Research Articles (Immunology)
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Item Pro-inflammatory interactions of streptolysin O toxin with human neutrophils in vitro(Taylor and Francis Group, 2024-12) Joseph, Darren; Theron, Annette J.; Feldman, C.; Anderson, Ronald; Tintinger, GregoryThe recent global resurgence of severe infections caused by the Group A streptococcus (GAS) pathogen, Streptococcus pyogenes, has focused attention on this microbial pathogen, which produces an array of virulence factors, such as the pore-forming toxin, streptolysin O (SOT). Importantly, the interactions of SOT with human neutrophils (PMN), are not well understood. The current study was designed to investigate the effects of pretreatment of isolated human PMN with purified SOT on several pro-inflammatory activities, including generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), degranulation (elastase release), influx of extracellular calcium (Ca2þ) and release of extracellular DNA (NETosis), using chemiluminescence, spectrophotometric and fluorimetric procedures, respectively. Exposure of PMN to SOT alone caused modest production of ROS and elastase release, while pretreatment with the toxin caused significant augmentation of chemoattractant (fMLP)-activated ROS generation and release of elastase by activated PMN. These effects of treatment of PMN with SOT were associated with both a marked and sustained elevation of cytosolic Ca2þconcentrations and significant increases in the concentrations of extracellular DNA, indicative of NETosis. The current study has identified a potential role for SOT in augmenting the Ca2þ-dependent pro-inflammatory interactions of PMN, which, if operative in a clinical setting, may contribute to hyper-activation of PMN and GAS-mediated tissue injury.Item Editorial : Social determinants of health for the global aging population in pandemic and disaster environments(Frontiers Media, 2025-02) Levy-Storms, Lene; Lee, Soohyoung Rain; Castelyn, C. de Villebois; Morrissey, Mary Beth; Ory, Marcia G.This Research Topic offers insights into various social determinants of health among older adults across the world, particularly in the context of pandemics and disaster environments. In this Research Topic, health is defined broadly, capturing physical, psychological, literacy, and healthcare services domains. Studies address health issues at individual, organizational, systems, and country levels using various research designs, including qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, and systematic reviews. Locations pertain to both countries and continents, including the U.S., Europe (i.e., Spain and Ireland), Australia, Africa, the Middle East (i.e., Israel), and Asia (i.e., Hong Kong). The substantive scope of social issues, health, levels of study, research designs, and varied international locations speak to the relevance of pandemics and disasters to everyone, everywhere. The focus on older adults calls attention to the unique vulnerabilities of the global aging population.Item A radiologic-pathologic study of the histopathologic variants of ameloblastomas and their proliferation indices(Elsevier, 2024-09) Smit, Chane; Robinson, Liam; Van Heerden, M.B. (Marlene); Meyer, Pieter Willem Adriaan; Ogunsakin, Ropo Ebenezer; Fonseca, Felipe Paiva; Uys, Andre; Van Heerden, Willem Francois Petrus; chane.smit@up.ac.zaOBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the clinicoradiologic features and Ki-67 proliferation indices between the histopathologic variants of ameloblastomas (ABs) for possible associations. STUDY DESIGN: The diagnosis and histopathologic variant were confirmed for all cases by experienced Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologists. Immunohistochemistry for Ki-67 was performed on the most representative formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue block. Demographic, clinical data and radiologic features were analyzed from patient records and available radiographic examinations. The investigators were blinded to the histopathologic variant and proliferation index when the clinicoradiologic features were assessed. RESULTS: The current study included 116 cases of AB in the final sample. The indolent behavior of the unicystic variant was supported by their low proliferation index and slow growth paired with low frequencies of cortical destruction, loss of teeth, root resorption, and encroachment on anatomical structures. In contrast, the comparatively high proliferation index of the plexiform variant correlated with their fast growth and pain. Furthermore, high radiologic frequencies of cortical destruction, loss of teeth, and encroachment of surrounding anatomical structures supported their more aggressive clinical course. CONCLUSION: Statistically significant differences were noted between certain variants and Ki-67, location, borders, locularity, and cortical destruction, providing better insight into their biological behavior.Item Cigarette smoking as a risk factor for Tuberculosis in adults : epidemiology and aspects of disease pathogenesis(MDPI, 2024-02) Feldman, Charles; Theron, Annette J.; Cholo, Moloko C.; Anderson, Ronald; ronald.anderson@up.ac.zaIt has been noted by the World Health Organisation that cases of tuberculosis in 2022 globally numbered 10.6 million, resulting in 1.3 million deaths, such that TB is one of the infectious diseases causing the greatest morbidity and mortality worldwide. Since as early as 1918, there has been an ongoing debate as to the relationship between cigarette smoking and TB. However, numerous epidemiological studies, as well as meta-analyses, have indicated that both active and passive smoking are independent risk factors for TB infection, development of reactivation TB, progression of primary TB, increased severity of cavitary disease, and death from TB, among several other considerations. With this considerable body of evidence confirming the association between smoking and TB, it is not surprising that TB control programmes represent a key potential preventative intervention. In addition to coverage of the epidemiology of TB and its compelling causative link with smoking, the current review is also focused on evidence derived from clinical- and laboratory-based studies of disease pathogenesis, most prominently the protective anti-mycobacterial mechanisms of the alveolar macrophage, the primary intracellular refuge of M. tuberculosis. This section of the review is followed by an overview of the major strategies utilised by the pathogen to subvert these antimicrobial mechanisms in the airway, which are intensified by the suppressive effects of smoke inhalation on alveolar macrophage function. Finally, consideration is given to a somewhat underexplored, pro-infective activity of cigarette smoking, namely augmentation of antibiotic resistance due to direct effects of smoke per se on the pathogen. These include biofilm formation, induction of cellular efflux pumps, which eliminate both smoke-derived toxicants and antibiotics, as well as gene modifications that underpin antibiotic resistance.Item Persistently elevated expression of systemic, soluble co-inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules in people living with HIV before and one year after antiretroviral therapy(MDPI, 2024-06) Labuschagne Naidoo, Robyn-Brooke; Steel, Helen C.; Theron, Annette J.; Anderson, Ronald; Tintinger, Gregory Ronald; Rossouw, Theresa M.; theresa.rossouw@up.ac.zaPlease read abstract in article.Item Evaluation of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-AeK as a potential imaging tool for PET imaging of cell wall synthesis in bacterial infections(MDPI, 2024-09) Koatale, Palesa Caroline; Welling, Mick M.; Mdanda, Sipho; Mdlophane, Amanda; Takyi-Williams, John; Durandt, Chrisna; Van den Bout, Iman; Cleeren, Frederik; Sathekge, Mike Machaba; Ebenhan, Thomas; thomas.ebenhan@up.ac.zaPlease read abstract in article.Item Identification of small-molecule antagonists targeting the growth hormone releasing hormone receptor (GHRHR)(American Chemical Society, 2024-08-29) Matsoukas, Minos-Timotheos; Radomsky, Tarryn; Panagiotopoulos, Vasilis; Du Preez, Robin; Papadourakis, Michail; Tsianakas, Konstantinos; Millar, Robert P.; Anderson, Ross Calley; Spyroulias, Georgios A.; Newton, Claire L.The growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor (GHRHR) belongs to Class B1 of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Class B1 GPCR peptides such, as growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), have been proposed to bind in a twostep model, where first the C-terminal region of the peptide interacts with the extracellular domain of the receptor and, subsequently, the N-terminus interacts with the seven transmembrane domain of the receptor, resulting in activation. The GHRHR has recently been highlighted as a promising drug target toward several types of cancer and has been shown to be overexpressed in prostate, breast, pancreatic, and ovarian cancer. Indeed, peptide GHRHR antagonists have displayed promising results in many cancer models. However, no nonpeptide GHRHR-targeting compounds have yet been identified. We have utilized several computational tools to target GHRHR and identify potential small-molecule compounds directed at this receptor. These compounds were validated in vitro using a cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) ELISA to measure activity at the GHRHR. In vitro results suggest that several of the novel small-molecule compounds could inhibit GHRH-induced cAMP accumulation. Preliminary analysis of the specificity/ selectivity of one of the most effective hit compounds indicated that the effect seen was via inhibition of the GHRHR. We therefore report the first nonpeptide antagonists of GHRHR and propose a structural basis for inhibition induced by the compounds, which may assist in the future design of lead GHRHR compounds for treating disorders attributed to dysregulated/aberrant GHRHR signaling.Item Patient-reported symptom monitoring: using (big) data to improve supportive care at the macro-, meso-, and micro-levels(Springer, 2024-03) Wang, Yan; Allsop, Matthew J.; Epstein, Joel B.; Howell, Doris; Rapoport, Bernardo Leon; Schofield, Penelope; Van Sebille, Ysabella; Thong, Melissa S.Y.; Walraven, Iris; Wolf, Julie Ryan; Van den Hurk, Corina J.G.PURPOSE : This paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the need for continued development of symptom monitoring (SM) implementation, utilization, and data usage at the macro-, meso-, and micro-levels. METHODS : Discussions from a patient-reported SM workshop at the MASCC/ISSO 2022 annual meeting were analyzed using a macro-meso-micro analytical framework of cancer care delivery. The workshop categories “initiation and implementation, barriers to adoption and utilization, and data usage” were integrated for each level. RESULTS : At the macro-level, policy development could encourage data sharing and international collaboration, including the exchange of SM methods, supportive care models, and self-management modules. At the meso-level, institutions should adjust clinical workflow and service delivery and promote a thorough technical and clinical integration of SM. At the micro-level, SM should be individualized, with timely feedback for patients, and should foster trust and understanding of AI decision support tools amongst clinicians to improve supportive care. CONCLUSIONS : The workshop reached a consensus among international experts on providing guidance on SM implementation, utilization, and (big) data usage pathways in cancer survivors across the cancer continuum and on macro-meso-micro levels.Item Radiologic specific growth rate of ameloblastomas : a clinicopathological correlation(Wiley, 2025-01) Smit, Chane; Robinson, Liam; Van Heerden, Marlene B.; Meyer, Pieter Willem Adriaan; Fonseca, Felipe P.; Van Heerden, Willem Francois Petrus; Uys, Andre; chane.smit@up.ac.zaBACKGROUND : The study aimed to assess the radiologic-specific growth rate of ameloblastomas, evaluating potential associations with demographics, radiologic features, histopathologic variants and proliferation indices. The results of this study will hopefully establish if any clinical or histopathologic features can elude fast-growing ameloblastomas. METHODS : Patients presenting with multiple radiographs before surgical intervention due to various healthcare constraints or patient factors were included in the study. The measurements from each radiograph included the lesion's length, height, width and amount of expansion in these dimensions. Furthermore, the circumference of the lesion was measured in sagittal, coronal and axial planes. The radiologic-specific growth rate was assessed by calculating the difference in measurements from the initial to follow-up radiographs divided by the duration between the visits to calculate the growth rate per year. RESULTS : The specific growth rate was analysed between age groups, histopathologic variants and Ki-67 values, with no statistically significant correlations found in all dimensions measured. A statistically significant faster growth (p = 0.04) was seen in females when measuring the mesial-distal length. When comparing radiologic features, ameloblastomas with loss of border demarcation, severe cortical destruction and tooth displacement demonstrated statistically significant faster growth. CONCLUSION : This study found significant correlations with the growth rate of ameloblastomas, specifically in coronal dimensions, supporting the notion of buccal-lingual growth/expansion for which ameloblastomas are known.Item Smoking, alcohol use, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome as risk factors for community-acquired pneumonia(Elsevier, 2025-03) Feldman, Charles; Anderson, Ronald; ronald.anderson@up.ac.zaCommunity-acquired pneumonia (CAP) continues to be a cause of significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Much recent attention in this area of research has been focused on host factors associated with the infection. This article will discuss 4 diverse, yet often coexistent conditions, namely, smoking, excessive alcohol use, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome. While all these conditions can be considered to be largely associated with lifestyle factors, they represent important risk factors for CAP. All can lead to acquired host immune suppression that underlies their risk for the development of severe CAP.Item Sodium, potassium-adenosine triphosphatase as a potential target of the anti-tuberculosis agents, clofazimine and bedaquiline(MDPI, 2024-12-04) Mmakola, Khomotso Madimetsa Shelboy; Balmith, Marissa [; Steel, Helen C.; Said, Mohamed; Potjo, Moliehi; Van der Mescht, Mieke Adri; Hlatshwayo, Nomsa; Meyer, Pieter Willem Adriaan; Tintinger, Gregory Ronald; Anderson, Ronald; Cholo, Moloko C.Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients are treated with a standardised, short World Health Organization (WHO) regimen which includes clofazimine (CFZ) and bedaquiline (BDQ) antibiotics. These two antibiotics lead to the development of QT prolongation in patients, inhibiting potassium (K+) uptake by targeting the voltage-gated K+ (Kv)11.1 (hERG) channel of the cardiomyocytes (CMs). However, the involvement of these antibiotics to regulate other K+ transporters of the CMs, as potential mechanisms of QT prolongation, has not been explored. This study determined the effects of CFZ and BDQ on sodium, potassium–adenosine triphosphatase (Na+,K+-ATPase) activity of CMs using rat cardiomyocytes (RCMs). These cells were treated with varying concentrations of CFZ and BDQ individually and in combination (1.25–5 mg/L). Thereafter, Na+,K+-ATPase activity was determined, followed by intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) quantification and cellular viability determination. Furthermore, molecular docking of antibiotics with Na+,K+-ATPase was determined. Both antibiotics demonstrated dose–response inhibition of Na+,K+-ATPase activity of the RCMs. The greatest inhibition was demonstrated by combinations of CFZ and BDQ, followed by BDQ alone and, lastly, CFZ. Neither antibiotic, either individually or in combination, demonstrated cytotoxicity. Molecular docking revealed an interaction of both antibiotics with Na+,K+-ATPase, with BDQ showing higher protein-binding affinity than CFZ. The inhibitory effects of CFZ and BDQ, individually and in combination, on the activity of Na+,K+-ATPase pump of the RCMs highlight the existence of additional mechanisms of QT prolongation by these antibiotics.Item Building plumbing influences the microdiversity and community assembly of the drinking water microbiome(Elsevier, 2025-05) He, Huanqi; Huo, Linxuan; Oosthuizen-Vosloo, Solize; Pieper, Kelsey J.; Stubbins, Aron; Yoon, Byungman; Pinto, Ameet J.Building plumbing microbial communities can significantly influence water quality at the point of use, particularly during periods of stagnation. Thus, a fine-scale understanding of factors governing community membership and structure, as well as environmental and ecological factors shaping building plumbing microbial communities is critical. In this study, we utilized full-length 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing to investigate the microdiversity and spatial-temporal dynamics of microbial communities in institutional and residential building plumbing systems. Bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) within institutional buildings exhibited much lower microdiversity relative to the same OTUs in residential buildings. Higher microdiversity was associated with higher persistence and relative abundance of OTUs. Interestingly, amplicon sequencing variants within the same OTUs exhibited habitat preferences based on the building type while also demonstrating varying temporal turnover patterns. Dispersal limitation disproportionately governed community assembly in institutional buildings, whereas heterogeneous selection was the dominant ecological mechanism shaping the microbial community in residential buildings. Dispersal limitation in institutional buildings is consistent with larger building sizes and greater periods of water stagnation. Interestingly, the inability to explain the extent of heterogeneous selection-driven community assembly in residential locations using measured water chemistry may suggest a disproportionately large effect of fine-scale variation in plumbing characteristics on community assembly in residential locations.Item A possible genetic predisposition to suspected hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy(Elsevier, 2025-04) Holborn, Megan A.; Mellet, Juanita; Joubert, Fourie; Ballot, D.; Pepper, Michael Sean; michael.pepper@up.ac.zaWithin the last decade, several studies have explored whether there might be a genetic component in hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) that influences susceptibility to or outcomes following hypoxic-ischaemic injury. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the findings to date from published studies investigating the genetics of HIE. It also highlights some of the challenges faced by researchers, as well as recommendations for future research.Item Vascular endothelial growth factor A : friend or foe in the pathogenesis of HIV and SARS-CoV-2 infections?(Frontiers Media S.A., 2025-02) Van der Mescht, Mieke Adri; Steel, Helen C.; Anderson, Ronald; Rossouw, Theresa M.; theresa.rossouw@up.ac.zaThis review article discusses the role of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV infection, both conditions being renowned for their impact on the vascular endothelium. The processes involved in vascular homeostasis and angiogenesis are reviewed briefly before exploring the interplay between hypoxia, VEGF-A, neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), and inflammatory pathways. We then focus on SARS-CoV-2 infection and show how the binding of the viral pathogen to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor, as well as to NRP-1, leads to elevated levels of VEGF-A and consequences such as coagulation, vascular dysfunction, and inflammation. HIV infection augments angiogenesis via several mechanisms, most prominently, by the trans-activator of transcription (tat) protein mimicking VEGF-A by binding to its receptor, VEGFR-2, as well as upregulation of NRP-1, which enhances the interaction between VEGF-A and VEGFR-2. We propose that the elevated levels of VEGF-A observed during HIV/SARS-CoV-2 co-infection originate predominantly from activated immune cells due to the upregulation of HIF-1α by damaged endothelial cells. In this context, a few clinical trials have described a diminished requirement for oxygen therapy during anti-VEGF treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The currently available anti-VEGF therapy strategies target the binding of VEGF-A to both VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2. The blocking of both receptors could, however, lead to a negative outcome, inhibiting not only pathological, but also physiological angiogenesis. Based on the examination of published studies, this review suggests that treatment targeting selective inhibition of VEGFR-1 may be beneficial in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection.Item Guest editorial : Inborn errors of immunity(Allergy Society of South Africa, 2024-03) Van Niekerk, AndreIt was around 1973. Two years after the birth of David Vetter. David’s story captivated the mainstream media and the hearts of those who followed his sad case. He suffered from severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and his doctors tried to isolate him from microbes in a plastic bubble. NASA even made him a special ‘spacesuit’ for walkouts. David spent 12 years inside his bubble ... and he did not die from an overwhelming infection. He died from lymphoma.Item T-cell phenotypes and systemic cytokine profiles of people living with HIV admitted to hospital with COVID-19(MDPI, 2024-11) Van der Mescht, Mieke Adri; Steel, Helen C.; De Beer, Zelda; Masenge, Andries; Abdullah, Fareed; Ueckermann, Veronica; Anderson, Ronald; Rossouw, Theresa M.; theresa.rossouw@up.ac.zaWhether SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to a higher mortality and morbidity in people living with HIV (PLWH) in Africa remains inconclusive. In this study, we explored the differences in the T-cell phenotypes between people with and without HIV on the day of admission (V1) and ±7 days later (V2), as well as their cytokine/chemokine profiles on V1. Patients admitted with COVID-19 were recruited between May 2020 and December 2021 from the Steve Biko Academic and Tshwane District Hospitals in Pretoria, South Africa. Of 174 patients, 37 (21%) were PLWH. T-cell profiles were determined by flow cytometry, and cytokine levels were determined using a multiplex suspension bead array. PLWH were significantly younger than those without HIV, and were more likely to be female. In an adjusted analysis, PLWH had higher percentages of CD4+ central memory (CM) programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)+, CD8+ effector memory (EM)2, and CD8+ EM4 CD57+ cells, as well as higher concentrations of interleukin (IL)-35 at admission. PLWH with CD4+ T-cell counts of >200 cells/mm3 had altered CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell profiles, lower levels of systemic inflammation measured by plasma ferritin and PCT levels, and less severe disease. PLWH with CD4+ T-cell counts of <200 cells/mm3 on admission had higher concentrations of IL-6 and lower levels of IL-29. At V2, the percentages of CD4+ CM PD-1+ T-cells and CD8+ EM4 T-cells co-expressing CD57 and PD-1 remained higher in PLWH, while all other CD8+ EM populations were lower. Fewer CD8+ EM T-cells after ±7 days of admission may be indicative of mechanisms inhibiting EM T-cell survival, as indicated by the higher expression of IL-35 and the T-cell maturation arrest observed in PLWH. This profile was not observed in PLWH with severe immunodeficiency, highlighting the need for differentiated care in the broader PLWH population.Item A proof-of-concept study to investigate the radiolabelling of human mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells with [89Zr]Zr-Df-Bz-NCS(SpringerOpen, 2024-11) Kahts, Maryke; Mellet, Juanita; Durandt, Chrisna; Moodley, Kinosha; Summers, Beverley; Ebenhan, Thomas; Zeevaart, Jan Rijn; Aras, Omer; Pepper, Michael SeanPlease read abstract in article.Item Advances in nano-delivery of phytochemicals for glioblastoma treatment(SpringerOpen, 2024-12) Ambele, Melvin Anyasi; Maebele, Lorraine Tshegofatso; Mulaudzi, Thanyani Victor; Kungoane, Tsholofelo; Damane, Botle Precious; melvin.ambele@up.ac.zaGlioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor characterized by cellular and molecular diversity. This diversity presents significant challenges for treatment and leads to poor prognosis. Surgery remains the primary treatment of choice for GBMs, but it often results in tumor recurrence due to complex interactions between GBM cells and the peritumoral brain zone. Phytochemicals have shown promising anticancer activity in in-vitro studies and are being investigated as potential treatments for various cancers, including GBM. However, some phytochemicals have failed to translate their efficacy to pre-clinical studies due to limited penetration into the tumor microenvironment, leading to high toxicity. Thus, combining phytochemicals with nanotechnology has emerged as a promising alternative for treating GBM. This review explores the potential of utilizing specific nanoparticles to deliver known anticancer phytochemicals directly to tumor cells. This method has demonstrated potential in overcoming the challenges of the complex GBM microenvironment, including the tight blood–brain barrier while minimizing damage to healthy brain tissue. Therefore, employing this interdisciplinary approach holds significant promise for developing effective phyto-nanomedicines for GBM and improving patient outcomes.Item Phenotypic characterisation of bone marrow-derived haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells from HIV-infected individuals(Springer, 2025-04) Mistry, Priyal; Potgieter, Joachim; Pepper, Michael Sean; Durandt, Chrisna; chrisna.durandt@up.ac.zaHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection remains a significant global public health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where the majority of HIV-1 infections are concentrated. People living with HIV (PLWH) often present with haematological abnormalities including alterations of the bone marrow (BM; dysplasia and cellularity changes) and most commonly cytopenias (anaemia, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia). From these clinical observations it is clear that HIV not only impacts the immune system but also the broader haematopoietic system. The underlying cause of HIV-mediated changes in the haematological system remains complex and multifactorial.Item New drinking water genome catalog identifies a globally distributed bacterial genus adapted to disinfected drinking water systems(American Chemical Society, 2024-09) Sudarshan, Ashwin S.; Dai, Zihan; Gabrielli, Marco; Oosthuizen-Vosloo, Solize; Konstantinidis, Konstantinos T.; Pinto, Ameet J.Genome-resolved insights into the structure and function of the drinking water microbiome can advance the effective management of drinking water quality. To enable this, we constructed and curated thousands of metagenome-assembled and isolate genomes from drinking water distribution systems globally to develop a Drinking Water Genome Catalog (DWGC). The current DWGC disproportionately represents disinfected drinking water systems due to a paucity of metagenomes from nondisinfected systems. Using the DWGC, we identify core genera of the drinking water microbiome including a genus (UBA4765) within the order Rhizobiales that is frequently detected and highly abundant in disinfected drinking water systems. We demonstrate that this genus has been widely detected but incorrectly classified in previous amplicon sequencing-based investigations of the drinking water microbiome. Further, we show that a single genome variant (genomovar) within this genus is detected in 75% of drinking water systems included in this study. We propose a name for this uncultured bacterium as “Raskinella chloraquaticus” and describe the genus as “Raskinella” (endorsed by SeqCode). Metabolic annotation and modeling-based predictions indicate that this bacterium is capable of necrotrophic growth, is able to metabolize halogenated compounds, proliferates in a biofilm-based environment, and shows clear indications of disinfection-mediated selection.