Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía

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Hindered amine light stabilizers in indoor dust: method development and occurrence
(Springer, 2026-05-05) Castro Varela, Gabriela; Pereiro, Pablo; Santos Rodríguez, Ysabel; Perín, Mauricio; Rodríguez Pereiro, Isaac; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Química Analítica, Nutrición e Bromatoloxía; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Instituto de Investigación do Medio Acuático para Unha Saúde Global (iARCUS); Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía
Hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) are polymer additives extensively used to improve the durability of plastic materials by inhibiting degradation induced by ultraviolet radiation. Due to their effectiveness, HALS are incorporated into a wide variety of polymeric products intended for both indoor and outdoor applications. However, because these compounds are not chemically bound to the polymer, they can be released into the environment through processes such as volatilization, abrasion, and dissolution. As a result, HALS may accumulate in dust and other environmental matrices. Their occurrence in indoor and outdoor dust raises concerns regarding environmental persistence and potential human exposure, underscoring the need for robust and sensitive analytical methods for their determination. In this study, a new analytical methodology for the determination of HALS in dust samples was developed and optimized. Different sample preparation techniques, including matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), were evaluated with the aim of improving extraction efficiency while minimizing matrix effects. Quantitative analysis was performed using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) equipped with a triple quadrupole (QqQ) mass analyzer, providing high sensitivity and selectivity. The optimized procedure was subsequently applied to dust samples collected from various indoor environments to investigate the occurrence and distribution of HALS. These findings contribute to a better understanding of HALS contamination in dust and associated human exposure pathways.
Effective strategies for pathogen reduction in decentralized wastewater treatment systems
(Elsevier, 2025-11) Lois Alvedro, Marta; Rivadulla, Matías; Chhetri, Ravi Kumar; Suárez Martínez, Sonia; Andersen, Henrik Ramus; Omil Prieto, Francisco; López Romalde, Jesús; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Enxeñaría Química; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigación en Tecnoloxías Ambientais (CRETUS)
Decentralized wastewater treatment using membrane bioreactors (MBRs) is a suitable alternative for the removal of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, thus reducing the risk of infectious disease outbreaks. In this research, the effectiveness of different MBRs in removing pathogenic bacteria with clinical relevance (Klebsiella spp. and Enterococcus spp.) and enteric viruses (Norovirus – NoV – genogroups GI and GII, Sapovirus – SaV – and Hepatitis E Virus –HEV–) was evaluated in two decentralized collection systems: Demosite 1 (urban wastewater separated in black and grey fractions) and Demosite 2 (hospital effluents). We also evaluated the applicability of pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) as general fecal contamination biomarker in water samples and its potential as indicator of viral removal in the two decentralized systems. Our data demonstrated that decentralized treatment through anaerobic and combined anoxic/aerobic treatment methods at both demosites efficiently eliminated pathogenic bacteria and enteric viruses. Log Removal Values (LRVs) at Demosite 1 and Demosite 2 reached up to >4.98 and > 4.95 for bacteria, respectively, and >7.53 and > >6.78 for enteric viruses, respectively. Enterococcus spp. such as E. faecalis and E. hirae, and NoV (GII and a lesser extent GI) were the most recalcitrant pathogens in the systems. We also demonstrated the potential of PMMoV as an indicator of enteric viral reduction during decentralized treatment process. This work highlights the reliability of decentralized treatment systems in reducing pathogenic microorganisms, offering a practical solution for improving public health and environmental safety.
Disulfiram-loaded electrospun fibers with antimicrobial and antitumoral properties for glioblastoma treatment
(Elsevier, 2025-03-12) González Prada, Iago; Barcelos Ribeiro, Arthur; Dion, Marine; Magariños Ferro, Beatriz; Lapoujade, Clémentine; Rousseau, Audrey; Concheiro Nine, Ángel Joaquín; Garcion, Emmanuel; Álvarez Lorenzo, Carmen; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Farmacoloxía, Farmacia e Tecnoloxía Farmacéutica; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Instituto de Materiais (iMATUS)
Glioblastoma (GB) is a malignant brain tumor with low survival rates and a high recurrence ratio due to limited therapeutic arsenal. The repurposed drug disulfiram (DSF), approved for alcoholism treatment, shows promising anticancer and antimicrobial activity, but its poor biopharmaceutical profile hinders its clinical use. This work aimed to develop DSF-loaded silk fibroin (SF) electrospun fibers for controlled release in the postsurgical resection cavity. Incorporating hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), which formed inclusion complexes with DSF, enhanced drug release rate and antimicrobial activity (>3 logCFUs reduction) against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Addition of CuCl2 enabled in situ formation of Cu(DDC)2 complexes, further boosting antimicrobial and in vitro antitumoral effects of the nanofibers (≤ 500 nm) while maintaining adequate mechanical properties. Selective toxicity of DSF and DSF-loaded fibers against glioblastoma cells, while sparing against astrocytes, highlights the potential of the nanofibers for targeted brain cancer therapy. Increased potency of DSF at low concentrations when combined with SF fibers, HPβCD and copper was remarkable. Thus, DSF delivery and bioavailability can be significantly optimized through electrospun nanofibers, which may also allow for more precise dosing. Combination with radiotherapy was also explored to assess the translational potential of DSF as part of a combination therapy regimen for glioblastoma. In vivo studies in a rat model simulating GB surgery confirmed the safety of selected formulations in healthy brain tissue. However, findings suggest that DSF-loaded fibers alone may be insufficient for complete tumor eradication, indicating the need for combination with existing therapies to target residual tumor cells effectively.
Engineering of green sterilization technology to obtain biocompatible aerogels: Supercritical CO2 versus ethylene oxide and gamma radiation
(Elsevier, 2026-01-02) Carracedo Pérez, María; Boccia, Antonella Caterina; Ardao Palacios, Inés; Passos, Cláudia Pereira; Santos Rosales, Víctor; Santos Torres, Beatriz; Bernardo, Fábio Gabriel Pereira; Blanco Vales, María; Magariños Ferro, Beatriz; García González, Carlos A.; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Instituto de Materiais (iMATUS); Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Centro de Investigación en Medicina Molecular e Enfermidades Crónicas (CiMUS); Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Instituto de Investigación do Medio Acuático para Unha Saúde Global (iARCUS)
The growing relevance of aerogels in biomedicine demands the choice of compatible sterilization techniques with these materials. Conventional methods, such as ethylene oxide (EO) and gamma radiation (γ-rays) sterilization, have significant drawbacks while facing important environmental restrictions. In this study, supercritical CO2 (scCO2) sterilization is tested for polysaccharide (starch and alginate) aerogels as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional procedures. Three post-processing treatments under different CO2 exposure regimes (static, dynamic and combined) and in the presence of H2O2 as additive were developed and assessed to reach sterility assurance levels (SAL) below 10−6. After sterilization, a vacuum treatment was implemented to ensure a low residual presence of H2O2 in the aerogels so that the material biocompatibility was not compromised according to in vitro cell tests with fibroblasts. The residual adsorbed H2O2 was quantified for the first time in aerogels by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The effects of the supercritical sterilization treatments on the textural and chemical properties of the aerogels were evaluated and compared to those treated with EO and γ-rays. Results highlight the unique efficiency of scCO2 sterilization as a post-processing method that preserves the aerogel structure while offering an eco-sustainable potential for producing sterile and biocompatible materials.
Vibrio tapetis isolated from vesicular skin lesions in Dover sole Solea solea
(Inter-Research Science Publisher, 2015) Declercq, Annelies M.; Chiers, Koen; Soetaert, M.; Lasa González, Aide; López Romalde, Jesús; Polet, Hans; Haesebrouck, Freddy; Decostere, Annemie; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía
Vibrio tapetis is primarily known as the causative agent for brown ring disease in bivalves, although it has been isolated from cultivated fish during mortalities on farms. Here we describe the first isolation of V. tapetis from wild-caught and subsequently captive-held Dover sole Solea solea. Pathological features consisted of multifocal circular greyish-white skin discolourations evolving into vesicular lesions and subsequent ulcerations on the pigmented side. On the non-pigmented side, multiple circular lesions—white at the center and red at the edges—were evident. Histological examination of the vesicular lesions revealed dermal fluid-filled spaces, collagen tissue necrosis and a mixed inflammatory infiltrate, with large numbers of small rod-shaped bacteria. In the deep skin lesions, loss of scales and dermal connective tissue, with degeneration and fragmentation of the myofibres bordering the ulceration, were noted. Serotyping, DNA-DNA hybridization and REP- and ERIC-PCR techniques showed that the retrieved isolates displayed a profile similar to the representative strain of genotype/serotype O2 which originally was isolated from carpet-shell clam Venerupis decussata and to which isolates obtained from wedge sole Dicologoglossa cuneata were also closely related.
Characterization of the microbiota associated to Pecten maximus gonads using 454-pyrosequencing
(Springer, 2016) Lasa González, Aide; Mira, Alex; Camello-Castillo, Anny; Belda-Ferre, Pedro; López Romalde, Jesús; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía
A next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach was used to study the microbiota associated to Pecten maximus broodstock, applying pyrosequencing of PCR-amplified V1-V4 16S rRNA gene regions. We analysed the resident bacterial communities in female and male scallop gonads before and after spawning. DNA samples were amplified and quality-filtered reads were assigned to family and genus taxonomic levels using the Ribosomal Database Project classifier. A total of 18,520 sequences were detected, belonging to 13 phyla, including Proteobacteria (55%), Bacteroidetes (11,7%), Firmicutes (3%), Actinobacteria (2%) and Spirochaetes (1,2%), and 110 genera. The major fraction of the sequences detected corresponded to Proteobacteria, Beta- and Gammaprotebacteria being the most abundant classes. The microbiota of P. maximus gonad harbour a wide diversity, however differences on male and female samples were observed, where female gonad samples show a larger number of genera and families. The dominant bacterial genera appeared to be Delftia, Acinetobacter, Hydrotalea, Aquabacterium, Bacillus, Sediminibacterium, Sphingomonas, and Pseudomonas that were present among the four analysed samples. This next generation sequencing technique, applied for the first time in P. maximus (great scallop) gonads was useful for the study of the bacterial communities in this mollusc, unravelling the great bacterial diversity in its microbiota. [Int Microbiol 19(2): 93-99(2016)].
AWARE historic and 2024 characterization factors for Spain
(Springer, 2026-03-11) Ferreiro Crespo, Iago; Villanueva Rey, Pedro; Couce Rodríguez, Alberto; Carreira García, Carla; Robles, Elena; Lorenzo Toja, Yago; Feijoo Costa, Gumersindo; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigación en Tecnoloxías Ambientais (CRETUS); Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía
Purpose Water scarcity is a growing concern, especially in regions with Mediterranean, arid, and semi-arid climates. Conventional indicators often use historical data, limiting accuracy under current hydrological changes. This study aims to develop an improved methodology for water scarcity assessment in Spain, enhancing the AWARE approach by integrating current reservoirs data and refined demand estimates to increase spatial and temporal precision. Methods he AWARE-based methodology was adapted for Spain by incorporating up-to-date reservoir storage data and demand values sourced from official hydrological plans. The assessment operates at the granularity of Demand Units, the most resolved administrative partition in Spanish basin management, thereby permitting high-resolution spatial disaggregation. Characterization factors reflecting water scarcity were evaluated for each Demand Unit in annual time steps, superseding the static application of historical averages. This methodological refinement facilitates differentiated calculation of local water demand and supply, allowing a temporally dynamic and spatially resolved portrayal of water stress across the national territory. Results and discussion Application of this advanced methodology to 2024 data reveals an average increase of 8.3% in water scarcity characterization factors relative to historical baselines. However, this national mean conceals significant regional contrasts: certain regions experienced improved availability, while others exhibited intensified drought conditions, highlighting entrenched polarization in Spain’s hydrological landscape. The dynamic integration of supply and demand enhances the accuracy and adaptability of scarcity metrics compared to static approaches, facilitating improved identification of at-risk areas and underpinning environmental impact assessments with locally relevant evidence. Conclusions The developed methodology offers temporally responsive and spatially resolved water scarcity characterization factors tailored for the Spanish context, providing a robust tool for informed environmental assessments and sustainable regional water management. Given its modular and data-driven structure, this framework demonstrates strong potential for replication and adaptation in other regions facing similar hydrological challenges, contributing to the advancement of globally applicable water scarcity assessment practices.
Draft Genome Sequence of Vibrio toranzoniae Strain CECT 7225T
(American Society for Microbiology, 2016) Lasa González, Aide; Gibas, Cynthia J.; López Romalde, Jesús; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía
Vibrio toranzoniae (CECT 7225T) was isolated from healthy reared carpet shell clams in Galicia (Northwest Spain). In addition, this species has been recently identified as a potential pathogen of red conger eel in Chile. The draft genome sequence has 4.5 Mbp, a G+C content of 43.9%, and >3,800 protein-coding genes.
Multi-omics reveals wastewater sludge bacteria with genomic potential to degrade poly(ethylene terephthalate)
(Elsevier, 2026-03) Vijande, Carlota; Balboa Méndez, Sabela; Lazzari, Massimo; Lema Rodicio, Juan Manuel; Pabst, Martin; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Enxeñaría Química; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Química Física; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigación en Tecnoloxías Ambientais (CRETUS); Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Centro de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS)
Plastic pollution is a growing concern, especially poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), one of the most produced plastic polymers. Although several microorganisms capable of degrading PET have been identified, little is known about those present in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). This study explores their ability to degrade PET and the enzymes involved. Activated sludge from two facilities—one urban WWTP and one industrial WWTP—was cultivated with PET of different crystallinities. The inoculum source primarily determined differences in microbial community composition. Metagenomics revealed more than 300 genes homologous to PET-degrading enzymes in all biofilms; however, metaproteomics confirmed expression of only a few of these enzymes in industrial WWTP-derived biofilms. This inoculum demonstrated the ability to degrade PET breakdown products within 24 h. In addition, FTIR analysis revealed initial signs of surface alteration. In conclusion, this study reveals the presence of microorganisms in industrial wastewater treatment sludge that possess the genetic potential to degrade PET.
A deep-sea bacterium related to coastal marine pathogens
(Wiley, 2021) Lasa González, Aide; Lema, Alberto; López Romalde, Jesús; Vezzulli, Luigi; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigación en Tecnoloxías Ambientais (CRETUS); Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía
Evolution of virulence traits from adaptation to environmental niches other than the host is probably a common feature of marine microbial pathogens, whose knowledge might be crucial to understand their emergence and pathogenetic potential. Here, we report genome sequence analysis of a novel marine bacterial species, Vibrio bathopelagicus sp. nov., isolated from warm bathypelagic waters (3309 m depth) of the Mediterranean Sea. Interestingly, V. bathopelagicus sp. nov. is closely related to coastal Vibrio strains pathogenic to marine bivalves. V. bathopelagicus sp. nov. genome encodes genes involved in environmental adaptation to the deep-sea but also in virulence, such as the R5.7 element, MARTX toxin cluster, Type VI secretion system and zinc-metalloprotease, previously associated with Vibrio infections in farmed oysters. The results of functional in vitro assays on immunocytes (haemocytes) of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis and the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, and of the early larval development assay in Mytilus support strong toxicity of V. bathopelagicus sp. nov. towards bivalves. V. bathopelagicus sp. nov., isolated from a remote Mediterranean bathypelagic site, is an example of a planktonic marine bacterium with genotypic and phenotypic traits associated with animal pathogenicity, which might have played an evolutionary role in the origin of coastal marine pathogens.
Evaluation of peroxymonosulfate addition as a strategy to enhance Cryptosporidium inactivation in solar water disinfection
(Elsevier, 2026-03-03) Martín García, Sandra; Couso Pérez, Seila; Gómez Couso, Hipólito; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Instituto de Investigación do Medio Acuático para Unha Saúde Global (iARCUS)
Solar disinfection (SODIS) is a low-cost water treatment used in areas without access to safe water, with well-established efficacy against bacteria, but limited for virus and protozoa. Cryptosporidium parvum is a waterborne protozoan resistant to conventional water disinfection methods, representing a major challenge in public health. This study evaluates for the first time the enhancement of SODIS against C. parvum using peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Distilled and well water with different PMS concentrations, in the absence or presence of Fe2+ , were spiked with C. parvum oocysts and exposed to simulated solar radiation at 40 °C for 6 h, directly and under a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) covers. Oocyst viability was evaluated by quantifying 70 kDa heat shock protein mRNA using reverse transcription qPCR. Results showed that PMS concentrations ≥ 0.5 mM, in the absence and presence of Fe2+, reached > 4 logarithmic reduction (LR) in the oocyst survival when water was exposed uncovered. Under all plastic covers, > 4 LR was achieved in the absence of Fe2+ in well water. Toxicity assays with Daphnia magna showed that, in the presence of Fe2+, 0.5 mM PMS-treated well water under PP and PMMA covers caused only 10% mortality after 24 and 48 h. Overall, results demonstrated that the incorporation of PMS in SODIS procedures can effectively inactivate C. parvum oocysts and reduces exposure time.
Generalized lattice graphs for 2D-visualization of biological information
(Elsevier, 2009) González Díaz, Humberto; Peréz Montoto, Lázaro Guillermo; Duardo Sánchez, A.; Paniagua Crespo, Esperanza; Vázquez Prieto, Severo; Vilas, R.; Dea-Ayuela, María Auxiliadora; Bolás-Fernández, Francisco; Munteanu, Cristian Robert; Dorado, Julián; Costas, Javier; Martínez Ubeira, Florencio; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía
Several graph representations have been introduced for different data in theoretical biology. For instance, complex networks based on Graph theory are used to represent the structure and/or dynamics of different large biological systems such as protein–protein interaction networks. In addition, Randic, Liao, Nandy, Basak, and many others developed some special types of graph-based representations. This special type of graph includes geometrical constrains to node positioning in space and adopts final geometrical shapes that resemble lattice-like patterns. Lattice networks have been used to visually depict DNA and protein sequences but they are very flexible. However, despite the proved efficacy of new lattice-like graph/networks to represent diverse systems, most works focus on only one specific type of biological data. This work proposes a generalized type of lattice and illustrates how to use it in order to represent and compare biological data from different sources. We exemplify the following cases: protein sequence; mass spectra (MS) of protein peptide mass fingerprints (PMF); molecular dynamic trajectory (MDTs) from structural studies; mRNA microarray data; single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs); 1D or 2D-Electrophoresis study of protein polymorphisms and protein-research patent and/or copyright information. We used data available from public sources for some examples but for other, we used experimental results reported herein for the first time. This work may break new ground for the application of Graph theory in theoretical biology and other areas of biomedical sciences.
Novel antimicrobial self-assembled cyclic peptide nanotubes containing (1R,3S,4R,5R)-3-amino-4,5-dihydroxycyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid, a new building block for developing mimetics of saccharide–peptide hybrids
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2026) González Freire, Eva; Vilela Picos, Marcos; Prado López, Verónica; Pérez Estévez, Antonio; Seoane Prado, Rafael; Amorín López, Manuel; González Bello, Concepción; Granja Guillán, Juan Ramón; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Química Orgánica; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Centro de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS); Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía
A new class of supramolecular antimicrobials based on D,L-cyclic peptides containing a dihydroxylated-γ-residue, which was designed to mimic the saccharide component present in certain carbohydrate–peptide hybrids, is described. The fully protected amino acid was prepared from shikimic acid and incorporated into clickable amphipathic cyclic peptides. The resulting peptides self-assemble into nanotubes that interact with bacterial membranes, ultimately causing cell death. Notably, the incorporation of this new residue not only retains antimicrobial activity but also significantly reduces toxicity in mammalian cells, thereby broadening the therapeutic window of these peptides.
An Analysis of the Use of Topical Ocular Anti-Infectives in Galicia (Spain) between 2020 and 2023
(MDPI, 2024) Vázquez Prieto, Severo; Vaamonde, Antonio; Paniagua Crespo, Esperanza; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía
Eye infections are a global health and economic problem that affect people of both sexes at any age. Topical application of anti-infectives is widely used in the treatment of these types of infections. However, little is known about the current status and trends of the use of topical ocular anti-infectives in Spain. In the present work, we evaluated the use of this type of drug in the Spanish autonomous community of Galicia and described the variability in its consumption between Galician provinces between 2020 and 2023. In addition, the possible existence of a deviation in consumption at a seasonal level was evaluated, as well as possible changes during the study period. A descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study of the use of drugs belonging to the subgroups S01A (anti-infectives) and S01C (anti-inflammatory agents and anti-infectives in combination) of the Anatomic Therapeutic Chemical Classification was carried out. This work demonstrated that the most used topical ocular anti-infective in Galicia was tobramycin and that the use of these types of drugs in our region varied according to the provinces. This study also revealed that the consumption of these medications has remained stable during the period 2020–2023, with no significant seasonal differences observed.
An Analysis of the Use of Systemic Antifungals (Fluconazole, Itraconazole, and Terbinafine) in Galicia, Spain, between 2019 and 2022
(MDPI, 2024) Vázquez Prieto, Severo; Vaamonde, Antonio; Paniagua Crespo, Esperanza; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía
In the present work, we examined the consumption of systemic antifungals (fluconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine) in outpatients in the four provinces of Galicia, Spain, between 2019 and 2022. We also described the variability in the use of these types of drugs between these provinces. In addition, we detected any deviation in consumption at a seasonal level and analyzed possible changes during the study period. A descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective study of the use of antifungals, expressed in terms of a defined daily dose per 1000 inhabitants per day, was carried out. The results obtained revealed statistically significant differences between provinces and by the active principle consumed in the four Galician provinces (p < 0.001), which can be explained by multiple factors. This study also revealed that there was stable consumption during the study period, with no significant seasonal differences observed. This study represents a contribution to the knowledge about the consumption of antifungals for systemic use in Galicia and serves as a basis for subsequent studies. This will allow us to understand the consumption patterns of these types of drugs and, ultimately, will help to establish stewardship strategies and prevent the development of resistance.
Study of the Use of Permethrin 5% Cream in Galicia (Spain) between 2018 and 2021
(MDPI, 2023) Vázquez Prieto, Severo; Vaamonde, Antonio; Paniagua Crespo, Esperanza; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía
Drug utilization studies can provide direct insights into how a drug is used in real-world conditions and can give a rough estimate of the proportion of the study population treated with it. In the present work, we examined the consumption of permethrin 5% cream in the four provinces of Galicia (a Spanish autonomous community) and described the seasonal variability and the annual evolution of its consumption between 2018 and 2021. A descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective study of the consumption of this drug, expressed in defined daily dose per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID), was carried out. The results obtained revealed differences between the amounts consumed in the four Galician provinces (p < 0.001). No specific geographical pattern was observed; however, the results suggested a marked seasonality and a slightly increasing global trend in the consumption of permethrin 5% cream throughout the study period. Since the only authorized indication of this drug in the study area is the treatment of scabies, this work may give an idea of the epidemiological situation of the disease in Galicia and serve to establish public health strategies against this parasitosis.
Study of the Use of Antinematode Drugs, Mebendazole and Pyrantel, in Galicia (Spain) from 2016 to 2020
(Wiley, 2022) Sánchez Prieto, Severo; Vaamonde, Antonio; Paniagua Crespo, Esperanza; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía
To the best of our knowledge, there is no study on the use of drugs focused on the consumption of antinematode drugs in any region of the world. In the present study, we analyzed and evaluated the use of mebendazole and pyrantel in the provinces of Galicia (Spain), as well as described the variability of the consumption of both drugs between these provinces from 2016 to 2020. A descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective study of the consumption of these drugs, expressed in defined daily dose per 1000 inhabitants per day (DHD), was carried out. The DHD values for both drugs were small, although clearly higher, both on average and in variability, in the case of mebendazole. The difference in the mean DHD between both drugs and the geographical differences observed was statistically significant. The seasonal differences were statistically significant for both active principles, with lower values in summer. The active principle most consumed in all the provinces and years was mebendazole. The main consequence of the excessive use of this drug compared to pyrantel may be the increased risk of the development of resistance and of therapeutic failure, as well as the consequent limitation of pharmacological options in the future.
Regulatory effects on virulence and phage susceptibility revealed by sdiA mutation in Klebsiella pneumoniae
(Frontiers Media, 2025) Silva Bea, Sergio; Maseda, Pablo; Otero Casal, Ana María; Romero Bernárdez, Manuel; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Instituto de Investigación do Medio Acuático para Unha Saúde Global (iARCUS)
Introduction: The World Health Organization has identified multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains as the highest priority in 2024. Understanding the regulatory routes of virulence features is crucial for the development of novel anti-virulence strategies. SdiA, a LuxR-like quorum sensing (QS) receptor that responds to N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), is involved in the regulation of virulence traits in some Gram-negative bacteria. The function of this receptor in the virulence of K. pneumoniae remains uncertain. The objective of the present study was to elucidate the function of SdiA in K. pneumoniae biofilm formation and virulence. Methods: To this end, a genetic knockout of sdiA was conducted, and virulence-related phenotypic studies were performed following AHL provision. Results and Discussion: The results demonstrate that sdiA deficiency increases susceptibility to phage infection and human serum resistance, and promotes biofilm maturation and cell filamentation, although no effect on virulence was observed in vivo in the Galleria mellonella infection model. On the other hand, C6-HSL promoted sdiA-dependent biofilm maturation, capsule production and serum resistance while reducing virulence against G. mellonella in the absence of sdiA. The addition of C6-HSL did not affect phage susceptibility. The results of this study demonstrate that AHLs and SdiA exert a dual influence on virulence phenotypes, operating both independently and hierarchically. These findings provide new insights into the virulence of K. pneumoniae and its regulation by SdiA.
First Description and Characterisation of Lactococcus garvieae Strains Causing Septicaemic Disease in Farmed Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax; Linnaeus) in Spain
(Wiley, 2025-11-27) Fouz Rodríguez, Belén; Carballeda Carrasco, Evelyn; Barriga Cuartero, Javier; Torres Corral, Yolanda; Robles, Álvaro; Zarza, Carlos; Santos Rodríguez, Ysabel; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Instituto de Investigación do Medio Acuático para Unha Saúde Global (iARCUS)
This study presents the first description and characterisation of Lactococcus garvieae isolated from diseased European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) farmed in Spain. During autumn 2023, two fish farms were affected by infectious outbreaks causing moderate cumulative fish mortality (5%-10%). Diseased fish showed clinical signs of haemorrhagic septicaemia, compatible with lactococcosis. Standardised screening tests revealed the presence of Gram-positive cocci in the kidney, spleen and brain of the diseased fish, and negative results for parasites and viruses. Bacterial cultures recovered from the internal organs of all diseased fish were identified as Lactococcus garvieae by phenotypic, genetic, immunological and proteomic analyses. Strains were sensitive to oxytetracycline, florfenicol and erythromycin and resistant to trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole. In addition, representative isolates were virulent to juvenile sea bass and Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) after intracoelomic challenge with doses ranging from 106 to 107 CFU/fish. SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting analyses, using rabbit serum anti L. garvieae CECT 5274 and serum from trout immunised with a bivalent oil-based vaccine against L. garvieae-Yersinia ruckeri, showed that the current strains of sea bass shared some antigenic proteins with strains of L. garvieae from other hosts and with the reference strain of L. petauri DSM104842. Our overall results confirm the presence of this emerging pathogen in Spanish marine aquaculture and suggest that commercially available lactococcosis vaccines could confer some protection to sea bass, helping to prevent this new threat.
A review of bacterial disease outbreaks in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) reported from 2010 to 2022
(Wiley, 2023-11-15) Duman, Muhammed; Altun, Soner; Saticioglu, Izzet Burcin; López Romalde, Jesús; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigación en Tecnoloxías Ambientais (CRETUS)
Outbreaks of bacterial infections in aquaculture have emerged as significant threats to the sustainable production of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) worldwide. Understanding the dynamics of these outbreaks and the bacteria involved is crucial for implementing effective management strategies. This comprehensive review presents an update on outbreaks of bacteria isolated from rainbow trout reported between 2010 and 2022. A systematic literature survey was conducted to identify relevant studies reporting bacterial outbreaks in rainbow trout during the specified time frame. More than 150 published studies in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and relevant databases met the inclusion criteria, encompassing diverse geographical regions and aquaculture systems. The main bacterial pathogens implicated in the outbreaks belong to both gram-negative, namely Chryseobacterium, Citrobacter, Deefgea Flavobacterium, Janthinobacterium, Plesiomonas, Pseudomonas, Shewanella, and gram-positive genera, including Lactococcus and Weissella, and comprise 36 new emerging species that are presented by means of pathogenicity and disturbance worldwide. We highlight the main characteristics of species to shed light on potential challenges in treatment strategies. Moreover, we investigate the role of various risk factors in the outbreaks, such as environmental conditions, fish density, water quality, and stressors that potentially cause outbreaks of these species. Insights into the temporal and spatial patterns of bacterial outbreaks in rainbow trout aquaculture are provided. Furthermore, the implications of these findings for developing sustainable and targeted disease prevention and control measures are discussed. The presented study serves as a comprehensive update on the state of bacterial outbreaks in rainbow trout aquaculture, emphasizing the importance of continued surveillance and research to sustain the health and productivity of this economically valuable species.

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