, and increased global mobility have heightened concerns regarding hantavirus risks in mass gathering settings. This review critically examines the epidemiology, transmission uncertainty, diagnostic and surveillance challenges, and preparedness strategies related to hantavirus infections in the context of mass gatherings, including religious events, refugee settlements, cruise tourism, sporting events, and temporary accommodations. Particular emphasis is placed on the 2026 multinational cruise ship associated outbreak linked to the MV Hondius, which highlighted vulnerabilities related to delayed diagnosis, international passenger dispersal, and uncertainties surrounding possible human to human transmission of Andes virus. Current evidence indicates that hantavirus transmission occurs primarily through inhalation of aerosolized rodent excreta; however, controversies regarding limited interpersonal transmission, environmental persistence, and asymptomatic infections continue to complicate risk assessment and outbreak preparedness. Diagnostic limitations, underreporting, insufficient environmental surveillance, and lack of mass gathering specific preparedness frameworks remain major public health challenges, especially in resource limited settings. Strengthening proactive preparedness through integrated One Health approaches, ecological surveillance, genomic monitoring, AI driven epidemic intelligence, and coordinated international response systems is essential for mitigating future risks. The review emphasizes the urgent need for multidisciplinary research and evidence based policy development to improve global preparedness against emerging hantavirus associated threats in increasingly interconnected mass gathering environments.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Triazole resistance in clinical Aspergillus fumigatus isolates in India, a multicenter surveillance study.

BACKGROUND: Triazole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus is a global public health concern associated with treatment failure, notably in invasive aspergillosis. However, population-level data on triazole resistance from India remain limited, with most reports originating from single-center studies. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter surveillance study to assess the prevalence of triazole resistance among clinical A. fumigatus isolates across India. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using the CLSI broth microdilution method (M38-Ed3), and molecular characterization was conducted on resistant isolates. A total of 518 isolates were analyzed: 115 prospectively collected from 13 tertiary-care hospitals from 2015-2020, and 403 archived isolates obtained from the National Culture Collection of Pathogenic Fungi (1994-2020). RESULTS: The overall pooled prevalence of non-wildtype isolates was 4.1% for itraconazole (95% CI: 2.54-6.17%), 3.9% for posaconazole (95% CI: 2.39-5.94%), while 1.4% were resistant to voriconazole (95% CI: 0.55-2.77%). One multi-azole-resistant isolate from an immunocompromised, mold-active triazole-naïve patient carried the TR34/L98H mutation, suggesting environmental acquisition. Prevalence of resistance did not differ significantly across geographic regions or between public and private sector hospitals. Linear regression analysis revealed a significant temporal increase in median MICs of all three licensed triazoles between 1994 and 2020. Approximately 29% of isolates exhibited amphotericin B MICs exceeding the epidemiological cutoff value; however, the clinical significance of this finding remains uncertain. CONCLUSIONS: Azole resistance among clinical A. fumigatus isolates in India remains uncommon (<5%), supporting the continued use of triazoles as first-line therapy. However, the observed temporal increase in triazole MICs underscores the need for sustained national surveillance to detect emerging resistance trends.

Aspergillus fumigatus↗

PubMed2026

Dynamics of antibiotic resistance genes co-occurrence with pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria throughout wastewater treatment processes.

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are recognized hotspots for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and pathogenic bacteria. Despite advancements in treatment technologies, the persistence of ARGs and pathogenic bacteria remains a concern. In this study, we analyzed the dynamic changes in ARGs and bacterial communities throughout the treatment processes within an anaerobic-anoxic-oxic (AAO) WWTP over one week by using HT-qPCR coupled with 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The connectedness index, based on network analysis, showed that the dynamics of ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were more strongly associated with potentially pathogenic bacteria than with non-pathogenic bacteria, suggesting that ARG immigration and dissemination in the WWTP were likely driven by potentially pathogenic taxa. The AAO treatment significantly reduced ARGs in final effluent (EF) (∼64 %) and residual sludge (RS) (∼81 %); however, potential hosts of ARGs such as Comamonas testosteroni and Clostridioides difficile persisted with minimal changes in relative abundance and remained detectable in EF and RS. Notably, the abundance of ARGs was lower in RS than in EF, and source tracking analysis identified influent as the primary source of ARGs and potentially pathogenic taxa in EF, underscoring the greater health risks associated with effluent discharge.

Wastewater↗

PubMed2026

Regional genomic analysis of lineage distribution and transferable multidrug resistance among chicken-associated Salmonella Kentucky isolates in China.

Salmonella enterica serovar Kentucky is an important multidrug-resistant foodborne pathogen in the poultry meat supply chain. Although recent broader genomic studies have elucidated the population structure and epidemiological significance of major lineages in China (e.g., ST198 and ST314), the regional dynamics within local poultry supply chains remain insufficiently characterized. In this study, 31 chicken meat-derived isolates from Shanghai and 39 publicly available genomes from China were analyzed using antimicrobial susceptibility testing, whole-genome sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, conjugation experiments, and complete sequencing of representative plasmids. This enabled a systematic characterization of the molecular epidemiological features of the population and the mechanisms underlying resistance dissemination. Population genomic analysis revealed a lineage composition markedly different from the global epidemiological pattern: ST314 was the predominant sequence type among the Shanghai chicken-derived isolates (74.2%), whereas the internationally recognized high-risk clone ST198 accounted for only 25.8% of the local isolates. However, risk stratification analysis indicated that although ST198 was detected less frequently, it carried a significantly greater burden of acquired resistance genes and therefore represented a higher-risk resistant lineage. Functional and structural validation further elucidated the molecular basis of resistance dissemination within this high-risk lineage. Conjugation experiments confirmed the co-transfer of a multidrug resistance module carrying blaTEM-1 and blaCTX-M-267 to the recipient strain Escherichia coli J53. Complete plasmid analysis revealed that these two β-lactam resistance genes were co-localized on a 242-kb transferable plasmid flanked by Tn1331, Tn3, and multiple transposase-associated elements, thereby providing a structural basis for their horizontal transfer. This study provides important molecular epidemiological evidence for lineage-specific surveillance and risk-stratified control of resistant Salmonella in the poultry meat supply chain and further underscores the need for continuous monitoring of mobile genetic elements within a One Health framework.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Synergistic transcriptional modules in Trichoderma asperellum enhance glutathione detoxification to counteract fungal pathogen toxins.

Trichoderma fungi are potent biocontrol agents. However, their defence mechanisms against pathogen-derived toxins remain poorly understood. We identified two synergistic transcription factor modules in T. asperellum that orchestrate the detoxification of cytotoxic secondary metabolites from the poplar blight pathogen Alternaria alternata. Overexpression of the central regulator TasMYB46 reduced disease lesion area by approximately 22% and was associated with decreased pathogen-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Mechanistically, TasMYB46 directly activates the glutathione S-transferases TasGST61.1 and TasGST56.1 through distinct promoter binding sites (G-box/as-1/MBS), forming dedicated detoxification modules. Crucially, we identified urolithin C as the most abundant phytotoxin in A. alternata metabolites, which is efficiently detoxified through the TasMYB46-TasGST61.1 module. The transcription enhancer TasbHLH53.8 amplifies this system by binding to TasMYB46, boosting TasGST expression and enhancing glutathione-dependent detoxification capacity. This coordinated response elevates glutathione pools and antioxidant enzyme activities (GST/GPx), conferring increased oxidative stress resistance. This study reveals a novel defence mechanism in Trichoderma in which MYB-bHLH-GST modules enable biocontrol agents to neutralise pathogen-derived toxins. Given that Alternaria toxins threaten crops globally (tomatoes, potatoes, citrus), the discovered regulatory synergy represents a strategic advance in developing next-generation biocontrol solutions against toxin-producing plant pathogens.

Alternaria↗

PubMed2026

Conserved host-exclusive oligonucleotide motifs enriched in pathogenic genes of human oncogenic viruses.

Comparative viral genomics can reveal sequence-level constraints influencing virus-host interactions. Relative minimal absent words (rMAWs) are short oligonucleotide motifs present in viral genomes but completely absent from the host, potentially reflecting selective pressures related to host adaptation and immune evasion. Using the EAGLE algorithm and the GRCh38 human reference genome, we systematically screened for prevalent rMAWs (prMAWs) across six major human oncogenic viruses: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human papillomavirus (HPV), human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), and human herpesvirus 8/Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (HHV-8/KSHV). highly conserved 11- and 12-bp prMAWs were identified in EBV, HBV, HTLV-1, and HHV-8/KSHV, with sequence prevalences ranging from 91.5% to 97.9%. Conversely, no short prMAWs were detected in HCV or HPV, likely reflecting differences in genome architecture, mutation rates, and long-term host adaptation to the human host. Importantly, the identified host-exclusive motifs exhibited non-random genomic distribution and were preferentially embedded within viral genes central to replication, persistence, immune modulation, and oncogenesis, including EBNA-1 (EBV), HBx (HBV), Tax-associated regions (HTLV-1), and lytic replication genes of HHV-8/KSHV. Notably, all detected prMAWs were enriched in GC nucleotides and exhibited marked CpG over-representation, suggesting sequence constraints associated with epigenetic regulation and viral persistence. Collectively, these highly conserved, host-exclusive signatures offer promising, candidates for sequence-directed approaches in the diagnosis, monitoring, and investigation of virus-associated cancers.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Construction of an infectious clone of Spodoptera frugiperda densovirus and its biological characteristics.

Densoviruses are highly pathogenic to their insect hosts and have great potential for biocontrol. Spodoptera frugiperda densovirus (SfDV) was isolated from diseased larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda, while its biological functions remain unclear. Herein, we successfully constructed an infectious clone of SfDV. The S. frugiperda larvae transfected with the infectious clone exhibited anorexia, stunted growth, and reduced activity. Histopathological analysis further showed that the epidermis, fat body and trachea were infected instead of muscle and midgut tissues. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that numerous virions of about 22 nm were distributed within both the nucleoplasm and cytoplasm of epidermal cells. Moreover, many virions were also found contained within vesicles in the cytoplasm. The replication kinetics of the rescued SfDV (rSfDV) was similar to that of the parental SfDV. The median lethal dose (LD50) and median lethal time (LT50) values of rSfDV were 6.63 × 107 viral genome copies (vgc), 5.23 d, respectively, which were also comparable to those of the parental SfDV. Taken together, the infectious clone of SfDV provides an important tool for further exploring the genome function, pathogenesis, and interactions with its hosts.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Coordinated use of three homocysteine methyltransferases supports l-methionine biosynthesis and environmental adaptation among plant-associated bacteria.

Plant pathogens colonize multiple plant-associated habitats throughout their life cycle, encountering distinct nutrient conditions and microbial communities. l-methionine is required for bacterial growth and environmental adaptation. However, how plant pathogens coordinate l-methionine biosynthetic pathways to adapt to different plant-associated environments remains poorly understood. Here, using the plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris strain XC1 as a model, we show that three homocysteine methyltransferase pathways allow XC1 to catalyze the final step of l-methionine biosynthesis using different methyl donors and cofactors under different environmental conditions. Bioinformatic and transcriptional analyses identified three homocysteine methyltransferase-associated operons in XC1, mesMXD, mmuPM, and metHRHaHb, corresponding to the MesD-, MmuM-, and MetHaHb-dependent pathways, respectively. MesD uses an endogenously synthesized methyl donor and functions as the dominant homocysteine methyltransferase under l-methionine-limiting conditions, supporting bacterial growth, intracellular l-methionine accumulation, and full virulence. Furthermore, MmuM enables XC1 to use plant-derived S-methylmethionine for l-methionine biosynthesis, whereas MetHaHb enables XC1 to use vitamin B12 supplied by a neighboring bacterium for l-methionine biosynthesis in co-culture. Expression analyses showed that mesMXD was the only homocysteine methyltransferase-associated operon that responded to l-methionine availability, and its expression also decreased when S-methylmethionine- or vitamin B12-dependent pathways supported l-methionine biosynthesis. Comparative genomic analysis further showed that the three-homocysteine methyltransferase configuration is conserved in Xanthomonas and is also present in other plant-associated bacteria. Together, these findings show that a plant pathogen can coordinate endogenous, plant-derived, and microbially supported homocysteine methyltransferase pathways to maintain l-methionine biosynthesis, providing a metabolic strategy for adaptation to plant-associated environments.

Methionine↗

PubMed2026

Integrated assessment of biocontrol potential and genome analysis of endophytic Bacillus velezensis MGL-B1 against mango stem-end rot.

Mango stem-end rot is a globally significant postharvest disease that severely threatens the mango industry, primarily caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea. However, information on biocontrol agents targeting this pathogen in mango remains limited. In this study, we isolated and identified a strain of Bacillus velezensis MGL-B1 from mango leaf tissues for the first time, which exhibited broad-spectrum antifungal activity. Both in vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated that MGL-B1 effectively inhibited the growth of B. dothidea, with an in vivo biocontrol efficacy reaching 83.72 ± 5.10%, comparable to that of the commonly used chemical fungicide thiabendazole. Further mechanistic analysis revealed that MGL-B1 acts by directly disrupting the integrity of the pathogen's mycelial cell membrane. In addition, its released volatile organic compounds (VOCs) also displayed significant antifungal activity, with components such as 2-nonanone, 2-nonanol, and phenylethyl alcohol being confirmed to exert antifungal effects in in vitro fumigation assays. qPCR analysis showed that MGL-B1 treatment significantly upregulated the transcriptional levels of genes involved in plant-pathogen interaction, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and antioxidant defense pathways in mango fruits, with upregulation folds of 16.32, 37.19, and 75.93, respectively; meanwhile, the expression of browning-related genes such as polyphenol oxidase (PPO) was markedly suppressed. Whole-genome sequencing further revealed 14 biosynthetic gene clusters for antimicrobial compounds, including five unknown gene clusters. Collectively, B. velezensis MGL-B1 represents a promising biocandidate strain with multiple antifungal mechanisms and excellent control efficacy, providing a valuable resource for green and sustainable management of mango diseases.

Mangifera↗

PubMed2026

From buffalo to human: Klebsiella pneumoniae in high-somatic cell count milk as an overlooked link in the one health chain.

High somatic cell count (SCC) is a critical indicator of udder health and milk quality in buffalo milk production. However, in many low-income regions, SCC monitoring is often underemphasized, allowing a proportion of high-SCC buffalo milk to enter the food chain and potentially compromising food safety and public health. Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is a common zoonotic pathogen found in high-SCC milk, yet systematic investigations into the prevalence and characteristics in high-SCC buffalo milk remain limited. In this study, 23 K. pneumoniae strains were screened out from 460 bacterial isolates obtained from high-SCC buffalo milk samples from Guangxi, China, with an isolation rate of 5.0%. These isolates were comprehensively characterized using whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomic analyses. The results revealed that 78.26% (18/23) of the isolates shared high genomic similarity with the human reference strain ATCC 13883, and the ST37 clone exhibited a pronounced potential of cross-species transmission. All isolates harbored core adhesion factors and intrinsic resistance genes. Notably, several strains displayed high-risk features: strain 419 carried the K1 capsular serotype, strain 326 possessed a complete yersiniabactin synthesis gene cluster, and strain 320 exhibited a multidrug-resistant phenotype. Phenotypic assays further demonstrated a positive correlation between biofilm formation capacity and virulence in Galleria mellonella. Metabolic pathway enrichment analyses suggested that K. pneumoniae has undergone substantial adaptation to the nutrient-rich buffalo milk environment. Collectively, these findings confirm that raw high-SCC buffalo milk serves as a significant reservoir for high-risk zoonotic K. pneumoniae. While industrial thermal processing effectively eliminates viable pathogens, the resilient antimicrobial resistance determinants within these isolates pose a persistent risk of horizontal gene dissemination along the food chain, providing critical evidence for enhancing pre-processing milk quality regulations within a One Health framework.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Transcriptomic responses of gill and intestinal tissues in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to bacterial infection following sequential nanoimmersion and hydrogel-based multivalent vaccination.

Bacterial pathogens, including Flavobacterium oreochromis, Aeromonas veronii, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Edwardsiella tarda, represent major infectious threats to Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). A multivalent vaccination strategy integrating cationic nanoemulsion immersion with oral hydrogel boosters was developed to investigate tissue-specific immune responses at the transcriptomic level. Gill tissues were collected following immersion challenge and intestinal tissues following intraperitoneal injection challenge, reflecting the physiologically relevant infection biology of each pathogen and the mechanistic rationale of each delivery platform. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) generated high-quality datasets (mapping rate > 81.64%) with strong concordance to quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) validation (r = 0.83). Comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct yet complementary immune signatures between tissues. Gill transcriptomes were enriched in phagosome, focal adhesion, extracellular matrix-receptor interaction (ECM-receptor interaction), and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathways, accompanied by increased expression of major histocompatibility complex class I/II (MHC class I/II), mannose receptor, αVβ3 integrin, and calnexin, indicating innate activation, enhanced phagocytic capacity, epithelial barrier reinforcement, and adaptive immune coordination. Intestinal transcriptomes showed predominant enrichment of adaptive immune pathways, including the intestinal immune network for immunoglobulin (Ig) production, Forkhead box O (FoxO) signaling, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, with increased expression of T-cell receptor (TCR), inducible T-cell co-stimulator ligand (ICOS-L), C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR), reflecting T and B cell coordination, lymphocyte trafficking, and mucosal immunoglobulin transport, alongside innate engagement through phagosome pathway enrichment. Shared upregulation of MHC class II, B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling, integrin alpha M (ITGAM), and immunoglobulin-associated components across both tissues suggests coordinated mucosal immune activation through a conserved immune module, warranting direct experimental validation. Collectively, these findings provide transcriptomic evidence that this vaccination strategy elicits an integrated, tissue-specialized immune response, advancing mechanistic understanding of gill and intestinal immunity in vaccine-induced protection of teleost fish.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Ramu stunt virus genome reveals previously unreported segments and nucleocapsid domain duplication in Mechlorovirus.

Ramu stunt virus (RmSV), a member of the genus Mechlorovirus within the family Phenuiviridae, was previously described as a six-segmented RNA virus infecting sugarcane. In this study, we re-examined type material and additional isolates using high-throughput sequencing and RT-PCR validation, revealing that RmSV possesses a nine-segmented genome, making it the largest reported in the Phenuiviridae. This expanded architecture includes duplicated RNA segments (RNA 2a and RNA 2b) encoding nucleocapsid-like proteins and two novel segments (RNA 7 and RNA 8). Comparative analysis showed that RNA 2a and 2b share about 84% amino acid identity, while RNA 5 encodes a third nucleocapsid homolog, indicating unprecedented domain redundancy. Structural modeling confirmed that all three nucleocapsid proteins maintain a conserved fold despite low sequence identity, with electrostatic mapping suggesting differential RNA-binding potential. Additionally, RNA 6 encodes a hypothetical protein structurally similar to the rice stripe virus disease-specific S-protein, implicating a role in symptom development. Transcript abundance analysis revealed RNA 6 as the most highly expressed segment across isolates. These findings revise the genomic composition of RmSV, highlight mechanisms of genome plasticity and adaptive evolution in plant-infecting bunyaviruses, and underscore practical implications for diagnostic assay design, resistance breeding, and biosecurity surveillance.

Genome, Viral↗

PubMed2026

Emergence of an optrA-positive Enterococcus faecalis ST699 lineage in animal-derived foods in Beijing, China.

Enterococci from animal-derived foods are key reservoirs for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the food chain. However, comparative genomic studies investigating the distribution of the oxazolidinone resistance gene optrA among food- and human-derived Enterococci remain limited. This study assessed linezolid-resistant Enterococci from retail meat and healthy humans in Beijing, China (2023-2024). Among 87 isolates, E. faecalis and E. faecium predominated. Food-derived isolates showed broader resistance profiles than human isolates. Fourteen optrA-positive strains were identified, accounting for 92.9% of food isolates. optrA frequently co-localized with erm(A), ant(9)-Ia, and fexA on Tn554-family transposons, suggesting a potentially transferable multidrug resistance module. Notably, an optrA-positive E. faecalis ST699 clone was identified for the first time in Chinese retail meat. This clone formed a distinct lineage and carried a complete Tn554-optrA island. A representative ST699 isolate exhibited enhanced fitness and virulence potential in the Galleria mellonella model. These findings highlight animal-derived foods as important reservoirs of linezolid-resistant Enterococci and provide genomic evidence consistent with their role as potential sources of optrA-mediated resistance. The emergence of a multidrug-resistant E. faecalis ST699 clone with enhanced fitness characteristics underscores the need for continued surveillance of foodborne antimicrobial resistance within the One Health framework.

Enterococcus faecalis↗

PubMed2026

Proteomic responses of the oil palm pest Metisa plana (Psychidae) to farnesyl acetate exposure.

Metisa plana Walker (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) is a major defoliator of oil palm in Malaysia, causing substantial economic losses. Farnesyl acetate (FA), a sesquiterpenoid compound, has been proposed as a potential insecticidal agent against M. plana, yet its molecular impact on larval physiology remains poorly understood. Here, we employed label-free quantitative proteomics, functional enrichment analysis, and targeted transcript assessment to characterize the temporal proteomic response of M. plana larvae at 7 and 14 days after treatment (DAT) with FA. Principal component analysis revealed robust separation between treated and control samples at both time points, indicating sustained treatment-driven proteomic restructuring. Early exposure (7 DAT) elicited a heterogeneous response involving stress-associated proteins, redox enzymes, and cytoskeletal regulators, whereas later exposure (14 DAT) produced a consolidated profile characterized by metabolic reprogramming, downregulation of ribosomal proteins, induction of heat shock proteins, and enrichment of RNA surveillance and mitochondrial pathways. Targeted transcript analysis qualitatively supported proteomic trends for HSP83 and aldehyde dehydrogenase X, although limited amplification precluded quantitative inference. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that FA exposure drives a shift from acute proteomic perturbation toward a maintenance-oriented physiological state, prioritizing proteostasis, energy management, and stress adaptation over growth and development. This integrated molecular perspective provides mechanistic insight into the chronic effects of FA, highlighting its potential to suppress larval performance and informing the development of biorational, physiology-based pest management strategies in non-model insects.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Long-term mortality in pediatric sepsis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric sepsis represents a significant factor in the mortality rates among children, with survivors remaining highly fragile during the period following discharge. While in-hospital and short-term mortality have been widely studied, the long-term mortality of pediatric sepsis is not adequately synthesized or appreciated. This study aims to estimate the long-term mortality associated with pediatric sepsis, providing a basis for optimizing post-discharge surveillance and care protocols. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251137504). Exhaustive searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for studies published from the inception of each database to June 30, 2025. Studies reporting long-term mortality in pediatric sepsis patients diagnosed using international consensus criteria were included. After literature screening, long-term mortality was pooled using a random effects meta-analysis in R statistical software. RESULTS: A total of 72,065 records were identified through database searching. After removing duplicates and screening, six studies comprising 11,318 pediatric sepsis patients were included. The pooled long-term mortality in pediatric sepsis was 11% (95% CI: 7-16%), though significant heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 98.2%, p < 0.001). Sensitivity analyses yielded similar results, and evidence of publication bias was limited. CONCLUSION: Long-term mortality after pediatric sepsis was 11%, highlighting the persistent risk of mortality after hospital discharge. Further high-quality longitudinal studies are required to identify modifiable risk factors and guide evidence-based follow-up and personalized care.

Humans↗