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Background Bacillus cereus is implicated in severe foodborne infection in humans. This study intended to assess the occurrence, gro EL gene sequencing, biofilm production, and resistance profiles of emerged multidrug resistant (MDR) B. cereus in meat and meat product samples. Moreover, this work highlights the virulence and toxigenic genes ( hbl ABCD complex, nhe ABC complex, cyt K, ces , and pc-plc ) and antimicrobial resistance genes ( bla 1, tet A, bla 2, tet B, and erm A). Methods Consequently, 200 samples (sausage, minced meat, luncheon, beef meat, and liver; n  = 40 for each) were indiscriminately collected from commercial supermarkets in Port Said Province, Egypt, from March to May 2021. Subsequently, food samples were bacteriologically examined. The obtained isolates were tested for gro EL gene sequence analysis, antibiotic susceptibility, biofilm production, and PCR screening of toxigenic and resistance genes. Results The overall prevalence of B. cereus among the inspected food samples was 21%, where the highest predominance was detected in minced meat (42.5%), followed by beef meat (30%). The phylogenetic analysis of the gro EL gene exposed that the examined B. cereus strain disclosed a notable genetic identity with other strains from the USA and China. Moreover, the obtained B. cereus strains revealed β-hemolytic activity, and 88.1% of the recovered strains tested positive for biofilm production. PCR evidenced that the obtained B. cereus strains usually inherited the nhe complex genes ( nhe A and nhe C: 100%, and nhe B: 83.3%), followed by cyt K (76.2%), hbl complex ( hbl C and hbl D: 59.5%, hbl B: 16.6%, and hbl A: 11.9%), ces (54.7%), and pc-plc (30.9%) virulence genes. Likewise, 42.9% of the examined B. cereus strains were MDR to six antimicrobial classes and encoded bla 1, bla 2, erm A, and tet A genes. Conclusion In summary, this study highlights the presence of MDR B. cereus in meat and meat products, posing a significant public health risk. The contamination by B. cereus is common in minced meat and beef meat. The molecular assay is a reliable fundamental tool for screening emerging MDR B. cereus strains in meat and meat products.

Aeromonas veronii is associated with substantial economic losses in the fish industry and with food-borne illness in humans. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, antibiogram profiles, sequence analysis, virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes, and pathogenicity of A. veronii recovered from Mugil seheli. A total of 80 fish were randomly gathered from various private farms in Suez Province, Egypt. Subsequently, samples were subjected to clinical, post-mortem, and bacteriological examinations. The retrieved isolates were tested for sequence analysis, antibiogram profile, pathogenicity, and PCR detection of virulence and resistance genes. The prevalence of A. veronii in the examined M. seheli was 22.5 % (18/80). The phylogenetic analyses revealed that the tested A. veronii strains shared high genetic similarity with other A. veronii strains from India, UK, and China. Using PCR it was revealed that the retrieved A. veronii isolates harbored the aerA, alt, ser, ompAII, act, ahp, and nuc virulence genes with prevalence of 100%, 82.9%, 61.7%, 55.3%, 44.7%, 36.17%, and 29.8%, respectively. Our findings revealed that 29.8% (14/47) of the retrieved A. veronii strains were XDR to nine antimicrobial classes and carried blaTEM, blaCTX-M, blaSHV,tetA, aadA1, and sul1 resistance genes. Likewise, 19.1% (9/47) of the obtained A. veronii strains were MDR to eight classes and possessed blaTEM, blaCTX-M, blaSHV,tetA, aadA1, and sul1 genes. The pathogenicity testing indicated that the mortality rates positively correlated with the prevalence of virulence-determinant genes. To our knowledge, this is the first report to reveal the occurrence of XDR and MDR A. veronii in M. seheli, an emergence that represents a risk to public health. Emerging XDR and MDR A. veronii in M. seheli frequently harbored aerA, alt, ser, ompAII, and act virulence genes, and blaTEM, sul1, tetA, blaCTX-M, blaSHV, and aadA1 resistance genes.

Molybdenum (Mo) deficiency is a global problem in acidic soils, limiting plant growth, development, and nutrient availability. To address this, we carried out a field study with two treatments, i.e., Mo applied (+Mo) and without Mo (−Mo) treatment to explore the effects of Mo application on crop growth and development, microbial diversity, and metabolite variations in maize and soybean cropping systems. Our results indicated that the nutrient availability (N, P, K) was higher under Mo supply leading to improved biological yield and nutrient uptake efficiency in both crops. Microbial community analysis revealed that Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria were the dominant phyla in Mo treated (+Mo) soils for both maize and soybean. Both these phyla accounted together 39.43% and 57.74% in −Mo and +Mo, respectively, in soybean rhizosphere soil, while they accounted for 44.51% and 46.64% in maize rhizosphere soil. This indicates more variations among the treatments in soybean soil compared to maize soil. At a lower taxonomic level, the diverse responses of the genera indicated the specific bacterial community adaptations to fertilization. Candidatus Koribacter and Kaistobacter were commonly significantly higher in both crops under Mo-applied conditions in both cropping systems. These taxa, sharing similar functions, could serve as potential markers for nutrient availability and soil fertility. Metabolite profiling revealed 8 and 10 significantly differential metabolites in maize and soybean, respectively, under +Mo treatment, highlighting the critical role of Mo in metabolite variation. Overall, these findings emphasize the importance of Mo in shaping soil microbial diversity by altering metabolite composition, which in turn may enhance the nutrient availability, nutrient uptake, and plant performance.

(1) Background: Few studies have been carried out to appraise abamectin toxicity toward Locusta migratoria nymphs. (2) Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of abamectin as an insecticide through examining the changes and damage caused by this drug, in both neurosecretory cells and midgut, using L. migratoria nymphs as a model of the cytotoxic effect. Histopathological change in the brain was examined in both normal and abamectin-treated fifth-instar nymphs. Neurosecretory cells (NSCs) were also examined where there were loosely disintegrated cells or vacuolated cytoplasm. (3) Results: The results showed distinct histological changes in the gastrointestinal tract of L. migratoria nymphs treated with abamectin, with significant cellular damage and disorganization, i.e., characteristic symptoms of cell necrosis, a destroyed epithelium, enlarged cells, and reduced nuclei. The observed biochemical changes included an elevation in all measured oxidative stress parameters compared to untreated controls. The malondialdehyde activities (MDAs) of the treated nymphs had a five- to six-fold increase, with a ten-fold increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD), nine-fold increase in glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and four-fold increase in nitric oxide (NO). (4) Conclusions: To further investigate the theoretical method of action, a molecular docking simulation was performed, examining the possibility that abamectin is an inhibitor of the fatty acid-binding protein Lm-FABP (2FLJ) and that it binds with two successive electrostatic hydrogen bonds.

Avian salmonellosis is concomitant with high financial crises in the poultry industry as well as food-borne illness in man. The present study is designed to investigate the emergence of Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium in diseased broilers, resistance profiles, and monitoring virulence and antibiotic resistance genes. Consequently, 450 samples (cloacal swabs, liver, and spleen) were collected from 150 diseased birds from different farms in Giza Governorate, Egypt. Subsequently, the bacteriological examination was done. Afterward, the obtained Salmonella isolates were tested for serogrouping, antibiogram, PCR monitoring of virulence ( inv A, stn, hil A, and pef A), and antimicrobial resistance genes ( bla TEM , bla CTX-M , bla NDM , erm A, sul 1, tet A, and aad A1). The total prevalence of  Salmonella in the examined diseased broilers was 9.3%, and the highest prevalence was noticed in cloacal swabs. Among the recovered  Salmonella  isolates ( n  = 35), 20 serovars were recognized as  S . Enteritidis and 15 serovars were identified as  S . Typhimurium. Almost 60% of the retrieved  S.  Enteritidis serovars were extensively drug-resistant (XDR) to seven antimicrobial classes and inherited  sul 1, bla TEM , tet A , bla CTX-M , ere A, and aad A1 genes. Likewise, 25% of the recovered  S. Enteritidis serovars were multidrug-resistant (MDR) to six classes and have sul 1, bla TEM ,  tet A , bla CTX-M , and ere A resistance genes. Also, 66.7% of the retrieved  S.  Typhimurium serovars were XDR to seven classes and have  sul 1,  bla TEM , tet A , bla CTX-M , ere A, and aad A1 genes. Succinctly, this report underlined the reemergence of XDR  S . Typhimurium and  S.  Enteritidis in broiler chickens. Meropenem and norfloxacin exposed a hopeful antimicrobial activity toward the re-emerging XDR  S . Typhimurium and  S.  Enteritidis in broilers. Moreover, the recurrence of these XDR Salmonella strains poses a potential public health threat.

Mangrove vegetation, a threatened and unique inter-tidal ecosystem, harbours a complex and largely unexplored bacterial community crucial for nutrient cycling and the degradation of toxic pollutants in coastal areas. Despite its importance, the bacterial community composition of the gray mangrove ( Avicennia marina ) in the Red Sea coastal regions remains under-studied. This study aims to elucidate the structural and functional diversity of the microbiome in the bulk and rhizospheric soils associated with A. marina in the coastal areas of Ras Alshabaan-Umluj (Umluj) and Almunibrah-Al-Wajh (Al-Wajh) within the Tabuk region of Saudi Arabia. Amplicon sequencing targeting the 16S rRNA was performed using the metagenomic DNAs from the bulk and rhizospheric soil samples from Umluj and Al-Wajh. A total of 6,876 OTUs were recovered from all samples, of which 1,857 OTUs were common to all locations while the total number of OTUs unique to Al-wajh was higher (3,011 OTUs) than the total number of OTUs observed (1,324 OTUs) at Umluj site. Based on diversity indices, overall bacterial diversity was comparatively higher in rhizospheric soil samples of both sites. Comparing the diversity indices for the rhizosphere samples from the two sites revealed that the diversity was much higher in the rhizosphere samples from Al-Wajh as compared to those from Umluj. The most dominant genera in rhizosphere sample of Al-Wajh were Geminicoccus and Thermodesulfovibrio while the same habitat of the Umluj site was dominated by Propionibacterium, Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus . Bacterial functional potential prediction analyses showed that bacteria from two locations have almost similar patterns of functional genes including amino acids and carbohydrates metabolisms, sulfate reduction and C-1 compound metabolism and xenobiotics biodegradation. However, the rhizosphere samples of both sites harbour more genes involved in the utilization and assimilation of C-1 compounds. Our results reveal that bacterial communities inhabiting the rhizosphere of A. marina differed significantly from those in the bulk soil, suggesting a possible role of A. marina roots in shaping these bacterial communities. Additionally, not only vegetation but also geographical location appears to influence the overall bacterial composition at the two sites.

The Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is considered a serious threat to global poultry production. Despite the availability of vaccines, it remains a major devastating epidemic responsible for great economic losses. The development of novel virus-controlling strategies is therefore an urgent need. The present study investigated for the first time the antiviral efficacy of propolis and chitosan nanoparticles against two NDV isolates, MW881875 and MW881876, recovered from vaccinated commercial broiler farms in KafrEl Sheikh Governorate, Egypt. The polygenetic analysis focused on the F and M genes, with one isolate having a 97% identity with the genotype VII NDV Israeli strain. On the other hand, the identified isolates showed high genetic variation and only 76% identity with the LaSota vaccine (genotype II). More interestingly, the cell cytotoxic concentrations of chitosan, propolis, and a propolis–chitosan mixture against Vero cells were 327.41 ± 12.63, 109.48 ± 8.36, and 231.78 ± 11.46 μg/ml, respectively. The median tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) assay demonstrated that the nanoparticles have antiviral effects after NDV exposure resulting in significant decrease in viral titer (TCID50) by 2, 2.66, and 2.5 log10 at 62 μg/ml of chitosan, 13 μg/ml of propolis, and 30 μg/ml of the propolis–chitosan mixture, respectively, compared with the control TCID50 value of 4 log10. Taken together, the results provide novel insights into the potentially promising roles of propolis and chitosan as novel, safe, and effective antiviral agents against NDV.

The rapid construction of the futuristic metropolitan city NEOM along the northern Red Sea coast of Tabuk has raised ecological concerns regarding microplastic (MP) pollution in adjacent marine habitats. Effluents generated during large-scale urban development and associated anthropogenic activities contribute to elevated microplastic loads, threatening the ecological balance of coral reef ecosystems. The dynamic layer of biomolecules, microbes, and ambient materials that adsorb onto the surface of micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) as they enter aquatic systems is referred to as the \"marine ecological corona. MNPs act as persistent contaminants that interact with marine biota through ingestion, adsorption of pollutants, and physical interference. In algae, MPs impair photosynthetic efficiency, induce oxidative stress, and hinder primary productivity. Coral polyps exposed to MPs exhibit reduced calcification, impaired symbiotic relationships with zooxanthellae, and developmental retardation. Fish and other higher trophic organisms demonstrate tissue accumulation, oxidative stress, and genotoxic effects, compromising growth, reproduction, and overall fitness. Collectively, these effects may disrupt food web stability and biodiversity in one of the world’s most unique reef ecosystems. Addressing MNPs contamination in the Red Sea requires integrated management strategies. Conventional removal techniques—such as filtration, coagulation, and adsorption—are being refined with advanced nanomaterials and bio-based sorbents. Innovative bioremediation approaches, including microbial and enzymatic degradation, present promising environmentally friendly solutions. Additionally, policies emphasizing green construction practices, circular plastic economy, and effluent treatment technologies are essential to minimize further MNPs influx. Cutting-edge methods such as magnetic nanoparticle-assisted separation and photocatalytic degradation are under investigation for large-scale application. Effective management of microplastic pollution is critical to conserving the resilience of northern Red Sea coral reefs, safeguarding marine biodiversity, and ensuring the ecological sustainability of NEOM’s coastal environment. Graphical abstract

Coral–algy -55al interfaces are hotspots of biogeochemical activity, yet the structure and functional roles of sediment microbiomes associated with these habitats remain poorly resolved, particularly in the environmentally extreme northern Red Sea. This study characterizes how microbial community composition and functional potential vary with coral–algal proximity across three coastal sites (Alshreah, Saweehal, Marwan Cave). Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was performed on 18 sediment samples collected from two contrasting habitats at each site: (i) far-from-algae zones (≥500 m) and (ii) close-to-algae zones (≤10 m). Across all locations, eight dominant bacterial species structured the sediment microbiome, including Shewanella algae, Arenibacter algicola, Vibrio algicola, Zobellia alginiliquefaciens , and Prochlorococcus marinus . Species-level patterns showed strong spatial heterogeneity, with Marwan Cave consistently dominated by S. algae , while other sites exhibited clear habitat-dependent shifts. A. algicola and S. algae were more abundant near coral–algal habitats, whereas V. algicola was more prevalent in distant sediments. Further analysis indicated that both geographic location and algal proximity contributed to community structuring, with proximity effects most apparent at Alshreah and Saweehal. Functional profiles revealed clear habitat partitioning. Close-to-algae sediments were enriched in genes for chemotaxis, glycerol transport, and anaerobic metabolism, indicative of bacterial exploitation of algal exudates and low-oxygen microzones, while far-from-algae sediments showed higher representation of ABC transport systems, amino-acid metabolism, and stress-response pathways, reflecting nutrient-limited and more environmentally variable conditions. Overall, proximity to coral–algal assemblages emerged as a major ecological gradient shaping both the taxonomic and functional attributes of Red Sea sediment microbiomes, operating alongside strong site-level environmental differences. These findings highlight the biogeochemical influence of benthic algae and provide baseline insights into microbial processes that may reinforce coral–algal regime shifts in warming reef systems.

The coral microbiome is highly related to the overall health and the survival and proliferation of coral reefs. The Red Sea’s unique physiochemical characteristics, such a significant north–south temperature and salinity gradient, make it a very intriguing research system. However, the Red Sea is rather isolated, with a very diversified ecosystem rich in coral communities, and the makeup of the coral-associated microbiome remains little understood. Therefore, comprehending the makeup and dispersion of the endogenous microbiome associated with coral is crucial for understanding how the coral microbiome coexists and interacts, as well as its contribution to temperature tolerance and resistance against possible pathogens. Here, we investigate metagenomic sequencing targeting 16S rRNA using DNAs from the sediment samples to identify the coral microbiome and to understand the dynamics of microbial taxa and genes in the surface mucous layer (SML) microbiome of the coral communities in three distinct areas close to and far from coral communities in the Red Sea. These findings highlight the genomic array of the microbiome in three areas around and beneath the coral communities and revealed distinct bacterial communities in each group, where Pseudoalteromonas agarivorans (30%), Vibrio owensii (11%), and Pseudoalteromonas sp. Xi13 (10%) were the most predominant species in samples closer to coral (a coral-associated microbiome), with the domination of Pseudoalteromonas_agarivorans and Vibrio_owensii in Alshreah samples distant from coral, while Pseudoalteromonas_sp._Xi13 was more abundant in closer samples. Moreover, Proteobacteria such as Pseudoalteromonas, Pseudomonas and Cyanobacteria were the most prevalent phyla of the coral microbiome. Further, Saweehal showed the highest diversity far from corals (52.8%) and in Alshreah (7.35%) compared to Marwan (1.75%). The microbial community was less diversified in the samples from Alshreah Far (5.99%) and Marwan Far (1.75%), which had comparatively lower values for all indices. Also, Vibrio species were the most prevalent microorganisms in the coral mucus, and the prevalence of these bacteria is significantly higher than those found in the surrounding saltwater. These findings reveal that there is a notable difference in microbial diversity across the various settings and locales, revealing that geographic variables and coral closeness affect the diversity of microbial communities. There were significant differences in microbial community composition regarding the proximity to coral. In addition, there were strong positive correlations between genera Pseudoalteromonas and Vibrio in close-to-coral environments, suggesting that these bacteria may play a synergistic role in Immunizing coral, raising its tolerance towards environmental stress and overall coral health.