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Del Carpio AMG, Freire CA, Andrade FB, Piazza RMF, Silva RM, Carvalho E, Elias WP. Genomic Dissection of an Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli Strain Isolated from Bacteremia Reveals Insights into Its Hybrid Pathogenic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9238. [PMID: 39273188 PMCID: PMC11394720 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli is a frequent pathogen isolated from bloodstream infections. This study aimed to characterize the genetic features of EC092, an E. coli strain isolated from bacteremia that harbors enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) genetic markers, indicating its hybrid pathogenic potential. Whole-genome sequencing showed that EC092 belongs to phylogroup B1, ST278, and serotype O165:H4. Genes encoding virulence factors such as fimbriae, toxins, iron-uptake systems, autotransporter proteins (Pet, Pic, Sat, and SepA), and secretion systems were detected, as well as EAEC virulence genes (aggR, aatA, aaiC, and aap). EC092 was found to be closely related to the other EAEC prototype strains and highly similar in terms of virulence to three EAEC strains isolated from diarrhea. The genomic neighborhood of pet, pic, sat, sepA, and the EAEC virulence genes of EC092 and its three genetically related fecal EAEC strains showed an identical genomic organization and nucleotide sequences. Also, EC092 produced and secreted Pet, Pic, Sat, and SepA in the culture supernatant and resisted the bactericidal activity of normal human serum. Our results demonstrate that the strain EC092, isolated from bacteremia, is a hybrid pathogenic extraintestinal E. coli (ExPEC)/EAEC with virulence features that could mediate both extraintestinal and intestinal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia A Freire
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda B Andrade
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Roxane M F Piazza
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Rosa M Silva
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Eneas Carvalho
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Waldir P Elias
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
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Correa GB, Freire CA, Dibo M, Huerta-Cantillo J, Navarro-Garcia F, Barbosa AS, Elias WP, Moraes CTP. Plasmid-encoded toxin of Escherichia coli cleaves complement system proteins and inhibits complement-mediated lysis in vitro. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1327241. [PMID: 38371299 PMCID: PMC10869522 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1327241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasmid-encoded toxin (Pet) is an autotransporter protein of the serine protease autotransporters of Enterobacteriaceae (SPATE) family, important in the pathogenicity of Escherichia coli. The pet gene was initially found in the enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) virulence plasmid, pAA2. Although this virulence factor was initially described in EAEC, an intestinal E. coli pathotype, pet may also be present in other pathotypes, including extraintestinal pathogenic strains (ExPEC). The complement system is an important defense mechanism of the immune system that can be activated by invading pathogens. Proteases produced by pathogenic bacteria, such as SPATEs, have proteolytic activity and can cleave components of the complement system, promoting bacterial resistance to human serum. Considering these factors, the proteolytic activity of Pet and its role in evading the complement system were investigated. Proteolytic assays were performed by incubating purified components of the complement system with Pet and Pet S260I (a catalytic site mutant) proteins. Pet, but not Pet S260I, could cleave C3, C5 and C9 components, and also inhibited the natural formation of C9 polymers. Furthermore, a dose-dependent inhibition of ZnCl2-induced C9 polymerization in vitro was observed. E. coli DH5α survived incubation with human serum pre-treated with Pet. Therefore, Pet can potentially interfere with the alternative and the terminal pathways of the complement system. In addition, by cleaving C9, Pet may inhibit membrane attack complex (MAC) formation on the bacterial outer membrane. Thus, our data are suggestive of a role of Pet in resistance of E. coli to human serum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Miriam Dibo
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jazmin Huerta-Cantillo
- Department of Cell Biology, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Fernando Navarro-Garcia
- Department of Cell Biology, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Waldir P. Elias
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
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D'Onofrio V, Cartuyvels R, Messiaen PEA, Barišić I, Gyssens IC. Virulence Factor Genes in Invasive Escherichia coli Are Associated with Clinical Outcomes and Disease Severity in Patients with Sepsis: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1827. [PMID: 37512999 PMCID: PMC10386379 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Escherichia coli harbours virulence factors that facilitate the development of bloodstream infections. Studies determining virulence factors in clinical isolates often have limited access to clinical data and lack associations with patient outcome. The goal of this study was to correlate sepsis outcome and virulence factors of clinical E. coli isolates in a large cohort. METHODS Patients presenting at the emergency department whose blood cultures were positive for E. coli were prospectively included. Clinical and laboratory parameters were collected at admission. SOFA-score was calculated to determine disease severity. Patient outcomes were in-hospital mortality and ICU admission. Whole genome sequencing was performed for E. coli isolates and virulence genes were detected using the VirulenceFinder database. RESULTS In total, 103 E. coli blood isolates were sequenced. Isolates had six to 41 virulence genes present. One virulence gene, kpsMII_K23, a K1 capsule group 2 of E. coli type K23, was significantly more present in isolates of patients who died. kpsMII_K23 and cvaC (Microcin C) were significantly more frequent in isolates of patients who were admitted to the ICU. Fourteen virulence genes (mchB, mchC, papA_fsiA_F16, sat, senB, iucC, iutA, iha, sfaD, cnf1, focG, vat, cldB, and mcmA) significantly differed between patients with and without sepsis. CONCLUSIONS Microcins, toxins, and fimbriae were associated with disease severity. Adhesins and iron uptake proteins seemed to be protective. Two genes were associated with worse clinical outcome. These findings contribute to a better understanding of host-pathogen interactions and could help identifying patients most at risk for a worse outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentino D'Onofrio
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Jessa Hospital, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud, Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Peter E A Messiaen
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Jessa Hospital, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Ivan Barišić
- Austrian Institute of Technology, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Inge C Gyssens
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud, Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Gatica S, Fuentes B, Rivera-Asín E, Ramírez-Céspedes P, Sepúlveda-Alfaro J, Catalán EA, Bueno SM, Kalergis AM, Simon F, Riedel CA, Melo-Gonzalez F. Novel evidence on sepsis-inducing pathogens: from laboratory to bedside. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1198200. [PMID: 37426029 PMCID: PMC10327444 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1198200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition and a significant cause of preventable morbidity and mortality globally. Among the leading causative agents of sepsis are bacterial pathogens Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pyogenes, along with fungal pathogens of the Candida species. Here, we focus on evidence from human studies but also include in vitro and in vivo cellular and molecular evidence, exploring how bacterial and fungal pathogens are associated with bloodstream infection and sepsis. This review presents a narrative update on pathogen epidemiology, virulence factors, host factors of susceptibility, mechanisms of immunomodulation, current therapies, antibiotic resistance, and opportunities for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics, through the perspective of bloodstream infection and sepsis. A list of curated novel host and pathogen factors, diagnostic and prognostic markers, and potential therapeutical targets to tackle sepsis from the research laboratory is presented. Further, we discuss the complex nature of sepsis depending on the sepsis-inducing pathogen and host susceptibility, the more common strains associated with severe pathology and how these aspects may impact in the management of the clinical presentation of sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Gatica
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Brandon Fuentes
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Elizabeth Rivera-Asín
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paula Ramírez-Céspedes
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javiera Sepúlveda-Alfaro
- Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eduardo A. Catalán
- Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Susan M. Bueno
- Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexis M. Kalergis
- Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Endocrinología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Simon
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia A. Riedel
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Melo-Gonzalez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
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Santos ACM, Santos-Neto JF, Trovão LO, Romano RFT, Silva RM, Gomes TAT. Characterization of unconventional pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from bloodstream infection: virulence beyond the opportunism. Braz J Microbiol 2023; 54:15-28. [PMID: 36480121 PMCID: PMC9943985 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00884-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) is the leading cause of urinary tract infection worldwide and a critical bloodstream infection agent. There are more than 50 virulence factors (VFs) related to ExPEC pathogenesis; however, many strains isolated from extraintestinal infections are devoid of these factors. Since opportunistic infections may occur in immunocompromised patients, E. coli strains that lack recognized VFs are considered opportunist, and their virulence potential is neglected. We assessed eleven E. coli strains isolated from bloodstream infections and devoid of the most common ExPEC VFs to understand their pathogenic potential. The strains were evaluated according to their capacity to interact in vitro with human eukaryotic cell lineages (Caco-2, T24, HEK293T, and A549 cells), produce type 1 fimbriae and biofilm in diverse media, resist to human sera, and be lethal to Galleria mellonella. One strain displaying all phenotypic traits was sequenced and evaluated. Ten strains adhered to Caco-2 (colon), eight to T24 (bladder), five to HEK-293 T (kidney), and four to A549 (lung) cells. Eight strains produced type 1 fimbriae, ten adhered to abiotic surfaces, nine were serum resistant, and seven were virulent in the G. mellonella model. Six of the eleven E. coli strains displayed traits compatible with pathogens, five of which were isolated from an immune-competent host. The genome of the EC175 strain, isolated from a patient with urosepsis, reveals that the strain belonged to ST504-A, and serotype O11:H11; harbors thirteen VFs genes, including genes encoding UpaG and yersiniabactin as the only ExPEC VFs identified. Together, our results suggest that the ExPEC pathotype includes pathogens from phylogroups A and B1, which harbor VFs that remain to be uncovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina M Santos
- Laboratório Experimental de Patogenicidade de Enterobactérias, Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Botucatu 862, Edifício Prof. Dr. Antônio C. Mattos Paiva, 3º Andar. Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04023-062, Brazil.
| | - José F Santos-Neto
- Laboratório Experimental de Patogenicidade de Enterobactérias, Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Botucatu 862, Edifício Prof. Dr. Antônio C. Mattos Paiva, 3º Andar. Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Liana O Trovão
- Laboratório Experimental de Patogenicidade de Enterobactérias, Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Botucatu 862, Edifício Prof. Dr. Antônio C. Mattos Paiva, 3º Andar. Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Ricardo F T Romano
- Laboratório de Patogênese de Enterobacterales, Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Diagnóstico Por Imagem, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rosa Maria Silva
- Laboratório de Patogênese de Enterobacterales, Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tânia A T Gomes
- Laboratório Experimental de Patogenicidade de Enterobactérias, Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Botucatu 862, Edifício Prof. Dr. Antônio C. Mattos Paiva, 3º Andar. Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04023-062, Brazil.
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6
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Tantoso E, Eisenhaber B, Kirsch M, Shitov V, Zhao Z, Eisenhaber F. To kill or to be killed: pangenome analysis of Escherichia coli strains reveals a tailocin specific for pandemic ST131. BMC Biol 2022; 20:146. [PMID: 35710371 PMCID: PMC9205054 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01347-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Escherichia coli (E. coli) has been one of the most studied model organisms in the history of life sciences. Initially thought just to be commensal bacteria, E. coli has shown wide phenotypic diversity including pathogenic isolates with great relevance to public health. Though pangenome analysis has been attempted several times, there is no systematic functional characterization of the E. coli subgroups according to the gene profile. RESULTS Systematically scanning for optimal parametrization, we have built the E. coli pangenome from 1324 complete genomes. The pangenome size is estimated to be ~25,000 gene families (GFs). Whereas the core genome diminishes as more genomes are added, the softcore genome (≥95% of strains) is stable with ~3000 GFs regardless of the total number of genomes. Apparently, the softcore genome (with a 92% or 95% generation threshold) can define the genome of a bacterial species listing the critically relevant, evolutionarily most conserved or important classes of GFs. Unsupervised clustering of common E. coli sequence types using the presence/absence GF matrix reveals distinct characteristics of E. coli phylogroups B1, B2, and E. We highlight the bi-lineage nature of B1, the variation of the secretion and of the iron acquisition systems in ST11 (E), and the incorporation of a highly conserved prophage into the genome of ST131 (B2). The tail structure of the prophage is evolutionarily related to R2-pyocin (a tailocin) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. We hypothesize that this molecular machinery is highly likely to play an important role in protecting its own colonies; thus, contributing towards the rapid rise of pandemic E. coli ST131. CONCLUSIONS This study has explored the optimized pangenome development in E. coli. We provide complete GF lists and the pangenome matrix as supplementary data for further studies. We identified biological characteristics of different E. coli subtypes, specifically for phylogroups B1, B2, and E. We found an operon-like genome region coding for a tailocin specific for ST131 strains. The latter is a potential killer weapon providing pandemic E. coli ST131 with an advantage in inter-bacterial competition and, suggestively, explains their dominance as human pathogen among E. coli strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Tantoso
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore, 138672, Republic of Singapore.,Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 30 Biopolis Street #07-01, Matrix Building, Singapore, 138671, Republic of Singapore
| | - Birgit Eisenhaber
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore, 138672, Republic of Singapore.,Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 30 Biopolis Street #07-01, Matrix Building, Singapore, 138671, Republic of Singapore
| | - Miles Kirsch
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 30 Biopolis Street #07-01, Matrix Building, Singapore, 138671, Republic of Singapore.,Present address: Northeastern University, Boston, USA
| | - Vladimir Shitov
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 30 Biopolis Street #07-01, Matrix Building, Singapore, 138671, Republic of Singapore
| | - Zhiya Zhao
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 30 Biopolis Street #07-01, Matrix Building, Singapore, 138671, Republic of Singapore.,Present address: The University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Frank Eisenhaber
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore, 138672, Republic of Singapore. .,Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 30 Biopolis Street #07-01, Matrix Building, Singapore, 138671, Republic of Singapore. .,School of Biological Sciences (SBS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore, Republic of Singapore.
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7
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Freire CA, Silva RM, Ruiz RC, Pimenta DC, Bryant JA, Henderson IR, Barbosa AS, Elias WP. Secreted Autotransporter Toxin (Sat) Mediates Innate Immune System Evasion. Front Immunol 2022; 13:844878. [PMID: 35251044 PMCID: PMC8891578 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.844878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Several strategies are used by Escherichia coli to evade the host innate immune system in the blood, such as the cleavage of complement system proteins by secreted proteases. Members of the Serine Proteases Autotransporters of Enterobacteriaceae (SPATE) family have been described as presenting proteolytic effects against complement proteins. Among the SPATE-encoding genes sat (secreted autotransporter toxin) has been detected in high frequencies among strains of E. coli isolated from bacteremia. Sat has been characterized for its cytotoxic action, but the possible immunomodulatory effects of Sat have not been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the proteolytic effects of Sat on complement proteins and the role in pathogenesis of BSI caused by extraintestinal E. coli (ExPEC). E. coli EC071 was selected as a Sat-producing ExPEC strain. Whole-genome sequencing showed that sat sequences of EC071 and uropathogenic E. coli CFT073 present 99% identity. EC071 was shown to be resistant to the bactericidal activity of normal human serum (NHS). Purified native Sat was used in proteolytic assays with proteins of the complement system and, except for C1q, all tested substrates were cleaved by Sat in a dose and time-dependent manner. Moreover, E. coli DH5α survived in NHS pre-incubated with Sat. EC071-derivative strains harboring sat knockout and in trans complementations producing either active or non-active Sat were tested in a murine sepsis model. Lethality was reduced by 50% when mice were inoculated with the sat mutant strain. The complemented strain producing active Sat partially restored the effect caused by the wild-type strain. The results presented in this study show that Sat presents immunomodulatory effects by cleaving several proteins of the three complement system pathways. Therefore, Sat plays an important role in the establishment of bloodstream infections and sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia A Freire
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil.,Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rosa M Silva
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rita C Ruiz
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel C Pimenta
- Laboratório de Bioquímica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jack A Bryant
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ian R Henderson
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Angela S Barbosa
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Waldir P Elias
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
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8
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Genotypic assay to determine some virulence factors of Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) isolates. Int J Health Sci (Qassim) 2022. [DOI: 10.53730/ijhs.v6ns4.6289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 179 urine samples were collected from patients suffering from urinary tract infections were admitted and visit Al-Hilla General Teaching Hospital in Al-Hilla City, during a period from April 2021 to December 2021, from both sex (male and female). Out of 179,123 (68.7%) were positive culture, whereas 56 (31.3%) samples showed no bacterial growth, To confirm the identification of E. coli by use selective media (EMB agar medium, biochemical tests, automated Vitek 2 system and 16s RNA specific primer by the presence of (1492 bp) compared with allelic ladder, it was found that, E. coli were deliberated the main an etiological causes UTI to other types bacteria which constitute 56/123 (45.5%), [45/56 (80.4%) from female and 11/56 (19.6%) from male], while 67/123 (54.4%) were related to other types of bacteria. Molecular detection of some virulence factors genes were studied, out of 56 E. coli isolates, hlyA gene was detected in 21/56 (37.5%) isolates by the presence of (1177 bp) and sat gene was detected in 35/56 (62.5%) isolates by the presence of (410 bp) compared with allelic ladder.
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9
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Nascimento JAS, Santos FF, Santos-Neto JF, Trovão LO, Valiatti TB, Pinaffi IC, Vieira MAM, Silva RM, Falsetti IN, Santos ACM, Gomes TAT. Molecular Epidemiology and Presence of Hybrid Pathogenic Escherichia coli among Isolates from Community-Acquired Urinary Tract Infection. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020302. [PMID: 35208757 PMCID: PMC8874565 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTI) affect community and healthcare patients worldwide and may have different clinical outcomes. We assessed the phylogenetic origin, the presence of 43 virulence factors (VFs) of diarrheagenic and extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli, and the occurrence of hybrid strains among E. coli isolates from 172 outpatients with different types of UTI. Isolates from phylogroup B2 (46%) prevailed, followed by phylogroups A (15.7%) and B1 (12.2%), with similar phylogenetic distribution in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The most frequent VFs according to their functional category were fimA (94.8%), ompA (83.1%), ompT (63.3%), chuA (57.6%), and vat (22%). Using published molecular criteria, 34.3% and 18.0% of the isolates showed intrinsic virulence and uropathogenic potential, respectively. Two strains carried the eae and escV genes and one the aggR gene, which classified them as hybrid strains. These hybrid strains interacted with renal and bladder cells, reinforcing their uropathogenic potential. The frequency of UPEC strains bearing a more pathogenic potential in the outpatients studied was smaller than reported in other regions. Our data contribute to deepening current knowledge about the mechanisms involved in UTI pathogenesis, especially among hybrid UPEC strains, as these could colonize the host’s intestine, leading to intestinal infections followed by UTI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júllia A. S. Nascimento
- Laboratório Experimental de Patogenicidade de Enterobactérias (LEPE), Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia (DMIP), Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil; (J.A.S.N.); (J.F.S.-N.); (L.O.T.); (M.A.M.V.); (A.C.M.S.)
| | - Fernanda F. Santos
- Laboratório Alerta, Disciplina de Infectologia, Departamento de Medicina, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil; (F.F.S.); (T.B.V.)
| | - José F. Santos-Neto
- Laboratório Experimental de Patogenicidade de Enterobactérias (LEPE), Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia (DMIP), Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil; (J.A.S.N.); (J.F.S.-N.); (L.O.T.); (M.A.M.V.); (A.C.M.S.)
| | - Liana O. Trovão
- Laboratório Experimental de Patogenicidade de Enterobactérias (LEPE), Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia (DMIP), Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil; (J.A.S.N.); (J.F.S.-N.); (L.O.T.); (M.A.M.V.); (A.C.M.S.)
| | - Tiago B. Valiatti
- Laboratório Alerta, Disciplina de Infectologia, Departamento de Medicina, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil; (F.F.S.); (T.B.V.)
| | - Isabel C. Pinaffi
- Laboratório Santa Cruz Medicina Diagnóstica, Mogi Guaçu 13840-052, Brazil; (I.C.P.); (I.N.F.)
| | - Mônica A. M. Vieira
- Laboratório Experimental de Patogenicidade de Enterobactérias (LEPE), Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia (DMIP), Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil; (J.A.S.N.); (J.F.S.-N.); (L.O.T.); (M.A.M.V.); (A.C.M.S.)
| | - Rosa M. Silva
- Laboratório de Enterobactérias, Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia (DMIP), Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil;
| | - Ivan N. Falsetti
- Laboratório Santa Cruz Medicina Diagnóstica, Mogi Guaçu 13840-052, Brazil; (I.C.P.); (I.N.F.)
| | - Ana C. M. Santos
- Laboratório Experimental de Patogenicidade de Enterobactérias (LEPE), Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia (DMIP), Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil; (J.A.S.N.); (J.F.S.-N.); (L.O.T.); (M.A.M.V.); (A.C.M.S.)
| | - Tânia A. T. Gomes
- Laboratório Experimental de Patogenicidade de Enterobactérias (LEPE), Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia (DMIP), Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil; (J.A.S.N.); (J.F.S.-N.); (L.O.T.); (M.A.M.V.); (A.C.M.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-5576-4848
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10
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Schüroff PA, Salvador FA, Abe CM, Wami HT, Carvalho E, Hernandes RT, Dobrindt U, Gomes TAT, Elias WP. The aggregate-forming pili (AFP) mediates the aggregative adherence of a hybrid-pathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC/EAEC) isolated from a urinary tract infection. Virulence 2021; 12:3073-3093. [PMID: 34923895 PMCID: PMC8923075 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.2007645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) comprises an important diarrheagenic pathotype, while uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) is the most important agent of urinary tract infection (UTI). Recently, EAEC virulence factors have been detected in E. coli strains causing UTI, showing the importance of these hybrid-pathogenic strains. Previously, we detected an E. coli strain isolated from UTI (UPEC-46) presenting characteristics of EAEC, e.g., the aggregative adherence (AA) pattern and EAEC-associated genes (aatA, aap, and pet). In this current study, we analyzed the whole genomic sequence of UPEC-46 and characterized some phenotypic traits. The AA phenotype was observed in cell lineages of urinary and intestinal origin. The production of curli, cellulose, bacteriocins, and Pet toxin was detected. Additionally, UPEC-46 was not capable of forming biofilm using different culture media and human urine. The genome sequence analysis showed that this strain belongs to serotype O166:H12, ST10, and phylogroup A, harbors the tet, aadA, and dfrA/sul resistance genes, and is phylogenetically more related to EAEC strains isolated from human feces. UPEC-46 harbors three plasmids. Plasmid p46-1 (~135 kb) carries some EAEC marker genes and those encoding the aggregate-forming pili (AFP) and its regulator (afpR). A mutation in afpA (encoding the AFP major pilin) led to the loss of pilin production and assembly, and notably, a strongly reduced adhesion to epithelial cells. In summary, the genetic background and phenotypic traits analyzed suggest that UPEC-46 is a hybrid strain (UPEC/EAEC) and highlights the importance of AFP adhesin in the adherence to colorectal and bladder cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo A Schüroff
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil.,Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Fábia A Salvador
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cecilia M Abe
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Haleluya T Wami
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Eneas Carvalho
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo T Hernandes
- Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Ulrich Dobrindt
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Tânia A T Gomes
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Waldir P Elias
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
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11
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Nascimento JAS, Santos FF, Valiatti TB, Santos-Neto JF, M. Santos AC, Cayô R, Gales AC, A. T. Gomes T. Frequency and Diversity of Hybrid Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Urinary Tract Infections. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9040693. [PMID: 33801702 PMCID: PMC8065829 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Hybrid uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains carry virulence markers of the diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) pathotypes, which may increase their virulence potential. This study analyzed the frequency and virulence potential of hybrid strains among 452 UPEC strains. (2) Methods: Strains were tested for the DEC virulence diagnostic genes’ presence by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Those carrying at least one gene were classified as hybrid and further tested for 10 UPEC and extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) virulence genes and phylogenetic classification. Also, their ability to produce hemolysis, adhere to HeLa and renal HEK 293T cells, form a biofilm, and antimicrobial susceptibility were evaluated. (3) Results: Nine (2%) hybrid strains were detected; seven of them carried aggR and two, eae, and were classified as UPEC/EAEC (enteroaggregative E. coli) and UPEC/aEPEC (atypical enteropathogenic E. coli), respectively. They belonged to phylogroups A (five strains), B1 (three), and D (one), and adhered to both cell lineages tested. Only the UPEC/EAEC strains were hemolytic (five strains) and produced biofilm. One UPEC/aEPEC strain was resistant to third-generation cephalosporins and carried blaCTX-M-15. (4) Conclusions: Our findings contribute to understanding the occurrence and pathogenicity of hybrid UPEC strains, which may cause more severe infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júllia A. S. Nascimento
- Laboratório Experimental de Patogenicidade de Enterobactérias (LEPE), Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia (DMIP), Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil; (J.A.S.N.); (F.F.S.); (T.B.V.); (J.F.S.-N.); (A.C.M.S.)
| | - Fernanda F. Santos
- Laboratório Experimental de Patogenicidade de Enterobactérias (LEPE), Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia (DMIP), Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil; (J.A.S.N.); (F.F.S.); (T.B.V.); (J.F.S.-N.); (A.C.M.S.)
- Laboratório Alerta, Disciplina de Infectologia, Departamento de Medicina, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil; (R.C.); (A.C.G.)
| | - Tiago B. Valiatti
- Laboratório Experimental de Patogenicidade de Enterobactérias (LEPE), Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia (DMIP), Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil; (J.A.S.N.); (F.F.S.); (T.B.V.); (J.F.S.-N.); (A.C.M.S.)
- Laboratório Alerta, Disciplina de Infectologia, Departamento de Medicina, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil; (R.C.); (A.C.G.)
| | - José F. Santos-Neto
- Laboratório Experimental de Patogenicidade de Enterobactérias (LEPE), Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia (DMIP), Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil; (J.A.S.N.); (F.F.S.); (T.B.V.); (J.F.S.-N.); (A.C.M.S.)
| | - Ana Carolina M. Santos
- Laboratório Experimental de Patogenicidade de Enterobactérias (LEPE), Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia (DMIP), Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil; (J.A.S.N.); (F.F.S.); (T.B.V.); (J.F.S.-N.); (A.C.M.S.)
| | - Rodrigo Cayô
- Laboratório Alerta, Disciplina de Infectologia, Departamento de Medicina, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil; (R.C.); (A.C.G.)
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Microbiologia (LIB), Setor de Biologia Molecular, Microbiologia e Imunologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas (DCB), Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Diadema 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Ana C. Gales
- Laboratório Alerta, Disciplina de Infectologia, Departamento de Medicina, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil; (R.C.); (A.C.G.)
| | - Tânia A. T. Gomes
- Laboratório Experimental de Patogenicidade de Enterobactérias (LEPE), Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia (DMIP), Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil; (J.A.S.N.); (F.F.S.); (T.B.V.); (J.F.S.-N.); (A.C.M.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-5576-4848
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12
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Valiatti TB, Santos FF, Santos ACM, Nascimento JAS, Silva RM, Carvalho E, Sinigaglia R, Gomes TAT. Genetic and Virulence Characteristics of a Hybrid Atypical Enteropathogenic and Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (aEPEC/UPEC) Strain. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:492. [PMID: 33134184 PMCID: PMC7550682 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hybrid strains of Escherichia coli combine virulence traits of diarrheagenic (DEC) and extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC), but it is poorly understood whether these combined features improve the virulence potential of such strains. We have previously identified a uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) strain (UPEC 252) harboring the eae gene that encodes the adhesin intimin and is located in the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) pathogenicity island. The LEE-encoded proteins allow enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) to form attaching and effacing (A/E) lesions in enterocytes. We sought to characterize UPEC 252 through whole-genome sequencing and phenotypic virulence assays. Genome analysis unveiled that this strain harbors a complete LEE region, with more than 97% of identity comparing to E2348/69 (EPEC) and O157:H7 Sakai (EHEC) prototype strains, which was functional, since UPEC 252 expressed the LEE-encoded proteins EspB and intimin and induced actin accumulation foci in HeLa cells. Phylogenetic analysis performed comparing 1,000 single-copy shared genes clustered UPEC 252 with atypical EPEC strains that belong to the sequence type 10, phylogroup A. Additionally, UPEC 252 was resistant to the bactericidal power of human serum and colonized cells of the urinary (T24 and HEK293-T) and intestinal (Caco-2 and LS174T) tracts. Our findings suggest that UPEC 252 is an atypical EPEC strain that emerges as a hybrid strain (aEPEC/UPEC), which could colonize new niches and potentially cause intestinal and extraintestinal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago B Valiatti
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda F Santos
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana C M Santos
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Júllia A S Nascimento
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rosa M Silva
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eneas Carvalho
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rita Sinigaglia
- Centro de Microscopia Eletrônica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tânia A T Gomes
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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13
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Santos ACDM, Santos FF, Silva RM, Gomes TAT. Diversity of Hybrid- and Hetero-Pathogenic Escherichia coli and Their Potential Implication in More Severe Diseases. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:339. [PMID: 32766163 PMCID: PMC7381148 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) are designated by their isolation site and grouped based on the type of host and the disease they cause, most diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) are subdivided into several pathotypes based on the presence of specific virulence traits directly related to disease development. This scenario of a well-categorized E. coli collapsed after the German outbreak of 2011, caused by one strain bearing the virulence factors of two different DEC pathotypes (enteroaggregative E. coli and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli). Since the outbreak, many studies have shown that this phenomenon is more frequent than previously realized. Therefore, the terms hybrid- and hetero-pathogenic E. coli have been coined to describe new combinations of virulence factors among the classic E. coli pathotypes. In this review, we provide an overview of these classifications and highlight the E. coli genomic plasticity that results in some mixed E. coli pathotypes displaying novel pathogenic strategies, which lead to a new symptomatology related to E. coli diseases. In addition, as the capacity for genome interrogation has grown in the last few years, it is clear that genes encoding some virulence factors, such as Shiga toxin, are found among different E. coli pathotypes to which they have not traditionally been associated, perhaps foreshowing their emergence in new and severe outbreaks caused by such hybrid strains. Therefore, further studies regarding hetero-pathogenic and hybrid-pathogenic E. coli isolates are necessary to better understand and control the spread of these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina de Mello Santos
- Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Fernandes Santos
- Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rosa Maria Silva
- Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tânia Aparecida Tardelli Gomes
- Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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14
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Moraes CTP, Longo J, Silva LB, Pimenta DC, Carvalho E, Morone MSLC, da Rós N, Serrano SMT, Santos ACM, Piazza RMF, Barbosa AS, Elias WP. Surface Protein Dispersin of Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli Binds Plasminogen That Is Converted Into Active Plasmin. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1222. [PMID: 32625178 PMCID: PMC7315649 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Dispersin is a 10.2 kDa-immunogenic protein secreted by enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC). In the prototypical EAEC strain 042, dispersin is non-covalently bound to the outer membrane, assisting dispersion across the intestinal mucosa by overcoming electrostatic attraction between the AAF/II fimbriae and the bacterial surface. Also, dispersin facilitates penetration of the intestinal mucus layer. Initially characterized in EAEC, dispersin has been detected in other E. coli pathotypes, including those isolated from extraintestinal sites. In this study we investigated the binding capacity of purified dispersin to extracellular matrix (ECM), since dispersin is exposed on the bacterial surface and is involved in intestinal colonization. Binding to plasminogen was also investigated due to the presence of conserved carboxy-terminal lysine residues in dispersin sequences, which are involved in plasminogen binding in several bacterial proteins. Moreover, some E. coli components can interact with this host protease, as well as with tissue plasminogen activator, leading to plasmin production. Recombinant dispersin was produced and used in binding assays with ECM molecules and coagulation cascade compounds. Purified dispersin bound specifically to laminin and plasminogen. Interaction with plasminogen occurred in a dose-dependent and saturable manner. In the presence of plasminogen activator, bound plasminogen was converted into plasmin, its active form, leading to fibrinogen and vitronectin cleavage. A collection of E. coli strains isolated from human bacteremia was screened for the presence of aap, the dispersin-encoding gene. Eight aap-positive strains were detected and dispersin production could be observed in four of them. Our data describe new attributes for dispersin and points out to possible roles in mechanisms of tissue adhesion and dissemination, considering the binding capacity to laminin, and the generation of dispersin-bound plasmin(ogen), which may facilitate E. coli spread from the colonization site to other tissues and organs. The cleavage of fibrinogen in the bloodstream, may also contribute to the pathogenesis of sepsis caused by dispersin-producing E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan Longo
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ludmila B Silva
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel C Pimenta
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eneas Carvalho
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana S L C Morone
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology - Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nancy da Rós
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology - Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Solange M T Serrano
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology - Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina M Santos
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Angela S Barbosa
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Waldir P Elias
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
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