1
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Jin T, Zhan X, Pang L, Peng B, Zhang X, Zhu W, Yang B, Xia X. CpxAR two-component system contributes to virulence properties of Cronobacter sakazakii. Food Microbiol 2024; 117:104393. [PMID: 37919015 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2023.104393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Cronobacter sakazakii (C. sakazakii) is a foodborne pathogen which threaten susceptible hosts including infants. CpxA/CpxR, a regulatory two-component system (TSC), contributes to stress response and virulence in various Gram-negative pathogens, but its role in C. sakazakii has not been thoroughly studied. In this study, we constructed CpxA, CpxR, CpxAR deletion and complementation strains. The mutants showed weakened bacterial adhesion to and invasion of HBMEC and Caco-2, reduced intracellular survival and replication of C. sakazakii within RAW264.7 macrophages, and decreased translocation of HBMEC and Caco-2 monolayers. Mutants demonstrated lower levels of tight junction proteins disruption and reduced apoptosis and cytotoxicity in Caco-2 monolayer compared to wild type strain. CpxAR TCS deletion mutants demonstrate attenuated virulence in newborn mice, which was evidenced by fewer bacterial cells loads in tissues and organs, lower levels of intestinal epithelial barrier dysfuction and milder damages in intestinal tissues. All these phenotypes were recovered in complemented strains. In addition, qRT-PCR results showed that CpxAR TCS of C. sakazakii played roles in regulating the expression of several genes associated with bacterial virulence and cellular invasion. These findings indicate that CpxAR TCS is an important regulatory mechanism for virulence of C. sakazakii, which enrich our understanding of genetic determinants of pathogenicity of the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Jin
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xiangjun Zhan
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Liuxin Pang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Bo Peng
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Food Science and Technology Department, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Xinpeng Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Food Science and Technology Department, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Wenxiu Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing and Safety Control, National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116034, China
| | - Baowei Yang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| | - Xiaodong Xia
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing and Safety Control, National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116034, China.
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2
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Mousavi ZE, Koolman L, Macori G, Fanning S, Butler F. Comprehensive Genomic Characterization of Cronobacter sakazakii Isolates from Infant Formula Processing Facilities Using Whole-Genome Sequencing. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2749. [PMID: 38004760 PMCID: PMC10673598 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cronobacter sakazakii is an opportunistic pathogen linked to outbreaks in powdered infant formula (PIF), primarily causing meningitis and necrotizing enterocolitis. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to characterize 18 C. sakazakii strains isolated from PIF (powdered infant formula) manufacturing plants (2011-2015). Sequence Type (ST) 1 was identified as the dominant sequence type, and all isolates carried virulence genes for chemotaxis, flagellar motion, and heat shock proteins. Multiple antibiotic resistance genes were detected, with all isolates exhibiting resistance to Cephalosporins and Tetracycline. A significant correlation existed between genotypic and phenotypic antibiotic resistance. The plasmid Col(pHAD28) was identified in the isolates recovered from the same PIF environment. All isolates harbored at least one intact phage. All the study isolates were compared with a collection of 96 publicly available C. sakazakii genomes to place these isolates within a global context. This comprehensive study, integrating phylogenetic, genomic, and epidemiological data, contributes to a deeper understanding of Cronobacter outbreaks. It provides valuable insights to enhance surveillance, prevention, and control strategies in food processing and public health contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Ebrahimzadeh Mousavi
- UCD-Centre for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (L.K.); (G.M.); (S.F.)
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland;
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Faculties of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj 6719418314, Iran
| | - Leonard Koolman
- UCD-Centre for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (L.K.); (G.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Guerrino Macori
- UCD-Centre for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (L.K.); (G.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Séamus Fanning
- UCD-Centre for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (L.K.); (G.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Francis Butler
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland;
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3
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Guan N, Shi Y, Tong H, Yang Y, Li J, Guo D, Wang X, Shan Z, Lü X, Shi C. Inhibition of Cronobacter sakazakii Biofilm Formation and Expression of Virulence Factors by Coenzyme Q 0. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2023; 20:442-452. [PMID: 37669036 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2023.0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of coenzyme Q0 (CoQ0) on biofilm formation and the expression of virulence genes by Cronobacter sakazakii. We found that the minimum inhibitory concentration of CoQ0 against C. sakazakii strains ATCC29544 and ATCC29004 was 100 μg/mL, while growth curve assays showed that subinhibitory concentrations (SICs) of CoQ0 for both strains were 6.4, 3.2, 1.6 and 0.8 μg/mL. Assays exploring the inhibition of specific biofilm formation showed that SICs of CoQ0 inhibited biofilm formation by C. sakazakii in a dose-dependent manner, which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy analyses. CoQ0 inhibited the swimming and swarming motility of C. sakazakii and reduced its ability to adhere to and invade HT-29 cells. In addition, CoQ0 impeded the ability of C. sakazakii to survive and replicate within RAW 264.7 cells. Finally, real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed that nine C. sakazakii genes associated with biofilm formation and virulence were downregulated in response to CoQ0 treatment. Overall, our findings suggest that CoQ0 is a promising antibiofilm agent and provide new insights for the prevention and control of infections caused by C. sakazakii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Guan
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yiqi Shi
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Haoyu Tong
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yanpeng Yang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Jiahui Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Du Guo
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Xin Wang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Zhongguo Shan
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Xin Lü
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Chao Shi
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
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4
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Cheng S, Li Z, Bai X, Feng J, Su R, Song L, Yang H, Zhan X, Xia X, Lü X, Shi C. The biochemical characteristics of viable but nonculturable state Yersinia enterocolitica induced by lactic acid stress and its presence in food systems. Food Res Int 2023; 170:113024. [PMID: 37316087 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state is adopted by many foodborne pathogenic bacteria to survive in adverse conditions. This study found that lactic acid, a widely used food preservative, can induce Yersinia enterocolitica to enter a VBNC state. Y. enterocolitica treated with 2 mg/mL lactic acid completely lost culturability within 20 min, and 10.137 ± 1.693 % of the cells entered a VBNC state. VBNC state cells could be recovered (resuscitated) in tryptic soy broth (TSB), 5 % (v/v) Tween80-TSB, and 2 mg/mL sodium pyruvate-TSB. In the VBNC state of Y. enterocolitica induced by lactic acid, the intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration and various enzyme activities were decreased, and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was elevated, compared with uninduced cells. The VBNC state cells were significantly more resistant to heat and simulated gastric fluid than uninduced cells, but their ability to survive in a high-osmotic-pressure environment was significantly less than that of uninduced cells. The VBNC state cells induced by lactic acid changed from long rod-like to short rod-like, with small vacuoles at the cell edges; the genetic material was loosened and the density of cytoplasm was increased. The VBNC state cells had decreased ability to adhere to and invade Caco-2 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma) cells. The transcription levels of genes related to adhesion, invasion, motility, and resistance to adverse environmental stress were downregulated in VBNC state cells relative to uninduced cells. In meat-based broth, all nine tested strains of Y. enterocolitica entered the VBNC state after lactic acid treatment; among these strains, only VBNC state cells of Y. enterocolitica CMCC 52207 and Isolate 36 could not be recovered. Therefore, this study is a wake-up call for food safety problems caused by VBNC state pathogens induced by lactic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Cheng
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Zhenye Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xiangyang Bai
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jingqi Feng
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Ruiying Su
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Luyi Song
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Hui Yang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xiangjun Zhan
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xiaodong Xia
- School of Food Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116304, China
| | - Xin Lü
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Chao Shi
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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5
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Virulence and DNA sequence analysis of Cronobacter spp. isolated from infant cereals. Int J Food Microbiol 2022; 376:109745. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2022.109745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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6
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Ji X, Lu P, Xue J, Zhao N, Zhang Y, Dong L, Zhang X, Li P, Hu Y, Wang J, Zhang B, Liu J, Lv H, Wang S. The lipoprotein NlpD in Cronobacter sakazakii responds to acid stress and regulates macrophage resistance and virulence by maintaining membrane integrity. Virulence 2021; 12:415-429. [PMID: 33459158 PMCID: PMC7834084 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2020.1870336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cronobacter sakazakii, an emerging opportunistic pathogen, is implicated in severe foodborne outbreak infections in premature and full-term infants. Generally, acid tolerance is vital for the pathogenesis of foodborne pathogens; however, its role in C. sakazakii virulence remains largely unknown. To screen out acid-tolerance determinants from transposon mutants, anovel counterselection method using gentamicin and acid was developed. Using the counterselection method and growth assay, we screened several acid-sensitive mutants and found that nlpD encodes an acid-resistance factor in C. sakazakii. Compared to the wild-type strain, the nlpD mutant exhibited attenuated virulence in a rat model. Using macrophage THP-1 cells and a pH probe, we verified that nlpD enables bacteria to resist macrophages by resisting acidification. Finally, we confirmed that nlpD maintains C. sakazakii membrane integrity in acid using propidium iodide permeabilization assays via flow cytometry. Our results confirm that nlpD is a novel virulence factor that permits C. sakazakii to survive under acid stress conditions. Considering that NlpD is a conserved lipoprotein located in the bacterial outer membrane, NlpD could be used as a target for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemeng Ji
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University , Tianjin, China
| | - Ping Lu
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical Collage , Tianjin, China
| | - Juan Xue
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine , Shiyan, China
| | - Ning Zhao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University , Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University , Tianjin, China
| | - Lu Dong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University , Tianjin, China
| | - Xuejiao Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University , Tianjin, China
| | - Ping Li
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Science and Technology , Tianjin, China
| | - Yaozhong Hu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University , Tianjin, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University , Tianjin, China
| | - Bowei Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University , Tianjin, China
| | - Jingmin Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University , Tianjin, China
| | - Huan Lv
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University , Tianjin, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University , Tianjin, China
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7
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Hinzke T, Kleiner M, Meister M, Schlüter R, Hentschker C, Pané-Farré J, Hildebrandt P, Felbeck H, Sievert SM, Bonn F, Völker U, Becher D, Schweder T, Markert S. Bacterial symbiont subpopulations have different roles in a deep-sea symbiosis. eLife 2021; 10:58371. [PMID: 33404502 PMCID: PMC7787665 DOI: 10.7554/elife.58371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The hydrothermal vent tubeworm Riftia pachyptila hosts a single 16S rRNA phylotype of intracellular sulfur-oxidizing symbionts, which vary considerably in cell morphology and exhibit a remarkable degree of physiological diversity and redundancy, even in the same host. To elucidate whether multiple metabolic routes are employed in the same cells or rather in distinct symbiont subpopulations, we enriched symbionts according to cell size by density gradient centrifugation. Metaproteomic analysis, microscopy, and flow cytometry strongly suggest that Riftia symbiont cells of different sizes represent metabolically dissimilar stages of a physiological differentiation process: While small symbionts actively divide and may establish cellular symbiont-host interaction, large symbionts apparently do not divide, but still replicate DNA, leading to DNA endoreduplication. Moreover, in large symbionts, carbon fixation and biomass production seem to be metabolic priorities. We propose that this division of labor between smaller and larger symbionts benefits the productivity of the symbiosis as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjorven Hinzke
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.,Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Greifswald, Germany.,Energy Bioengineering Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Manuel Kleiner
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, United States
| | - Mareike Meister
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.,Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Rabea Schlüter
- Imaging Center of the Department of Biology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christian Hentschker
- Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jan Pané-Farré
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Petra Hildebrandt
- Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Horst Felbeck
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Stefan M Sievert
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, United States
| | - Florian Bonn
- Institute of Biochemistry, University Hospital, Goethe University School of Medicine Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Uwe Völker
- Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Dörte Becher
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Thomas Schweder
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.,Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Stephanie Markert
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.,Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Greifswald, Germany
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Jang H, Gopinath GR, Eshwar A, Srikumar S, Nguyen S, Gangiredla J, Patel IR, Finkelstein SB, Negrete F, Woo J, Lee Y, Fanning S, Stephan R, Tall BD, Lehner A. The Secretion of Toxins and Other Exoproteins of Cronobacter: Role in Virulence, Adaption, and Persistence. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E229. [PMID: 32046365 PMCID: PMC7074816 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8020229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
: Cronobacter species are considered an opportunistic group of foodborne pathogenic bacteria capable of causing both intestinal and systemic human disease. This review describes common virulence themes shared among the seven Cronobacter species and describes multiple exoproteins secreted by Cronobacter, many of which are bacterial toxins that may play a role in human disease. The review will particularly concentrate on the virulence factors secreted by C. sakazakii, C. malonaticus, and C. turicensis, which are the primary human pathogens of interest. It has been discovered that various species-specific virulence factors adversely affect a wide range of eukaryotic cell processes including protein synthesis, cell division, and ion secretion. Many of these factors are toxins which have been shown to also modulate the host immune response. These factors are encoded on a variety of mobile genetic elements such as plasmids and transposons; this genomic plasticity implies ongoing re-assortment of virulence factor genes which has complicated our efforts to categorize Cronobacter into sharply defined genomic pathotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyein Jang
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD 20708, USA; (H.J.); (J.G.); (F.N.); (J.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Gopal R. Gopinath
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD 20708, USA; (H.J.); (J.G.); (F.N.); (J.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Athmanya Eshwar
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, University of Zurich, Zurich CH-8006 Zürich, Switzerland; (A.E.); (R.S.); (A.L.)
| | - Shabarinath Srikumar
- UCD-Centre for Food Safety, Science Centre South, University College Dublin, Dublin Belfield, Dublin 4, D04 V1W8, Ireland; (S.S.); (S.N.); (S.F.)
| | - Scott Nguyen
- UCD-Centre for Food Safety, Science Centre South, University College Dublin, Dublin Belfield, Dublin 4, D04 V1W8, Ireland; (S.S.); (S.N.); (S.F.)
| | - Jayanthi Gangiredla
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD 20708, USA; (H.J.); (J.G.); (F.N.); (J.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Isha R. Patel
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD 20708, USA; (H.J.); (J.G.); (F.N.); (J.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Samantha B. Finkelstein
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD 20708, USA; (H.J.); (J.G.); (F.N.); (J.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Flavia Negrete
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD 20708, USA; (H.J.); (J.G.); (F.N.); (J.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - JungHa Woo
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD 20708, USA; (H.J.); (J.G.); (F.N.); (J.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - YouYoung Lee
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD 20708, USA; (H.J.); (J.G.); (F.N.); (J.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Séamus Fanning
- UCD-Centre for Food Safety, Science Centre South, University College Dublin, Dublin Belfield, Dublin 4, D04 V1W8, Ireland; (S.S.); (S.N.); (S.F.)
| | - Roger Stephan
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, University of Zurich, Zurich CH-8006 Zürich, Switzerland; (A.E.); (R.S.); (A.L.)
| | - Ben D. Tall
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD 20708, USA; (H.J.); (J.G.); (F.N.); (J.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Angelika Lehner
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, University of Zurich, Zurich CH-8006 Zürich, Switzerland; (A.E.); (R.S.); (A.L.)
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9
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Eshwar AK, Wolfrum N, Stephan R, Fanning S, Lehner A. Interaction of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and Zpx inCronobacter turicensisLMG 23827Tmediated infections in the zebrafish model. Cell Microbiol 2018; 20:e12888. [DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nina Wolfrum
- Institute for Veterinary Bacteriology; University of Zurich; Zurich Switzerland
| | - Roger Stephan
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene; University of Zurich; Zurich Switzerland
| | - Séamus Fanning
- UCD-Centre for Food Safety, Science Centre South; University College Dublin; Dublin Ireland
| | - Angelika Lehner
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene; University of Zurich; Zurich Switzerland
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10
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Lehner A, Tall BD, Fanning S, Srikumar S. Cronobacter spp.—Opportunistic Foodborne Pathogens: an Update on Evolution, Osmotic Adaptation and Pathogenesis. CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40588-018-0089-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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11
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Inhibition of Cronobacter sakazakii Virulence Factors by Citral. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43243. [PMID: 28233814 PMCID: PMC5324112 DOI: 10.1038/srep43243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Cronobacter sakazakii is a foodborne pathogen associated with fatal forms of necrotizing enterocolitis, meningitis and sepsis in neonates and infants. The aim of this study was to determine whether citral, a major component of lemongrass oil, could suppress putative virulence factors of C. sakazakii that contribute to infection. Sub-inhibitory concentrations of citral significantly decreased motility, quorum sensing, biofilm formation and endotoxin production. Citral substantially reduced the adhesion and invasion of C. sakazakii to Caco-2 cells and decreased bacterial survival and replication within the RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Citral also repressed the expression of eighteen genes involved in the virulence. These findings suggest that citral has potential to be developed as an alternative or supplemental agent to mitigate the infections caused by C. sakazakii.
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12
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Liu L, Li Y, Wang X, Guo W. A phosphoethanolamine transferase specific for the 4′-phosphate residue of Cronobacter sakazakii
lipid A. J Appl Microbiol 2016; 121:1444-1456. [DOI: 10.1111/jam.13280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology; Jiangnan University; Wuxi China
- School of Biotechnology; Jiangnan University; Wuxi China
| | - Y. Li
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology; Jiangnan University; Wuxi China
- Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Nutrition; Jiangnan University; Wuxi China
| | - X. Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology; Jiangnan University; Wuxi China
- School of Biotechnology; Jiangnan University; Wuxi China
- Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Nutrition; Jiangnan University; Wuxi China
| | - W. Guo
- School of Biotechnology; Jiangnan University; Wuxi China
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Eshwar AK, Tall BD, Gangiredla J, Gopinath GR, Patel IR, Neuhauss SCF, Stephan R, Lehner A. Linking Genomo- and Pathotype: Exploiting the Zebrafish Embryo Model to Investigate the Divergent Virulence Potential among Cronobacter spp. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158428. [PMID: 27355472 PMCID: PMC4927158 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria belonging to the genus Cronobacter have been recognized as causative agents of life-threatening systemic infections primarily in premature, low-birth weight and immune-compromised neonates. Apparently not all Cronobacter species are linked to infantile infections and it has been proposed that virulence varies among strains. Whole genome comparisons and in silico analysis have proven to be powerful tools in elucidating potential virulence determinants, the presence/absence of which may explain the differential virulence behaviour of strains. However, validation of these factors has in the past been hampered by the availability of a suitable neonatal animal model. In the present study we have used zebrafish embryos to model Cronobacter infections in vivo using wild type and genetically engineered strains. Our experiments confirmed the role of the RepF1B-like plasmids as “virulence plasmids” in Cronobacter and underpinned the importantce of two putative virulence factors—cpa and zpx—in in vivo pathogenesis. We propose that by using this model in vivo infection studies are now possible on a large scale level which will boost the understanding on the virulence strategies employed by these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athmanya K. Eshwar
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ben D. Tall
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jayanthi Gangiredla
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Gopal R. Gopinath
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Isha R. Patel
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - Roger Stephan
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Angelika Lehner
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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The DSF type quorum sensing signalling system RpfF/R regulates diverse phenotypes in the opportunistic pathogen Cronobacter. Sci Rep 2016; 6:18753. [PMID: 26725701 PMCID: PMC4698668 DOI: 10.1038/srep18753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Several bacterial pathogens produce diffusible signal factor (DSF)-type quorum sensing (QS) signals to control biofilm formation and virulence. Previous work showed that in Burkholderia cenocepacia the RpfFBc/RpfR system is involved in sensing and responding to DSF signals and that this signal/sensor gene pair is highly conserved in several bacterial species including Cronobacter spp. Here we show that C. turicensis LMG 23827T possesses a functional RpfF/R system that is involved in the regulation of various phenotypes, including colony morphology, biofilm formation and swarming motility. In vivo experiments using the zebrafish embryo model revealed a role of this regulatory system in virulence of this opportunistic pathogen. We provide evidence that the RpfF/R system modulates the intracellular c-di-GMP level of the organism, an effect that may underpin the alteration in phenotype and thus the regulated phenotypes may be a consequence thereof. This first report on an RpfF/R-type QS system of an organism outside the genus Burkholderia revealed that both the underlying molecular mechanisms as well as the regulated functions show a high degree of conservation.
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Fehr A, Eshwar AK, Neuhauss SCF, Ruetten M, Lehner A, Vaughan L. Evaluation of zebrafish as a model to study the pathogenesis of the opportunistic pathogen Cronobacter turicensis. Emerg Microbes Infect 2015; 4:e29. [PMID: 26060602 PMCID: PMC4451267 DOI: 10.1038/emi.2015.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria belonging to the genus Cronobacter spp. have been recognized as causative agents of life-threatening systemic infections, primarily in premature, low-birth weight and/or immune-compromised neonates. Knowledge remains scarce regarding the underlying molecular mechanisms of disease development. In this study, we evaluated the use of a zebrafish model to study the pathogenesis of Cronobacter turicensis LMG 23827T, a clinical isolate responsible for two fatal sepsis cases in neonates. Here, the microinjection of approximately 50 colony forming units (CFUs) into the yolk sac resulted in the rapid multiplication of bacteria and dissemination into the blood stream at 24 h post infection (hpi), followed by the development of a severe bacteremia and larval death within 3 days. In contrast, the innate immune response of the embryos was sufficiently developed to control infection after the intravenous injection of up to 104 CFUs of bacteria. Infection studies using an isogenic mutant devoid of surviving and replicating in human macrophages (ΔfkpA) showed that this strain was highly attenuated in its ability to kill the larvae. In addition, the suitability of the zebrafish model system to study the effectiveness of antibiotics to treat Cronobacter infections in zebrafish embryos was examined. Our data indicate that the zebrafish model represents an excellent vertebrate model to study virulence-related aspects of this opportunistic pathogen in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Fehr
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich , Winterthurerstrasse 268, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Athmanya K Eshwar
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich , Winterthurerstrasse 272, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stephan C F Neuhauss
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich , Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maja Ruetten
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich , Winterthurerstrasse 268, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Angelika Lehner
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich , Winterthurerstrasse 272, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lloyd Vaughan
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich , Winterthurerstrasse 268, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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