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Antibiotic resistance to Klebsiella pneumoniae poses a major public health threat, particularly in intensive care unit (ICU) settings. The emergence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains complicates treatment options, requiring a deeper understanding of their genetic makeup and potential therapeutic targets. This research delineated an extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae strain obtained from an ICU patient and telomeric temperate phage derived from hospital effluent. The bacteria showed strong resistance to multiple antibiotics, including penicillin (≥16 μg/mL), ceftriaxone (≥32 μg/mL), and meropenem (≥8 μg/mL), which was caused by SHV-11 beta-lactamase, NDM-1 carbapenemase, and porin mutations (OmpK37, MdtQ). The strain was categorized as K46 and O2a types and carried virulence genes involved in iron acquisition, adhesion, and immune evasion, as well as plasmids (IncHI1B_1_pNDM-MAR, IncFIB) and eleven prophage regions, reflecting its genetic adaptability and resistance dissemination. The 172,025 bp linear genome and 46.3% GC content of the N-15-like phage showed strong genomic similarities to phages of the Sugarlandvirus genus, especially those that infect K. pneumoniae. There were structural proteins (11.8%), DNA replication and repair enzymes (9.3%), and a toxin–antitoxin system (0.4%) encoded by the phage genome. A protelomerase and ParA/B partitioning proteins indicate that the phage is replicating and maintaining itself in a manner similar to the N15 phage, which is renowned for maintaining a linear plasmid prophage throughout lysogeny. Understanding the dynamics of antibiotic resistance and pathogen development requires knowledge of phages like this one, which are known for their temperate nature and their function in altering bacterial virulence and resistance profiles. The regulatory and structural proteins of the phage also provide a model for research into the biology of temperate phages and their effects on microbial communities. The importance of temperate phages in bacterial genomes and their function in the larger framework of microbial ecology and evolution is emphasized in this research.

Genome sequences of sponge bacterial endophytes will be useful for understanding the bioactive compound synthetic potential and molecular mechanisms of sponge-bacteria interactions. In this study, the complete genome of the bacterium E9 isolated from the Red Sea sponge species was sequenced and its antibiofilm activity was assessed through laboratory assay. Experiments indicated the strong antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of the extracts of bacterium E9. Complete genome sequencing reveals that genome assembly generated a single chromosome of 2123451 base pairs with a guanine-cytosine (GC) content of 32.9% with 2420 protein coding sequences and a gene/genome ratio of 83.7%. The bacterial strain was identified as Staphylococcus epidermidis based on phylogenetic analysis. A total of 9 biosynthetic gene clusters were identified in the genome using the open-source platform AntiSMASH. The observed antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of the strain E9 may be due the presence of gene clusters such as nonribosomal peptides, lasso peptides and terpenes. Overall, the whole genome analysis indicated the bacterium’s capability to adapt in diverse environments including invertebrate hosts, and bioactive compound synthesis.

The Middle Eastern prevalence of sickle cell anemia, a genetic disorder that affects red blood cells, necessitates additional research. On a molecular level, we sought to identify and sort the oral microbiota of healthy individuals and those with sickle cell anemia. Furthermore, it is crucial to comprehend how changes in the genetic makeup of the oral microbiota impact the state of sickle cell anemia. Using next-generation sequencing, the 16S rRNA amplicon was examined using saliva samples from 36 individuals with sickle cell anemia and healthy individuals. These samples were obtained from sickle cell anemia patients (18 samples) and healthy control participants (controls, 18 samples). Various analyses are conducted using bioinformatic techniques to identify distinct species and their relative abundance. Streptococcus, followed by Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella, and Veillonella were the most prevalent genera of bacteria in the saliva of the SCA and non-SCA individuals according to our findings. Rothia mucilaginosa, Prevotella scoposa, and Veillonella dispar species were the dominant species in both sickle cell anemia and non-sickle cell anemia subjects. Streptococcus salivarius, Actinomyces graevenitzii, Actinomyces odontolyticus, and Actinomyces georgiae spp. were the most prevalent bacterial spp. in the studied SCA cases. The sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene yielded relative abundance values that were visualized through a heatmap analysis. Alterations in the oral microflora’s constitution can significantly affect the susceptibility of sickle cell anemia patients to develop more severe health complications. Salivary diagnosis is a potential tool for predicting and preventing oral microbiome-related diseases in the future.

The study underpins barcode characterization of insect species collected from Saudi Arabia and explored functional constraints during evolution at the DNA and protein levels to expect the possible mechanisms of protein evolution in insects. Codon structure designated AT-biased insect barcode of the cytochrome C oxidase I (COI). In addition, the predicted 3D structure of COI protein indicated tyrosine in close proximity with the heme ligand, depicted substitution to phenylalanine in two Hymenopteran species. This change resulted in the loss of chemical bonding with the heme ligand. The estimated nucleotide substitution matrices in insect COI barcode generally showed a higher probability of transversion compared with the transition. Computations of codon-by-codon nonsynonymous substitutions in Hymenopteran and Hemipteran species indicated that almost half of the codons are under positive evolution. Nevertheless, codons of COI barcode of Coleoptera, Lepidoptera and Diptera are mostly under purifying selection. The results reinforce that codons in helices 2, 5 and 6 and those in loops 2-3 and 5-6 are mostly conserved and approach strong purifying selection. The overall results argue the possible evolutionary position of Hymenopteran species among those of other insects.

Background: In Saudi Arabia, more than US$ 0.2 million annual losses are caused by liver condemnations due to fascioliasis. Data obtained from the genetic characterization of Fasciola population sheds light on parasite transmission which could eventually help in development of effective parasite control measures. So, the aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity of Fasciola spp. isolated from cattle in Saudi Arabia by sequence analyses of COI gene. Materials and Methods: A total of 325 cows slaughtered at the central municipal abattoir in Jeddah city, Jeddah Province, Saudi Arabia were examined for fascioliasis in the period from 1st of June to 1st of July 2020. DNA was extracted from adult Fasciola worms and used for PCR and DNA sequence using a primer pair targeting COI gene. Analysis of the obtained sequences was done using BLAST search and phylogenetic analysis. Results: Bovine fascioliasis was diagnosed in 18 out of 325 cattle (5.5%). Forty-eight flukes were extracted from infected animals and DNA was successfully amplified from all flukes. Overall 12 different DNA sequences were obtained. BLAST search showed that all obtained sequences were F. hepatica and had > 97% similarity with F. hepatica isolates from Tanzania, Europe and Iran. Phylogenetic analysis of the obtained sequences showed that Fasciola isolates from the current study were clustered in one subclade closely related to isolates from North and South Africa and Italy. Conclusion: Reports on the molecular characterization of Fasciola spp. in Saudi Arabia are limited. In the current study, our findings showed that F. hepatica was the only Fasciola species parasitizing cattle in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia. Further studies using a large number of samples from different localities in Saudi Arabia are needed to provide data that will help the development of control measures against fascioliasis.

Background/Objectives: The association between vitamin D deficiency and prediabetes has been extensively investigated, yet the findings remain inconsistent, with limited data available on the MENA region. This systematic review aims to assess the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and prediabetes in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, focusing specifically on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed across four databases, which were Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane, Scopus, and PubMed. RCTs studies conducted on people with prediabetes aged 15 years and older who live in the MENA region, and receiving vitamin D supplementation were included in the study. Results: From 2194 studies identified from the literature search, only 51 studies were considered eligible for full-text review. Ultimately, seven articles were finalized for inclusion. The findings from these studies showed mixed results, where some studies indicated that vitamin D supplementation had no significant effect on these outcomes. The remaining reported improvements in insulin sensitivity and a reduced risk of progression to type 2 diabetes with vitamin D supplementation. Conclusions: This systematic review examines the complex and contradictory relationship between vitamin D deficiency and prediabetes in the MENA region. Due to the mixed pattern seen in the intervention of vitamin D to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes, further research is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and potential confounding factors specifically in population of the MENA region.

Background/Objectives:Maerua crassifolia, a threatened medicinal species endemic to drylands, exhibits a pronounced drought sensitivity. Despite the critical role of microorganisms, particularly bacteria and fungi, the microbial consortia in M. crassifolia’s rhizosphere remain underexplored. Methods: Metagenomic whole genome shotgun sequencing (WGS) was employed to elucidate the taxonomic composition of bacterial and fungal communities inhabiting the soil rhizosphere of M. crassifolia. Results: The data revealed a marked predominance of bacterial genomes relative to fungal communities, as evidenced by non-redundant gene analysis. Notably, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), specifically Rhizophagus clarus, Rhizophagus irregularis and Funneliformis geosporum, are key rhizosphere colonizers. This study confirmed the presence of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), such as Sphingomonas spp., Cyanobacteria and Pseudomonadota, underscoring the critical role of these microorganisms in the phosphorus cycle. Additionally, the study uncovered the presence of previously uncharacterized species within the phylum Actinobacteria, as well as unidentified taxa from the Betaproteobacteria, Gemmatimonadota and Chloroflexota phyla, which may represent novel microbial taxa with potential plant growth-promoting properties. Conclusions: Findings suggest a complex, symbiotic network where AMF facilitate phosphorus uptake through plant–root interactions. In a tripartite symbiosis, PSB enhance inorganic phosphorus solubilization, increasing bioavailability, which AMF assimilate and deliver to plant roots, optimizing nutrition. This bacterial–fungal interplay is essential for plant resilience in arid environments. Future investigations should prioritize the isolation and characterization of underexplored microbial taxa residing in the rhizosphere of M. crassifolia, with particular emphasis on members of the Actinobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gemmatimonadota and Chloroflexota phyla to uncover their roles in nutrient acquisition and sustainability.

The journal retracts the article, “Safety of Commercially Available Beef Burger in Saudi Arabia [...]

Periodontal diseases, encompassing gingivitis and periodontitis, are prevalent inflammatory conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth, with significant implications for both oral and systemic health. The pathogenesis of these diseases is multifactorial, involving the interplay of microbial factors, host immune responses, and environmental influences. Key etiological agents include specific bacteria such as Porphyromonasgingivalis, which trigger inflammatory responses leading to tissue destruction. The diagnosis of periodontal diseases relies on a comprehensive clinical examination, including probing depth measurements, attachment loss assessment, and radiographic evaluation to determine the extent of bone loss. Advanced imaging techniques, such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), enhance diagnostic accuracy by providing detailed three-dimensional views of periodontal structures.Management strategies for periodontal diseases are multifaceted, incorporating both non-surgical and surgical interventions. Non-surgical therapy, primarily scaling and root planing (SRP), aims to remove plaque and calculus, thereby reducing bacterial load and promoting healing. Adjunctive therapies, including antimicrobial agents and patient education on effective oral hygiene practices, are crucial for successful outcomes. In cases where non-surgical approaches are insufficient, surgical interventions such as flap surgery, bone grafting, and guided tissue regeneration may be necessary to restore periodontal architecture and regenerate lost tissues.Ongoing maintenance therapy is essential to sustain periodontal health and prevent disease recurrence, emphasizing the importance of regular dental visits and patient compliance. The relationship between periodontal diseases and systemic health conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, underscores the need for an integrated approach to treatment. This review highlights the importance of early diagnosis, individualized management strategies, and the role of patient education in effectively addressing periodontal diseases, ultimately contributing to improved oral and overall health outcomes. Continued research into the pathogenesis and treatment of periodontal diseases is vital for advancing clinical practices and enhancing patient care.

Blood transfusion is associated with many risks, especially exposure to blood transfusion-transmitted infections considered one of the main causes of death worldwide, including hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The threat posed by blood-borne pathogens is disproportionately high, especially in developing countries, so there is a need for continuous monitoring of blood transfusions to prevent transmitting diseases. Rapid diagnostic immunochromatographic technique (ICT) methods are the most widely used methods in developing countries, although ELISA and molecular testing are considered more accurate worldwide. Therefore, the study aimed to compare the analytical sensitivity between rapid tests and the ELISA method for detecting HBV, HCV, and HIV infection among blood donors. Four hundred (400) blood donor samples were tested using the Rapid Test Kits (INTEC, SD, ABON, and CLUN), and the ELISA method was used as a confirmatory test. Out of 400 blood samples tested for viral infection, HBV, HCV, and HIV were detected in 8, 10, and 2 samples, respectively, using the ELISA technique. This study observed that the rate of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV), in addition to determining the diagnostic accuracy rate and error rate for all rapid diagnostic kits in detecting HBV, HCV and HIV are less accurate and associated with more false negatives compared to the ELISA technique. This study showed a significant difference in sensitivity between ELISA and rapid diagnostic immunochromatographic technique (ICT) groups; therefore, rapid diagnosis is not suitable for testing the quality of infectious markers for blood donors.