Marcelo Larrea

Mr. Marcelo Larrea


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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2 June 2026 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MZMaría Nicole Solis Zumba
María Nicole Solis Zumba
Miroslava ŠefcováMiroslava Šefcová
Miroslava Šefcová
MLMarcelo Larrea
Marcelo Larrea
RSRenata Szaboova
Renata Szaboova
RHRóbert Herich
Róbert Herich
MLMarco Larrea-Álvarez
Marco Larrea-Álvarez
Background/Objectives: The gut microbiota is fundamental to human health. Probiotics are key interventions for modulating microbial balance, requiring future healthcare professionals to understand these concepts. Evidence evaluating the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of medical students in Ecuador is limited. This study assessed these aspects among students in Greater Guayaquil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a university in Samborondón between August and November 2025. A previously published questionnaire was used to collect data on microbiota and probiotic knowledge, attitudes, and personal practices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable regression. Results: Among 382 participants, the mean knowledge score was 22.76 ± 9.1 out of 44 (52.7%). Higher scores were associated with advanced academic standing and prior formal instruction. Significant gaps were observed in probiotic safety and microbiota–drug interactions. Attitudes were positive (median 10/16), with strong support for enhanced training. Probiotic use was common, though uncertainty about product composition and administration persisted. Conclusions: Medical students possess moderate yet uneven knowledge of microbiota and probiotics, alongside positive attitudes. These findings suggest the need for greater emphasis on microbiota science, probiotic safety, and drug interactions within medical curricula.

10 April 2026 in Antibiotics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Laura BejaranoLaura Bejarano
Laura Bejarano
Miroslava ŠefcováMiroslava Šefcová
Miroslava Šefcová
KMKaren Eliana Munoz
Karen Eliana Munoz
ILIsaias Mejia Limones
Isaias Mejia Limones
MLMarcelo Larrea
Marcelo Larrea
MLMarco Larrea-Álvarez
Marco Larrea-Álvarez
Background: Enterobacter hormaechei, a member of the Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC), is increasingly recognized as a multidrug-resistant (MDR) nosocomial pathogen. However, subspecies-level genomic data from Ecuador remain limited. Methods: Four clinical E. hormaechei isolates from a hospital in northern Ecuador were analyzed using antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Genomic characterization included multilocus sequence typing (MLST), resistome profiling, plasmid replicon detection, integron screening, genomic island analysis, and phylogenetic comparison with publicly available Ecuadorian genomes. Results: WGS identified three isolates as subsp. xiangfangensis (ST136 and ST337) and one as subsp. hoffmannii (ST145). Two ST136 isolates exhibited extensive MDR phenotypes associated with blaCTX-M-15, blaOXA-1, blaACT-16, and additional aminoglycoside and fluoroquinolone resistance genes. ST145 showed moderate resistance, whereas ST337 remained largely susceptible despite harboring blaACT-16. Multiple genomic islands and plasmid replicons (IncF/IncR or IncHI2) were detected. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated clustering with previously reported Ecuadorian lineages. Conclusions: This study provides subspecies-level genomic characterization of clinical E. hormaechei in Ecuador and describes heterogeneous resistance profiles and associated mobile genetic elements, contributing baseline data for regional surveillance.