High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs-O) are promoters to the development of cervical cancer (CC), especially when they co-exist. This study aims to determine the prevalence of the major STIs-O and the rate of co-infection in women previously diagnosed with HR-HPV infection. For this observational study, 254 women aged 25–65 years who were being followed up for HR-HPV infection (without a CC history) were recruited at a hospital’s Gynaecology Department from February 2024 to November 2024. Their endocervical specimens were collected and processed for HR-HPV, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, and Trichomonas vaginalis detection by RT-PCR using commercially available reagents and equipment. The overall rate of infection was 38.6% for HPV and 4.3% for ITSs-O (3.8% in HPV-negative women and 5.1% in HPV-positive women). The presence of ITSs-O in women aged 25–34 was higher in those with a persistent positive result for HR-HPV (20.0% vs. 4.2%). Diverse multiple co-infections were found in HPV-positive women, whilst some single STIs-O were found in HPV-negative women. These results support the benefits of STI-O screening beyond an HR-HPV positive result, especially in those women under 35 years old.

High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs-O) are promoters to the development of cervical cancer (CC), especially when they co-exist. This study aims to determine the prevalence of the major STIs-O and the rate of co-infection in women previously diagnosed with HR-HPV infection. For this observational study, 254 women aged 25-65 years who were being followed up for HR-HPV infection (without a CC history) were recruited at a hospital Gynaecology Department from February 2024 to November 2024. Their endocervical specimens were collected and processed for HR-HPV, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium and Trichomonas vaginalis detection by RT-PCR using cobas® 5800 System and cobas® HPV, cobas® CT/NG and cobas® TV/MG reagents (Roche Diagnostics, IN, USA). The overall rate of infection was 38.6% for HPV and 4.3% for ITSs-O (3.8% in HPV-negative women and 5.1% in HPV-positive women). The presence of ITSs-O in women aged 25-34 was higher in those with persistent positive result for HR-HPV (20.0% vs 4.2%). Diverse multiple co-infections were found in HPV-positive women, whilst some single STIs-O were found in HPV-negative women. These results support the benefits of STIs-O screening beyond a HR-HPV positive result, especially in those women under 35 years old.

Aeromonas is a genus of Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacteria commonly found in aquatic environments and increasingly recognized as opportunistic pathogens. Among them, Aeromonas dhakensis stands out for its high virulence and antimicrobial resistance, but it is often misidentified due to its phenotypic similarity with A. hydrophila and A. caviae. In this study, a microorganism was isolated from the peritoneal fluid of a patient with signs of intra-abdominal infection. MALDI-TOF MS initially suggested A. hydrophila or A. caviae, but the identification was confirmed with high confidence only after further molecular analyses and the use of genome-based tools, which identified the organism as A. dhakensis. This was further supported by phylogenomic and ANI analysis. Resistome analysis revealed intrinsic resistance genes, including a chromosomal class C β-lactamase and an imiH-type carbapenemase, consistent with the observed carbapenem resistance. No plasmid-mediated carbapenemases were found. These findings underscore the limitations of MALDI-TOF in identifying Aeromonas species in certain cases and highlight the value of genomic approaches for accurate species determination and resistance profiling, especially for isolates from sterile body fluids.

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) represent an expanding group of environmental microorganisms with growing clinical significance, particularly among immunocompromised patients. In this study, we describe the isolation and comprehensive characterization of a novel Mycobacterium species, strain HUMS_1102779-3, recovered from a sputum sample of a patient undergoing diagnostic bronchoscopy for hilar lymphadenopathy. Initial identification attempts using MALDI-TOF MS and commercial DNA∙STRIP assays were inconclusive, prompting whole-genome sequencing for comprehensive genomic and phenotypic characterization. De novo genome assembly resulted in a 6.2 Mb draft genome with a GC content of 69.03 mol% and high completeness (98.4% conserved orthologues). Phylogenetic and genomic comparisons suggest close relationship to Mycobacterium servetii (ANI 94.52%, dDDH 63.5%), yet below the accepted species delineation thresholds (95% and 70%, respectively), thereby supporting its status as a distinct taxon within the Mycobacterium simiae complex. Phylogenomic reconstruction placed HUMS_1102779-3 within a monophyletic cluster neighboring M. servetii and Mycobacterium helveticum , but genetically divergent from them. The genome encoded 5833 coding sequences, including determinants associated with antimicrobial resistance ( rbpA , rpoB -like variant, mtrA , efpA ), as well as virulence-related genes typical of mycobacteria, such as components of the Type VII secretion system and iron-regulated factors ( ideR , hbhA ). No mobile genetic elements were detected. Phenotypically, the isolate is a fast-growing, scotochromogenic, acid-fast bacillus that exhibits notable dimorphism on 7H11 agar and produce rough yellow–orange colonies after 4–5 days at 35 °C. It differs from M. servetii by several biochemical traits (catalase negative, Tween 80 hydrolysis positive, tellurite reduction-positive) and distinct antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, notably higher MICs for linezolid and minocycline and lower for ciprofloxacin. Based on genomic, phylogenetic, and phenotypic evidence, we propose the designation Mycobacterium cajalii sp. nov.,. The type strain is HUMS_1102779-3 (= CECT 31296 = DSMZ 120455), with the genome deposited under genome assembly accession number ASM4580900v1.

The timely and appropriate administration of empirical antibiotic therapy is critical for patient survival. However, several studies suggest that approximately 20-30% of patients presenting with sepsis receive inadequate antibiotic treatment, a factor strongly associated with increased mortality. Furthermore, approximately 20% of these patients experience adverse effects. The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria has significantly complicated the selection of appropriate antibiotic therapy and contributed to increased mortality. This challenge is particularly pronounced in conditions such as ventilator-associated pneumonia and bacteremia of various origins, which represent some of the most common infectious pathologies in the intensive care unit. This has resulted in the development of a range of rapid diagnostic tools, including syndromic panels. The primary objective of these panels is to identify the causative agent of infection at an early stage and to guide the selection of the optimal treatment as quickly as possible.