Characterisation of a synergohymenotropic toxin produced by Staphylococcus intermedius

Detection and characterization of potential virulence determinants in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and S. schleiferi strains isolated from canine otitis externa in Korea

BACKGROUND

A recent increase in the occurrence of canine skin and soft tissue infections, including otitis externa and pyoderma, caused by antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and S. schleiferi has become a significant public and veterinary health issues.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the virulence potentials associated with the occurrence of canine otitis externa in S. pseudintermedius and S. schleiferi.

METHODS

In this study, the prevalence of genes encoding leukocidins, exfoliative toxins, and staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) was investigated using previously characterized S. pseudintermedius (n = 26) and S. schleiferi (n = 19) isolates derived from canine otitis externa. Susceptibility to cathelicidins (K9CATH and PMAP-36) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was also examined in both staphylococcal species.

RESULTS

A high prevalence of genes encoding leukocidins (lukS/F-I, lukS1/F1-S, and lukS2/F2-S), exfoliative toxins (siet, expB, and sset), and SEs was identified in both S. pseudintermedius and S. schleiferi isolates. Notably, S. pseudintermedius isolates possessed higher number of SE genes, especially newer SE genes, than S. schleiferi isolates harboring egc clusters. Although no significant differences in susceptibility to K9CATH and H2O2 were observed between the two isolate groups, S. pseudintermedius isolates exhibited enhanced resistance to PMAP-36 compared to S. schleiferi isolates.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that high a prevalence of various toxin genes together with enhanced resistance to cathelicidins may contribute to the pathogenicity of S. pseudintermedius and S. schleiferi in canine cutaneous infections.

Virulence Mechanisms of Staphylococcal Animal Pathogens

Staphylococci are major causes of infections in mammals. Mammals are colonized by diverse staphylococcal species, often with moderate to strong host specificity, and colonization is a common source of infection. Staphylococcal infections of animals not only are of major importance for animal well-being but have considerable economic consequences, such as in the case of staphylococcal mastitis, which costs billions of dollars annually. Furthermore, pet animals can be temporary carriers of strains infectious to humans. Moreover, antimicrobial resistance is a great concern in livestock infections, as there is considerable antibiotic overuse, and resistant strains can be transferred to humans. With the number of working antibiotics continuously becoming smaller due to the concomitant spread of resistant strains, alternative approaches, such as anti-virulence, are increasingly being investigated to treat staphylococcal infections. For this, understanding the virulence mechanisms of animal staphylococcal pathogens is crucial. While many virulence factors have similar functions in humans as animals, there are increasingly frequent reports of host-specific virulence factors and mechanisms. Furthermore, we are only beginning to understand virulence mechanisms in animal-specific staphylococcal pathogens. This review gives an overview of animal infections caused by staphylococci and our knowledge about the virulence mechanisms involved.

The N-terminal amino-latch region of Hlg2 component of staphylococcal bi-component γ-haemolysin is dispensable for prestem release to form β-barrel pores

The contribution of N-terminal regions of staphylococcal bi-component γ-haemolysin toxin components to haemolytic activity towards human erythrocyte cells was investigated in this study. A deletion construct of N-terminal amino acids 1-10 of Hlg2 (Hlg2 ΔN10), which is the S-component protein of γ-haemolysin, had little effect on its haemolytic activity, whereas N-terminal 1-11 amino acid deletion (Hlg2 ΔN11) significantly delayed haemolysis. Moreover, a deletion of N-terminal amino acids 1-17 of LukF, which is the F-component protein of γ-haemolysin, increased its haemolytic activity in combination with either the wild-type or Hlg2 ΔN10. Unlike the N-terminal amino-latch region of staphylococcal α-haemolysin, which is a single component β-barrel pore-forming toxin, the N-terminal regions present in γ-haemolysin components are dispensable for the haemolytic activity of the bi-component toxin. These results strengthen our recent proposal that staphylococcal bi-component γ-haemolysin toxin uses an N-terminal amino-latch independent molecular switch for prestem release during the formation of β-barrel pores.

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius: an undocumented, emerging pathogen in humans

The first infections of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in humans were recorded in 2006, and is now becoming a concern because of its close similarities to human pathogens in the Staphylococcusintermedius group (SIG). These bacteria have all the properties which a multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus possesses.

The literature was searched using the term “Staphylococcus pseudintermedius” in PubMed and other reference databases. The virulence factor and the pathogenicity are under investigation, but reports have suggested that this commensal of animals is transmitted easily via close contact to animals by owners, veterinarians and staff.

Resistance to beta-lactams (including methicillin) is a primary concern. Drug resistance to methicillin is a considerable problem in developing countries, as antibiotic use is not regulated. Studies from Europe have reported multidrug resistant isolates from clinical specimens. Although data on drug resistance and pathogenesis of S. pseudintermedius are not sufficient, it is extremely important to identify the pathogen correctly. Only then can its pathogenesis be studied during the course of disease and appropriate measures developed to prevent it becoming a global problem.

Characterization of a leukocidin identified in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius

Bacterial infections from Staphylococcus pseudintermedius are the most common cause of skin infections (pyoderma) affecting dogs. Two component pore-forming leukocidins are a family of potent toxins secreted by staphylococci and consist of S (slow) and F (fast) components. They impair the innate immune system, the first line of defense against these pathogens. Seven different leukocidins have been characterized in Staphylococcus aureus, some of which are host and cell specific. Through genome sequencing and analysis of the S. pseudintermedius secretome using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry we identified two proteins, named "LukS-I" and "LukF-I", encoded on a degenerate prophage contained in the genome of S. pseudintermedius isolates. Phylogenetic analysis of LukS-I components in comparison to the rest of the leukocidin family showed that LukS-I was most closely related to S. intermedius LukS-I, S. aureus LukE and LukP, whereas LukF-I was most similar to S. intermedius LukF-I S. aureus gamma hemolysin subunit B. The killing effect of recombinant S. pseudintermedius LukS-I and LukF-I on canine polymorphonuclear leukocytes was determined using a flow cytometry cell permeability assay. The cytotoxic effect occurred only when the two recombinant proteins were combined. Engineered mutant versions of the two-component pore-forming leukocidins, produced through amino acids substitutions at selected points, were not cytotoxic. Anti-Luk-I produced in dogs against attenuated proteins reduced the cytotoxic effect of native canine leukotoxin which highlights the importance of Luk-I as a promising component in a vaccine against canine S. pseudintermedius infections.

Understanding the Virulence of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius: A Major Role of Pore-Forming Toxins

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is responsible for severe and necrotizing infections in humans and dogs. Contrary to S. aureus, the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in this virulence are incompletely understood. We previously showed the intracellular cytotoxicity induced after internalization of S. pseudintermedius. Herein, we aimed to identify the virulence factors responsible for this cytotoxic activity. After addition of filtered S. pseudintermedius supernatants in culture cell media, MG63 cells, used as representative of non-professional phagocytic cells (NPPc), released a high level of LDH, indicating that the cytotoxicity was mainly mediated by secreted factors. Accordingly, we focused our attention on S. pseudintermedius toxins. In silico analysis found the presence of two PSMs (δ-toxin and PSMε) as well as Luk-I leukotoxin, the presence of which was confirmed by PCR in all clinical strains tested (n = 17). Recombinant Luk-I leukotoxin had no cytotoxic activity on NPPc but the ectopic expression of the CXCR2 receptor in U937 cells conferred cytotoxity to Luk-I. This is in agreement with the lack of Luk-I effect on NPPc and the previous report of Luk-I cytoxic activity on immune cells. Contrary to Luk-I, synthetic δ-toxin and PSMε had a strong cytotoxic activity on NPPc. The secretion of δ-toxin and PSMε at cytotoxic concentrations by S. pseudintermedius in culture supernatant was confirmed by HPLC-MS. In addition, the supplementation of such supernatants with human serum, known to inhibit PSM, induced a complete abolition of cytotoxicity which indicates that PSMs are the key players in the cytotoxic phenotype of NPPc. The results suggest that the severity of S. pseudintermedius infections is, at least in part, explained by a combined action of Luk-I that specifically targets immune cells expressing the CXCR2 receptor, and PSMs that disrupt cell membranes whatever the cell types. The present study strengthens the key role of PSMs in virulence of the different species belonging to Staphylococcus genus.

Functional classification of protein toxins as a basis for bioinformatic screening

Proteins are fundamental to life and exhibit a wide diversity of activities, some of which are toxic. Therefore, assessing whether a specific protein is safe for consumption in foods and feeds is critical. Simple BLAST searches may reveal homology to a known toxin, when in fact the protein may pose no real danger. Another challenge to answer this question is the lack of curated databases with a representative set of experimentally validated toxins. Here we have systematically analyzed over 10,000 manually curated toxin sequences using sequence clustering, network analysis, and protein domain classification. We also developed a functional sequence signature method to distinguish toxic from non-toxic proteins. The current database, combined with motif analysis, can be used by researchers and regulators in a hazard screening capacity to assess the potential of a protein to be toxic at early stages of development. Identifying key signatures of toxicity can also aid in redesigning proteins, so as to maintain their desirable functions while reducing the risk of potential health hazards.

Leukocidins: staphylococcal bi-component pore-forming toxins find their receptors

Staphylococcus aureus is a major bacterial pathogen that causes disease worldwide. The emergence of strains that are resistant to commonly used antibiotics and the failure of vaccine development have resulted in a renewed interest in the pathophysiology of this bacterium. Staphylococcal leukocidins are a family of bi-component pore-forming toxins that are important virulence factors. During the past five years, cellular receptors have been identified for all of the bi-component leukocidins. The identification of the leukocidin receptors explains the cellular tropism and species specificity that is exhibited by these toxins, which has important biological consequences. In this Review, we summarize the recent discoveries that have reignited interest in these toxins and provide an outlook for future research.

Characterization of Community-Acquired Staphylococcus aureus Infections in Children

Background:

Limited data exist concerning characteristics of community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus infections (CA-SAI) in central and eastern Kentucky.

Objective:

To describe the incidence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2005, compare the number of CA-MRSA infections between years, and contrast treatment interventions and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of CA-SAI.

Methods:

A concurrent and retrospective study was conducted in 125 patients less than 18 years of age with CA-SAI admitted to the hospital/clinic based on criteria from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data on demographics, length of stay, antibiotic therapy, and antibiotic susceptibilities were collected.

Results:

Seventy patients were included for analysis (CA-MRSA, n = 51; community-acquired methicillin-susceptible S. aureus [CA-MSSA], n = 19). No statistically significant differences were noted between the number of CA-MRSA infections and the total CA-SAI (9/15 in 2004 vs 42/55 in 2005; p = 0.15). Approximately 75% of patients with CA-SAI were admitted to the hospital with no significant difference in length of stay. Ninety percent of CA-SAI were skin and soft tissue infections. There was a significant difference between groups with cutaneous abscesses (CA-MRSA, n = 37 vs CA-MSSA, n = 6; p = 0.002). Greater than 95% of all isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Half of CA-MRSA patients received inappropriate antibiotic therapy with β-lactam antibiotics or clindamycin without confirmatory disk diffusion test. Twenty-five (49%) patients with CA-MRSA received surgical debridement (S/D) and/or incision and drainage (I/D) with concomitant antibiotic therapy. Four patients with CA-MRSA were rehospitalized for subsequent infections; all 4 received appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Conclusions:

A noticeable increase in CA-MRSA infections with cutaneous abscess between 2004 and 2005 was noted. In patients receiving inappropriate antibiotic therapy, treatment success was attributed to concomitant S/D and I/D. Further analysis should focus on the impact of antibiotic therapy alone or in combination with S/D and I/D on the incidence of subsequent CA-MRSA infections.

Fibronectin Binding Proteins SpsD and SpsL Both Support Invasion of Canine Epithelial Cells by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius

In this study, we investigated the cell wall-anchored fibronectin-binding proteins SpsD and SpsL from the canine commensal and pathogen Staphylococcus pseudintermedius for their role in promoting bacterial invasion of canine progenitor epidermal keratinocytes (CPEK). Invasion was examined by the gentamicin protection assay and fluorescence microscopy. An ΔspsD ΔspsL mutant of strain ED99 had a dramatically reduced capacity to invade CPEK monolayers, while no difference in the invasion level was observed with single mutants. Lactococcus lactis transformed with plasmids expressing SpsD and SpsL promoted invasion, showing that both proteins are important. Soluble fibronectin was required for invasion, and an RGD-containing peptide or antibodies recognizing the integrin α5β1 markedly reduced invasion, suggesting an important role for the integrin in this process. Src kinase inhibitors effectively blocked internalization, suggesting a functional role for the kinase in invasion. In order to identify the minimal fibronectin-binding region of SpsD and SpsL involved in the internalization process, recombinant fragments of both proteins were produced. The SpsD520-846 and SpsL538-823 regions harboring the major fibronectin-binding sites inhibited S. pseudintermedius internalization. Finally, the effects of staphylococcal invasion on the integrity of different cell lines were examined. Because SpsD and SpsL are critical factors for adhesion and invasion, blocking these processes could provide a strategy for future approaches to treating infections.

Residues essential for Panton-Valentine leukocidin S component binding to its cell receptor suggest both plasticity and adaptability in its interaction surface

Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL), a bicomponent staphylococcal leukotoxin, is involved in the poor prognosis of necrotizing pneumonia. The present study aimed to elucidate the binding mechanism of PVL and in particular its cell-binding domain. The class S component of PVL, LukS-PV, is known to ensure cell targeting and exhibits the highest affinity for the neutrophil membrane (K_d∼10⁻¹⁰ M) compared to the class F component of PVL, LukF-PV (K_d∼10⁻⁹ M). Alanine scanning mutagenesis was used to identify the residues involved in LukS-PV binding to the neutrophil surface. Nineteen single alanine mutations were performed in the rim domain previously described as implicated in cell membrane interactions. Positions were chosen in order to replace polar or exposed charged residues and according to conservation between leukotoxin class S components. Characterization studies enabled to identify a cluster of residues essential for LukS-PV binding, localized on two loops of the rim domain. The mutations R73A, Y184A, T244A, H245A and Y250A led to dramatically reduced binding affinities for both human leukocytes and undifferentiated U937 cells expressing the C5a receptor. The three-dimensional structure of five of the mutants was determined using X-ray crystallography. Structure analysis identified residues Y184 and Y250 as crucial in providing structural flexibility in the receptor-binding domain of LukS-PV.

Engineering of the LukS-PV and LukF-PV subunits of Staphylococcus aureus Panton-Valentine leukocidin for diagnostic and therapeutic applications

BACKGROUND

Staphylococcus aureus produces several toxins, including Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL). The involvement of PVL in primary skin infections, necrotizing pneumonia, musculoskeletal disorders, brain abscess, and other diseases, some of which are life-threatening, has been reported. Following expert opinion, we aimed to provide the tools for establishment of sequence-based diagnostics and therapeutics for those conditions. We engineered the synergistic S and F (LukS-PV and LukF-PV respectively) pro-toxin subunits from Staphylococcus aureus USA400 into separate expression E. coli BL21(DE3)-pLysS hosts.

RESULTS

Following Nickel affinity chromatography (NAC), the F subunit came out without bands of impurity. The S sub-unit did not come off very pure after NAC thus necessitating further purification by size exclusion and ion-exchange chromatography. The purification plots showed that the BioLogic-LP and AKTA systems are reliable for following the progress of the chromatographic purification in real-time. Computer predicted Mw for the 6His-LukF-PV and 6His-LukS-PV were 35645.41 Da and 33530.04 Da respectively, while the mass spectrometry results were 35643.57 Da and 33528.34 Da respectively.

CONCLUSION

The BioLogic-LP and AKTA systems are commendable for reliability and user-friendliness. As a recent work elsewhere also reported that a second round of chromatography was necessary to purify the S subunit after the first attempt, we speculate that the S subunit might contain yet unidentified motif(s) requiring further treatment. The purified S and F sub-units of PVL were supplied to the Nottingham Cancer Immunotherapy group who used them to establish sequence-based monoclonal antibodies for diagnostic and therapeutic uses targeting PVL.

Cell targeting by the Staphylococcus aureus pore-forming toxins: it's not just about lipids

Staphylococcus aureus employs numerous pore-forming cytotoxins to injure host immune cells and promote infection. Until recently, it was unclear how these cytotoxins targeted specific cell types for lysis. Membrane lipids were initially postulated to be cytotoxin receptor candidates. However, the cell-type specificity and species-dependent targeting of these toxins did not support lipids as sole receptors. The recent identification of proteinaceous receptors for several S. aureus cytotoxins now provides an explanation for the observed tropism. These findings also have important implications for the implementation of animal models to study S. aureus pathogenesis, and for the development of novel therapeutics.

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in the dog: taxonomy, diagnostics, ecology, epidemiology and pathogenicity

The dog is the natural host of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Many research efforts are currently being undertaken to expand our knowledge and understanding of this important canine commensal and opportunistic pathogen. The objective of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of the species, including the latest research outcomes, with emphasis on taxonomy, diagnostics, ecology, epidemiology and pathogenicity. Despite the important taxonomic changes that have occurred over the past few years, the risk of misidentification in canine specimens is low and does not have serious consequences for clinical practice. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius carriage in the dog is more frequent and genetically heterogeneous compared with that of Staphylococcus aureus in man. It appears that these staphylococcal species have evolved separately through adaptation to their respective natural hosts and differ with regard to various aspects concerning ecology, population structure and evolution of antibiotic resistance. Further understanding of the ecology and epidemiology of S. pseudintermedius is hampered by the lack of a standard method for rapid and discriminatory typing and by the limited data available on longitudinal carriage and population structure of meticillin-susceptible strains. With regard to pathogenicity, it is only now that we are starting to explore the virulence potential of S. pseudintermedius based on genomic and proteomic approaches, and more research is needed to assess the importance of individual virulence factors and the possible existence of hypervirulent strains.

Comparative genomics of the Staphylococcus intermedius group of animal pathogens

The Staphylococcus intermedius group consists of three closely related coagulase-positive bacterial species including S. intermedius, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, and Staphylococcus delphini. S. pseudintermedius is a major skin pathogen of dogs, which occasionally causes severe zoonotic infections of humans. S. delphini has been isolated from an array of different animals including horses, mink, and pigeons, whereas S. intermedius has been isolated only from pigeons to date. Here we provide a detailed analysis of the S. pseudintermedius whole genome sequence in comparison to high quality draft S. intermedius and S. delphini genomes, and to other sequenced staphylococcal species. The core genome of the SIG was highly conserved with average nucleotide identity (ANI) between the three species of 93.61%, which is very close to the threshold of species delineation (95% ANI), highlighting the close-relatedness of the SIG species. However, considerable variation was identified in the content of mobile genetic elements, cell wall-associated proteins, and iron and sugar transporters, reflecting the distinct ecological niches inhabited. Of note, S. pseudintermedius ED99 contained a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat locus of the Nmeni subtype and S. intermedius contained both Nmeni and Mtube subtypes. In contrast to S. intermedius and S. delphini and most other staphylococci examined to date, S. pseudintermedius contained at least nine predicted reverse transcriptase Group II introns. Furthermore, S. pseudintermedius ED99 encoded several transposons which were largely responsible for its multi-resistant phenotype. Overall, the study highlights extensive differences in accessory genome content between closely related staphylococcal species inhabiting distinct host niches, providing new avenues for research into pathogenesis and bacterial host-adaptation.

Complete genome sequence of the canine pathogen Staphylococcus pseudintermedius

We report the first whole-genome sequence for a clinical isolate of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (ED99), the major pathogen responsible for canine bacterial pyoderma. S. pseudintermedius contains numerous mobile genetic elements and encodes an array of putative virulence factors, including superantigenic, cytolytic, and exfoliative toxins and cell wall-associated surface proteins.

Binding of the Staphylococcus aureus leucotoxin LukM to its leucocyte targets

The range of leucocytes susceptible to the leucotoxin LukM/F', a two-component pore-forming toxin of Staphylococcus aureus causing mastitis in ruminants, had not been defined. We used fluorescent-labeled LukM to investigate the binding of this toxin to bovine cells and to identify its cellular targets among bovine, human and murine leucocytes. LukM bound to bovine blood neutrophils from all the individuals tested with similar affinity, with an apparent dissociation constant (Kd) of 1.81 ± 0.14 nM and 13 3100 ± 506 binding sites. The amount of LukM bound to bovine neutrophils did not depend on the presence of the complementary component LukF', suggesting that the binding of LukM to its ligand does not depend on the formation of pore-forming oligomers, and that the number of bound LukM molecules corresponds to the number of available cell membrane ligands. Other staphylococcal class S components of bipartite leucotoxins (HlgA, HlgC, LukE, LukS-PV) were inefficient competitors of LukM for the binding to bovine neutrophils, indicating that LukM has a distinct ligand on target cells. Bovine blood neutrophils bound slightly more LukM than did milk neutrophils, and much more than did ovine and caprine blood neutrophils. Bovine monocytes and milk macrophages readily bound LukM, whereas blood lymphocytes did not. Human neutrophils bound little LukM and were resistant to LukM/F' at the highest tested concentration (40 nM). Murine neutrophils bound LukM and were susceptible to the toxicity of LukM/F', exhibiting flattening and nucleus alteration beginning at 0.3 nM concentration. Among murine peritoneal exudate cells, T lymphocytes (CD3+) and monocytes/macrophages (F4/80+) bound LukM, whereas binding to B lymphocytes (CD19+) was not detected. These results indicate that cells of the myeloid lineage are the main targets of LukM/F' in dairy ruminants, and that resident or inflammatory migrated phagocytes are susceptible to this toxin.

contribution of genetically restricted, methicillin-susceptible strains to the ongoing epidemic of community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus infections

BACKGROUND

Within the current worldwide epidemic of community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus infections, attention has focused on the role of methicillin-resistant strains. We characterize methicillin-susceptible strains that also contribute to this epidemic.

METHODS

We tracked cultures from abscess specimens submitted to the microbiology laboratory at St. Louis Children's Hospital and examined Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) genes in methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) isolates. We further characterized some isolates by multilocus sequence typing, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, antibiotic susceptibility, accessory gene regulator (agr) allele, and presence of the arcA gene of the arginine catabolic mobile element.

RESULTS

From 1999 to 2007, we detected a 250-fold increase in cultures of abscesses yielding methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and a 5-fold increase in abscess cultures yielding MSSA. MSSA isolates from abscesses and wounds were more likely to encode PVL than isolates from other sources. In contrast to PVL-negative isolates of MSSA, which were genetically diverse, PVL-positive isolates were predominantly multilocus sequence typing type 8 and agr type 1. More than half of PVL-positive MSSA isolates were resistant to erythromycin and susceptible to clindamycin with the absence of inducible resistance, a pattern uncommon in PVL-negative MSSA but frequent in the USA300 clone of MRSA. In addition, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of PVL-positive MSSA strains revealed the USA300 pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to methicillin-resistant strains, the current epidemic of S. aureus infections includes infections caused by methicillin-susceptible strains that are closely related genetically and share phenotypic characteristics other than susceptibility to methicillin. These findings suggest that factors other than methicillin resistance are driving the epidemic.

Analysis of the specificity of Panton-Valentine leucocidin and gamma-hemolysin F component binding

In this study, the binding of F components of the staphylococcal bicomponent leukotoxins Panton-Valentine leucocidin (LukF-PV) and gamma-hemolysin (HlgB) on polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), monocytes, and lymphocytes was determined using labeled mutants and flow cytometry. Leukotoxin activity was evaluated by measuring Ca(2+) entry or pore formation using spectrofluorometry or flow cytometry. Although HlgB had no affinity for cells in the absence of an S component, LukF-PV had high affinity for PMNs (dissociation constant [K(d)], 6.2 +/- 1.9 nM; n = 8), monocytes (K(d), 2.8 +/- 0.8 nM; n = 7), and lymphocytes (K(d), 1.2 +/- 0.2 nM; n = 7). Specific binding of HlgB was observed only after addition of LukS-PV on PMNs (K(d), 1.1 +/- 0.2 nM; n = 4) and monocytes (K(d), 0.84 +/- 0.31 nM; n = 4) or after addition of HlgC on PMNs, monocytes, and lymphocytes. Addition of LukS-PV or HlgC induced a second specific binding of LukF-PV on PMNs. HlgB and LukD competed only with LukF-PV molecules bound after addition of LukS-PV. LukF-PV and LukD competed with HlgB in the presence of LukS-PV on PMNs and monocytes. Use of antibodies and comparisons between binding and activity time courses showed that the LukF-PV molecules that bound to target cells before addition of LukS-PV were the only LukF-PV molecules responsible for Ca(2+) entry and pore formation. In contrast, the active HlgB molecules were the HlgB molecules bound after addition of LukS-PV. In conclusion, LukF-PV must be linked to LukS-PV and to a binding site of the membrane to have toxin activity.

Characterization of new staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) and topoisomerase genes in fluoroquinolone- and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius

Fluoroquinolone- and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates harbor two new staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) elements that belong to class A, allotype 3 (SCCmec II-III), and to the new allotype 5 (SCCmec VII). Analysis of the complete nucleotide sequences of the topoisomerase loci gyrB/gyrA and grlB/grlA revealed mutations involved in fluoroquinolone resistance.

Experimental staphylococcal mastitis in bitches: clinical, bacteriological, cytological, haematological and pathological features

The objectives of the work were to study the features of experimentally induced canine mastitis and to present hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis of the disease. The right caudal abdominal mammary gland of six bitches was inoculated on day 8 after whelping with Staphylococcus intermedius to induce mastitis; adjacent mammary glands were used as controls. Clinical examination, bacteriological and cytological (whiteside test, Giemsa) examination of mammary secretion, as well as haematological tests were performed from 5 days before until 34 days after challenge. Mastectomy was sequentially performed 1, 2, 4, 18, 26 and 34 days after challenge in each of the bitches, in order to carry out a pathological examination of mammary glands. All animals developed clinical mastitis: challenged glands became painful, hot, enlarged and oedematous; secretion was brownish, purulent, with flakes or clots, subsequently becoming yellowish and thick. Staphylococci were isolated from all inoculated glands (up to 22 days). WST was positive in 41/46 samples from inoculated glands and 66/138 samples from control glands; neutrophils predominated during the acute stage. Blood leukocyte counts increased, whilst platelet counts decreased. Gross pathological findings initially included congestion, purulent discharge and subcutaneous oedema; then abscesses, brownish areas and size decrease were seen. Salient histopathological features were initially neutrophilic infiltration, haemorrhages, destruction of mammary epithelial cells and alveoli, and then infiltration by lymphocytes, shrunken alveoli, loss of glandular architecture and fibrous tissue proliferation. We conclude that in bitches, intrammamary inoculation of Staphylococcus intermedius can induce clinical mastitis, followed by subclinical disease. The disorder is characterized by bacterial isolation and leukocyte influx in challenged glands, by leukocyte presence in adjacent mammary glands, by increased blood leukocyte counts and by destruction of mammary parenchyma.

Community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus infections in term and near-term previously healthy neonates

BACKGROUND

Community-acquired, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections are increasing among children.

OBJECTIVE

Our goal is to describe the clinical presentation of neonatal community-acquired S aureus disease and provide molecular analyses of the infecting isolates.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the demographics and hospital course of term and near-term previously healthy neonates, < or = 30 days of age, with community-acquired S aureus infections presenting after nursery discharge between August 2001 and March 2005 at Texas Children's Hospital. Prospectively collected isolates were characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec type, and the presence of PVL genes.

RESULTS

Of 89 S aureus infections, 61 were methicillin-resistant S aureus; S aureus infections increased each year. Methicillin-resistant S aureus infections increased from 10 of 20 to 30 of 36 infections from 2002 to 2004. Most subjects, 65 of 89, were male. Symptoms began at 7 to 12 days of age for 26 of 45 male infants with methicillin-resistant S aureus. Most infections, 77 of 89, involved skin and soft tissue; 28 of 61 methicillin-resistant S aureus versus 7 of 28 methicillin-susceptible S aureus infections required drainage. Invasive manifestations included shock, musculoskeletal and urinary tract infection, perinephric abscess, bacteremia, empyema/lung abscess, and a death. Maternal S aureus or skin-infection history occurred with 13 of 61 methicillin-resistant S aureus versus 1 of 28 methicillin-susceptible S aureus infections. The predominant community clone, USA300 (PVL genes +), accounted for 55 of 57 methicillin-resistant S aureus and 3 of 25 methicillin-susceptible S aureus isolates.

CONCLUSIONS

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant S aureus is a substantial and increasing proportion of S aureus infections in previously healthy neonates. Male infants 7 to 12 days of age are affected most often. Neonatal community-acquired S aureus infection may be associated with concurrent maternal infection. USA300 is the predominant clone among these neonatal isolates in our region.

Staphylococcus aureus bicomponent gamma-hemolysins, HlgA, HlgB, and HlgC, can form mixed pores containing all components

Staphylococcal gamma-hemolysins are bicomponent toxins forming a protein family with leucocidins and alpha-toxin. Two active toxins (AB and CB) can be formed combining one of the class-S components, HlgA or HlgC, with the class-F component HlgB. These two gamma-hemolysins form pores with marked similarities to alpha-toxin in terms of conductance, nonlinearity of the current-voltage curve, and channel stability in the open state. AB and CB pores, however, are cation-selective, whereas alpha-toxin is anion-selective. gamma-Hemolysins' pores are hetero-oligomers formed by three or four copies of each component (indicated as 3A3B and 3C3B or 4A4B and 4C4B). Point mutants located on a beta-strand of the class-S component that forms part of the protomer-protomer contact region can prevent oligomer assembly. Interestingly, these mutants inhibit growth of pores formed not only by their natural components but also by nonstandard components. This lead to the hypothesis that mixed ABC pores could also be formed. By studying the conductance of pores, assembled in the presence of all three components (in different ratios), it was observed that the magnitudes expected for mixed pores were, indeed, present. We conclude that the gamma-hemolysin/leucocidin bicomponent toxin family may form a larger than expected number of active toxins by cross-combining various S and F components.

LukM/LukF'-PV is the most active Staphylococcus aureus leukotoxin on bovine neutrophils

Staphylococcus aureus is a ubiquitous pathogen causing infections in humans and domestic animals. It is often associated with bovine mastitis. Among secreted virulence factors, the leukotoxins constitute a family of toxins composed of two distinct subunits (class S and F proteins) which induce first Ca2+ influx and subsequent pore formation that allows ethidium entry. As mastitis-causing isolates harbor the genes of at least two, and often three leukotoxins, we compared the biological activities of the purified leukotoxins whose genes are found in mastitis-causing isolates on bovine polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN): spreading on a solid support, calcium influx and ethidium entry. In the spreading assay, the homologous pair LukM/LukF'-PV was the most active leukotoxin. Within each class, either S or F, subunits were interchangeable and generated leukotoxins with different specific activity. LukM was also very active when associated with heterologous F subunits. A similar ranking of homologous pairs was also found in the ethidium entry assay: LukM/LukF'-PV > HlgA/HlgB > HlgC/HlgB > LukE/LukD = LukEv/LukDv. In the Ca2+ flux assay, LukM/F'-PV was the most active pair, but gamma-hemolysin (Hlg) was also very efficient. LukEv/Dv was more active (twofold) than LukE/D in the spreading assay, but the two variants showed similar activities in the other two assays. Supposing that spreading and ethidium entry (pore formation) reflect toxic activities on bovine PMN, and Ca2+ influx cell activation, LukM/F'-PV was by far the most cytotoxic leukotoxin, but it was closely followed by gamma-hemolysin for PMN activation. These results suggest that LukM/F'-PV may constitute a particular virulence attribute of mastitis-causing S. aureus strains.

Accessory gene regulator locus of Staphylococcus intermedius

The accessory gene regulator (agr) locus, a candidate system for the regulation of the production of virulence factors in Staphylococcus intermedius, has been characterized. Using PCR-based genome walking, we have obtained the first complete sequence (3,436 bp) of the accessory gene regulator (agr) gene in this organism. Sequence analysis of the agr gene has identified five open reading frames (ORFs), agrB, agrD, agrC, agrA, and hld. The translated ORF contained amino acid motifs characteristic of the response regulator and histidine protein kinase signal transducer of the classic two-component regulatory system. Sequencing of the agrD PCR products amplified from DNA from 20 different isolates has facilitated detection of genetic variation in the putative autoinducing peptide (AIP) within the agr gene of S. intermedius, revealing the presence of at least three agr specificity groups within this species. Classification of the agr gene from S. intermedius was supported by phylogenetic analysis. Real-time PCR also revealed that the effector molecule of the agr system, RNAIII, was regulated in an autocrine manner in S. intermedius and demonstrated positive correlation with the temporal gene expression patterns of luk and entC. Transcription of RNAIII was also dependent on self secreted cues. Cyclic self and nonself peptides were synthesized on the basis of the novel AIPs produced by S. intermedius, which lack the cysteine necessary to form the thiolactone ring in analogous peptides from Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Experiments with these synthetic cyclic peptides indicated that self peptides led to up-regulation of RNAIII--findings in support of the assumption that activation of the agr gene is initiated by growth- and species-specific factors generated during bacterial growth.

Panton-Valentine leukocidin genes are associated with enhanced inflammatory response and local disease in acute hematogenous Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis in children

BACKGROUND

Staphylococcus aureus strains carrying the genes encoding Panton-Valentine leukocidin (pvl-positive [pvl+]) are associated with more febrile days and higher complication rates of osteomyelitis in children than are pvl-negative (pvl-) strains.

OBJECTIVES

Selected clinical, laboratory, and radiographic findings in children with osteomyelitis caused by pvl+ and pvl- S aureus strains were compared.

METHODS

The demographics, selected clinical features, laboratory values, and radiographic findings of children with community-acquired S aureus osteomyelitis prospectively identified at Texas Children's Hospital between August 2001 and July 2004 were reviewed. Polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the genes for pvl (luk-S-PV and luk-F-PV) and fibronectin-binding protein (fnbB) in S aureus isolates. Chi2, 2-sample t test, and multiple logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant S aureus (MSSA and MRSA, respectively) caused osteomyelitis in 33 and 56 children, respectively. Twenty-six isolates were pvl- (26 MSSA), 59 were pvl+ (3 MSSA, 56 MRSA), and 4 were not available for analysis (4 MSSA). On univariate analysis, patients with pvl+ S aureus isolates had significantly higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) level both at presentation and as a maximum value during hospitalization and were more likely to have a blood culture positive for S aureus during their admission. Patients with pvl+ S aureus isolates were significantly more likely to have concomitant myositis or pyomyositis compared with patients with pvl- S aureus isolates on MRI. In a multivariate analysis pvl remained significantly associated with ESR and CRP levels at presentation and blood culture positive for S aureus. pvl+ status and younger age were associated with myositis on MRI.

CONCLUSIONS

Osteomyelitis caused by pvl+ S aureus strains were associated with more severe local disease and a greater systemic inflammatory response compared with osteomyelitis caused by pvl- S aureus.

Site-directed mutagenesis to assess the binding capacity of class s protein of Staphylococcus aureus leucotoxins to the surface of polymorphonuclear cells

Staphylococcal leucotoxins result from the association of class S components and class F component inducing the activation and the permeabilization of the target cells. Like alpha-toxin, the leucotoxins are pore-forming toxins with more than 70% beta-sheet. This was confirmed by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. In addition, threonine 28 of a predicted and conserved beta-sheet at the N-terminal extremity of class S proteins composing leucotoxins aligns with histidine 35 of alpha-toxin, which has a key role in oligomerization of the final pore. Flow cytometry was used to study different aminoacid substitutions of the threonine 28 in order to evaluate its role in the biological activity of these class S proteins. Finally, results show that threonine 28 of the leucotoxin probably plays a role similar to that of histidine 35 of alpha-toxin. Mutations on this threonin largely influenced the secondary interaction of the class F component and led to inactive toxin.

A real-time PCR assay to detect the Panton Valentine Leukocidin toxin in staphylococci: screening Staphylococcus schleiferi subspecies coagulans strains from companion animals

Recent reports suggest that methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus schleiferi subspecies coagulans are now commonly isolated from dogs. Given the association of a potentially mobile SCCmec type IV element with lysogenic phage-encoded Panton Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) toxin genes in community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains we hypothesized that methicillin-resistant S. schleiferi ssp. coagulans strains may also encode PVL toxin genes. Forty S. schleiferi ssp. coagulans strains isolated from companion animals were studied. Susceptibility to oxacillin was determined by broth microdilution and all isolates were screened by PCR for the presence of the mecA gene. SCCmec typing was performed on 14 isolates. A real-time PCR assay was developed for the detection of the PVL genes using a SmartCycler. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was performed to determine whether S. schleiferi ssp. coagulans strains were homogeneous. Twenty-eight of the 40 isolates (70%) were resistant to oxacillin and 26/28 possessed the mecA gene by PCR. SCCmec IV was identified in seven strains; the other seven isolates were not typable by this technique. All 40 strains were negative for the PVL toxin gene. PFGE showed a heterogeneous population and 13 different profiles were determined. In conclusion, this study showed that PVL toxin genes were not detected in a heterogeneous population of methicillin-resistant S. schleiferi ssp. coagulans strains isolated from companion animals.

Prevalence and characterization of leukotoxin-producing Staphylococcus intermedius in Isolates from dogs and pigeons

Staphylococcus intermedius isolates from dogs (n = 44) and pigeons (n = 62) were categorized into 12 types by intergenic ribosomal DNA spacer polymorphism analysis. All isolates from pigeons were lukS positive and all isolates from dogs were lukS and lukF positive by dot blot analysis. The mean leukotoxicity titer for dog isolates was at least 129-fold higher than that for pigeon isolates.

Crystal Structure of Leucotoxin S Component

Staphylococcal leucocidins and gamma-hemolysins (leucotoxins) are bi-component toxins that form lytic transmembrane pores. Their cytotoxic activities require the synergistic association of a class S component and a class F component, produced as water-soluble monomers that form hetero-oligomeric membrane-associated complexes. Strains that produce the Panton-Valentine leucocidin are clinically associated with cutaneous lesions and community-acquired pneumonia. In a previous study, we determined the crystal structure of the F monomer from the Panton-Valentine leucocidin. To derive information on the second component of the leucotoxins, the x-ray structure of the S protein from the Panton-Valentine leucocidin was solved to 2.0 angstrom resolution using a tetragonal crystal form that contains eight molecules in the asymmetric unit. The structure demonstrates the different conformation of the domain involved in membrane contacts and illustrates sequence and tertiary structure variabilities of the pore-forming leucotoxins. Mutagenesis studies at a key surface residue (Thr-28) further support the important role played by these microheterogeneities for the assembly of the bipartite leucotoxins.

Community-acquired, methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus musculoskeletal infections in children

BACKGROUND

The clinical characteristics and virulence factors related to musculoskeletal infections caused by community-acquired, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in children are not well-defined.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, the demographics, hospital course and outcome of children with musculoskeletal infections were reviewed from medical records and by contacting patients or their physicians. Antimicrobial susceptibilities were determined by disk diffusion. Polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect genes encoding for virulence factors. Mann-Whitney, chi2 and Kaplan-Meier tests were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Community-acquired MRSA and community-acquired methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) caused musculoskeletal infections in 31 and 28 children, respectively. The median numbers of febrile days after start of therapy were 4 and 1 for MRSA and MSSA patients, respectively (P = 0.001). The median numbers of hospital days were 13 and 8 for the MRSA and MSSA groups, respectively (P = 0.014). At follow-up, 2 patients in the MRSA and 1 in the MSSA group had developed chronic osteomyelitis. pvl and fnbB genes were found in 87 and 90% versus 24 and 64% in the MRSA versus MSSA groups, respectively. (P = 0.00001 and 0.017). Ten patients with pvl-positive strains had complications versus no patients with pvl-negative isolates (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Febrile days and hospital days were greater in children with musculoskeletal infection caused by MRSA than in those affected by MSSA, but no significant differences were found in the final outcome. pvl and fnbB genes were more frequent in the MRSA than in the MSSA strains. The presence of the pvl gene may be related to an increased likelihood of complications in children with S. aureus musculoskeletal infections.

Ion channels and bacterial infection: the case of beta-barrel pore-forming protein toxins of Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus strains causing human pathologies produce several toxins, including a pore-forming protein family formed by the single-component alpha-hemolysin and the bicomponent leukocidins and gamma-hemolysins. The last comprise two protein elements, S and F, that co-operatively form the active toxin. alpha-Hemolysin is always expressed by S. aureus strains, whereas bicomponent leukotoxins are more specifically involved in a few diseases. X-ray crystallography of the alpha-hemolysin pore has shown it is a mushroom-shaped, hollow heptamer, almost entirely consisting of beta-structure. Monomeric F subunits have a very similar core structure, except for the transmembrane stem domain which has to refold during pore formation. Large deletions in this domain abolished activity, whereas shorter deletions sometimes improved it, possibly by removing some of the interactions stabilizing the folded structure. Even before stem extension is completed, the formation of an oligomeric pre-pore can trigger Ca(2+)-mediated activation of some white cells, initiating an inflammatory response. Within the bicomponent toxins, gamma-hemolysins define three proteins (HlgA, HlgB, HlgC) that can generate two toxins: HlgA+HlgB and HlgC+HlgB. Like alpha-hemolysin they form pores in planar bilayers with similar conductance, but opposite selectivity (cation instead of anion) for the presence of negative charges in the ion pathway. gamma-Hemolysin pores seem to be organized as alpha-hemolysin, but should contain an even number of each component, alternating in a 1:1 stoichiometry.

Control of the oxidative burst of human neutrophils by staphylococcal leukotoxins

The ability of staphylococcal two-component leukotoxins to induce an oxidative burst and/or to prime human polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) was studied by using spectrofluorometry or flow cytometry. At sublytic concentrations, the HlgA-HlgB, HlgA-LukF-PV, LukS-PV-LukF-PV, and HlgC-LukF-PV combinations of leukotoxins, but not the LukS-PV-HlgB and HlgC-HlgB combinations, were able to induce H(2)O(2) production similar to the H(2)O(2) production induced by 1 micro M N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP). In addition, when added at sublytic concentrations, all of the leukotoxin combinations primed PMNs for H(2)O(2) production induced by fMLP. Leukotoxin activation was dependent on the presence of Ca(2+) and was inhibited by wortmannin, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, but not by N-methyl-L-arginine, an inhibitor of NO generation, which eliminates the possibility that NO plays a role in the action of leukotoxins. At higher concentrations, all leukotoxins inhibited H(2)O(2) production by PMNs activated by fMLP, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), or the leukotoxins themselves. This inhibition was not related to the pore formation induced by leukotoxins. Intracellular release of H(2)O(2) induced by fMLP and PMA was not primed by leukotoxins but was inhibited. It seems that leukotoxin inhibition of H(2)O(2) release is independent of pore formation but secondary to an intracellular event, as yet unknown, triggered by leukotoxins.

Mode of action of beta-barrel pore-forming toxins of the staphylococcal alpha-hemolysin family

Staphylococcal alpha-hemolysin is the prototype of a family of bacterial exotoxins with membrane-damaging function, which share sequence and structure homology. These toxins are secreted in a soluble form which finally converts into a transmembrane pore by assembling an oligomeric beta-barrel, with hydrophobic residues facing the lipids and hydrophilic residues facing the lumen of the channel. Besides alpha-hemolysin the family includes other single chain toxins forming homo-oligomers, e.g. beta-toxin of Clostridium perfringens, hemolysin II and cytotoxin K of Bacillus cereus, but also the staphylococcal bi-component toxins, like gamma-hemolysins and leucocidins, which are only active as the combination of two similar proteins which form hetero-oligomers. The molecular basis of membrane insertion has become clearer after the determination of the crystal structure of both the oligomeric pore and the soluble monomer. Studies on this family of beta-barrel pore-forming toxins are important for many aspects: (i) they are involved in serious pathologies of humans and farmed animals, (ii) they are a good model system to investigate protein-membrane interaction and (iii) they are the basic elements for the construction of nanopores with biotechnological applications in various fields.

Flow cytometric determination of Panton-Valentine leucocidin S component binding

The binding of the S component (LukS-PV) from the bicomponent staphylococcal Panton-Valentine leucocidin to human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and monocytes was determined using flow cytometry and a single-cysteine substitution mutant of LukS-PV. The mutant was engineered by replacing a glycine at position 10 with a cysteine and was labeled with a fluorescein moiety. The biological activity of the mutant was identical to that of the native protein. It has been shown that LukS-PV has a high affinity for PMNs (Kd = 0.07 +/- 0.02 nM, n = 5) and monocytes (Kd = 0.020 +/- 0.003 nM, n = 3) with maximal binding capacities of 197,000 and 80,000 LukS-PV molecules per cell, respectively. The nonspecifically bound molecules of LukS-PV do not form pores in the presence of the F component (LukF-PV) of leucocidin. LukS-PV and HlgC share the same receptor on PMNs, but the S components of other staphylococcal leukotoxins, HlgA, LukE, and LukM, do not compete with LukS-PV for its receptor. Extracellular Ca2+ at physiological concentrations (1 to 2 nM) has only a slight influence on the LukS-PV binding, in contrast to its complete inhibition by Zn2+. The down-regulation by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) of the binding of LukS-PV was blocked by staurosporine, suggesting that the regulatory effect of PMA depends on protein kinase C activation. The labeled mutant form of LukS-PV has proved very useful for detailed binding studies of circulating white cells by flow cytometry. LukS-PV possesses a high specific affinity for a unique receptor on PMNs and monocytes.

The structure of a Staphylococcus aureus leucocidin component (LukF-PV) reveals the fold of the water-soluble species of a family of transmembrane pore-forming toxins

BACKGROUND

Leucocidins and gamma-hemolysins are bi-component toxins secreted by Staphylococcus aureus. These toxins activate responses of specific cells and form lethal transmembrane pores. Their leucotoxic and hemolytic activities involve the sequential binding and the synergistic association of a class S and a class F component, which form hetero-oligomeric complexes. The components of each protein class are produced as non-associated, water-soluble proteins that undergo conformational changes and oligomerization after recognition of their cell targets.

RESULTS

The crystal structure of the monomeric water-soluble form of the F component of Panton-Valentine leucocidin (LukF-PV) has been solved by the multiwavelength anomalous dispersion (MAD) method and refined at 2.0 A resolution. The core of this three-domain protein is similar to that of alpha-hemolysin, but significant differences occur in regions that may be involved in the mechanism of pore formation. The glycine-rich stem, which undergoes a major rearrangement in this process, forms an additional domain in LukF-PV. The fold of this domain is similar to that of the neurotoxins and cardiotoxins from snake venom.

CONCLUSIONS

The structure analysis and a multiple sequence alignment of all toxic components, suggest that LukF-PV represents the fold of any water-soluble secreted protein in this family of transmembrane pore-forming toxins. The comparison of the structures of LukF-PV and alpha-hemolysin provides some insights into the mechanism of transmembrane pore formation for the bi-component toxins, which may diverge from that of the alpha-hemolysin heptamer.

Characterization of a novel structural member, LukE-LukD, of the bi-component staphylococcal leucotoxins family

A new member of the staphylococcal bi-component leucotoxins family, LukE (32 kDa) and LukD (34.3 kDa) has been characterized from Staphylococcus aureus strain Newman. LukE was 58-68% identical with the class S proteins, whereas LukD was 71-77% identical with the class F proteins of the family. A partial immunoreactivity with the various affinity-purified antibodies specific for the other proteins was observed. Immunoprecipitation assay and gene probing confirmed a 30% frequency among human clinical isolates, differing from the distribution of the other known leucotoxins (P<0.005). LukE+LukD was as effective as the Panton-Valentine leucocidin for inducing dermonecrosis when injected in the rabbit skin, but not hemolytic and poorly leucotoxic compared to other leucotoxins expressed by Staphylococcus aureus.

alpha-Hemolysin from Staphylococcus aureus: an archetype of beta-barrel, channel-forming toxins

alpha-Hemolysin, secreted from Staphylococcus aureus as a water-soluble monomer of 33.2 kDa, assembles on cell membranes to form transmembrane, heptameric channels. The structure of the detergent-solubilized heptamer has been determined by X-ray crystallography to 1.9 A resolution. The heptamer has a mushroom-like shape and measures up to 100 A in diameter and 100 A in height. Spanning the length of the molecule and coincident with the molecular sevenfold axis is a water-filled channel that ranges in diameter from approximately 16 to approximately 46 A. A 14 strand antiparallel beta-barrel, in which two strands are contributed by each subunit, defines the transmembrane domain. On the exterior of the beta-barrel there is a hydrophobic belt approximately 30 A in width that provides a surface complementary to the nonpolar portion of the lipid bilayer. The extensive promoter-protomer interfaces are composed of both salt-links and hydrogen bonds, as well as hydrophobic interactions, and these contacts provide a molecular rationalization for the stability of the heptamer in SDS solutions up to 65 degrees C. With the structure of the heptamer in hand, we can better understand the mechanisms by which the assembled protein interacts with the membrane and can postulate mechanisms of assembly.

Assessment of the role of gamma-toxin in experimental endophthalmitis using a hlg-deficient mutant of Staphylococcus aureus

Purified gamma-toxin is known to have a proinflammatory effect in the rabbit vitreous humor. To assess the biological role of the gamma-toxin, when expressed in vivo by Staphylococcus aureus strain Newman, the vitreous humor of rabbit eye was used as an infection model. A gamma-toxin-deficient mutant of strain Newman was constructed by allelic replacement. S. aureus Newman wild-type, its hlg-deficient derivative strain (N65) and the strain N65 complemented with the wild-type hlg+ gene were injected into the vitreous humor of rabbit eye. All three strains produced a strong proinflammatory effect in the eye conjunctiva, posterior and anterior chambers, suggesting a role for another unidentified proinflammatory component of strain Newman distinct from the gamma-toxin. These components are not the leucocidin of Panton-Valentine, beta-toxin or alpha-toxin which are not produced by this strain. Only the hlg-deficient mutant lacked the ability to cause inflammation in the eyelid, whereas the two Hlg-producing strains gave strong inflammation. These data suggest that in vivo, strain Newman produces as yet unidentified proinflammatory molecules and that the in vivo-produced HlgA, HlgB and HlgC molecules expressed by the gamma-toxin locus, contribute in part to the inflammatory process observed in vivo in the rabbit eye.

alpha-Hemolysin, gamma-hemolysin, and leukocidin from Staphylococcus aureus: distant in sequence but similar in structure

alpha-Hemolysin from Staphylococcus aureus assembles from a water-soluble, monomeric species to a membrane-bound heptamer on the surface of target cells, creating water-filled channels that lead to cell death and lysis. Staphylococcus aureus also produces the gamma-hemolysin and leukocidin toxins, which function as two component toxins in the disruption and lysis of erythrocytes and leukocytes. Analysis of the aligned sequences of alpha-hemolysin, gamma-hemolysin, and leukocidin in the context of the alpha-hemolysin heptamer structure supports the conclusion that even though the level of sequence identity between alpha-hemolysin and the gamma-hemolysin and leukocidin toxins is in the so-called twilight zone, the three-dimensional structures of the protomers are probably conserved. By analogy with alpha-hemolysin, gamma-hemolysin and leukocidin may also form oligomeric, transmembrane channels in which an antiparallel beta-barrel constitutes the primary membrane-embedded domain.

Frequency of isolation of Staphylococcus intermedius from humans

We collected 3,397 consecutive isolates of coagulase-positive staphylococci from various specimens of hospitalized patients. All were retrospectively classified as Staphylococcus aureus, except two which were identified as S. intermedius: one isolated from the nasal flora of a healthy carrier and the other isolated from pleural fluid, probably as a sample contaminant.

A predicted beta-sheet from class S components of staphylococcal gamma-hemolysin is essential for the secondary interaction of the class F component

Site-directed mutagenesis was performed on genes encoding HlgA and HlgC, two of the three proteins expressed from the staphylococcal y-hemolysin locus, which originate two pore-forming toxins (HlgA + HlgB, HlgC + HlgB). As related proteins, HlgA and HlgC were found to bind first to cell membranes. Amino acid substitutions concerned residues that would predictably disrupt a 13 amino acid conserved beta-sheet of the Chou and Fasman secondary structure prediction. The mutation of a threonin into an aspartic acid residue from HlgA (T28D) and from HlgC (T30D) that would break this predicted N-terminal structure lowered dramatically the biological activities on purely lipidic vesicles, erythrocytes and polymorphonuclear cells. The change in secondary structure was confirmed by Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy. The binding of mutated and native proteins at the same kind of sites onto polymorphonuclear cells was evidenced with flow cytometry and fluorescein-labelled anti-class S antibodies or wild type HlgA or HlgC. However, the subsequent binding of fluorescein-labelled HlgB to membrane-bound mutated HlgA or HlgC complexes was inhibited. In conclusion, the first binding of class S components is essential for the subsequent binding of class F components, and a predicted beta-sheet seems to be at least one of the functional domains involved.