Joana Isabel Reis Castro

@uminho.pt

Centre of Biological Engineering
University of Minho

Joana Isabel Reis Castro


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https://researchid.co/castro.j
Joana Castro graduated in Biomedical Engineering by Minho University (December 2012). She performed her master thesis in a Bacterial Vaginosis project. After concluding her master thesis, she became a research fellow in the same project. In 2014, she was awarded for a PhD Grant by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia and enrolled a Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, from Abel Salazar Institute Sciences (ICBAS). During her PhD, Joana explored the phenotypical differences between Gardnerella vaginalis isolates from healthy women or women with BV, in order to better understand the etiology of BV. She performed the work in collaboration with University of Minho and Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA. She finished her PhD on 28th November 2018. In addition, she became a member to Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior (A3ES), participating in diverse audits.

EDUCATION

Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto
MSc in Biomedical Engineering, University of Minho

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Bacterial biofilms; Bacterial Vaginosis; Antimicrobial resistance; Virulence; Gardnerella; Gene expression; Medicinal Plants;
57

Scopus Publications

3062

Scholar Citations

30

Scholar h-index

49

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

  • Antimicrobial Resistance in the Food Chain: Bridging Knowledge Gaps for Effective Detection and Control
    Emílio Gomes, Tomás Gonçalves Mesquita, Patrícia Serra, Daniela Araújo, Carina Almeida, et al.
    Antibiotics, 2026
    Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical global public health threat, with the food chain serving as a significant transmission route connecting animals, environment, and humans. This review adopts a One Health perspective to analyze the key drivers of AMR dissemination across animal agriculture, aquaculture and food processing. We evaluate detection methodologies, contrasting the regulatory gold standard of culture-based phenotypic testing with rapid molecular advancements, including Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), metagenomics, and emerging CRISPR-Cas diagnostics. While molecular tools offer unprecedented speed and resolution, challenges such as matrix interference, the viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state, and the genotype-phenotype disconnect remain. Finally, integrated mitigation strategies are also described, ranging from on-farm antimicrobial stewardship and innovative biofilm control to consumer hygiene practices. It is essential to bridge the technical and regulatory gaps in AMR surveillance in order to develop effective interventions and ensure a safer food system.
  • Editorial: Perspectives in clinical infectious diseases: 2024/2025
    Ricardo Oliveira, Lorena V. N. Oliveira, Sónia Silva, Joana Castro
    Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 2026
  • Evidence from a broad-range PNA probe links several Prevotella species to bacterial vaginosis
    Taynara Mulinde, Lúcia G. V. Sousa, Joana Castro, Sheridan D. George, Christina A. Muzny, et al.
    Peerj, 2026
    Background Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most prevalent vaginal infection among reproductive-age women. It is associated with multiple adverse health outcomes in women including adverse pregnancy outcomes, an increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and an increased risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. BV is characterized by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, namely a decrease in protective Lactobacillus species and an overgrowth of facultative and strict anaerobic bacteria, leading to the development of a polymicrobial biofilm. Despite extensive research, the etiology of BV remains unclear, and its pathophysiology is not fully understood. It has been hypothesized that P. bivia , in combination with Gardnerella spp., plays an important role in the early development of the BV biofilm. We previously developed a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probe specifically targeting P. bivia to investigate its role as a potential early colonizer. However, our recent findings have raised doubts about the specificity of this association, suggesting a broader involvement of other Prevotella species in incident BV (iBV). Methods A new PNA probe targeting Prevotella spp. 23S rRNA was developed compared to the existing P. bivia -specific probe. This new probe was optimized in vitro through a variation of hybridization temperatures and times. Its performance was evaluated using a collection of 28 Prevotella strains representing 24 different species and 38 non- Prevotella spp. typically found in BV in order to assess its sensitivity and specificity. Both probes were tested on vaginal swab specimens from women with and without BV to assess the bacterial count and detection of Prevotella species. Results In vitro validation demonstrated that the new Prevotella spp. probe achieved a specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 96%. As expected, its broader detection allowed identification of a wider range of Prevotella spp. compared to the P. bivia -specific probe, which was intentionally restricted to a single species. Application to clinical specimens revealed that the new probe identified a significantly higher count of Prevotella spp. in 6/9 (66.6%) BV-positive specimens compared to the P. bivia -specific probe. In 2/9 (22.2%) healthy control specimens, greater Prevotella spp. detection was also observed. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the involvement of Prevotella spp. in BV extends beyond P. bivia , implicating a wider range of species which could be present in the polymicrobial BV biofilm. The broader specificity of this new Prevotella spp. probe provides a valuable tool for future research on the vaginal microbiome and the pathogenesis of BV.
  • Evaluation of antibacterial properties of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus gasseri on enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli associated with porcine post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) using Galleria mellonella model
    D. Araújo, A.R. Silva, S. Silva, N.P. Mira, C. Almeida, et al.
    Microbe Netherlands, 2025
  • Assessing host-adaptation of new sequence types of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA)
    Ricardo Oliveira, Daniela Araújo, Joana Castro, Teresa Nogueira, Gonçalo Almeida, et al.
    Microbial Pathogenesis, 2025
  • Gardnerella species exhibit synergy in their ability to displace Lactobacillus crispatus adhered to HeLa cells
    Ângela Lima, Joana Castro, Christina A. Muzny, Nuno Cerca
    Peerj, 2025
    Background Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in reproductive-age women. It is associated with adverse pregnancy complications, such as preterm birth and low birth weight, in addition to an increased risk of acquisition of HIV and sexually transmitted infections. BV is characterized by a vaginal dysbiosis, involving loss of protective Lactobacillus species (including L. crispatus ) and overgrowth of facultative and strict anaerobic bacteria, with Gardnerella species playing a predominant role. However, despite extensive research on BV pathogenesis, its etiology remains unclear, and the sequence of events leading to the displacement of lactobacilli by anaerobic bacteria in women has not yet been fully elucidated. Until 2019, all bacteria belonging to the Gardnerella genus were considered part of the species G. vaginalis . However, it is now recognized that different Gardnerella species exist, each with varying virulence potentials. Recent data have shown that multiple subgroups of Gardnerella spp. are frequently detected simultaneously in the vaginal microbiota of women with BV. With this in mind, we aimed to test the hypothesis that different combinations of known Gardnerella species, isolated from the vaginal microbiota of women with BV, have an enhanced ability to compete against Lactobacillus crispatus , pre-adhered to HeLa cells, thereby facilitating the early stages of BV development. Methods Adhesion assays of dual combinations of Gardnerella spp. ( G. vaginalis , G. leopoldii , G. swidsinskii , G. piotii ) were performed on an in vitro model of HeLa cells, covered with and without L. crispatus . Quantification of the species used in our assays was subsequently performed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results Our results revealed synergy between different Gardnerella spp., demonstrating their ability to overcome the presumed protective effect of L. crispatus , thereby creating favorable conditions for the development of a polymicrobial biofilm characteristic of BV. The combination of G. vaginalis and G. leopoldii showed the greatest synergistic effect on initial adhesion to HeLa cells while the combination of G. leopoldii and G. swidsinskii had the greatest ability to reduce L. crispatus colonization. Conclusions Although this in vitro study does not unequivocally prove that BV is initiated by the disruption of normal vaginal microbiota by Gardnerella spp., it strongly supports this possibility, contributing to a better understanding of BV etiology.
  • An Asset for Food Safety: The Knowledge Behind the Physiological Alterations Induced by ETEC Enterotoxins
    Maria Margarida Barros, Ana Maria Campos, Joana Castro, Ricardo Oliveira, Daniela Araújo, et al.
    Foods, 2025
    Foodborne pathogens represent a significant public health risk in both developed and developing countries. Among these pathogens, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a major cause of diarrhea in humans and one of the leading causes of mortality in newly weaned pigs. The main sources of ETEC contamination include environments with poor hygiene and contaminated water, meat, cereals, and vegetables. Therefore, this review manuscript focuses on the pathogenesis of ETEC in humans and pigs. The main virulence factors responsible for ETEC-associated infections, such as colonization factors and toxins, will be described for both species, with particular emphasis on the toxins as well as, their classification and structural characterization. More specifically, this study will outline the main physiological alterations and adaptive mechanisms induced by these enterotoxins, namely heat-stable toxin (ST) and heat-labile toxin (LT), in the three most affected systems: the gastrointestinal system, the enteric nervous system (ENS), and the immune system. This set of findings provides a deeper insight into the pathogenesis of this relevant foodborne pathogen, which is crucial for empowering food scientists and stakeholders to more effectively mitigate associated risks. As such, it provides valuable understanding of toxin activity, serving as a means to raise awareness of food safety practices and strengthening risk communication, surveillance and intervention strategies, thereby ensuring consumer protection. Additionally, this knowledge enables the development of preventive strategies to reduce ETEC infections, thereby decreasing the need for clinical management among consumers exposed to this bacterium. Ultimately, it contributes to the preservation of public health, the reduction of antimicrobial use, and the lowering of antimicrobial resistance gene prevalence.
  • Amphiphilic dendrimer-assisted delivery of antisense nucleic acid mimics against E. coli
    Mariana Gomes, Igor Resende, Yana Zamoshchak, Daniela Araújo, Joana Castro, et al.
    Journal of Controlled Release, 2025
  • In Vitro Investigation of the Antimicrobial Properties of Gerês Propolis in Bacteria Isolated from Companion Animals and Safety Profile Characterization Using the Galleria mellonella Model
    Rafael Rodrigues, Rui Almeida, Soraia C. V. Rodrigues, Joana Castro, Ricardo Oliveira, et al.
    Pathogens, 2025
    Propolis, also known as bee glue, is a natural resinous mixture produced by Western honeybees and has long been recognized for its potential therapeutic properties. Recent research has focused on its diverse bioactivities, particularly its antimicrobial effects against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including human but also animal pathogens. However, further investigation is required to fully elucidate the pharmacological properties and potential toxicity of propolis to support its broader application. This study investigated the antimicrobial efficacy and safety of an ethanol extract of Portuguese propolis collected from the Gerês region (G23.EE). The antimicrobial activity was assessed in vitro against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria associated with infections in companion animals, using the agar dilution method. To evaluate potential toxicity, the extract was administered via injection and topical application in an in vivo Galleria mellonella larval model, with health parameters monitored over a 96 hours period. The in vitro results showed that G23.EE was more effective against Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus spp. (e.g., S. felis, S. hominis, S. simulans, and S. pseudintermedius; MIC = 0.5 mg/mL) and Enterococcus faecium (MIC = 1.5 mg/mL), than against Gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella oxytoca (MIC > 8.0 mg/mL). No significant adverse effects were observed in G. mellonella larvae following injection or brushing with propolis extract concentrations up to 8.0 mg/mL. Overall, these findings suggest that Portuguese propolis from Gêres is a promising, safe, and effective natural antimicrobial agent for targeting Gram-positive bacterial infections in companion animals.
  • Students' summer internships in a research centre: The impact on scientific literacy and the choice of a career in the STEM fields
    Elisa Saraiva, Sónia Silva, Joana Castro, Daniela Araújo, Carina Almeida, et al.
    Heliyon, 2025
  • NADES-in-Oil Emulsions Enriched with Essential Oils for Cosmetic Application
    David S. Freitas, Diana Rocha, Joana Santos, Jennifer Noro, Tânia D. Tavares, et al.
    Processes, 2025
  • Advances in whole genome sequencing for foodborne pathogens: implications for clinical infectious disease surveillance and public health
    Emílio Gomes, Daniela Araújo, Teresa Nogueira, Ricardo Oliveira, Sónia Silva, et al.
    Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 2025
  • Exploring the Spectrum of Biofilm Complexity
    Daniela Araújo, Ricardo Oliveira, Ana Maria Campos, Maria Margarida Barros, Andreia S. Azevedo, et al.
    Microbial Biofilm Dynamics Contemporary Approaches Models and Analytical Tools, 2025
  • Laboratory Models for Biofilm Studies
    Joana Castro, Ricardo Oliveira, Ana Maria Campos, Maria Margarida Barros, Andreia S. Azevedo, et al.
    Microbial Biofilm Dynamics Contemporary Approaches Models and Analytical Tools, 2025
  • Multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella variicola isolated from patients in Portuguese hospitals: Genomic and phenotypic characterization
    Joana Castro, Daniela Araújo, Hugo Oliveira, Liliana Fernandes, Ricardo Oliveira, et al.
    Microbe Netherlands, 2024
  • Developing translucent emulsions using sustainable NADES-based extracts
    David S. Freitas, Diana Rocha, Joana Santos, Jennifer Noro, Tânia D. Tavares, et al.
    Journal of Molecular Liquids, 2024
  • Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics as antimicrobials: A one-health perspective
    Advances in Health and Disease, 2024
  • Evaluation of Simultaneous Growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes in Ground Beef Samples in Different Growth Media
    José Mário Sousa, Ana Barbosa, Daniela Araújo, Joana Castro, Nuno Filipe Azevedo, et al.
    Foods, 2024
  • Antimicrobial resistance patterns of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from clinical specimens of companion animals in Northern Portugal, 2021–2023
    D. Araújo, R. Oliveira, B.L. Silva, J. Castro, C. Ramos, et al.
    Veterinary Journal, 2024
  • A New Peptide Nucleic Acid Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Probe for the Specific Detection of Salmonella Species in Food Matrices
    Mário Sousa, Rui Rocha, Daniela Araújo, Joana Castro, Ana Barbosa, et al.
    Foodborne Pathogens and Disease, 2024
  • Molecular characterization and virulence profile of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca isolated from ill cats and dogs in Portugal
    Joana Castro, Ricardo Oliveira, Liliana Fernandes, Isabel Carvalho, Hugo Oliveira, et al.
    Veterinary Microbiology, 2024
  • Emerging Approaches for Mitigating Biofilm-Formation-Associated Infections in Farm, Wild, and Companion Animals
    Daniela Araújo, Ana Rita Silva, Rúben Fernandes, Patrícia Serra, Maria Margarida Barros, et al.
    Pathogens, 2024
  • The Role of Flagellum and Flagellum-Based Motility on Salmonella Enteritidis and Escherichia coli Biofilm Formation
    Diana Vilas Boas, Joana Castro, Daniela Araújo, Franklin L. Nóbrega, Charles W. Keevil, et al.
    Microorganisms, 2024
  • Application of DNA aptamers to block enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli toxicity in a Galleria mellonella larval model
    Maria Margarida Barros, Joana Castro, Daniela Araújo, Ricardo Oliveira, Ana Maria Campos, et al.
    Frontiers in Chemistry, 2024
  • Exploring the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profile of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca isolated from clinically ill companion animals from North of Portugal
    D. Araújo, J. Castro, F. Matos, R. Oliveira, C. Ramos, et al.
    Research in Veterinary Science, 2023

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • 17TH MEETING
    J Swenson, A Bernard, M Shivji, H Pearson, J Castro, A Cid, D Ovando, ...
    2026
  • Perspectives in clinical infectious diseases: 2024/2025
    R Oliveira, LVN Oliveira, S Silva, J Castro
    Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology 16, 1864691 , 2026
    2026
  • Evidence from a broad-range PNA probe links several Prevotella species to bacterial vaginosis
    T Mulinde, LGV Sousa, J Castro, SD George, CA Muzny, N Cerca
    PeerJ 14, e20902 , 2026
    2026
  • Antimicrobial Resistance in the Food Chain: Bridging Knowledge Gaps for Effective Detection and Control
    E Gomes, TG Mesquita, P Serra, D Araújo, C Almeida, A Machado, ...
    Antibiotics 15 (3), 262 , 2026
    2026
    Citations: 2
  • Values, Beliefs and Pro-Conservation Dispositions in Marine Tourism: Comparing Marine Park and Whale Watching Visitors in Portugal
    J Neves, J den Hollander, J Castro
    Tourism in Marine Environments , 2026
    2026
  • Advancing marine mammal monitoring: Large-scale UAV delphinidae datasets and robust motion tracking for group size estimation
    LV Filipe, J Canelas, M Vieira, FC da Fonseca, A Cid, J Castro, I Machado
    Machine Learning with Applications, 100808 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 1
  • Spatiotemporal data integration for marine megafauna SDMs in dynamic environments: A point process approach
    M Klaassen, M Fernandez, F Lindgren, V Morera-Pujol, L Thomas, ...
    bioRxiv, 2025.11. 07.687170 , 2025
    2025
  • Evaluation of antibacterial properties of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus gasseri on Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli associated with porcine post-weaning diarrhea …
    D Araújo, AR Silva, S Silva, NP Mira, C Almeida, J Castro
    The Microbe, 100614 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 1
  • Gardnerella species exhibit synergy in their ability to displace Lactobacillus crispatus adhered to HeLa cells
    Â Lima, J Castro, CA Muzny, N Cerca
    PeerJ 13, e20076 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 1
  • Aqueous Polyhydroxyalkanoate Solution-Based Knife Coatings: An Alternative Approach to the Production of Coated Cotton Fabrics
    MA Teixeira, J Castro, B Lima, C Guise, H Vilaça, CJ Silva
    Coatings 15 (11), 1278 , 2025
    2025
  • An Asset for Food Safety: The Knowledge Behind the Physiological Alterations Induced by ETEC Enterotoxins
    MM Barros, AM Campos, J Castro, R Oliveira, D Araújo, D Outor-Monteiro, ...
    Foods 14 (21), 3651 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 2
  • Enhanced Moisture Management in Textiles via Spray-Coated Water-Based Polyhydroxyalkanoate Dispersions
    MA Teixeira, W Almustafa, J Castro, C Guise, H Vilaça, CJ Silva
    Coatings 15 (11), 1237 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 1
  • Environmental influence on Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) abundance in Southern Portugal
    M Vizeu-Pinheiro, E Rogan, A Cid, J Castro, FO Borges
    Regional Studies in Marine Science, 104569 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 2
  • Automated cetacean detection in UAV imagery using AI models: a case study on Delphinid species
    J Canelas, L Clementino, A Cid, J Castro, I Machado, S Vieira
    International Journal of Data Science and Analytics 20 (4), 3965-3979 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 5
  • Aqueous PHA Solution-Based Knife Coatings: A Sustainable Approach to the Production of Coated Cotton Fabrics
    MA Teixeira, J Castro, B Lima, C Guise, H Vilaça, CJ Silva
    2025
  • Assessing host-adaptation of new sequence types of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA)
    R Oliveira, D Araújo, J Castro, T Nogueira, G Almeida, NF Azevedo, ...
    Microbial Pathogenesis, 108042 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 2
  • In Vitro Investigation of the Antimicrobial Properties of Gerês Propolis in Bacteria Isolated from Companion Animals and Safety Profile Characterization Using the Galleria …
    R Rodrigues, R Almeida, SCV Rodrigues, J Castro, R Oliveira, N Mendes, ...
    Pathogens 14 (8), 826 , 2025
    2025
  • Amphiphilic dendrimer-assisted delivery of antisense nucleic acid mimics against E. coli
    M Gomes, I Resende, Y Zamoshchak, D Araújo, J Castro, D Dhumal, ...
    Journal of Controlled Release 384, 113850 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 3
  • Habitat Preference of Risso's Dolphins ( Grampus griseus ) off the South Coast of Portugal
    MP Martins, FL Matos, A Cid, G Estrela, A Quirin, FO Borges, J Castro
    Marine Mammal Science 41 (3), e70001 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 4
  • Advances in whole genome sequencing for foodborne pathogens: implications for clinical infectious disease surveillance and public health
    E Gomes, D Araújo, T Nogueira, R Oliveira, S Silva, LVN Oliveira, ...
    Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology 15, 1593219 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 30

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Bacterial vaginosis biofilms: challenges to current therapies and emerging solutions
    D Machado, J Castro, A Palmeira-de-Oliveira, J Martinez-de-Oliveira, ...
    Frontiers in microbiology 6, 172812 , 2016
    2016
    Citations: 301
  • Unveiling the role of Gardnerella vaginalis in polymicrobial Bacterial Vaginosis biofilms: the impact of other vaginal pathogens living as neighbors
    J Castro, D Machado, N Cerca
    The ISME journal 13 (5), 1306-1317 , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 224
  • Using an in-vitro biofilm model to assess the virulence potential of Bacterial Vaginosis or non-Bacterial Vaginosis Gardnerella vaginalis isolates
    J Castro, P Alves, C Sousa, T Cereija, Â França, KK Jefferson, N Cerca
    Scientific reports 5 (1), 11640 , 2015
    2015
    Citations: 191
  • Comparative genomics of Lactobacillus crispatus suggests novel mechanisms for the competitive exclusion of Gardnerella vaginalis
    T Ojala, M Kankainen, J Castro, N Cerca, S Edelman, ...
    BMC genomics 15 (1), 1070 , 2014
    2014
    Citations: 177
  • Gardnerella vaginalis Outcompetes 29 Other Bacterial Species Isolated From Patients With Bacterial Vaginosis, Using in an In Vitro Biofilm Formation Model
    P Alves, J Castro, C Sousa, TB Cereija, N Cerca
    The Journal of infectious diseases 210 (4), 593-596 , 2014
    2014
    Citations: 172
  • Reciprocal interference between Lactobacillus spp. and Gardnerella vaginalis on initial adherence to epithelial cells
    J Castro, A Henriques, A Machado, M Henriques, KK Jefferson, N Cerca
    International journal of medical sciences 10 (9), 1193 , 2013
    2013
    Citations: 138
  • Comparative transcriptomic analysis of Gardnerella vaginalis biofilms vs. planktonic cultures using RNA-seq
    J Castro, A França, KR Bradwell, MG Serrano, KK Jefferson, N Cerca
    NPJ biofilms and microbiomes 3 (1), 3 , 2017
    2017
    Citations: 112
  • Gardnerella and vaginal health: the truth is out there
    AS Rosca, J Castro, LGV Sousa, N Cerca
    FEMS microbiology reviews 44 (1), 73-105 , 2020
    2020
    Citations: 111
  • Gardnerella vaginalis Enhances Atopobium vaginae Viability in an in vitro Model
    J Castro, AS Rosca, P Cools, M Vaneechoutte, N Cerca
    Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology 10, 83 , 2020
    2020
    Citations: 90
  • Genetic heterogeneity and taxonomic diversity among Gardnerella species
    J Castro, KK Jefferson, N Cerca
    Trends in Microbiology 28 (3), 202-211 , 2020
    2020
    Citations: 90
  • Synergistic effects of carvacrol, α-terpinene, γ-terpinene, ρ-cymene and linalool against Gardnerella species
    LGV Sousa, J Castro, C Cavaleiro, L Salgueiro, M Tomás, ...
    Scientific Reports 12 (1), 4417 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 78
  • Atopobium vaginae and Prevotella bivia Are Able to Incorporate and Influence Gene Expression in a Pre-Formed Gardnerella vaginalis Biofilm
    J Castro, AS Rosca, CA Muzny, N Cerca
    Pathogens 10 (2), 247 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 72
  • Crystal violet staining alone is not adequate to assess synergism or antagonism in multi-species biofilms of bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis
    J Castro, Â Lima, LGV Sousa, AS Rosca, CA Muzny, N Cerca
    Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology 11, 795797 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 64
  • Swine colibacillosis: global epidemiologic and antimicrobial scenario
    MM Barros, J Castro, D Araújo, AM Campos, R Oliveira, S Silva, ...
    Antibiotics 12 (4), 682 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 60
  • Lactobacillus crispatus represses vaginolysin expression by BV associated Gardnerella vaginalis and reduces cell cytotoxicity
    J Castro, AP Martins, ME Rodrigues, N Cerca
    Anaerobe 50, 60-63 , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 57
  • Exploring the Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates in Portugal
    R Oliveira, J Castro, S Silva, H Oliveira, MJ Saavedra, NF Azevedo, ...
    Antibiotics 11 (11), 1613 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 55
  • Swine enteric colibacillosis: Current treatment avenues and future directions
    J Castro, MM Barros, D Araújo, AM Campos, R Oliveira, S Silva, ...
    Frontiers in Veterinary Science 9, 981207 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 55
  • Assessing the behavioural responses of small cetaceans to unmanned aerial vehicles
    J Castro, FO Borges, A Cid, MI Laborde, R Rosa, HC Pearson
    Remote Sensing 13 (1), 156 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 51
  • Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in Portuguese pregnant women and vaginal colonization by Gardnerella vaginalis
    D Machado, J Castro, J Martinez-de-Oliveira, C Nogueira-Silva, N Cerca
    PeerJ 5, e3750 , 2017
    2017
    Citations: 49
  • Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis by a new multiplex peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization method
    A Machado, J Castro, T Cereija, C Almeida, N Cerca
    PeerJ 3, e780 , 2015
    2015
    Citations: 49

Publications

16| Castro J, Jefferson KK, Cerca N (2019). Genetic Heterogeneity and Taxonomic Diversity among Gardnerella Species. Trends in Microbiology, In press, doi: 10.1016/j.. Impact factor (2018): 11.974; Q1

15| Castro J #, Rosca AS#, Sousa LGV, Cerca N (2019). Gardnerella and vaginal health: the truth is out there. FEMS Microbiology Reviews, In press, doi: 10.1093/femsre/fuz027. #Both authors contributed equally to this work. Impact factor: 11.524 (2018); Q1

14| Castro J, Jefferson KK, Cerca N (2018). Innate immune components affect growth and virulence traits of bacterial vaginosis-associated and non-BV associated Gardnerella vaginalis strains similarly. Pathogens and Disease. Accepted. Impact factor: 2.335 (2016); Q1 (Medicine-miscellaneous)

13| Castro J, Machado D, Cerca N (2018). Unveiling the role of Gardnerella vaginalis in polymicrobial Bacterial Vaginosis biofilms: the impact of other vaginal pathogens living as neighbors. The ISME Journal. Accepted. Impact factor: 9.520 (2017); Q1

12| Castro J #, Martins AP #, Rodrigues ME, Cerca N (2018). Lactobacillus crispatus represses vaginolysin expression by BV associated Gardnerella vaginalis and reduces cell cytotoxicity. Anaerobe 50, 60-63 (doi: 10.1016/j. #Both authors contributed equally to this work. 5-Year Impact factor: 2.943; Q2

11| Machado D, Castro J, Martinez-de-Oliveira J, Nogueira-Silva C, Cerca N (2017). Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in Portuguese pregnant women and vaginal colonization by Gardnerella vaginalis. PeerJ 5, e3750 (doi: 10.7717/. Impact factor: 2.118 (2017); Q1

10| Castro J, França A, Bradwell KR, Serrano MG, Jefferson KK, Cerca N (2017). Comparative transcriptomic analysis of Gardnerella vaginalis biofilms versus planktonic cultures using RNA-seq. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 3, 3 (doi: 10.1038/s41522-017-0012-7). 2-year Impact factor: 4.128; Q1

9| Machado D, Castro J, Palmeira-de-Oliveira A, Martinez-de-Oliveira J, Cerca N. (2016). Bacterial vaginosis biofilms: challenges to current therapies and emerging solutions. Frontiers in Microbiology 6, 1528 (doi: 10.3389/. Impact factor: 4.019; Q1

8| Castro J, Machado D, Cerca N. (2016). Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis are able to incorporate and enhance a pre-formed Gardnerella vaginalis biofilm. Pathogens and Disease 74 (doi: 10.1093/femspd/ftw007). Impact factor: 2.335 (2016); Q1 (Medicine-miscellaneous)

7| Castro J, Cerca N (2015). BV and non-BV associated Gardnerella vaginalis establish similar synergistic interactions with other BV-associated microorganisms in dual-species biofilms. Anaerobe 36, 56-9 (doi: 10.1016/j.. 5-Year Impact factor: 2.943; Q2

6| Castro J, Alves P, Sousa C, Cereija TB, França A, Jefferson KK, Cerca N (2015). Using an in-vitro biofilm model to assess the virulence potential of bacterial vaginosis or non-bacterial vaginosis Gardnerella vaginalis isolates. Scientific Reports 5:11640 (doi: 10.1038/srep11640).5-year Impact factor: 4.609; Q1

5| Machado A, Castro J, Cereja T, Almeida C and Cerca N (2015). Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis by a new multiplex peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization method. PeerJ 3:e780 (doi: 10.7717/. Impact factor: 2.118 (2017); Q1

4| Ojala T, Kankainen M, Castro J, Cerca N, Edelman S, Westerlund-Wikstrom B, Paulin L, Holm, L, Auvinen P (2014). Comparative genomics of Lactobacillus crispatus suggests novel mechanisms for the competitive exclusion of Gardnerella vaginalis. BMC Genomics 15, 1070 (doi: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-1070). Impact factor: 3.729 (2016); Q1

3| Alves P #, Castro J #, Sousa C, Cereija TB, Cerca N (2014). Gardnerella vaginalis outcompetes 29 other bacterial species isolated from patients with bacterial vaginosis, using in an in vitro biofilm formation model. Journal of Infectious Diseases 210, 593-596 (doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiu131) #Both authors contributed equally to this work. 5-year Impact factor: 5.345; Q1

2| Cereja T, Castro J, Alves P and Cerca N (2013). Influence of anaerobic conditions on vaginal microbiome recovery from Bacterial Vaginosis patients. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 89:307 (doi:10.1136/sextrans-2013-051100). Impact factor: 3.346; Q1

1| Castro J, Henriques A, Machado A, Henriques M, Jefferson KK and Cerca N. (2013). Reciprocal interference between Lactobacillus spp. and Gardnerella vaginalis on initial adherence to epithelial cells. International Journal of Medical Science, 10(9):1193-8 (doi: 10.7150/. Impact factor: 2.399; Q1

GRANT DETAILS

FCT Grant SFRH/BD/93963/2013 – Determining the pathogenic potential of commensal and clinical Gardnerella vaginalis isolates