Cholera is a severe form of watery diarrhea caused by Vibrio cholerae toxigenic strains. Typically, the toxigenic variants of V. cholerae harbor a bacteriophage, cholera toxin phage, integrated in their genome. The ctxAB genes from the phage genome encode the cholera toxin, which is responsible for the major clinical symptoms of the disease. Although ctxAB genes are crucial to V. cholerae strains for cholera manifestation, the genetic structure of cholera toxin phage, DNA sequence of its genes, spatial organization in the host genome and its satellite phage content are not homogenous between V. cholerae biotypes—classical and El Tor. Differences in cholera toxin phage and its genes play a significant role in the identification of V. cholerae biotypes and in the understanding of their pathogenic and epidemic potentials. Here, we present an account of the variations of cholera toxin phage and its genes in V. cholerae biotypes as well as their usefulness in the identification of classical and El Tor strains.

We announce the draft genome sequence of the Kurthia ISK08 strain, isolated from the shrimp sample. The genome sequence is 2,885,242 bp with a G + C content of 36.5%. The genomic analysis provides significant insights into the antibiotic resistance genes of the genus Kurthia .

Listeria monocytogenes is a food-borne pathogen that poses a significant risk of severe infections, especially in pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. This report presents the draft genome sequence of L. monocytogenes strain AZLM01, isolated from ready-to-eat chicken sausage—a food item that has recently gained popularity in Bangladesh.

The human microbiome, a complex ecosystem of microorganisms inhabiting various niches within the body, has emerged as a potential harbinger of health and disease. In recent years, a growing body of research has illuminated the intricate interplay between the microbiome and cancer risk. This review article explores the burgeoning field of microbiome signatures as predictive tools for assessing the risk of cancer development. The microbiome's role in maintaining homeostasis, modulating immune responses, and influencing metabolic pathways has provided a fertile ground for investigating its association with carcinogenesis. With a focus on distinct microbial compositions and specific molecular markers, we delve into the intricate mechanisms underlying the potential of microbiome signatures to forecast cancer risk. From gastrointestinal to genitourinary malignancies, we survey the landscape of microbiome-related studies that have unveiled promising associations between microbial dysbiosis and the initiation of carcinogenesis. Furthermore, we discuss the integration of cutting-edge technologies, including high-throughput sequencing and advanced bioinformatics, in deciphering complex microbiome data and deriving predictive models. The challenges of standardization, validation, and clinical translation of microbiome-based risk assessments are also addressed. As microbiome research evolves, it offers unprecedented insights into the early stages of cancer development, heralding a paradigm shift in personalized cancer risk assessment. By presenting an overview of current achievements, limitations, and prospects, this review elucidates the transformative potential of microbial omens in shaping the landscape of cancer prediction and preventive strategies.

This report presents the draft genome sequence of Listeria innocua strain AZLIn05, isolated from seekh kebab—a meat-based South Asian cuisine—in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The genome had a length of 2,832,024 bp, a G + C content of 37.4%, and 2,813 coding DNA sequences, 17 tRNAs, 1 tmRNA, and 2 rRNA genes.