Multidrug resistance in bacterial strains known as superbugs is estimated to cause fatal infections worldwide. Migration and urbanization have resulted in overcrowding and inadequate sanitation, contributing to a high risk of superbug infections within and between different communities. The CRISPR-Cas system, mainly type II, has been projected as a robust tool to precisely edit drug-resistant bacterial genomes to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains effectively. To entirely opt for its potential, advanced development in the CRISPR-Cas system is needed to reduce toxicity and promote efficacy in gene-editing applications. This might involve base-editing techniques used to produce point mutations. These methods employ designed Cas9 variations, such as the adenine base editor (ABE) and the cytidine base editor (CBE), to directly edit single base pairs without causing DSBs. The CBE and ABE could change a target base pair into a different one (for example, G-C to A-T or C-G to A-T). In this review, we addressed the limitations of the CRISPR/Cas system and explored strategies for circumventing these limitations by applying diverse base-editing techniques. Furthermore, we also discussed recent research showcasing the ability of base editors to eliminate drug-resistant microbes.

Breakdown of cold-chain integrity drives the persistence of foodborne pathogens in poultry supply chains in warm, mountainous climates. This study used Al-Mandaq (Saudi Arabia) as a model to assess genetic diversity and contamination in bacteria from poultry storage units using 16S rRNA sequencing, VITEK 2, selective culturing, and ISSR/RAPD fingerprinting on 150 swabs. The Salmonella enterica complex comprised 15/29 isolates (51.7%), followed by Escherichia spp. 6/29 (20.7%) and Bacillus spp. 3/29 (10.3%). Five Salmonella serovars were identified: Enteritidis (8), Waycross (3), Minnesota (2), Typhimurium (1), and Dublin (1). S. Enteritidis accounted for 8/29 isolates (27.6%) and predominated among Salmonella in supermarket retail samples in Al-Mandaq. Combined ISSR and RAPD cluster analysis revealed highly clonal S. Enteritidis groupings, consistent with cross-contamination and prolonged survival in refrigeration equipment. In resource-limited settings, the combined ISSR and RAPD approach enhanced identification and differentiation of bacterial contamination sources within refrigeration equipment, providing superior strain-level discrimination compared to single-marker systems and improving epidemiological traceability of cross-contamination events. These results highlight the risk of clonal pathogen persistence in poultry cold-chain environments and the value of integrated molecular fingerprinting for surveillance in challenging climates.

Natural and bio-based alternatives to synthetic preservatives are gaining popularity in recent years. This study evaluates the antimicrobial potential and physicochemical properties of five types of honey vinegar. The investigation included 1,400 vinegar samples representing five types of formulations. Inhibition zone analysis was performed to assess the antibacterial activities of vinegar samples. All types of vinegars demonstrated antibacterial activity against at least one of the tested bacterial strains. Notably, honey-propolis and honey-black seed vinegars exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against all pathogens. Honey-garlic and honey-propolis vinegars contained the highest levels of total phenolics. These findings suggest that enriched honey vinegars, particularly those containing propolis or garlic, could be promising natural alternatives for antimicrobial applications. Their efficacy and rich bioactive profiles advocate their future use in functional health products and food preservation.