A research group led by Dr. Vijay Morampudi from the Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, has published a research article titled “Multifunctional antimicrobial effects of Lactobacillus johnsonii against A/E pathogens Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and Citrobacter rodentium” in Frontiers in Immunology, a leading international Q1 journal with an Impact Factor of 7.
The study addresses the growing need for effective alternatives to antibiotics for combating enteric bacterial pathogens. The research demonstrates the multifunctional antimicrobial properties of Lactobacillus johnsonii against the clinically important attaching-and-effacing (A/E) pathogens Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and Citrobacter rodentium. The study demonstrates that L. johnsonii suppresses pathogen growth and biofilm formation through the production of antimicrobial bioactive compounds, competition for nutrients and intestinal attachment sites, and enhanced colonization of the gut mucosa. Collectively, these findings highlight the translational potential of L. johnsonii as a probiotic-based therapeutic strategy for managing attaching-and-effacing enteric infections and reducing dependence on antibiotics, particularly in vulnerable populations.
The article was authored by Sai Madhuri Vasamsetti, Yasaswi Khaderbad, Novelina Sarmah, Hari Naga Papa Rao Atham, Pavan Kumar Pondugala, Venkata Ramana Chintalapati, and Vijay Morampudi. This publication represents the first research article from Dr. Vijay Morampudi’s laboratory, marking a significant milestone for the research group and reflecting the dedication, collaboration, and scientific excellence of the entire team.
The research was supported by funding from the Institution of Eminence (IoE), University of Hyderabad, the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), and the University Grants Commission (UGC). Dr. Morampudi and his research team gratefully acknowledge the continued support of the University of Hyderabad, IoE, SERB, and UGC, which made this work possible.
Reference:
Vasamsetti SM, Khaderbad Y, Sarmah N, Atham HNPR, Pondugala PK, Chintalapati VR, and Morampudi V. Multifunctional antimicrobial effects of Lactobacillus johnsonii against A/E pathogens Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and Citrobacter rodentium. Frontiers in Immunology (2026).