High prevalence of F4+ and F18+ Escherichia coli in Cuban piggeries as determined by serological survey Pedro Yoelvys de la Fé Rodríguez Annelies Coddens Emanuele Del Fava José Cortiñas Abrahantes Ziv Shkedy Luis O. Maroto Martin Eduardo Cruz Muñoz Luc Duchateau Eric Cox Bruno Maria Goddeeris enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F4 antigen verotoxigenic Escherichia coli seroprevalence gilts 2011 info:eu-repo/semantics/article journal-article https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-011-9786-4 Tropical Animal Health and Production Tropical Animal Health and Production urn:issn:0049-4747 urn:issn:1573-7438 Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2011 info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess closedAccess Q1 pubmed Good health and well-being Zero hunger Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo https://www.intec.edu.do/portal Several enteropathogens are circulating in suckling and newly weaned piglets suffering from diarrhea in the province of Villa Clara, Cuba Pedro Yoelvys de la Fé Rodríguez Luis O. Maroto Martin Eduardo Cruz Muñoz Hein Imberechts Patrick Butaye Bruno Maria Goddeeris Eric Cox swine diarrhea enteric pathogens suckling piglets weaned piglets enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli transmissible gastroenteritis virus Cryptosporidium parvum rotavirus A Isospora suis verotoxigenic Escherichia coli Salmonella Newport co-infection Villa Clara, Cuba 2013 info:eu-repo/semantics/article journal-article https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-012-0236-8 Tropical Animal Health and Production Tropical Animal Health and Production urn:issn:0049-4747 urn:issn:1573-7438 Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2013 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess openAccess https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11250-012-0236-8.pdf Q2 pubmed Good health and well-being Zero hunger Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo https://www.intec.edu.do/portal Bacterial contamination of boar semen affects the litter size Luis O. Maroto Martín Eduardo Cruz Muñoz Françoise De Cupere Edilbert Van Driessche Dannele Echemendia-Blanco José M. Machado Rodríguez Sonia Beeckmans boar semen bacterial contamination litter size Escherichia coli sperm agglutination semen quality swine reproduction Proteus Serratia Klebsiella anaerobic bacteria 2010 info:eu-repo/semantics/article journal-article https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2010.03.008 Animal Reproduction Science Animal Reproduction Science urn:issn:0378-4320 urn:issn:1873-2232 Animal Reproduction Science, 2010 info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess closedAccess Q1 pubmed Zero hunger Good health and well-being Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo https://www.intec.edu.do/portal Characterization and clonal grouping of pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from intestinal contents of diarrheic piglets in Villa Clara province, Cuba, according to their antibiotic resistance and ERIC-PCR profiles Pedro Yoelvys de la Fé Rodríguez John Ndemi Kiiru Luis O. Maroto Martin Eduardo Cruz Muñoz Patrick Butaye Eric Cox Bruno Maria Goddeeris pathogenic Escherichia coli swine diarrhea antibiotic resistance ERIC-PCR intestinal contents Villa Clara province 2012 info:eu-repo/semantics/article journal-article https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2011.08.006 Veterinary Microbiology Veterinary Microbiology urn:issn:0378-1135 urn:issn:1873-2542 Veterinary Microbiology, 2012 info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess closedAccess Q1 pubmed Good health and well-being Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo https://www.intec.edu.do/portal Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of Bacteria Isolated from The Ozama River in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Yaset Rodriguez Edian F. Franco Roberto Bonnelly Ana Lídia Q. Cavalcante Camila Del Rosario Zorrilla Victor V. Calderón Albert Duarte Rafael Baraúna Rommel T. Ramos Luis E. Rodriguez de Francisco Luis O. Maroto Omar P. Perdomo antimicrobial resistance multidrug resistance environmental water contamination Stenotrophomonas maltophilia river water bacteria antibiotic resistance genes anthropogenic pollution nosocomial pathogens antibiotic use regulation Santo Domingo ABSTRACT The dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in environmental waters is an emerging concern in medical and industrial settings. In the present study, our research team analyzed superficial water samples from 3 different collection sites along the Ozama River, the most important river in the Dominican metropolitan area. Seventy-six isolates were obtained from culture media previously enriched with cefotaxime and imipenem and subsequently identified by MALDI-ToF. Our isolates spanned 12 genera of bacteria; over 30% were of clinical relevance, and 43% exhibited a phenotype classified as multi-drug resistance. The most frequent species identified as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (n = 33), an emerging nosocomial pathogen. This study constitutes part of the initiative to understand the profiles of the perils of multi-drug resistance in metropolitan areas of the Dominican Republic: a nation with poor antibiotic use regulation. IMPORTANCE Nearly two billion people are sourcing their water from low-quality reservoirs world-wide. These reservoirs consist of contaminated waters with anthropogenic pollutants such as antibiotics, disinfectants, and other substances used to treat water in societies with scarce resources and unregulated industries. Furthermore, the exposure of these antibiotics to potable water reservoirs promotes the increase of clinically relevant bacteria with antibiotic-resistance capabilities, becoming a public health crisis. Therefore, treating patients with infectious diseases and providing prophylactic measures against infection-associated conditions (such as post-surgical recovery) has become progressively more difficult. Based on this evidence frame, it is of considerable importance to analyze the bacterial profiles of rivers that fall prey to anthropogenic contamination, as these investigations on antibiotic resistance will, of course, benefit the life of humans. 2022 en info:eu-repo/semantics/preprint preprint https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.09.19.508624 [] [] [], 2022 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess openAccess cc-by-nd https://www.biorxiv.org/content/biorxiv/early/2022/09/22/2022.09.19.508624.full.pdf Good health and well-being Clean water and sanitation Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo https://www.intec.edu.do/portal Draft genome of a multi-drug, metal and biocide-resistant strain of Klebsiella variicola isolated from the Yaque del Sur River in the Dominican Republic Edian Franco Franklin de Los Santos David Tavares Martins Oscar Victor Cardenas Alegria Thais Azevedo Cardoso Antônio Márcio Gomes Martins-Júnior Luiz Orlando Maroto-Martin Rommel Thiago Jucá Ramos Tainã Figueiredo Cardoso Klebsiella variicola draft genome sequence antimicrobial resistance metal resistance biocide resistance multidrug resistance genes strain YSP4_INTEC was isolated from a Dominican Republic River and had its genome sequenced (size: 5,611,899 bp and GC content: 57.19%). The genomic analysis identified various genes involved in plant colonization mechanisms, plus a wide array of multi-drug, biocide, and multi-metal resistance genes. 2025 en info:eu-repo/semantics/article journal-article https://doi.org/10.1128/mra.00700-25 Microbiology Resource Announcements Microbiology Resource Announcements urn:issn:2576-098X Microbiology Resource Announcements, 2025, vol. 14, n. 11, p. e0070025 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess openAccess cc-by https://doi.org/10.1128/mra.00700-25 Q3 pubmed Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo https://www.intec.edu.do/portal Comparison of Two Bacterial Characterization Techniques for the Genomic Analysis of River Microbiome Yaset Rodríguez-Rodríguez Edian Franklin Franco De Los Santos Roberto Bonnelly Victor V. Calderon Irene Ortiz Argenys Ovando Confesora Pinales Willy Lara Santo Emilio Mateo-Perez Oscar Victor Cardenas-Alegría Rommel Thiago Jucá Ramos Luis Orlando Maroto Martín MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry whole genome sequencing bacterial identification antibiotic resistance resource-constrained environments We compared the performance of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization followed by a time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and genomic DNA extraction followed by sequencing, assembly, and alignment for phylogenetic assessment (Genomics method). We collected the samples from four contaminated rivers in the Dominican Republic and analyzed MALDI-TOF efficacy and accuracy for identifying bacteria in the samples. We evaluated the results for both methods (MALDI-TOF and Genomics) and reported a similarity percentage between each method's results. The MALDI-TOF method had a 72.41\% of coincidence with the Genomics method. This could have been sequence contamination found in the Genomics method. When it was later filtered, the result's coincidence rate went up to 90\%. 2023 en info:eu-repo/semantics/preprint preprint https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202307.0696.v1 Preprints.org Preprints.org Preprints.org, 2023 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess openAccess cc-by https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202307.0696.v1 doaj Clean water and sanitation Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo https://www.intec.edu.do/portal Application of Metagenomics in Food Analysis: Unraveling the Microbial World of Fresh Produce, Poultry Products, and Meat Tania Muñoz Martínez Bianca Rodríguez Milagros Rodríguez Jessica Alfau Edian F. Franco De Los Santos Luis Orlando Maroto-Martín metagenomics food microbiome food safety fresh produce poultry products meat microbial diversity food preservation food quality 2024 info:eu-repo/semantics/preprint preprint https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202411.1255.v1 Preprints.org Preprints.org Preprints.org, 2024 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess openAccess cc-by https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202411.1255.v1 Zero hunger Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo https://www.intec.edu.do/portal Bacterial Foodborne Diseases in Central America and the Caribbean: A Systematic Review Edian Franklin Franco De Los Santos Nicole Severino Claudia Reyes Yumeris Fernandez Vasco Ariston de Carvalho Azevedo Luis Enrique Rodríguez De Francisco Rommel Thiago Ramos Luis Orlando Maroto-Martín foodborne pathogens Salmonella Escherichia coli Campylobacter poultry contamination egg contamination vegetable contamination foodborne disease surveillance risk factors whole genome sequencing Central America and the Caribbean Foodborne diseases (FBD) represent a significant public health concern, particularly in regions like Central America and the Caribbean (CAC), where surveillance gaps due to lack of resources, knowledge and technical abilities, hinder control over outbreaks. This review investigates the bacterial pathogens responsible for FBD, their prevalence, challenges in management, and strategies for prevention. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, focusing on bacterial FBD in CAC from 2000 to 2024. PubMed and Google Scholar were used as primary databases, supported by other sources to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies focusing on bacterial pathogens, prevalence, risk factors, and surveillance practices. Out of 509 studies initially identified, 35 met the inclusion criteria. The most prevalent pathogens were Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Campylobacter spp., and Aliarcobacter spp., with contamination often associated with poultry, eggs, and vegetables. Key challenges included inadequate surveillance systems, limited resources, and inconsistent reporting practices. Greater investment in pathogen monitoring, documentation, and education, along with the use of technologies like whole-genome sequencing (WGS), is crucial. Institutional and governmental funding is vital to improve surveillance and strengthen risk analysis across the region. 2024 en info:eu-repo/semantics/preprint preprint https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202411.1874.v1 Preprints.org Preprints.org Preprints.org, 2024 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess openAccess cc-by https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202411.1874.v1 doaj Good health and well-being Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo https://www.intec.edu.do/portal Bacterial Foodborne Diseases in Central America and the Caribbean: A Systematic Review Edian Franklin Franco De Los Santos Nicole Severino Claudia Reyes Yumeris Fernandez Vasco Ariston de Carvalho Azevedo Luis Enrique Rodríguez De Francisco Rommel Thiago Ramos Luis Orlando Maroto-Martín foodborne pathogens Salmonella Escherichia coli Campylobacter poultry contamination egg contamination vegetable contamination foodborne disease surveillance risk factors whole genome sequencing Central America and the Caribbean Foodborne diseases (FBD) represent a significant public health concern, particularly in regions like Central America and the Caribbean (CAC), where surveillance gaps due to lack of resources, knowledge and technical abilities, hinder control over outbreaks. This review investigates the bacterial pathogens responsible for FBD, their prevalence, challenges in management, and strategies for prevention. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, focusing on bacterial FBD in CAC from 2000 to 2024. PubMed and Google Scholar were used as primary databases, supported by other sources to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies focusing on bacterial pathogens, prevalence, risk factors, and surveillance practices. Out of 509 studies initially identified, 35 met the inclusion criteria. The most prevalent pathogens were Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Campylobacter spp., and Aliarcobacter spp., with contamination often associated with poultry, eggs, and vegetables. Key challenges included inadequate surveillance systems, limited resources, and inconsistent reporting practices. Greater investment in pathogen monitoring, documentation, and education, along with the use of technologies like whole-genome sequencing (WGS), is crucial. Institutional and governmental funding is vital to improve surveillance and strengthen risk analysis across the region. 2025 en info:eu-repo/semantics/preprint preprint https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202411.1874.v2 Preprints.org Preprints.org Preprints.org, 2025 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess openAccess cc-by https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202411.1874.v2 doaj Good health and well-being Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo https://www.intec.edu.do/portal Microbiota of the intestinal tract of salinity-tolerant Cyprinodon variegatus riverendi Edian F. Franco Oscar Victor Cardenas Alegria Linette Indhira Dominguez-Araujo Carlos Willians Dias Danta Victor Benedito Costa Ferreira Luise Adriane Viana da Silva Claudia Reyes Yumeris Fernandez Mariel Polanco Valdez Carlos M. Rodríguez-Peña Rommel Thiago Jucá Ramos Luis Orlando Maroto-Martín gut microbiota salt tolerance osmoregulation oxidative stress resistance Serratia marcescens Glutamicibacter Klebsiella pneumoniae methanogenic archaea giant viruses fungi Cetobacterium functional genes metagenomics 2025 en info:eu-repo/semantics/other other https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6947971/v1 Research Square Research Square Research Square, 2025 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess openAccess cc-by https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-6947971/latest.pdf Life below water Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo https://www.intec.edu.do/portal Editorial Luis Orlando Maroto Martín Publishing and Scholarly Communication Academic Writing and Publishing Academic Publishing and Open Access 2023 info:eu-repo/semantics/article journal-article https://doi.org/10.22206/cac.2023.v6i2.3023 Ciencia, Ambiente y Clima Ciencia, Ambiente y Clima urn:issn:2636-2317 urn:issn:2636-2333 Ciencia, Ambiente y Clima, 2023 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess openAccess cc-by-nc-sa https://revistas.intec.edu.do/index.php/cienacli/article/download/3023/3445 Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo https://www.intec.edu.do/portal Bioprospección de lectinas en plantas de la familia rubiaceae endémicas de la República Dominicana Edian F. Franco Marqui Ramos Abreu Luis Orlando Maroto Martín Luis Enrique De Francisco lectins Rubiaceae endemic plants lectin characterization agglutination Saccharomyces cerevisiae glycoproteins plant biotechnology Las lectinas son proteínas que se unen específicamente a carbohidratos de manera reversible y no catalítica. Debido a sus múltiples funciones biológicas dentro de los organismos, son de amplio interés en la biotecnología. Esta investigación tuvo por objetivo la detección y caracterización de lectinas en tres especies endémicas de la República Dominicana, pertenecientes a la familia Rubiaceae. De estas especies, se detectó al menos una posible lectina en las hojas de Stevensia grandiflora, fuertemente aglutinante para todos los grupos sanguíneos humanos y de forma leve para la levadura Saccharomyces cerevisiae. La lectina mostró estabilidad a 100°C, tener carácter glicoproteico, precipitar a concentraciones de 40% con sulfato de amonio y ser específica para los disacáridos sacarosa y lactosa. Además, mostró cierta especificidad frente a varios monosacáridos, característica semejante a las lectinas con dominios proteicos de leguminosas. Por otro lado, las bandas visualizadas en la electroforesis SDS-PAGE, en condiciones reductoras, demostraron la posible estructura monomérica o dimérica de la(s) lectina(s) detectada(s). Estos resultados representan nuevas lectinas para la tribu de rubiáceas Rondeletieae, con el potencial de servir como herramientas en biotecnología y medicina. 2024 es info:eu-repo/semantics/article journal-article https://doi.org/10.22206/cac.2024.v7i1.3177 Ciencia, Ambiente y Clima Ciencia, Ambiente y Clima urn:issn:2636-2317 urn:issn:2636-2333 Ciencia, Ambiente y Clima, 2024, vol. 7, n. 1, p. 99-122 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess openAccess cc-by-nc-sa https://revistas.intec.edu.do/index.php/cienacli/article/download/3177/3691 Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo https://www.intec.edu.do/portal Un futuro sostenible: Reflexiones a partir de cinco investigaciones relevantes Luis Orlando Maroto Martín sustainable development science and the environment climate change environmental research regional environmental issues 2024 info:eu-repo/semantics/article journal-article https://doi.org/10.22206/cac.2024.v7i1.3211 Ciencia, Ambiente y Clima Ciencia, Ambiente y Clima urn:issn:2636-2317 urn:issn:2636-2333 Ciencia, Ambiente y Clima, 2024 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess openAccess cc-by-nc-sa https://revistas.intec.edu.do/index.php/cienacli/article/download/3211/3695 Climate action Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo https://www.intec.edu.do/portal Modelos econométricos para determinar la calidad del agua en los ríos Yaque del Norte y Yaque del Sur de la República Dominicana: 1990-2022 Johanna Antonia Díaz Jiménez Luis Orlando Maroto Rommel T. Ramos Boanerges Domínguez Edian F. Franco river water quality water quality index phosphate nitrate fecal coliforms total dissolved solids agricultural fertilizers urbanization climate extremes environmental policy wastewater treatment sanitation facilities Dominican Republic 2025 info:eu-repo/semantics/article journal-article https://doi.org/10.22206/cac.2024.v7i2.3411 Ciencia, Ambiente y Clima Ciencia, Ambiente y Clima urn:issn:2636-2317 urn:issn:2636-2333 Ciencia, Ambiente y Clima, 2025 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess openAccess cc-by-nc-sa https://revistas.intec.edu.do/index.php/cienacli/article/download/3411/3939 Clean water and sanitation Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo https://www.intec.edu.do/portal Consideraciones del editor sobre los peligros microbiológicos de productos biodegradables: una perspectiva crítica Luis O. Maroto-Martín biodegradable plastics microbiological safety microbial colonization plastic degradation plastic pollution public health risk environmental risk 2025 info:eu-repo/semantics/article journal-article https://doi.org/10.22206/cac.2024.v7i2.3437 Ciencia, Ambiente y Clima Ciencia, Ambiente y Clima urn:issn:2636-2317 urn:issn:2636-2333 Ciencia, Ambiente y Clima, 2025 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess openAccess cc-by-nc-sa https://revistas.intec.edu.do/index.php/cienacli/article/download/3437/3919 Responsible consumption and production Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo https://www.intec.edu.do/portal Environmental resistome of culturable gram-negative bacilli from the Yaque del Norte River: baseline genomic evidence for one health surveillance María F. Chevalier-Alba Dionis I. Hoepelman Larianna Pineda-Cabrera Lázaro M. Acosta-Rivera Seudimar Blanco Roberto Bonelly Holly Rosario María Gonzalez Dairelys Guerrero Irene Ortiz Argeny Ovando Claudia Reyes Luis Enrique Rodríguez de Francisco Rommel Ramos Luis O. Maroto-Martín Edian F. Franco antimicrobial resistance environmental resistome Gram-negative bacilli river water One Health antimicrobial resistance genes plasmid replicons IncFIB plasmid IncY plasmid Pseudomonas aeruginosa Klebsiella pneumoniae Klebsiella quasipneumoniae Acinetobacter multidrug resistance efflux pumps antibiotic resistance surveillance freshwater ecosystems 2026 info:eu-repo/semantics/article journal-article https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1780969 Frontiers in Microbiology Frontiers in Microbiology urn:issn:1664-302X Frontiers in Microbiology, 2026 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess openAccess cc-by https://public-pages-files-2025.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1780969/pdf Q1 doaj pubmed Good health and well-being Clean water and sanitation Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo https://www.intec.edu.do/portal Comparison of Two Bacterial Characterization Techniques for the Genomic Analysis of River Microbiomes Yaset Rodríguez-Rodríguez Edian Franklin Franco De Los Santos Roberto Bonnelly Victor V. Calderon Irene Ortiz Argenys Ovando Confesora Pinales Willy Lara Santo Emilio Mateo-Perez Oscar Victor Cardenas-Alegría Rommel Thiago Jucá Ramos Luis Orlando Maroto Martín MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry whole genome sequencing bacterial identification antibiotic resistance resource-constrained environments This study compares the feasibility of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry with whole genome sequencing (WGS) for identifying bacteria in river surface water samples. We collected samples from four rivers in the Dominican Republic and used both techniques to characterize bacterial profiles. MALDI-TOF demonstrated high precision, with 86.2% similarity to WGS results, except for a few discordant cases due to database limitations. MALDI-TOF provided cost-effective and rapid identification, making it a promising alternative to WGS in resource-constrained regions. In particular, good effectiveness of MALDI-TOF in identifying bacteria with a high probability of being resistant to antibiotics was observed, which allows this technology to be used in the monitoring processes of this type of microorganism for their rapid, accurate, and low-cost identification. We found this technology to be advantageous for environmental bacterial profiling, with potential applications in understanding waterborne pathogenic bacteria. Our findings underline the relevance of MALDI-TOF in microbiology and its potential to expand its capabilities in bacterial identification and protein profiling. 2023 en info:eu-repo/semantics/article journal-article https://doi.org/10.3390/applmicrobiol3030071 Applied Microbiology Applied Microbiology urn:issn:2673-8007 Applied Microbiology, 2023, vol. 3, n. 3, p. 1037-1045 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess openAccess cc-by https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8007/3/3/71/pdf?version=1693903418 doaj Clean water and sanitation Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo https://www.intec.edu.do/portal Unlocking the Hidden Microbiome of Food: The Role of Metagenomics in Analyzing Fresh Produce, Poultry, and Meat Edian F. Franco De Los Santos Tania Isabel Muñoz-Martinez Bianca Rodríguez-Hernández Milagros Rodríguez-Montaño Jessica Alfau Claudia Reyes Yumeris Fernandez Rommel T. Ramos Luis Orlando Maroto-Martín metagenomics food microbiome food safety fresh produce poultry meat pathogen detection microbial contamination shotgun sequencing metabarcoding long-read sequencing data analysis challenges standardization The increasing complexity of food safety concerns, driven by the rising risks of contamination from pathogens, chemical hazards, and environmental influences, has highlighted the need for more effective detection and prevention strategies. Metagenomics, a powerful molecular tool, is transforming the food industry by providing a comprehensive understanding of the microbial communities in fresh produce, poultry, and meat. Advances in microbial detection techniques, such as shotgun sequencing, metabarcoding, and long-read sequencing technologies, have led to faster and more accurate pathogen detection, reducing the risk of outbreaks and ensuring public health protection. Despite its promise, several challenges remain in implementing metagenomics on a broader scale, including the high cost of sequencing technologies, the complexity of analyzing large datasets, and the lack of standardized procedures across platforms. These limitations hinder its adoption, particularly for smaller operations or in regions with fewer resources. This review examines the applications of metagenomics in food safety, focusing on its impact on meat, poultry, and fresh produce, while discussing the obstacles to its widespread use and potential solutions to overcome these barriers. 2025 en info:eu-repo/semantics/article journal-article https://doi.org/10.3390/applmicrobiol5010026 Applied Microbiology Applied Microbiology urn:issn:2673-8007 Applied Microbiology, 2025, vol. 5, n. 1, p. 26 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess openAccess cc-by https://doi.org/10.3390/applmicrobiol5010026 Q2 doaj Zero hunger Good health and well-being Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo https://www.intec.edu.do/portal Bacterial Foodborne Diseases in Central America and the Caribbean: A Systematic Review Edian Franklin Franco De Los Santos Nicole Severino Claudia Reyes Yumeris Fernandez Vasco Ariston de Carvalho Azevedo Luis Enrique Rodríguez De Francisco Rommel Thiago Ramos Luis Orlando Maroto-Martín foodborne pathogens Salmonella Escherichia coli Campylobacter poultry contamination egg contamination vegetable contamination foodborne disease surveillance risk factors whole genome sequencing Central America and the Caribbean Foodborne diseases (FBDs) represent a significant public health concern, particularly in regions like Central America and the Caribbean (CAC), where surveillance gaps due to a lack of resources, knowledge, and technical abilities hinder control over outbreaks. This review investigates the bacterial pathogens responsible for FBDs, their prevalence, management challenges, and prevention strategies. This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines, focusing on bacterial FBDs in CAC from 2000 to 2024. PubMed and Google Scholar were used as primary databases, supported by other sources to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies focusing on bacterial pathogens, prevalence, risk factors, and surveillance practices. Out of the 509 studies initially identified, 35 met the inclusion criteria. The most prevalent pathogens were Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Campylobacter spp., and Aliarcobacter spp., with contamination often associated with poultry, eggs, and vegetables. Key challenges included inadequate surveillance systems, limited resources, and inconsistent reporting practices. A more significant investment in pathogen monitoring, documentation, and education, along with technologies like whole-genome sequencing (WGS), is crucial. Institutional and governmental funding is vital to improve surveillance and strengthen regional risk analysis. 2025 en info:eu-repo/semantics/article journal-article https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres16040078 Microbiology Research Microbiology Research urn:issn:2036-7473 urn:issn:2036-7481 Microbiology Research, 2025, vol. 16, n. 4, p. 78 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess openAccess cc-by https://www.mdpi.com/2036-7481/16/4/78/pdf?version=1743503637 Q3 doaj Good health and well-being Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo https://www.intec.edu.do/portal Beta-Lactam Susceptibility Profiles of Bacteria Isolated from the Ozama River in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Yaset Rodríguez-Rodríguez Edian Franklin Franco De Los Santos Roberto Bonnelly Ana Lidia Queiroz Cavalcante Victor V. Calderon Rafael Azevedo Baraúna Rommel Thiago Jucá Ramos Luis Enrique Rodríguez De Francisco Luis Orlando Maroto Martín Omar Paino Perdomo beta-lactam resistance antimicrobial resistance multidrug resistance antibiotic-resistant bacteria surface water contamination wastewater discharge cefotaxime imipenem MALDI-TOF identification metagenomic sequencing urban rivers Santo Domingo The spread and contamination of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in ambient waters is an emerging concern in urban, rural, medical, and industrial settings. A large amount of domestic, hospital, and industrial wastewater discharged directly into the rivers through the different channels can turn them into extensive reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In the present study, surface water samples from three collection sites were analyzed, according to different levels of anthropogenic impacts, along the Ozama River, one of the most important rivers in the Dominican metropolitan area, a source of water and food for human consumption. Seventy-six bacterial isolates were selected based on resistance to beta-lactams, using culture media previously enriched with cefotaxime and imipenem. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) subsequently identified them. The isolates covered 12 genera of bacteria; more than 30% were clinically relevant, and 43% had phenotypes classified as multidrug resistance. A total of 10 (44%) presented resistance. However, only seven presented resistance to 3 or more of the 14 groups of antibiotics, considered to be a multiresistant phenotype, which was sequenced using the high-throughput sequencing technique or New Generation (NGS). This study is part of the initiative to understand the profiles of the dangers of multidrug resistance in the metropolitan and rural areas of the Dominican Republic and its possible implications for human health. 2023 en info:eu-repo/semantics/article journal-article https://doi.org/10.3390/su15065109 Sustainability Switzerland Sustainability Switzerland urn:issn:2071-1050 Sustainability Switzerland, 2023, vol. 15, n. 6, p. 5109 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess openAccess cc-by https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/6/5109/pdf?version=1678785968 Q1 Good health and well-being Clean water and sanitation Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo https://www.intec.edu.do/portal Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of three Pimenta racemosa var. ozua (Myrtaceae) extracts from the Dominican Republic Tania Muñoz-Martinez Lolymar de los Ángeles Romero Luis Orlando Maroto-Martín Yameiri Mena Myrtaceae essential oils phytochemical composition antimicrobial activity antibacterial activity ethanol extract petroleum ether extract terpenoids tocopherols phytosteroids minimum inhibitory concentration Pseudomonas aeruginosa endemic plants Dominican Republic 2025 info:eu-repo/semantics/article journal-article https://doi.org/10.4025/actascibiolsci.v47i1.74960 Acta Scientiarum. Biological Sciences Acta Scientiarum. Biological Sciences urn:issn:1679-9283 urn:issn:1807-863X Acta Scientiarum. Biological Sciences, 2025 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess openAccess cc-by https://periodicos.uem.br/ojs/index.php/ActaSciBiolSci/article/download/74960/751375161306 Q4 doaj Good health and well-being Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo https://www.intec.edu.do/portal Rice Husk Alkali Lignin: Characterization and Evaluation of Its Antibacterial Limitations Bianca Rodríguez-Hernández Milagros Rodríguez-Montaño Tania Isabel Muñoz-Martínez Adriana Rojas Luis Enrique Rodríguez De Francisco Lolymar Romero Luis Orlando Maroto Martín rice husk alkali lignin lignin extraction antibacterial activity lignin valorization lignin structure extraction yield optimization particle size lignin oxidation lignin functional groups rice varieties agricultural by-product valorization 2026 info:eu-repo/semantics/article journal-article https://doi.org/10.55815/9900672 Afinidad. 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Revista Electrónica de Veterinaria REDVET. Revista Electrónica de Veterinaria REDVET. Revista Electrónica de Veterinaria, 2005 Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo https://www.intec.edu.do/portal UNIÓN DE LECTINAS AL BORDE EN CEPILLO DE VELLOSIDADES INTESTINALES: HERRAMIENTA PARA LA EVALUACIÓN DE LA GLICOSILACIÓN INTESTINAL 2012 info:eu-repo/semantics/article journal-article cris:cris-c2d7881c Revista Cubana de Química Revista Cubana de Química Revista Cubana de Química, 2012 Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo https://www.intec.edu.do/portal Hallazgo de una leucorrea vaginal de carácter no inflamatoria en hembras bovinas. II. Pesquisaje microbiológico vaginal y uterino 2005 info:eu-repo/semantics/article journal-article cris:cris-f5445d1a REDVET. Revista Electrónica de Veterinaria REDVET. Revista Electrónica de Veterinaria REDVET. Revista Electrónica de Veterinaria, 2005 Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo https://www.intec.edu.do/portal