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Ingle PU, Biswas JK, Mondal M, Rai MK, Senthil Kumar P, Gade AK. Assessment of in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of biologically synthesized metal nanoparticles against pathogenic bacteria. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 291:132676. [PMID: 34718020 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The microbial infections due to biofilm forming bacterial pathogens are very common in human subjects. The intensive application of antibiotics in integrated disease management strategy has led to increased multidrug resistance incommon pathogens. Thus, indicating need of developing an alternative method for the control of these multidrug resistant pathogens. Present study involves the Moringa oleifera aqueous extract mediated biological synthesis of silver (Ag nanoparticles (NPs)- Avg. size 82.5 nm; zeta potential = -27.9 mV), copper oxide (CuONPs- Avg. size 61 nm; zeta potential = -19.3 mV), iron oxide (FeONPs- Avg. size 83.3 nm; zeta potential = -9.37 mV) and alumina (AlONPs- Avg. size 87.3 nm; zeta potential = -10.9 mV) nanoparticles. Biological nanoparticles were detected by visual observation, spectrophotometric detection followed by zeta potential analysis, nanoparticle tracking analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and X-ray diffraction analysis. Nanoparticles were further evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial potential, membrane damage effectiveness, biofilm inhibition activity by MTT assay. Nanoparticles were assessed against human pathogens viz. two Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis MTCC 441 and Staphylococcus haemolyticus MTCC 3383) and two Gram-negative bacteria (Enterobacter aerogenes MTCC 111 and Salmonella enterica ser. Typhi MTCC 8767). The nanoparticles exhibited akin activity pattern against all pathogens studied i.e. AgNPs > CuONPs > AlONPs > FeONPs. Tested nanoparticles registered lower MIC values and more intensified growth inhibition against Gram-negative bacteria compared to their Gram-positive counterparts. These results pointed out that the M. oleifera mediated nanoparticles can be prospectivelyutilized in the development of alternative antimicrobials against diverse bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramod U Ingle
- Department of Biotechnology, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Amravati - 444602, Maharashtra, India
| | - Jayanta K Biswas
- Department of Ecological Studies, University of Kalyani, Nadia, 741235, West Bengal, India; International Centre for Ecological Engineering, University of Kalyani, Nadia, 741235, West Bengal, India.
| | - Monojit Mondal
- Department of Ecological Studies, University of Kalyani, Nadia, 741235, West Bengal, India
| | - Mahendra K Rai
- Department of Biotechnology, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Amravati - 444602, Maharashtra, India
| | - P Senthil Kumar
- Centre of Excellence in Water Research (CEWAR), Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, 603 110, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Aniket K Gade
- Department of Biotechnology, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Amravati - 444602, Maharashtra, India.
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Schumann W. Production of Recombinant Proteins in Bacillus subtilis. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2007; 62:137-89. [PMID: 17869605 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-2164(07)62006-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Schumann
- Institute of Genetics, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth D-95440, Germany
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Bongers RS, Veening JW, Van Wieringen M, Kuipers OP, Kleerebezem M. Development and characterization of a subtilin-regulated expression system in Bacillus subtilis: strict control of gene expression by addition of subtilin. Appl Environ Microbiol 2006; 71:8818-24. [PMID: 16332878 PMCID: PMC1317459 DOI: 10.1128/aem.71.12.8818-8824.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A system for subtilin-regulated gene expression (SURE) in Bacillus subtilis that is based on the regulatory module involved in cell-density-dependent control of the production of subtilin is described. An integration vector for introduction of the essential sensor-regulator couple spaRK into the amyE locus of the B. subtilis chromosome and a B. subtilis 168-derived production host in which the spaRK genes were functionally introduced were constructed. Furthermore, several expression plasmids harboring the subtilin-inducible wild-type spaS promoter or a mutated derivative of this promoter were constructed, which facilitated both transcriptional and translational promoter-gene fusions. Functional characterization of both spaS promoters and the cognate expression host could be performed by controlled overproduction of the beta-glucuronidase (GusA) and green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporters. Both spaS promoters exhibited very low levels of basal expression, while extremely high levels of expression were observed upon induction with subtilin. Moreover, the level of expression depended directly on the amount of inducer (subtilin) used. The wild-type spaS promoter appeared to be more strictly controlled by the addition of subtilin, while the highest levels of expression were obtained when the mutated spaS promoter was used. Induction by subtilin led to 110- and 80-fold increases in GusA activity for the spaS promoter and its mutant derivative, respectively. Since the SURE system has attractive functional characteristics, including promoter silence under noninducing conditions and a controlled and high level of expression upon induction, and since it is not subject to catabolite control, we anticipate that it can provide a suitable expression system for various scientific and industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger S Bongers
- NIZO food research, Department of Health and Safety, P.O. Box 20, 6710 BA Ede, The Netherlands.
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4
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Vitikainen M, Hyyryläinen HL, Kivimäki A, Kontinen VP, Sarvas M. Secretion of heterologous proteins in Bacillus subtilis can be improved by engineering cell components affecting post-translocational protein folding and degradation. J Appl Microbiol 2006; 99:363-75. [PMID: 16033468 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2005.02572.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To explore the potential to enhance secretion of heterologous proteins in Bacillus subtilis by engineering cell factors affecting extracytoplasmic protein folding and degradation. METHODS AND RESULTS Bottleneck components affecting the extracytoplasmic phase of protein secretion were genetically engineered and their effects on the secretion of 11 industrially interesting heterologous proteins were studied by Western blotting and enzymatic assays. Overproduction of PrsA lipoprotein enhanced the secretion of alpha-amylase of Bacillus stearothermophilus (fourfold) and pneumolysin (1.5-fold). Increasing the net negative charge of the cell wall because of lack of the d-alanine substitution of anionic cell wall polymers enhanced the secretion of pneumolysin c. 1.5-fold. Decreasing the level of HtrA-type quality control proteases caused harmful effects on growth and did not enhance secretion. Pertussis toxin subunit, S1 was found to be a substrate for HtrA-type proteases and its secretion was dependent on these proteases. CONCLUSIONS Secretion of heterologous proteins can be enhanced by engineering components involved in late stages of secretion in a protein-dependent manner. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The study revealed both possibilities and limitations of modulating the post-translocational phase of secretion as a means to improve the yield of heterologous proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Vitikainen
- Vaccine Development Laboratory, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland
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Ferreira LCS, Ferreira RCC, Schumann W. Bacillus subtilis as a tool for vaccine development: from antigen factories to delivery vectors. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2005; 77:113-24. [PMID: 15692682 DOI: 10.1590/s0001-37652005000100009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus subtilis and some of its close relatives have a long history of industrial and biotechnological applications. Search for antigen expression systems based on recombinant B. subtilis strains sounds attractive both by the extensive genetic knowledge and the lack of an outer membrane, which simplify the secretion and purification of heterologous proteins. More recently, genetically modified B. subtilis spores have been described as indestructible delivery vehicles for vaccine antigens. Nonetheless both production and delivery of antigens by B. subtilis strains face some inherent obstacles, as unstable gene expression and reduced immunogenicity that, otherwise, can be overcome by already available gene technology approaches. In the present review we present the status of B. subtilis-based vaccine research, either as protein factories or delivery vectors, and discuss some alternatives for a better use of genetically modified strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís C S Ferreira
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1374, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Romero P, López R, García E. Characterization of LytA-like N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidases from two new Streptococcus mitis bacteriophages provides insights into the properties of the major pneumococcal autolysin. J Bacteriol 2005; 186:8229-39. [PMID: 15576771 PMCID: PMC532422 DOI: 10.1128/jb.186.24.8229-8239.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Two new temperate bacteriophages exhibiting a Myoviridae (phiB6) and a Siphoviridae (phiHER) morphology have been isolated from Streptococcus mitis strains B6 and HER 1055, respectively, and partially characterized. The lytic phage genes were overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and their encoded proteins were purified. The lytAHER and lytAB6 genes are very similar (87% identity) and appeared to belong to the group of the so-called typical LytA amidases (atypical LytA displays a characteristic two-amino-acid deletion signature). although they exhibited several differential biochemical properties with respect to the pneumococcal LytA, e.g., they were inhibited in vitro by sodium deoxycholate and showed a more acidic pH for optimal activity. However, and in sharp contrast with the pneumococcal LytA, a short dialysis of LytAHER or LytAB6 resulted in reversible deconversion to the low-activity state (E-form) of the fully active phage amidases (C-form). Comparison of the amino acid sequences of LytAHER and LytAB6 with that of the pneumococcal amidase suggested that Val317 might be responsible for at least some of the peculiar properties of S. mitis phage enzymes. Site-directed mutagenesis that changed Val317 in the pneumococcal LytA amidase to a Thr residue (characteristic of LytAB6 and LytAHER) produced a fully active pneumococcal enzyme that differs from the parental one only in that the mutant amidase can reversibly recover the low-activity E-form upon dialysis. This is the first report showing that a single amino acid residue is involved in the conversion process of the major S. pneumoniae autolysin. Our results also showed that some lysogenic S. mitis strains possess a lytA-like gene, something that was previously thought to be exclusive to Streptococcus pneumoniae. Moreover, the newly discovered phage lysins constitute a missing link between the typical and atypical pneumococcal amidases known previously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Romero
- Departmento de Microbiología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28006 Madrid, Spain
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7
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Romero P, López R, García E. Genomic organization and molecular analysis of the inducible prophage EJ-1, a mosaic myovirus from an atypical pneumococcus. Virology 2004; 322:239-52. [PMID: 15110522 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2004.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2003] [Revised: 01/09/2004] [Accepted: 01/31/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
We report the complete genomic sequence of EJ-1, an inducible prophage isolated from an atypical Streptococcus pneumoniae strain that belongs to the Myoviridae morphology family. The phage and bacterial recombinational sites (attachment sites) have been also determined. The genome of the EJ-1 prophage (42935 bp) is organized in 73 open reading frames (ORFs) and in at least five major clusters. Bioinformatic and N-terminal amino acid sequence analyses enabled the assignment of possible functions to 52 ORFs. The predicted proteins coded for the EJ-1 genome revealed similarities in the lysogeny, DNA replication, regulation, packaging, and head morphogenesis protein clusters with those from several siphoviruses infecting lactic acid bacteria. However, the proteins encoded by genes orf53 to orf64, corresponding to putative tail proteins of the virion, were very similar to those of the defective Bacillus subtilis myovirus PBSX with the notable exception of the gene product of orf56 (the tape measure tail protein) that was similar to proteins from phages infecting Gram-negative bacteria. The first description of the genome of a myovirus infecting a low G + C content Gram-positive bacterium, a member of a group embracing important human pathogens and industrial relevant species, will contribute to expand our current knowledge on phage biology and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Romero
- Departamento de Microbiología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Balsalobre L, Ferrándiz MJ, Liñares J, Tubau F, de la Campa AG. Viridans group streptococci are donors in horizontal transfer of topoisomerase IV genes to Streptococcus pneumoniae. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2003; 47:2072-81. [PMID: 12821449 PMCID: PMC161831 DOI: 10.1128/aac.47.7.2072-2081.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 46 ciprofloxacin-resistant (Cip(r)) Streptococcus pneumoniae strains were isolated from 1991 to 2001 at the Hospital of Bellvitge. Five of these strains showed unexpectedly high rates of nucleotide variations in the quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDRs) of their parC, parE, and gyrA genes. The nucleotide sequence of the full-length parC, parE, and gyrA genes of one of these isolates revealed a mosaic structure compatible with an interspecific recombination origin. Southern blot analysis and nucleotide sequence determinations showed the presence of an ant-like gene in the intergenic parE-parC regions of the S. pneumoniae Cip(r) isolates with high rates of variations in their parE and parC QRDRs. The ant-like gene was absent from typical S. pneumoniae strains, whereas it was present in the intergenic parE-parC regions of the viridans group streptococci (Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus oralis). These results suggest that the viridans group streptococci are acting as donors in the horizontal transfer of fluoroquinolone resistance genes to S. pneumoniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Balsalobre
- Unidad de Genética Bacteriana (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
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Ferrándiz MJ, Fenoll A, Liñares J, De La Campa AG. Horizontal transfer of parC and gyrA in fluoroquinolone-resistant clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2000; 44:840-7. [PMID: 10722479 PMCID: PMC89780 DOI: 10.1128/aac.44.4.840-847.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We have analyzed genetically three clinical isolates (3180, 3870, and 1244) of Streptococcus pneumoniae with high-level ciprofloxacin resistance. Isolates 3180 and 3870 were atypical because of their insolubility in deoxycholate. However, they hybridized specifically with pneumococcal autolysin and pneumolysin gene probes and have typical pneumococcal atpC and atpA gene sequences. Analysis of the complete sequences of the parC and gyrA genes revealed total variations of 8 and 8.7% (isolate 3180) and 7.4 and 3.6% (isolate 3870), respectively, compared to the wild-type strain R6 sequence. The variations observed between the sequences of R6 and isolate 1244 were less than 0.9%. The structure of the gyrA and parC genes from isolates 3180 and 3870 was organized in sequence blocks that show different levels of divergence, suggesting a pattern of recombination. These results are evidence for recombination at the fluoroquinolone target genes in clinical isolates of S. pneumoniae. The genetically related viridans group streptococci could act as a reservoir for fluoroquinolone resistance genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Ferrándiz
- Unidad de Genética Bacteriana (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Centro Nacional de Biología Fundamental, Spain
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Scott JA, Hall AJ, Leinonen M. Validation of immune-complex enzyme immunoassays for diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia among adults in Kenya. CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY IMMUNOLOGY 2000; 7:64-7. [PMID: 10618279 PMCID: PMC95824 DOI: 10.1128/cdli.7.1.64-67.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The efficacy of pneumococcal vaccines in protecting against pneumococcal pneumonia can feasibly be measured only with a diagnostic technique that has a high specificity (0.98 to 1.00) and a sensitivity greatly exceeding that of blood cultures (>0.2 to 0.3). In this context immune-complex enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) offer a novel, convenient diagnostic method, and we have investigated three such assays with appropriate study populations in Kenya. Sera from 129 Kenyan adults with pneumococcal pneumonia and 97 ill controls from the same clinics, but without pneumococcal disease syndromes, were assayed with immune-complex EIAs for pneumolysin, C-polysaccharide, and mixed capsular polysaccharides (Pneumovax II). At an optical density (OD) threshold yielding a specificity of 0.95, the sensitivities (95% confidence intervals) of the assays were 0.22 (0.15 to 0.30), 0.26 (0.19 to 0.34), and 0.22 (0.15 to 0.29), respectively. For pneumolysin immune complexes, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients had a higher mean OD than HIV-negative patients (639 versus 321; P < 0.0001), but stratification by HIV infection status did not alter the performance of this test. Combining the results of all three EIAs did not enhance the diagnostic performances of the individual assays. In Kenyan adults the sensitivities of the immune-complex EIAs could exceed that of blood cultures only at levels of specificity that were insufficient for the performance of vaccine efficacy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Scott
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kilifi, Kenya.
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Fenoll A, Jado I, Vicioso D, Pérez A, Casal J. Evolution of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes and antibiotic resistance in Spain: update (1990 to 1996). J Clin Microbiol 1998; 36:3447-54. [PMID: 9817852 PMCID: PMC105219 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.36.12.3447-3454.1998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A Fenoll
- Laboratorio de Referencia de Neumococos, Servicio de Bacteriología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
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Virolainen A, Jero J, Chattopadhyay P, Karma P, Eskola J, Leinonen M. Comparison of serum antibodies to pneumolysin with those to pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides in children with acute otitis media. Pediatr Infect Dis J 1996; 15:128-33. [PMID: 8822285 DOI: 10.1097/00006454-199602000-00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major bacterial pathogens in acute otitis media. Pneumolysin is a species-specific protein toxin produced intracellularly by all clinically relevant pneumococcal strains, and antibodies to pneumolysin should therefore represent pneumococcal involvement in the disease, regardless of the serotype. METHODS Antibodies to pneumococcal pneumolysin and capsular polysaccharides were measured by enzyme immunoassay in acute and convalescent sera of 121 children with acute otitis media. A pneumococcal otitis episode was defined by a positive middle ear fluid culture and/or pneumolysin PCR. RESULTS Median age of the 10 children who developed a seroconversion response to pneumolysin was 1 year 8 months, and of the 21 children responding to polysaccharides it was 2 years 9 months. Eight of the 10 seroconversion responses to pneumolysin were of IgA class alone, whereas 17 of the 21 polysaccharide responses were of IgG class alone or IgG together with IgM and/or IgA. Of the 41 children with a pneumococcal otitis episode, 13 (39%) showed a seroconversion response, 3 (7%) to pneumolysin and 11 (27%) to capsular polysaccharides. The children with a pneumococcal otitis episode had lower titers of acute phase IgG to the capsular polysaccharide pool of S. pneumoniae (containing types 6B, 14, 19F and 23F), as compared with the titers in children with otitis caused by other pathogens and pneumococci only in the nasopharynx or not found at all (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Serum antibodies to pneumolysin can be detected at an earlier age than those to the capsular polysaccharides. However, a seroconversion is rare and therefore of no diagnostic value. The presence of serum IgG to the pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides seems beneficial in the prevention of pneumococcal otitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Virolainen
- National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland
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Virolainen A, Jero J, Käyhty H, Karma P, Leinonen M, Eskola J. Antibodies to pneumolysin and pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides in middle ear fluid of children with acute otitis media. Acta Otolaryngol 1995; 115:796-803. [PMID: 8749202 DOI: 10.3109/00016489509139404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Antibodies to pneumococcal pneumolysin and capsular polysaccharides were measured by enzyme immunoassay in 169 acute phase middle ear fluid samples of 116 children with acute otitis media. Antibodies to pneumococcal pneumolysin were detected in 84% and to capsular polysaccharides in 50% of the MEF samples. The Ig class detected most often was IgA to both types of pneumococcal antigens, and it was present in MEF even with non-detectable levels of serum IgA of the same specificity. 59% of the MEF samples positive for IgA to pneumolysin were also positive for secretory component of the same specificity, and 53% of IgA to capsular polysaccharide pool (containing serotypes 6B, 14, 19F, and 23F), respectively. This suggests both leakage of specific IgA from serum to the middle ear and local production of it. In contrast, specific IgG was detected in MEF only with concomitant IgG in serum. Antibodies to pneumolysin occurred in no relation to bacterial findings in MEF. On the contrary, IgG class antibodies to capsular polysaccharides, most likely serum-derived, were detected less often in MEF samples positive for pneumococcus than for other bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Virolainen
- National Public Health Institute, University of Helsinki, Finland
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14
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Virolainen A, Jero J, Käyhty H, Karma P, Eskola J, Leinonen M. Nasopharyngeal antibodies to pneumococcal pneumolysin in children with acute otitis media. CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY IMMUNOLOGY 1995; 2:704-7. [PMID: 8574834 PMCID: PMC170225 DOI: 10.1128/cdli.2.6.704-707.1995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Pneumolysin, an intracellular protein toxin of all clinically relevant pneumococcal serotypes, is released in vivo during the autolysis of pneumococci and is believed to pave the way for intact pneumococci to invade and cause disease. Therefore, antibodies to pneumolysin should prevent its destructive function. We measured antibodies to pneumococcal pneumolysin in acute- and convalescent-phase nasopharyngeal aspirate samples of 120 children (median age, 2.5 years) with acute otitis media by enzyme immunoassay. Nasopharyngeal immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG class antibodies to pneumolysin were rarely detectable, whereas IgA class antibody was detected often, occurred independently of serum IgA antibody in serum, and correlated with the presence of the secretory component in pneumococcal antibody, indicating local production of IgA antibodies. Nasopharyngeal IgA antibody to pneumolysin was detected in 93% of the children already in the acute phase of otitis. Twenty percent of the children developed at least a threefold rise in the pneumolysin-specific IgA antibody concentration by the convalescent phase of otitis, with the youngest at 6 months of age, regardless of the pneumococcal findings in the nasopharynx or middle ear fluid. We suggest that nasopharyngeal IgA antibody to pneumolysin can be produced early in life by pneumococcal colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Virolainen
- National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland
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15
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Kuo J, Douglas M, Ree HK, Lindberg AA. Characterization of a recombinant pneumolysin and its use as a protein carrier for pneumococcal type 18C conjugate vaccines. Infect Immun 1995; 63:2706-13. [PMID: 7790088 PMCID: PMC173362 DOI: 10.1128/iai.63.7.2706-2713.1995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pneumolysin from Streptococcus pneumoniae was expressed in Escherichia coli as a glutathione S-transferase fusion protein and purified by affinity and hydroxylapatite chromatography. The purified recombinant pneumolysin (rPL), with a molecular mass of 53 kDa, had a specific activity of 3 x 10(5) hemolytic units per mg of protein on rabbit erythrocytes and reacted identically in immunodiffusion with the antisera against native pneumolysin. The rPL was used as a protein carrier to prepare conjugate vaccine with pneumococcal type 18C polysaccharide (PS18C). The PS18C was directly coupled to rPL by reductive animation or was indirectly coupled to rPL via a spacer molecule, adipic acid dihydrazide. The conjugates were nontoxic for mice and guinea pigs at 100 micrograms per dose. The immunogenicity and protective efficacy of both conjugates were tested in mice. A single dose of either of the vaccines elicited a rise in immunoglobulin G antibody production; after two booster injections of the vaccines, statistically significant booster responses (P < 0.001) to both rPL and PS18C were produced. The sera containing the antibodies to rPL were capable of neutralizing the hemolytic activity of rPL to rabbit erythrocytes and the cytotoxicity of rPL to bovine pulmonary endothelial cells. Immunization with the conjugate vaccines conferred statistically significant protection in mice against lethal challenge with type 18C pneumococci.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kuo
- Lederle-Praxis Biologicals, Lederle Laboratories, Pearl River, New York 10965, USA
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16
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Owen RH, Boulnois GJ, Andrew PW, Mitchell TJ. A role in cell-binding for the C-terminus of pneumolysin, the thiol-activated toxin of Streptococcus pneumoniae. FEMS Microbiol Lett 1994; 121:217-21. [PMID: 7926673 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.1994.tb07101.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell binding of pneumolysin to target cells is an important step in the lysis of cells by this toxin. We sought to locate the cell-binding region of pneumolysin. Deletion of the six C-terminal amino acids decreased cell-binding activity by 98%. Furthermore, mutagenesis of an amino acid near the C-terminus decreased the cell-binding activity of full-length pneumolysin by 90%. The C-terminus of pneumolysin has an important role in cell-binding activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- R H Owen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leicester, UK
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Salo P, Närvänen A, Leinonen M. Mapping of immunoreactive sites of pneumococcal pneumolysin by use of synthetic peptides. Infect Immun 1993; 61:2822-6. [PMID: 8514384 PMCID: PMC280926 DOI: 10.1128/iai.61.7.2822-2826.1993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In the search for better diagnostic tools and improved vaccines against pneumococcal diseases, continuous antigenic sites of the pneumococcal pneumolysin molecule were identified with partially overlapping synthetic peptides. Peptides were derived from the predicted amino acid sequence according to the known DNA sequence of pneumolysin. The immunoreactivities of the peptides were studied by enzyme immunoassay with seven human serum samples and three rabbit hyperimmune serum samples. Two immunoreactive sites in the overlapping peptides at the amino-terminal end of the pneumolysin molecule were identified in this study. Two common immunoreactive sites for both human and rabbit sera were demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Salo
- National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland
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Abstract
Bacilli secrete numerous proteins into the environment. Many of the secretory proteins, their export signals, and their processing steps during secretion have been characterized in detail. In contrast, the molecular mechanisms of protein secretion have been relatively poorly characterized. However, several components of the protein secretion machinery have been identified and cloned recently, which is likely to lead to rapid expansion of the knowledge of the protein secretion mechanism in Bacillus species. Comparison of the presently known export components of Bacillus species with those of Escherichia coli suggests that the mechanism of protein translocation across the cytoplasmic membrane is conserved among gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria differences are found in steps preceding and following the translocation process. Many of the secretory proteins of bacilli are produced industrially, but several problems have been encountered in the production of Bacillus heterologous secretory proteins. In the final section we discuss these problems and point out some possibilities to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Simonen
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Finland
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Affiliation(s)
- G Rapoport
- Department of Biotechnology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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Sanchez-Puelles JM, Sanz JM, Garcia JL, Garcia E. Immobilization and single-step purification of fusion proteins using DEAE-cellulose. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY 1992; 203:153-9. [PMID: 1730220 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1992.tb19840.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
We have developed a new single-step system, using a DEAE matrix, to immobilize and/or purify fusion proteins containing the choline-binding domain of the Streptococcus pneumoniae murein hydrolases. We have constructed a choline-binding-domain--beta-galactosidase chimera, which can be purified by this procedure and shows a high beta-galactosidase activity when immobilized in the column. A vector plasmid, pCUZ1, containing the lppp-5/lac promoter as well as 13 restriction sites, was constructed to facilitate the cloning and expression of gene fusions. This plasmid also allows the selection of recombinants by the well-known blue/white 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-beta-D-galactoside procedure. A chimera between the choline-binding domain and the pneumococcal hemolysin was also constructed and purified using pCUZ1.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Sanchez-Puelles
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
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Jalonen E, Taira S, Paton J, Kerttula Y, Suomalainen P, Leinonen M. Pneumolysin, produced in Bacillus subtilis as antigen in enzyme immunoassay for etiological diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1990. [DOI: 10.1016/0888-0786(90)90059-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Jørgensen L, Hansen CK, Poulsen GB, Diderichsen B. In vivo genetic engineering: homologous recombination as a tool for plasmid construction. Gene 1990; 96:37-41. [PMID: 2265757 DOI: 10.1016/0378-1119(90)90338-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes a novel method for creating exact DNA fusions between any two points in a plasmid carried in Bacillus subtilis. It exploits the homologous in vivo recombination between directly repeated sequences that can be established by insertion of a synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotide. The method was used to enhance the productivity in B. subtilis of a cloned alpha-amylase (Amy)-encoding gene originating from Bacillus stearothermophilus. Thus, an exact fusion between nucleotide sequences encoding the expression signals, including the signal peptide, of a Bacillus licheniformis Amy-encoding gene and the mature Amy of B. stearothermophilus, was created. The resulting hybrid translational product was processed correctly in B. subtilis during secretion, giving rise to an Amy identical to the mature Amy secreted by B. stearothermophilus.
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Jalonen E, Paton JC, Koskela M, Kerttula Y, Leinonen M. Measurement of antibody responses to pneumolysin--a promising method for the presumptive aetiological diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia. J Infect 1989; 19:127-34. [PMID: 2809235 DOI: 10.1016/s0163-4453(89)91864-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
An enzymeimmunoassay (EIA) for measuring antibodies to pneumococcal pneumolysin has been developed. The method was used to study the possible pneumococcal aetiology of pneumonia in 159 mostly elderly patients admitted to hospital because of a positive chest X-ray. The results obtained with the assay were compared to those obtained by other diagnostic methods, namely blood culture, detection of pneumococcal antigen in urine and demonstration of an antibody response to pneumococcal C-polysaccharide and capsular polysaccharides. Antibody response to pneumolysin was found in 32 of 39 (82%) patients with pneumococcal pneumonia aetiologically diagnosed presumptively by other methods. In addition, the EIA for pneumolysin antibodies was positive in 31 patients without evidence of pneumococcal aetiology by other methods. The clinical and laboratory investigations of these patients supported the presumption of bacterial infection. We conclude that the EIA we have developed for measuring pneumolysin antibodies is a promising, sensitive method for the presumptive aetiological diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia. The assay is simple to perform because only one antigen is needed and measurement of IgG antibodies alone seems to be enough for aetiological diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Jalonen
- National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland
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