N. gonorrhoeaeandN. meningitidis, the only two human pathogens ofNeisseria, are closely related species. But the niches they survived in and their pathogenic characteristics are distinctly different. However, the genetic basis of these differences has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, comparative genomics analysis was performed based on 15N. gonorrhoeae, 75N. meningitidis, and 7 nonpathogenicNeisseriagenomes. Core-pangenome analysis found 1111 conserved gene families among them, and each of these species groups had opening pangenome. We found that 452, 78, and 319 gene families were unique inN. gonorrhoeae,N. meningitidis, and both of them, respectively. Those unique gene families were regarded as candidates that related to their pathogenicity and niche adaptation. The relationships among them have been partly verified by functional annotation analysis. But at least one-third genes for each gene set have not found the certain functional information. Simple sequence repeat (SSR), the basis of gene phase variation, was found abundant in the membrane or related genes of each unique gene set, which may facilitate their adaptation to variable host environments. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis found at least five distinct PPI clusters inN. gonorrhoeaeand four inN. meningitides, and 167 and 52 proteins with unknown function were contained within them, respectively.

Background: The recent surge in incidence and geographic spread of OROV infections poses an escalating threat to global public health. However, studies exploring the clinical signs of OROV infection remains exceedingly limited. Methods: We searched for OROV studies published until June 17, 2024, in several electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Library. Results: In total, 15 studies involving 806 patients with OROV infection were eligible for inclusion. General symptoms with fever and headache were the most common. Gastrointestinal disturbances like nausea/vomiting, anorexia, and odynophagia were also prevalent, along with ocular symptoms, mainly retro-orbital pain, photophobia, and redness. Respiratory symptoms, such as cough, sore throat and nasal congestion, are present, and skin-related issues like rash, pruritus, and pallor were also identified. Conclusion: Overall, this study provides a foundational understanding of OROV’s clinical manifestations to guide diagnosis, management, and public health interventions against this neglected tropical disease.

The genusHelicobacteris a group of Gram-negative, helical-shaped pathogens consisting of at least 36 bacterial species.Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori), infecting more than 50% of the human population, is considered as the major cause of gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer. However, the genetic underpinnings ofH. pylorithat are responsible for its large scale epidemic and gastrointestinal environment adaption within human beings remain unclear. Core-pan genome analysis was performed among 75 representativeH. pyloriand 24 non-pylori Helicobactergenomes. There were 1173 conserved protein families ofH. pyloriand 673 of all 99Helicobactergenus strains. We found 79 genome unique regions, a total of 202,359bp, shared by at least 80% of theH. pyloribut lacked in non-pylori Helicobacterspecies. The operons, genes, and sRNAs within theH. pyloriunique regions were considered as potential ones associated with its pathogenicity and adaptability, and the relativity among them has been partially confirmed by functional annotation analysis. However, functions of at least 54 genes and 10 sRNAs were still unclear. Our analysis of protein-protein interaction showed that 30 genes within them may have the cooperation relationship.

The cyanobacterial genus Microcystis is well known as the main group that forms harmful blooms in water. A strain of Microcystis, M. panniformis FACHB1757, was isolated from Meiliang Bay of Lake Taihu in August 2011. The whole genome was sequenced using PacBio RS II sequencer with 48-fold coverage. The complete genome sequence with no gaps contained a 5,686,839 bp chromosome and a 38,683 bp plasmid, which coded for 6,519 and 49 proteins, respectively. Comparison with strains of M. aeruginosa and some other water bloom-forming cyanobacterial species revealed large-scale structure rearrangement and length variation at the genome level along with 36 genomic islands annotated genome-wide, which demonstrates high plasticity of the M. panniformis FACHB1757 genome and reveals that Microcystis has a flexible genome evolution.

Background: Recent research highlights the contribution of co-infections to elevated disease severity and mortality among COVID-19 patients. Given China’s decision to ease epidemic prevention policies in December 2022, a comprehensive exploration of the risks and characteristics of co-infections with respiratory pathogens becomes imperative. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 716 COVID-19 patients admitted to a primary hospital in China. The detection of twelve respiratory pathogens was conducted using qPCR, and the potential risk factors were analyzed through Cox regression analysis. Results: Within this cohort, 76.82% of cases exhibited co-infection involving eleven distinct pathogens. Among these, bacterial co-infections were observed in 74% of cases, with Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae emerging as the most prevalent bacterial co-infection agents. Additionally, 15% of cases presented with viral co-infections, predominantly involving influenza A virus and respiratory syncytial virus. Nevertheless, our investigation suggested that there might be some inappropriate antibiotic use in treatments. Furthermore, risk analysis unveiled dyspnea, hypoproteinemia, low lymphocyte counts, and co-infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae as prominent risk factors for COVID-19 inpatients. Conclusion: Our findings underscore a significant occurrence of co-infections among COVID-19 patients during the epidemic, emphasizing the need for enhanced antibiotic stewardship. Effective management strategies should encompass respiratory status, nutritional aspects, and vigilance towards co-infections involving M. pneumoniae during COVID-19 treatment. This study underscores the significance of comprehensive management protocols to address the multifaceted challenges presented by co-infections in COVID-19 patients.