TWiM 315: How Pseudomonas became a global pathogen

So basically microbes evolve and persist sometimes due to host travel. I wonder why places like deserts have the least amount of microbe per square mile???

Summary

Part 1: COVID-19 Impact on Antibiotic Resistance in Finland: (Starts at 1:34)

* (1:40) Finland saw a decrease in antibiotic-resistant E. coli infections (UTI & Bloodstream) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
* (7:29) The likely cause is reduced travel and increased hygiene, limiting exposure to and spread of these bacteria.
* (17:10) Key takeaway: This highlights the importance of reducing unnecessary antibiotic use & promoting good hygiene practices.

Part 2: How Pseudomonas aeruginosa Evolved into a Pathogen: (Starts at 20:25)

* (20:32) Researchers studied nearly 10,000 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates to understand its evolution from an environmental bacterium to a pathogen.
* (24:14) They identified 21 "epidemic clones" – closely related bacteria responsible for most clinical infections.
* (25:51) These clones appear to have emerged in the past few centuries, likely influenced by population changes & pollution.
* (31:54) Key Findings:
* (36:06) Epidemic clones acquired virulence genes (e.g. type 3 secretion systems), helping them cause disease.
* (37:07) Some clones specialized to infect specific hosts:
* (38:09) Sequence type 146 mainly infected cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.
* (38:22) Sequence types 175 and 309 exclusively infected non-CF patients.
* (41:03) This specialization involved adapting gene expression. For instance, clones infecting CF patients increased expression of the dksA1 gene, aiding survival within immune cells (macrophages).

*Overall conclusions*: (Starts at 50:22)

* (50:22) This research sheds light on the evolution of Pseudomonas aeruginosa into a successful human pathogen, demonstrating how gene acquisition, changes in gene expression, and adaptation to specific hosts contribute to its virulence.
* (53:53) Studying large bacterial collections helps understand pathogen emergence and guide strategies to combat future outbreaks.

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I love memorizing the viral names. I keep forgetting this particular, one that ends orginosa.😮

I probably spelled that wrong, but I’ll learn I do wonder if when we take showers how much healthy Microbiome R we killing and how much does that contribute to dermatological diseases or other types of diseases?

All in all, I make sure I shower so I don’t stink. I don’t overdo it if I’m not gonna be around people and can skip some days.

Edit: I did some basic research and found the following on the CDC website:

“More washing and scrubbing are unlikely to be better and may, in fact, be worse. The goal should be to identify skin hygiene practices that provide adequate protection from transmission of infecting agents while minimizing the risk for changing the ecology and health of the skin and increasing resistance in the skin flora.”

They are referencing only specifically handwashing in this case. I make sure to wash my hands for 25 seconds which is far greater than the vast majority of people. I learn this from YouTube teaching nurse who covered the outbreak early on.

E.coli replicate in penicilin presence ,but aderence pili diminish.