Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent a prevalent health concern among the female population, with anatomical and physiological determinants such as a shorter urethra and its proximity to the rectum augmenting vulnerability. The presence of Escherichia coli and various other pathogens plays a significant role in the etiology of these infections, which can be aggravated by sexual intercourse and disturbances to the vaginal microbiome. The physiological alterations associated with pregnancy further elevate the likelihood of UTIs, with untreated cases potentially leading to severe complications such as pyelonephritis, preterm labor, and stillbirth. Furthermore, postmenopausal women encounter an augmented risk of UTIs attributable to estrogen deficiency and vaginal atrophy, as well as conditions including pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary incontinence (UI), which hinder optimal bladder functionality. The aforementioned factors, in conjunction with the rising prevalence of cesarean deliveries and catheterization, complicate the management of UTIs. While precise diagnosis is paramount, it remains a formidable challenge, notwithstanding advancements in molecular diagnostic techniques. Management strategies encompass antibiotic-sparing therapies; however, the increasing incidence of multidrug resistance represents an alarming trend. Diverse guidelines from various medical specialties endeavor to standardize treatment approaches, yet significant inconsistencies continue to exist. This study systematically appraises the extant guidelines, evaluating the quality of evidence while identifying areas of agreement and discord to supply practitioners with effective strategies for UTI management.

Microbial engineering has made a significant breakthrough in pharmaceutical biotechnology, greatly expanding the production of biologically active compounds, therapeutic proteins, and novel drug candidates. Recent advancements in genetic engineering, synthetic biology, and adaptive evolution have contributed to the optimization of microbial strains for pharmaceutical applications, playing a crucial role in enhancing their productivity and stability. The CRISPR-Cas system is widely utilized as a precise genome modification tool, enabling the enhancement of metabolite biosynthesis and the activation of synthetic biological pathways. Additionally, synthetic biology approaches allow for the targeted design of microorganisms with improved metabolic efficiency and therapeutic potential, thereby accelerating the development of new pharmaceutical products. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) plays a vital role in further advancing microbial engineering by predicting metabolic network interactions, optimizing bioprocesses, and accelerating the drug discovery process. However, challenges such as the efficient optimization of metabolic pathways, ensuring sustainable industrial-scale production, and meeting international regulatory requirements remain critical barriers in the field. Furthermore, to mitigate potential risks, it is essential to develop stringent biocontainment strategies and implement appropriate regulatory oversight. This review comprehensively examines recent innovations in microbial engineering, analyzing key technological advancements, regulatory challenges, and future development perspectives.

Mentha asiatica Boriss., a species native to Central Asia, has garnered significant attention for its diverse phytochemical profile and antimicrobial potential. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the antimicrobial activities of M. asiatica, focusing on its essential oils and other bioactive constituents. The study contextualizes the importance of natural antimicrobials in the era of rising antibiotic resistance and highlights the plant’s traditional use in ethnomedicine. The main methodologies explored include gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) for phytochemical characterization and various in vitro assays to assess antimicrobial efficacy against bacterial and fungal pathogens. The essential oils of M. asiatica demonstrate a broad spectrum of activity, attributed to compounds such as menthol, menthone, and carvone. Other phytochemicals, including sesquiterpenes and terpenoids, also contribute to its bioactivity. The review underscores the potential of M. asiatica as a source of novel antimicrobial agents and calls for further research into its mechanisms of action, bioavailability, and safety profiles. The findings position M. asiatica as a promising candidate for developing plant-based antimicrobial formulations, addressing critical needs in healthcare and food preservation.

Soil salinity is a significant constraint on agricultural productivity and disturbs the availability of nutritional elements necessary for plants, such as phosphorus. Microorganisms have specialized adaptation features, such as tolerance to salt, stimulation of growth, and the ability to promote plant survival under saline conditions. The objectives of this investigation were to isolate new salt-tolerant, phosphate-solubilizing bacterial strains, assess their phosphate-solubilizing activity, and investigate the mechanisms of phosphate mobilization under salinity stress. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria were isolated from saline pasture soils in southeastern Kazakhstan, and their salt tolerance and phosphate-solubilizing activity were identified. Three highly active strains were selected and identified by Sanger-based molecular genetic analysis: Enterobacter cloacae FY3, Pseudomonas putida FT4, and Bacillus megaterium F7A. Organic acid production by these strains under salt stress was analyzed using gas chromatography. The results indicated that the strains produced 12 organic acids, with differences in composition and amount between strains. The most important phosphate solubilization mechanism under salinity stress is the secretion of organic acids. Organic acid secretion, pH reduction, and increased soluble phosphorus content were positively correlated. These findings provide an effective method for phosphorus mobilization in salt soils, and the recovered strains are likely candidates for making biofertilizers applicable to salt environments. These new strains are candidates for the development of biofertilizers for saline soils.

Erwinia amilovora is the causative agent of bacterial blight of rosaceae plants. The disease affects ornamental species of this family and fruit trees of great economic importance, such as apple and pear. In the presented research, sequencing of the Erwinia amilovora strain E22 isolated in Kazakhstan, was performed on the Illumina MiSeq platform, followed by bioinformatics processing and gene annotation using SPAdes, RAST, antiSMASH and CARD programs and databases. The size of the assembled genome is 3,799,623 bp. Annotation of the Erwinia amilovora genome assembly identified 3462 genes, including 3251 protein-coding genes and 117 RNA genes. This genome will be helpful to further understand the evolution of Erwinia amilovora and can be useful for obtaining control agents.

The article presents the results of a study to identify the main fungal diseases of alfalfa during its cultivation in the conditions of south-eastern Kazakhstan. The main soil-borne diseases were identified: fusarium and alternaria. The pathogens were isolated and, according to morphological-microscopic and molecular-genetic characteristics, were classified as Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum, Alternaria alternata and A. tenuissima. Also, during the growing season, foci of damage to the alfalfa leaf blade by downy mildew and powdery mildew were detected. Microscopic examination revealed that the pathogens are obligate pathogens Plasmopara trifliorum and Blumeria graminis. Determination of these types of pathogenic fungi affecting alfalfa in this natural and climatic zone will allow us to select effective native strains of microorganisms that suppress the development of the identified diseases and recommend them as the basis for new microbial preparations to protect alfalfa from fungal infections. В статье приведены результаты исследования по выявлению основных болезней люцерны грибной этиологии при ее культивировании в условиях юго-востока Казахстана. Были выявленыосновные заболевания, передающиеся через почву: фузариоз и альтернариоз. Возбудители болезней выделены и по морфолого-микроскопическим и молекулярно-генетическим характеристикам отнесены к видам Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum, Alternaria alternata и A. tenuissima. Также в процессе вегетации были обнаружены очаги поражения листовой пластины люцерны пероноспорозом и мучнистой росой. При микроскопическом исследовании установлено, что возбудителями являются облигатные патогены Plasmopara trifliorum и Blumeria graminis. Определение данных видов патогенных грибов, поражающих люцерну в данной природно-климатической зоне, позволит в дальнейшем подобрать аборигенные эффективные штаммы микроорганизмов, подавляющих развитие выявленных болезней, и рекомендовать их в качестве основы новых микробных препаратов для защиты люцерны от грибковых поражений.