Volume 29, Issue 1 (3-2026)
J Arak Uni Med Sci 2026, 29(1): 0-0 |
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Kashi M, Amiri S V, Akbari M, Shariati A. VBNC Pathogens in Clinical Microbiology: The Silent Threat and Emerging Diagnostic Frontiers. J Arak Uni Med Sci 2026; 29 (1)
URL: http://jams.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-8000-en.html
URL: http://jams.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-8000-en.html
1- Student Research Committee, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
2- Department of Microbiology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
3- Infectious Diseases Research Center (IDRC), Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran ,arefshariati0111@gmail.com
2- Department of Microbiology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
3- Infectious Diseases Research Center (IDRC), Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran ,
Abstract: (24 Views)
The viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state, as an adaptive survival strategy in bacteria, was first described in the 1980s and has since attracted much attention in clinical microbiology and food safety. In this state, bacterial cells remain alive but lose the ability to grow on conventional culture media while maintaining metabolic activity, pathogenic potential, and the ability to resuscitate under appropriate conditions. Several pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, Helicobacter pylori, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Campylobacter jejuni, and Legionella pneumophila, can enter this state, which plays an essential role in chronic pathogenesis, disease relapse, and treatment failure. Several factors, such as nutrient starvation, low temperature, toxic chemicals, chlorination, antibiotics, and interactions with other organisms, can induce the VBNC state. Also, Resuscitation of these cells is possible under the influence of stimuli such as nutrient-rich environments, temperature changes, resuscitation-promoting compounds, and interaction with the host. Since VBNC cells evade detection by standard culture-based methods, their detection is a great challenge. In this regard, novel detection approaches such as gene expression profiling, live/dead staining, quantitative PCR, monitoring of metabolic activity, and specific biomarkers have provided effective solutions for identifying these cells. Controlling and preventing VBNC state requires multifaceted approaches, including appropriate physical, chemical, biological, and therapeutic interventions. Overall, a deeper understanding of the VBNC state can be an effective step in enhancing food safety, preventing infectious diseases, and improving clinical management of bacterial infections.
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