1
|
Dai J, Xu Z, Yang N, Tuerxunjiang H, Shan X, Diao Y, Zhao J, Ma M, Li X, Xiao M, Pei J. Investigation of the biocontrol mechanism of a novel Pseudomonas species against phytopathogenic Fusarium graminearum revealed by multi-omics integration analysis. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0045524. [PMID: 38809045 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00455-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Phytopathogenic Fusarium graminearum poses significant threats to crop health and soil quality. Although our laboratory-cultivated Pseudomonas sp. P13 exhibited potential biocontrol capacities, its effectiveness against F. graminearum and underlying antifungal mechanisms are still unclear. In light of this, our study investigated a significant inhibitory effect of P13 on F. graminearum T1, both in vitro and in a soil environment. Conducting genomic, metabolomic, and transcriptomic analyses of P13, we sought to identify evidence supporting its antagonistic effects on T1. The results revealed the potential of P13, a novel Pseudomonas species, to produce active antifungal components, including phenazine-1-carboxylate (PCA), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and siderophores [pyoverdine (Pvd) and histicorrugatin (Hcs)], as well as the dynamic adaptive changes in the metabolic pathways of P13 related to these active ingredients. During the logarithmic growth stage, T1-exposed P13 strategically upregulated PCA and HCN biosynthesis, along with transient inhibition of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. However, with growth stabilization, upregulation of PCA and HCN synthesis ceased, whereas the TCA cycle was enhanced, increasing siderophores secretion (Pvd and Hcs), suggesting that this mechanism might have caused continuous inhibition of T1. These findings improved our comprehension of the biocontrol mechanisms of P13 and provided the foundation for potential application of Pseudomonas strains in the biocontrol of phytopathogenic F. graminearum. IMPORTANCE Pseudomonas spp. produces various antifungal substances, making it an effective natural biocontrol agent against pathogenic fungi. However, the inhibitory effects and the associated antagonistic mechanisms of Pseudomonas spp. against Fusarium spp. are unclear. Multi-omics integration analyses of the in vitro antifungal effects of novel Pseudomonas species, P13, against F. graminearum T1 revealed the ability of P13 to produce antifungal components (PCA, HCN, Pvd, and Hcs), strategically upregulate PCA and HCN biosynthesis during logarithmic growth phase, and enhance the TCA cycle during stationary growth phase. These findings improved our understanding of the biocontrol mechanisms of P13 and its potential application against pathogenic fungi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Dai
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaofeng Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Xin Shan
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuting Diao
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahui Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meiqi Ma
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Xiao
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junmin Pei
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gao S, Jin W, Quan Y, Li Y, Shen Y, Yuan S, Yi L, Wang Y, Wang Y. Bacterial capsules: Occurrence, mechanism, and function. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2024; 10:21. [PMID: 38480745 PMCID: PMC10937973 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-024-00497-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
In environments characterized by extended multi-stress conditions, pathogens develop a variety of immune escape mechanisms to enhance their ability to infect the host. The capsules, polymers that bacteria secrete near their cell wall, participates in numerous bacterial life processes and plays a crucial role in resisting host immune attacks and adapting to their niche. Here, we discuss the relationship between capsules and bacterial virulence, summarizing the molecular mechanisms of capsular regulation and pathogenesis to provide new insights into the research on the pathogenesis of pathogenic bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuji Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Wenjie Jin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Yingying Quan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Yue Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Yamin Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Shuo Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Li Yi
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China
- College of Life Science, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang, 471934, China
| | - Yuxin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China.
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China.
| | - Yang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China.
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li Y, Liu C, Sun Y, Wang R, Wu C, Zhao H, Zhang L, Song D, Gao Q. Construction of the flagellin F mutant of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and its toxic effects on silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus) cells. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 259:129395. [PMID: 38218285 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129395] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Vibrio parahaemolyticus causes diseases in aquatic organisms, leading to substantial financial losses to the aquaculture industry; its flagellin F (flaF) protein triggers severe inflammation in host cells. To enhance the understanding of the function of flaF in V. parahaemolyticus infection, in this study, a flaF-deficient mutant was constructed by employing two-step homologous recombination. The flaF-deficient mutant induced a significantly lower toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) expression and apoptosis in fish intestinal epithelial cells than the wild-type V. parahaemolyticus. Furthermore, fluorescence labelling and microscopy analysis of TLR5 showed that V. parahaemolyticus and its mutant strain significantly enhanced TLR5 expression. Additionally, the findings suggest that flaF deletion did not significantly affect the expression of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) induced by V.parahaemolyticus. In summary, V. parahaemolyticus induced a TLR5-dependent inflammatory response and apoptosis through MyD88, which was observed to be influenced by flaF deletion. In this study, we obtained stable mutants of V. parahaemolyticus via target gene deletion-which is a rapid and effective approach-and compared the induction of inflammatory response and apoptosis by V. parahaemolyticus and its mutant strain, providing novel perspectives for functional gene research in V. parahaemolyticus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- College of Life Science, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, PR China
| | - Chao Liu
- Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 201699, PR China
| | - Yuechen Sun
- Haidian Foreign Language Academy, Beijing 100195, PR China
| | - Ruijun Wang
- College of Life Science, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, PR China
| | - Choufei Wu
- College of Life Science, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, PR China
| | - Hanqu Zhao
- College of Life Science, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, PR China
| | - Liqin Zhang
- College of Life Science, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, PR China
| | - Dawei Song
- College of Life Science, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, PR China.
| | - Quanxin Gao
- College of Life Science, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bjånes E, Koh T, Qayum T, Zurich R, McCabe S, Hampel K, Cartwright L, Nizet V. Exploring Roles of the Polysaccharide Capsule in Pathogenesis of Hypervirulent Acinetobacter baumannii Clinical Isolate Lac-4. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 13:10. [PMID: 38275320 PMCID: PMC10812722 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13010010] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The frequently multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii is a leading cause of nosocomial infections, including ventilator-associated pneumonia, such that the World Health Organization and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have declared it a top priority candidate for novel drug development. Nearly all clinical A. baumannii strains express a thick surface polysaccharide capsule that protects against desiccation, host defenses, and disinfectants. In this study, we investigated the contribution of the polysaccharide capsule to virulence caused by the A. baumannii clinical isolate Ab Lac-4, which is rare in its ability to cause pneumonia and disseminated sepsis in healthy mice. We assessed the role of the capsule in wildtype Lac-4 (WT) by generating a premature stop codon in wza, which codes for the polysaccharide export protein. The wza# mutant was hypersensitive to killing by complement, whole blood, and healthy human neutrophils compared to WT and a revertant mutant (wza-Rev). Furthermore, the wza# mutant was highly attenuated in murine sepsis and unable to disseminate from the lungs during pneumonia. This study reinforces the capsule as a key contributor to Ab Lac-4 hypervirulence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Bjånes
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (T.K.); (T.Q.); (R.Z.); (S.M.); (K.H.); (L.C.)
| | - Truman Koh
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (T.K.); (T.Q.); (R.Z.); (S.M.); (K.H.); (L.C.)
| | - Tariq Qayum
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (T.K.); (T.Q.); (R.Z.); (S.M.); (K.H.); (L.C.)
| | - Raymond Zurich
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (T.K.); (T.Q.); (R.Z.); (S.M.); (K.H.); (L.C.)
| | - Sinead McCabe
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (T.K.); (T.Q.); (R.Z.); (S.M.); (K.H.); (L.C.)
| | - Kegan Hampel
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (T.K.); (T.Q.); (R.Z.); (S.M.); (K.H.); (L.C.)
| | - Lisa Cartwright
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (T.K.); (T.Q.); (R.Z.); (S.M.); (K.H.); (L.C.)
| | - Victor Nizet
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (T.K.); (T.Q.); (R.Z.); (S.M.); (K.H.); (L.C.)
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gao S, Shen Y, Yuan S, Quan Y, Li X, Wang Y, Yi L, Wang Y. Methyl anthranilate deteriorates biofilm structure of Streptococcus suis and antagonizes the capsular polysaccharide defence effect. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2023; 62:106996. [PMID: 37788717 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2023.106996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Streptococcus suis is an important zoonotic pathogen that often causes biofilm-associated infection. Bacterial biofilm-dependent infection is associated with enhanced drug resistance, making it difficult to eradicate. Novel therapeutic approaches are required urgently to treat infections associated with S. suis biofilm. This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of methyl anthranilate (MA) on S. suis biofilm. METHODS The effect of MA on S. suis biofilm was determined using the crystal violet method, and the microstructure of the biofilm was observed by electron microscopy. The effects on capsular polysaccharides were determined using the phenol-sulphuric acid method and high-performance liquid chromatography. Adhesion and antiphagocytosis properties of S. suis were detected via cell assays. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation and enzyme activity inhibition assays were used to further explore the effect of MA on AI-2 quorum sensing (QS) of S. suis. Finally, the therapeutic effect of MA was investigated using a mouse infection model. RESULTS MA destroyed the structure of S. suis biofilm, hindered biofilm formation, and reduced the synthesis of capsular polysaccharides significantly, which further weakened the adhesion and antiphagocytosis ability of S. suis. MA had a docking effect and binding site (SER76 and ASP197) similar to S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). Further analysis showed that MA competitively bound 5'-methyladenosine/S-adenosine homocysteine nucleosidase with SAH to interfere with AI-2 QS. In a mouse model, MA reduced the bacterial burden and inflammatory infiltrates effectively. CONCLUSION This study revealed the antibiofilm effects of MA, and highlighted its potential as a QS inhibitor against S. suis infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuji Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China; Henan Provincial Engineering Research Centre for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, China
| | - Yamin Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China; Henan Provincial Engineering Research Centre for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, China
| | - Shuo Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China; Henan Provincial Engineering Research Centre for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, China
| | - Yingying Quan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China; Henan Provincial Engineering Research Centre for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, China
| | - Xingping Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China; Henan Provincial Engineering Research Centre for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, China
| | - Yuxin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China; Henan Provincial Engineering Research Centre for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, China
| | - Li Yi
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Centre for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, China; College of Life Science, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang, China.
| | - Yang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China; Henan Provincial Engineering Research Centre for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pu D, Zhao J, Chang K, Zhuo X, Cao B. "Superbugs" with hypervirulence and carbapenem resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae: the rise of such emerging nosocomial pathogens in China. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2023; 68:2658-2670. [PMID: 37821268 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2023.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Although hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) can produce community-acquired infections that are fatal in young and adult hosts, such as pyogenic liver abscess, endophthalmitis, and meningitis, it has historically been susceptible to antibiotics. Carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP) is usually associated with urinary tract infections acquired in hospitals, pneumonia, septicemias, and soft tissue infections. Outbreaks and quick spread of CRKP in hospitals have become a major challenge in public health due to the lack of effective antibacterial treatments. In the early stages of K. pneumoniae development, HvKP and CRKP first appear as distinct routes. However, the lines dividing the two pathotypes are vanishing currently, and the advent of carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (CR-hvKP) is devastating as it is simultaneously multidrug-resistant, hypervirulent, and highly transmissible. Most CR-hvKP cases have been reported in Asian clinical settings, particularly in China. Typically, CR-hvKP develops when hvKP or CRKP acquires plasmids that carry either the carbapenem-resistance gene or the virulence gene. Alternatively, classic K. pneumoniae (cKP) may acquire a hybrid plasmid carrying both genes. In this review, we provide an overview of the key antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, virulence factors, clinical presentations, and outcomes associated with CR-hvKP infection. Additionally, we discuss the possible evolutionary processes and prevalence of CR-hvKP in China. Given the wide occurrence of CR-hvKP, continued surveillance and control measures of such organisms should be assigned a higher priority.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danni Pu
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China; Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Jiankang Zhao
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China; Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Kang Chang
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China; Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xianxia Zhuo
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China; Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100029, China; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Bin Cao
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China; Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100029, China; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lin S, Wu F, Zhang Y, Chen H, Guo H, Chen Y, Liu J. Surface-modified bacteria: synthesis, functionalization and biomedical applications. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:6617-6643. [PMID: 37724854 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00369h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed a great leap forward in bacteria-based living agents, including imageable probes, diagnostic reagents, and therapeutics, by virtue of their unique characteristics, such as genetic manipulation, rapid proliferation, colonization capability, and disease site targeting specificity. However, successful translation of bacterial bioagents to clinical applications remains challenging, due largely to their inherent susceptibility to environmental insults, unavoidable toxic side effects, and limited accumulation at the sites of interest. Cell surface components, which play critical roles in shaping bacterial behaviors, provide an opportunity to chemically modify bacteria and introduce different exogenous functions that are naturally unachievable. With the help of surface modification, a wide range of functionalized bacteria have been prepared over the past years and exhibit great potential in various biomedical applications. In this article, we mainly review the synthesis, functionalization, and biomedical applications of surface-modified bacteria. We first introduce the approaches of chemical modification based on the bacterial surface structure and then highlight several advanced functions achieved by modifying specific components on the surface. We also summarize the advantages as well as limitations of surface chemically modified bacteria in the applications of bioimaging, diagnosis, and therapy and further discuss the current challenges and possible solutions in the future. This work will inspire innovative design thinking for the development of chemical strategies for preparing next-generation biomedical bacterial agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Lin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.
| | - Feng Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.
| | - Huan Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.
| | - Haiyan Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.
| | - Yanmei Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.
| | - Jinyao Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang Y, Luo Q, Chen T, Chi X, Zhou Y, Fu H, Lu P, Xiong L, Xiao T, Zheng B, Shen P, Xiao Y. Clinical, biological and genome-wide comparison of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae with susceptibility transformation to polymyxin B during therapy. Clin Microbiol Infect 2023; 29:1336.e1-1336.e8. [PMID: 37423426 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.06.029] [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: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The emergence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is a major clinical concern, and polymyxin B (PMB) is a 'last resort' antibiotic for its treatment. Understanding the effects of drug susceptibility transformation in CRKP-infected patients undergoing PMB treatment would be beneficial to optimize PMB treatment strategies. METHODS We retrospectively collected data from patients infected with CRKP and treated with PMB from January 2018 to December 2020. CRKPs were collected before and after PMB therapy, and patients were classified into the 'transformation' group (TG) and 'non-transformation' group (NTG) by the shift of susceptibility to PMB. We compared clinical characteristics between these groups, and further analysed the phenotypic and genome variation of CRKP after PMB susceptibility transformation. RESULTS A total of 160 patients (37 in the TG and 123 in the NTG) were included in this study. The duration of PMB treatment before PMB-resistant K. pneumoniae (PRKP) appearance in TG was even longer than the whole duration of PMB treatment in NTG (8 [8] vs. 7 [6] days; p 0.0496). Compared with isogenic PMB-susceptible K. pneumoniae (PSKP), most PRKP strains had missense mutations in mgrB (12 isolates), yciC (10 isolates) and pmrB (7 isolates). The competition index of 82.4% (28/34) of PRKP/PSKP pairs was <67.6% (23/34), and 73.5% (25/34) of PRKP strains showed a higher 7-day lethality in Galleria mellonella and a greater ability to resist complement-dependent killing than their corresponding PSKP, respectively. CONCLUSION Low dose with longer PMB treatment durations may be associated with the emergence of polymyxin resistance. The evolution of PRKP is predominantly mediated by an accumulation of mutations, including those in mgrB, yciC, and pmrB. Lastly, PRKP exhibited reduced growth and increased virulence compared with parental PSKP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qixia Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Department of Structure and Morphology, Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Tao Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohui Chi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanzi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Fu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ping Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Luying Xiong
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Xiao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Beiwen Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Department of Structure and Morphology, Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ping Shen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Department of Structure and Morphology, Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yonghong Xiao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Department of Structure and Morphology, Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Skliros D, Droubogiannis S, Kalloniati C, Katharios P, Flemetakis E. Perturbation of Quorum Sensing after the Acquisition of Bacteriophage Resistance Could Contribute to Novel Traits in Vibrio alginolyticus. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2273. [PMID: 37764117 PMCID: PMC10535087 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092273] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria employ a wide range of molecular mechanisms to confer resistance to bacteriophages, and these mechanisms are continuously being discovered and characterized. However, there are instances where certain bacterial species, despite lacking these known mechanisms, can still develop bacteriophage resistance through intricate metabolic adaptation strategies, potentially involving mutations in transcriptional regulators or phage receptors. Vibrio species have been particularly useful for studying the orchestrated metabolic responses of Gram-negative marine bacteria in various challenges. In a previous study, we demonstrated that Vibrio alginolyticus downregulates the expression of specific receptors and transporters in its membrane, which may enable the bacterium to evade infection by lytic bacteriophages. In our current study, our objective was to explore how the development of bacteriophage resistance in Vibrio species disrupts the quorum-sensing cascade, subsequently affecting bacterial physiology and metabolic capacity. Using a real-time quantitative PCR (rt-QPCR) platform, we examined the expression pattern of quorum-sensing genes, auto-inducer biosynthesis genes, and cell density regulatory proteins in phage-resistant strains. Our results revealed that bacteriophage-resistant bacteria downregulate the expression of quorum-sensing regulatory proteins, such as LuxM, LuxN, and LuxP. This downregulation attenuates the normal perception of quorum-sensing peptides and subsequently diminishes the expression of cell density regulatory proteins, including LuxU, aphA, and LuxR. These findings align with the diverse phenotypic traits observed in the phage-resistant strains, such as altered biofilm formation, reduced planktonic growth, and reduced virulence. Moreover, the transcriptional depletion of aphA, the master regulator associated with low cell density, was linked to the downregulation of genes related to virulence. This phenomenon appears to be phage-specific, suggesting a finely tuned metabolic adaptation driven by phage-host interaction. These findings contribute to our understanding of the role of Vibrio species in microbial marine ecology and highlight the complex interplay between phage resistance, quorum sensing, and bacterial physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Skliros
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece; (D.S.); (C.K.)
| | - Stavros Droubogiannis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (S.D.); (P.K.)
| | - Chrysanthi Kalloniati
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece; (D.S.); (C.K.)
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Aegean, 81100 Mytilene, Greece
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (S.D.); (P.K.)
| | - Emmanouil Flemetakis
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece; (D.S.); (C.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Valcek A, Philippe C, Whiteway C, Robino E, Nesporova K, Bové M, Coenye T, De Pooter T, De Coster W, Strazisar M, Van der Henst C. Phenotypic Characterization and Heterogeneity among Modern Clinical Isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0306122. [PMID: 36475894 PMCID: PMC9927488 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03061-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogenic bacterium prioritized by WHO and CDC because of its increasing antibiotic resistance. Heterogeneity among strains represents the hallmark of A. baumannii bacteria. We wondered to what extent extensively used strains, so-called reference strains, reflect the dynamic nature and intrinsic heterogeneity of these bacteria. We analyzed multiple phenotypic traits of 43 nonredundant, modern, and multidrug-resistant, extensively drug-resistant, and pandrug-resistant clinical isolates and broadly used strains of A. baumannii. Comparison of these isolates at the genetic and phenotypic levels confirmed a high degree of heterogeneity. Importantly, we observed that a significant portion of modern clinical isolates strongly differs from several historically established strains in the light of colony morphology, cellular density, capsule production, natural transformability, and in vivo virulence. The significant differences between modern clinical isolates of A. baumannii and established strains could hamper the study of A. baumannii, especially concerning its virulence and resistance mechanisms. Hence, we propose a variable collection of modern clinical isolates that are characterized at the genetic and phenotypic levels, covering a wide range of the phenotypic spectrum, with six different macrocolony type groups, from avirulent to hypervirulent phenotypes, and with naturally noncapsulated to hypermucoid strains, with intermediate phenotypes as well. Strain-specific mechanistic observations remain interesting per se, and established "reference" strains have undoubtedly been shown to be very useful to study basic mechanisms of A. baumannii biology. However, any study based on a specific strain of A. baumannii should be compared to modern and clinically relevant isolates. IMPORTANCE Acinetobacter baumannii is a bacterium prioritized by the CDC and WHO because of its increasing antibiotic resistance, leading to treatment failures. The hallmark of this pathogen is the high heterogeneity observed among isolates, due to a very dynamic genome. In this context, we tested if a subset of broadly used isolates, considered "reference" strains, was reflecting the genetic and phenotypic diversity found among currently circulating clinical isolates. We observed that the so-called reference strains do not cover the whole diversity of the modern clinical isolates. While formerly established strains successfully generated a strong base of knowledge in the A. baumannii field and beyond, our study shows that a rational choice of strain, related to a specific biological question, should be taken into consideration. Any data obtained with historically established strains should also be compared to modern and clinically relevant isolates, especially concerning drug screening, resistance, and virulence contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Valcek
- Microbial Resistance and Drug Discovery, VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Chantal Philippe
- Research Unit in the Biology of Microorganisms (URBM), NARILIS, University of Namur (UNamur), Namur, Belgium
| | - Clémence Whiteway
- Microbial Resistance and Drug Discovery, VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Etienne Robino
- Microbial Resistance and Drug Discovery, VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kristina Nesporova
- Microbial Resistance and Drug Discovery, VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mona Bové
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Coenye
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tim De Pooter
- Neuromics Support Facility, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wouter De Coster
- Applied and Translational Neurogenomics Group, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium
- Applied and Translational Neurogenomics Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mojca Strazisar
- Neuromics Support Facility, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Charles Van der Henst
- Microbial Resistance and Drug Discovery, VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dinesh R, Sreena CP, Sheeja TE, Charles S, Srinivasan V, Sajith V, Subila KP, Haritha P. Metagenomics indicates abundance of biofilm related genes and horizontal transfer of multidrug resistant genes among bacterial communities in nano zinc oxide polluted soil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 859:160032. [PMID: 36370776 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The unsafe and reckless disposal of metal oxide nanoparticles like ZnO (nZnO) into the soil could seriously impact bacterial behavioural responses and functions. Under such stress, biofilm formation is considered to be a robust mechanism for bacterial survival in soil. We examined the response of bacterial metagenomes in soils exposed to varying levels of Zn (50, 200, 500 and 1000 mg kg-1) as nano Zn oxide (nZnO) in terms of biofilm genesis and regulation and their co-occurrences with multidrug resistance genes (MDRGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs). The size-specific effects of nZnO were verified using its bulk counterpart (bZnO). Both nZnO and bZnO facilitated profusion of biofilm related genes (BGs) especially at higher Zn levels (500 and 1000 mg kg-1 Zn), though maximum abundance was registered at a comparatively lower level under nZnO. In general, nZnO favoured an enhancement of genes involved in exopolysaccharide biosynthesis and attachment, while bZnO favoured genes related to capsule formation, chemotaxis and biofilm dispersion. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed significant positive correlations between abundances of BGs, MDRGs and MGEs, indicating an enhanced probability for horizontal gene transfer of MDRGs in nZnO polluted soils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Dinesh
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Marikunnu PO, Kozhikode, Kerala 673012, India
| | - C P Sreena
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Marikunnu PO, Kozhikode, Kerala 673012, India
| | - T E Sheeja
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Marikunnu PO, Kozhikode, Kerala 673012, India.
| | - Sona Charles
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Marikunnu PO, Kozhikode, Kerala 673012, India
| | - V Srinivasan
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Marikunnu PO, Kozhikode, Kerala 673012, India
| | - V Sajith
- National Institute of Technology, NIT Campus PO, Kozhikode, Kerala 673012, India
| | - K P Subila
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Marikunnu PO, Kozhikode, Kerala 673012, India
| | - P Haritha
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Marikunnu PO, Kozhikode, Kerala 673012, India
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Swain A, Pan A. Protein Therapeutic Target Candidates Against Acinetobacter baumannii, a Pathogen of Concern to Planetary Health: A Network-Based Integrative Omics Drug Discovery Approach. OMICS : A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2023; 27:62-74. [PMID: 36735546 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2022.0180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii, an opportunistic gram-negative pathogen responsible for several nosocomial infections, has developed resistance to various antibiotics. Proteins involved in the two-component system (TCS), virulence, and antibiotic resistance (AR), help this pathogen in regulating antibiotic susceptibility and virulence mechanisms. The present study reports a network-based integrative omics approach to drug discovery to identify key regulatory proteins as therapeutic candidates against A. baumannii. We collected data on the TCS, virulence, and AR proteins from various databases (P2CS, VFDB, ARDB, and PAIDB), which were subjected to network, host-pathogen, and gene expression data analysis. Network analysis identified 43 hubs, and 10 proteins were found to be interacting with human proteins associated with vital pathways. Of the 53 (43 + 10) pathogen proteins, 46 had no orthologs in the human host. Twelve proteins, namely, RpfC, Wzc, OmpR, EnvZ, BfmS, PilG, histidine kinase, ABC 3 transport family protein, outer membrane porin OprD family, CsuD, Pgm, and LpxA, were differentially expressed in the resistant strain. We propose these proteins as key regulators that warrant evaluation as therapeutic target candidates in the future. Furthermore, structure prediction of ABC 3 transport family protein was performed as a case study. The findings from this study are poised to facilitate and inform drug discovery and development against A. baumannii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Swain
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India
| | - Archana Pan
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Nunez C, Kostoulias X, Peleg A, Short F, Qu Y. A comprehensive comparison of biofilm formation and capsule production for bacterial survival on hospital surfaces. Biofilm 2023; 5:100105. [PMID: 36711324 PMCID: PMC9880390 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2023.100105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation and capsule production are known microbial strategies used by bacterial pathogens to survive adverse conditions in the hospital environment. The relative importance of these strategies individually is unexplored. This project aims to compare the contributory roles of biofilm formation and capsule production in bacterial survival on hospital surfaces. Representative strains of bacterial species often causing hospital-acquired infections were selected, including Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The importance of biofilm formation and capsule production on bacterial survival was evaluated by comparing capsule-positive wild-type and capsule-deficient mutant strains, and biofilm and planktonic growth modes respectively, against three adverse hospital conditions, including desiccation, benzalkonium chloride disinfection and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Bacterial survival was quantitatively assessed using colony-forming unit (CFU) enumeration and the 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) assay and qualitatively by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Correlations between capsule production and biofilm formation were further investigated. Biofilm formation contributed significantly to bacterial survival on hospital surface simulators, mediating high resistance to desiccation, benzalkonium chloride disinfection and UV radiation. The role of capsule production was minor and species-specific; encapsulated A. baumannii but not K. pneumoniae cells demonstrated slightly increased resistance to desiccation, and neither showed enhanced resistance to benzalkonium chloride. Interestingly, capsule production sensitized K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii to UV radiation. The loss of capsule in K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii enhanced biofilm formation, possibly by increasing cell surface hydrophobicity. In summary, this study confirms the crucial role of biofilm formation in bacterial survival on hospital surfaces. Conversely, encapsulation plays a relatively minor role and may even negatively impact bacterial biofilm formation and hospital survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Nunez
- Infection Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Xenia Kostoulias
- Infection Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Anton Peleg
- Infection Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Francesca Short
- Infection Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia,Corresponding author.,
| | - Yue Qu
- Infection Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia,Corresponding author. Infection Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Insights into mucoid Acinetobacter baumannii: A review of microbiological characteristics, virulence, and pathogenic mechanisms in a threatening nosocomial pathogen. Microbiol Res 2022; 261:127057. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
|
15
|
Liu Z, Xu W. Neutrophil and Macrophage Response in Acinetobacter Baumannii Infection and Their Relationship to Lung Injury. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:890511. [PMID: 35873147 PMCID: PMC9298752 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.890511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii (AB) infection has become a threat to global public health. AB is one of the main pathogens causing nosocomial infections, especially ventilator-associated pneumonia. AB easily develops resistance against a variety of antibiotics, which makes the treatment of AB infections difficult. Therefore, it is necessary to study new treatment plans like anti-infection immunity. Both animal models of AB infection and in vitro cell experiments show that macrophages are activated in the early stage of the immune response and regulate the recruitment of neutrophils, thus playing a role in clearing AB. AB components and the immune responses they induce can lead to injury of the infected organ, mostly in the lungs. Understanding the response of innate immunity to ABs at different stages after infection and the relationship between the response and lung injury can help to develop new immunotherapy methods and prevent lung injury. This article provides a comprehensive review of the response of neutrophils and macrophages to AB infection and their association with lung injury to develop effective therapies for AB infection and prevent lung injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaojun Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chen C, Xu H, Liu R, Hu X, Han J, Wu L, Fu H, Zheng B, Xiao Y. Emergence of Neonatal Sepsis Caused by MCR-9- and NDM-1-Co-Producing Enterobacter hormaechei in China. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:879409. [PMID: 35601097 PMCID: PMC9120612 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.879409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes represent an emerging threat to public health. Reports on the prevalence, antimicrobial profiles, and clonality of MCR-9-producing Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) isolates on a national scale in China are limited. We screened 3,373 samples from humans, animals, and the environment and identified eleven MCR-9-positive ECC isolates. We further investigated their susceptibility, epidemiology, plasmid profiles, genetic features, and virulence potential. Ten strains were isolated from severe bloodstream infection cases, especially three of them were recovered from neonatal sepsis. Enterobacter hormaechei was the most predominant species among the MCR-9-producing ECC population. Moreover, the co-existence of MCR-9, CTX-M, and SHV-12 encoding genes in MCR-9-positive isolates was globally observed. Notably, mcr-9 was mainly carried by IncHI2 plasmids, and we found a novel ~187 kb IncFII plasmid harboring mcr-9, with low similarity with known plasmids. In summary, our study presented genomic insights into genetic characteristics of MCR-9-producing ECC isolates retrieved from human, animal, and environment samples with one health perspective. This study is the first to reveal NDM-1- and MCR-9-co-producing ECC from neonatal sepsis in China. Our data highlights the risk for the hidden spread of the mcr-9 colistin resistance gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunlei Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, China
| | - Ruishan Liu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinjun Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Jianfeng Han
- Sansure Biotech Inc. Medical Affairs Department, National Joint Local Engineering Research Center for Genetic Diagnosis of Infection Diseases and Tumors, Beijing, China
| | - Lingjiao Wu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Fu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Beiwen Zheng
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, China
- Research Units of Infectious Diseases and Microecology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Beiwen Zheng, ; Yonghong Xiao,
| | - Yonghong Xiao
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, China
- Research Units of Infectious Diseases and Microecology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Beiwen Zheng, ; Yonghong Xiao,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kaushik V, Tiwari M, Joshi R, Tiwari V. Therapeutic strategies against potential antibiofilm targets of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:2045-2063. [PMID: 35083758 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is the causative agent of various hospital-acquired infections. Biofilm formation is one of the various antimicrobial resistance (AMR) strategies and is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Hence, it is essential to review the potential antibiofilm targets in A. baumannii and come up with different strategies to combat these potential targets. This review covers different pathways involved in the regulation of biofilm formation in A. baumannii like quorum sensing (QS), cyclic-di-GMP signaling, two-component system (TCS), outer-membrane protein (ompA), and biofilm-associated protein (BAP). A newly discovered mechanism of electrical signaling-mediated biofilm formation and contact-dependent biofilm modulation has also been discussed. As biofilm formation and its maintenance in A. baumannii is facilitated by these potential targets, the detailed study of these targets and pathways can bring light to different therapeutic strategies such as anti-biofilm peptides, natural and synthetic molecule inhibitors, QS molecule degrading enzymes, and other strategies. These strategies may help in suppressing the lethality of biofilm-mediated infections. Targeting essential proteins/targets which are crucial for biofilm formation and regulation may render new therapeutic strategies that can aid in combating biofilm, thus reducing the recalcitrant infections and morbidity associated with the biofilm of A. baumannii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vaishali Kaushik
- Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, India
| | - Monalisa Tiwari
- Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, India
| | - Richa Joshi
- Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, India
| | - Vishvanath Tiwari
- Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, India
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Genomic and Phenotypic Evolution of Tigecycline-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in Critically Ill Patients. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0159321. [PMID: 35044218 PMCID: PMC8768575 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01593-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is an important opportunistic pathogen of nosocomial infections. A. baumannii presently exhibits increasing antibiotic resistance, which poses great challenges to public health. The occurrence of tigecycline-resistant A. baumannii is related to tigecycline treatment and the within-host evolution of bacteria. We analyzed isogenic A. baumannii isolates from two critically ill patients who underwent tigecycline treatment. Whole-genome sequencing and comparative analyses were performed to determine the characteristics of genomic evolution. We conducted phenotypic studies, including in vitro antibiotic sensitivity tests, biofilm formation tests, growth curve determination, serum bactericidal determination, and Galleria mellonella lethality assays. In vivo emergent tigecycline resistance was observed after tigecycline treatment. After the withdrawal of tigecycline pressure, tigecycline-resistant isolates were not isolated from one patient. Four tigecycline-resistant isolates exhibited lower growth rates. The biofilm formation and virulence characteristics of tigecycline-resistant isolates were reasonably different between the two patients. A special phenotype appeared after tigecycline treatment in both patients, accompanied by reduced serum tolerance, enhanced biofilm formation ability, and reduced virulence of Galleria mellonella. Most of the genomic variation occurred after the tigecycline treatment, primarily involving transcription-, signal transduction-, translation-, ribosomal biogenesis-, and cell wall biogenesis-related genes. We determined that the genomic variations in baeR, wzc, aroQ, rluC, and adeS and acquisition of ISAba1 were associated with tigecycline resistance in vivo. Capsular polysaccharide-related genes, wzc, and itrA2, and aroQ, were the key genes related to the virulence evolution of A. baumannii within the host. IMPORTANCE Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii poses a huge challenge to clinical treatment, and tigecycline is considered a last-line drug for the treatment of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii. However, the mechanism of tigecycline resistance in vivo has not been elucidated. This study analyzed the genomic and phenotypic evolution of tigecycline-resistant A. baumannii in two critically ill patients. In this study, after treatment with tigecycline, tigecycline-resistant A. baumannii emerged with higher fitness costs. After the withdrawal of tigecycline pressure, tigecycline-resistant isolates were not isolated from one patient. The in vivo and in vitro virulence of the isolates exhibited diametrically opposite results in the two patients. Genomic variations in baeR, wzc, aroQ, rluC, and adeS and acquisition of ISAba1 were associated with tigecycline resistance in vivo. The capsular polysaccharide-related genes, wzc, itrA2, and aroQ, were the key genes related to the virulence of A. baumannii in hosts. Our research provides a theoretical basis for elucidating the mechanism of tigecycline resistance and presents new clues for future surveillance and treatment of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii.
Collapse
|
19
|
Tao Y, Duma L, Rossez Y. Galleria mellonella as a Good Model to Study Acinetobacter baumannii Pathogenesis. Pathogens 2021; 10:1483. [PMID: 34832638 PMCID: PMC8623143 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The invertebrate model, Galleria mellonella, has been widely used to study host-pathogen interactions due to its cheapness, ease of handling, and similar mammalian innate immune system. G. mellonella larvae have been proven to be useful and a reliable model for analyzing pathogenesis mechanisms of multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, an opportunistic pathogen difficult to kill. This review describes the detailed experimental design of G. mellonella/A. baumannii models, and provides a comprehensive comparison of various virulence factors and therapy strategies using the G. mellonella host. These investigations highlight the importance of this host-pathogen model for in vivo pathogen virulence studies. On the long term, further development of the G. mellonella/A. baumannii model will offer promising insights for clinical treatments of A. baumannii infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Tao
- Université de Technologie de Compiègne, UPJV, UMR CNRS 7025, Enzyme and Cell Engineering, Centre de Recherche Royallieu–CS 60 319 , 60203 Compiègne, France; (Y.T.); (L.D.)
| | - Luminita Duma
- Université de Technologie de Compiègne, UPJV, UMR CNRS 7025, Enzyme and Cell Engineering, Centre de Recherche Royallieu–CS 60 319 , 60203 Compiègne, France; (Y.T.); (L.D.)
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, CNRS, ICMR UMR 7312, 51097 Reims, France
| | - Yannick Rossez
- Université Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576-UGSF-Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, F-59000 Lille, France
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Tickner J, Hawas S, Totsika M, Kenyon JJ. The Wzi outer membrane protein mediates assembly of a tight capsular polysaccharide layer on the Acinetobacter baumannii cell surface. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21741. [PMID: 34741090 PMCID: PMC8571296 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01206-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of novel therapeutic targets is required for developing alternate strategies to treat infections caused by the extensively drug-resistant bacterial pathogen, Acinetobacter baumannii. As capsular polysaccharide (CPS) is a prime virulence determinant required for evasion of host immune defenses, understanding the pathways for synthesis and assembly of this discrete cell-surface barrier is important. In this study, we assess cell-bound and cell-free CPS material from A. baumannii AB5075 wildtype and transposon library mutants and demonstrate that the Wzi outer membrane protein is required for the proper assembly of the CPS layer on the cell surface. Loss of Wzi resulted in an estimated 4.4-fold reduction in cell-associated CPS with a reciprocal increase in CPS material shed in the extracellular surrounds. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a disrupted CPS layer with sparse patches of CPS on the external face of the outer membrane when Wzi function was lost. However, this genotype did not have a significant effect on biofilm formation. Genetic analysis demonstrated that the wzi gene is ubiquitous in the species, though the nucleotide sequences were surprisingly diverse. Though divergence was not concomitant with variation at the CPS biosynthesis K locus, an association between wzi type and the first sugar of the CPS representing the base of the structure most likely to interact with Wzi was observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Tickner
- grid.1024.70000000089150953Centre of Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sophia Hawas
- grid.1024.70000000089150953Centre of Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Makrina Totsika
- grid.1024.70000000089150953Centre of Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Johanna J. Kenyon
- grid.1024.70000000089150953Centre of Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Song L, Yang X, Huang J, Zhu X, Han G, Wan Y, Xu Y, Luan G, Jia X. Phage Selective Pressure Reduces Virulence of Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae Through Mutation of the wzc Gene. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:739319. [PMID: 34690983 PMCID: PMC8526901 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.739319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp), one of the major community-acquired pathogens, can cause invasive infections such as liver abscess. In recent years, bacteriophages have been used in the treatment of K. pneumoniae, but the characteristics of the phage-resistant bacteria produced in the process of phage therapy need to be evaluated. In this study, two Podoviridae phages, hvKpP1 and hvKpP2, were isolated and characterized. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the virulence of the resistant bacteria was significantly reduced compared with that of the wild type. Comparative genomic analysis of monoclonal sequencing showed that nucleotide deletion mutations of wzc and wcaJ genes led to phage resistance, and the electron microscopy and mucoviscosity results showed that mutations led to the loss of the capsule. Meanwhile, animal assay indicated that loss of capsule reduced the virulence of hvKp. These findings contribute to a better understanding of bacteriophage therapy, which not only can kill bacteria directly but also can reduce the virulence of bacteria by phage screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingjie Song
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianggui Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinwei Huang
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Xiaokui Zhu
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Guohui Han
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Wan
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Guangxin Luan
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Xu Jia
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Rodgers D, Le C, Pimentel C, Tuttobene MR, Subils T, Escalante J, Nishimura B, Vescovi EG, Sieira R, Bonomo RA, Tolmasky ME, Ramirez MS. Histone-like nucleoid-structuring protein (H-NS) regulatory role in antibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18414. [PMID: 34531538 PMCID: PMC8446060 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98101-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii the global repressor H-NS was shown to modulate the expression of genes involved in pathogenesis and stress response. In addition, H-NS inactivation results in an increased resistance to colistin, and in a hypermotile phenotype an altered stress response. To further contribute to the knowledge of this key transcriptional regulator in A. baumannii behavior, we studied the role of H-NS in antimicrobial resistance. Using two well characterized A. baumannii model strains with distinctive resistance profile and pathogenicity traits (AB5075 and A118), complementary transcriptomic and phenotypic approaches were used to study the role of H-NS in antimicrobial resistance, biofilm and quorum sensing gene expression. An increased expression of genes associated with β-lactam resistance, aminoglycosides, quinolones, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim and sulfonamides resistance in the Δhns mutant background was observed. Genes codifying for efflux pumps were also up-regulated, with the exception of adeFGH. The wild-type transcriptional level was restored in the complemented strain. In addition, the expression of biofilm related genes and biofilm production was lowered when the transcriptional repressor was absent. The quorum network genes aidA, abaI, kar and fadD were up-regulated in Δhns mutant strains. Overall, our results showed the complexity and scope of the regulatory network control by H-NS (genes involved in antibiotic resistance and persistence). These observations brings us one step closer to understanding the regulatory role of hns to combat A. baumannii infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deja Rodgers
- Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton, 800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA, 92831, USA
| | - Casin Le
- Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton, 800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA, 92831, USA
| | - Camila Pimentel
- Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton, 800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA, 92831, USA
| | - Marisel R Tuttobene
- Área Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR, CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Tomás Subils
- Instituto de Procesos Biotecnológicos y Químicos de Rosario (IPROBYQ, CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Jenny Escalante
- Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton, 800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA, 92831, USA
| | - Brent Nishimura
- Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton, 800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA, 92831, USA
| | | | - Rodrigo Sieira
- Fundación Instituto Leloir - IIBBA CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Robert A Bonomo
- Research Service and GRECC, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Louis Stokes Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Departments of Medicine, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Biochemistry, Proteomics and Bioinformatics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
- CWRU-Cleveland VAMC Center for Antimicrobial Resistance and Epidemiology (Case VA CARES), Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Marcelo E Tolmasky
- Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton, 800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA, 92831, USA
| | - Maria Soledad Ramirez
- Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton, 800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA, 92831, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Rakovitsky N, Lellouche J, Ben David D, Frenk S, Elmalih P, Weber G, Kon H, Schwartz D, Wolfhart L, Temkin E, Carmeli Y. Increased Capsule Thickness and Hypermotility Are Traits of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii ST3 Strains Causing Fulminant Infection. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab386. [PMID: 34514017 PMCID: PMC8423469 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acinetobacter baumannii is a successful nosocomial pathogen, causing severe, life-threatening infections in hospitalized patients, including pneumonia and bloodstream infections. The spread of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) strains is a major health threat worldwide. The successful spread of CRAB is mostly due to its highly plastic genome. Although some virulence factors associated with CRAB have been uncovered, many mechanisms contributing to its success are not fully understood. Methods Here we describe strains of CRAB that were isolated from fulminant cases in 2 hospitals in Israel. These isolates show a rare hypermucoid (HM) phenotype and were investigated using phenotypic assays, comparative genomics, and an in vivo Galleria mellonella model. Results The 3 isolates belonged to the ST3 international clonal type and were closely related to each other, as shown by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and phylogenetic analyses. These isolates possessed thickened capsules and a dense filamentous extracellular polysaccharides matrix as shown by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and overexpressed the capsule polysaccharide synthesis pathway-related wzc gene. Conclusions The HM isolates possessed a unique combination of virulence genes involved in iron metabolism, protein secretion, adherence, and membrane glycosylation. HM strains were more virulent than control strains in 2 G. mellonella infection models. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated several virulence factors, all present in 3 CRAB isolates with rare hypermucoid phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadya Rakovitsky
- National Institute for Antibiotic Resistance and Infection Control, Ministry of Health, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Jonathan Lellouche
- National Institute for Antibiotic Resistance and Infection Control, Ministry of Health, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Debby Ben David
- National Institute for Antibiotic Resistance and Infection Control, Ministry of Health, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Sammy Frenk
- National Institute for Antibiotic Resistance and Infection Control, Ministry of Health, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Polet Elmalih
- National Institute for Antibiotic Resistance and Infection Control, Ministry of Health, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Gabriel Weber
- The B. Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.,Infectious Disease and Infection Control Unit, Carmel Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Hadas Kon
- National Institute for Antibiotic Resistance and Infection Control, Ministry of Health, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - David Schwartz
- National Institute for Antibiotic Resistance and Infection Control, Ministry of Health, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Liat Wolfhart
- National Institute for Antibiotic Resistance and Infection Control, Ministry of Health, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Elizabeth Temkin
- National Institute for Antibiotic Resistance and Infection Control, Ministry of Health, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Yehuda Carmeli
- National Institute for Antibiotic Resistance and Infection Control, Ministry of Health, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Pereira MF, Rossi CC, da Silva GC, Rosa JN, Bazzolli DMS. Galleria mellonella as an infection model: an in-depth look at why it works and practical considerations for successful application. Pathog Dis 2021; 78:5909969. [PMID: 32960263 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftaa056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The larva of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella is an increasingly popular model for assessing the virulence of bacterial pathogens and the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents. In this review, we discuss details of the components of the G. mellonella larval immune system that underpin its use as an alternative infection model, and provide an updated overview of the state of the art of research with G. mellonella infection models to study bacterial virulence, and in the evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy. Emphasis is given to virulence studies with relevant human and veterinary pathogens, especially Escherichia coli and bacteria of the ESKAPE group. In addition, we make practical recommendations for larval rearing and testing, and overcoming potential limitations of the use of the model, which facilitate intra- and interlaboratory reproducibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monalessa Fábia Pereira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Microbiologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais, 36800-000, Carangola, MG, Brazil
| | - Ciro César Rossi
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Departamento de Microbiologia Médica, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-901, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Giarlã Cunha da Silva
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular de Bactérias, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária-BIOAGRO, Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Nogueira Rosa
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular de Bactérias, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária-BIOAGRO, Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Denise Mara Soares Bazzolli
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular de Bactérias, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária-BIOAGRO, Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Matanza XM, López-Suárez L, do Vale A, Osorio CR. The two-component system RstAB regulates production of a polysaccharide capsule with a role in virulence in the marine pathogen Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae. Environ Microbiol 2021; 23:4859-4880. [PMID: 34423883 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The marine bacterium Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae (Pdd) causes disease in marine animals and humans. Previous studies demonstrated that mutation of the two-component system RstAB strongly impacts virulence of this pathogen, but the RstAB regulon has not been thoroughly elucidated. We here compared the transcriptomes of Pdd RM-71 and ΔrstA and ΔrstB derivatives using RNA-seq. In accordance with previous studies, RstAB positively regulated cytotoxins Dly, PhlyP and PhlyC. This analysis also demonstrated a positive regulation of outer membrane proteins, resistance against antimicrobials and potential virulence factors by this system. Remarkably, RstAB positively regulated two hitherto uncharacterised gene clusters involved in the synthesis of a polysaccharide capsule. Presence of a capsular layer in wild-type cells was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, whereas rstA and rstB mutants were non-capsulated. Mutants for capsule synthesis genes, wza and wzc exhibited acapsular phenotypes, were impaired in resistance against the bactericidal action of fish serum and mucus, and were strongly impaired in virulence for fish, indicating a major role of capsule in virulence. Collectively, this study demonstrates that RstAB is a major positive regulator of key virulence factors including a polysaccharide capsule essential for full virulence in a pathogenic Photobacterium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xosé M Matanza
- Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía, Instituto de Acuicultura, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Laura López-Suárez
- Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía, Instituto de Acuicultura, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ana do Vale
- Fish Immunology and Vaccinology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carlos R Osorio
- Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía, Instituto de Acuicultura, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Crooks TA, Madison JD, Walsh DM, Herbert WG, Jeraldo PR, Chia N, Cliby WA, Kaufmann SH, Walther-Antonio MRS. Porphyromonas somerae Invasion of Endometrial Cancer Cells. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:674835. [PMID: 34367083 PMCID: PMC8343132 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.674835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests an association between endometrial cancer and the understudied bacterial species Porphyromonas somerae. This association was demonstrated in previous work that indicated a significantly enriched abundance of P. somerae in the uterine microbiome of endometrial cancer patients. Given the known associations of the Porphyromonas genus and oral cancer, we hypothesized that P. somerae may play a similar pathogenic role in endometrial cancer via intracellular activity. Before testing our hypothesis, we first characterized P. somerae biology, as current background data is limited. These novel characterizations include growth curves in liquid medium and susceptibility tests to antibiotics. We tested our hypothesis by examining growth changes in response to 17β-estradiol, a known risk factor for endometrial cancer, followed by metabolomic profiling in the presence and absence of 17β-estradiol. We found that P. somerae exhibits increased growth in the presence of 17β-estradiol of various concentrations. However, we did not find significant changes in metabolite levels in response to 17β-estradiol. To study direct host-microbe interactions, we used in vitro invasion assays under hypoxic conditions and found evidence for intracellular invasion of P. somerae in endometrial adenocarcinoma cells. We also examined these interactions in the presence of 17β-estradiol but did not observe changes in invasion frequency. Invasion was shown using three lines of evidence including visualization via differential staining and brightfield microscopy, increased frequency of bacterial recovery after co-culturing, and in silico methods to detail relevant genomic and transcriptomic components. These results underscore potential intracellular phenotypes of P. somerae within the uterine microbiome. Furthermore, these results raise new questions pertaining to the role of P. somerae in the progression of endometrial cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taylor A Crooks
- Microbiome Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Joseph D Madison
- Microbiome Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.,Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Dana M Walsh
- Microbiome Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - William G Herbert
- Microbiome Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.,Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Patricio R Jeraldo
- Microbiome Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.,Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Nicholas Chia
- Microbiome Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.,Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - William A Cliby
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Scott H Kaufmann
- Division of Oncology Research, Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Marina R S Walther-Antonio
- Microbiome Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.,Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zhu J, Wang T, Chen L, Du H. Virulence Factors in Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:642484. [PMID: 33897652 PMCID: PMC8060575 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.642484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) has spread globally since first described in the Asian Pacific Rim. It is an invasive variant that differs from the classical K. pneumoniae (cKP), with hypermucoviscosity and hypervirulence, causing community-acquired infections, including pyogenic liver abscess, pneumonia, meningitis, and endophthalmitis. It utilizes a battery of virulence factors for survival and pathogenesis, such as capsule, siderophores, lipopolysaccharide, fimbriae, outer membrane proteins, and type 6 secretion system, of which the former two are dominant. This review summarizes these hvKP-associated virulence factors in order to understand its molecular pathogenesis and shed light on new strategies to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hvKP-causing infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Hackensack Meridian Health Center for Discovery and Innovation, Nutley, NJ, United States.,Department of Medical Sciences, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ, United States
| | - Hong Du
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Crooks TA, Madison JD, Walsh DM, Herbert WG, Jeraldo PR, Chia N, Cliby WA, Kaufmann SH, Walther-Antonio MRS. Porphyromonas somerae Invasion of Endometrial Cancer Cells. Front Microbiol 2021. [PMID: 34367083 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests an association between endometrial cancer and the understudied bacterial species Porphyromonas somerae. This association was demonstrated in previous work that indicated a significantly enriched abundance of P. somerae in the uterine microbiome of endometrial cancer patients. Given the known associations of the Porphyromonas genus and oral cancer, we hypothesized that P. somerae may play a similar pathogenic role in endometrial cancer via intracellular activity. Before testing our hypothesis, we first characterized P. somerae biology, as current background data is limited. These novel characterizations include growth curves in liquid medium and susceptibility tests to antibiotics. We tested our hypothesis by examining growth changes in response to 17β-estradiol, a known risk factor for endometrial cancer, followed by metabolomic profiling in the presence and absence of 17β-estradiol. We found that P. somerae exhibits increased growth in the presence of 17β-estradiol of various concentrations. However, we did not find significant changes in metabolite levels in response to 17β-estradiol. To study direct host-microbe interactions, we used in vitro invasion assays under hypoxic conditions and found evidence for intracellular invasion of P. somerae in endometrial adenocarcinoma cells. We also examined these interactions in the presence of 17β-estradiol but did not observe changes in invasion frequency. Invasion was shown using three lines of evidence including visualization via differential staining and brightfield microscopy, increased frequency of bacterial recovery after co-culturing, and in silico methods to detail relevant genomic and transcriptomic components. These results underscore potential intracellular phenotypes of P. somerae within the uterine microbiome. Furthermore, these results raise new questions pertaining to the role of P. somerae in the progression of endometrial cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taylor A Crooks
- Microbiome Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Joseph D Madison
- Microbiome Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Dana M Walsh
- Microbiome Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - William G Herbert
- Microbiome Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Patricio R Jeraldo
- Microbiome Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Nicholas Chia
- Microbiome Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - William A Cliby
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Scott H Kaufmann
- Division of Oncology Research, Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Marina R S Walther-Antonio
- Microbiome Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Biofilm-Induced Antibiotic Resistance in Clinical Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9110817. [PMID: 33212840 PMCID: PMC7698371 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9110817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to understand the role of biofilm in the emergence of antibiotic resistance, a total of 104 clinical Acinetobacter baumannii strains were investigated for their biofilm-forming capacities and genes associated with biofilm formation. Selected biofilm-formers were tested for antibiotic susceptibilities when grown in biofilm phase. Reversibility of antibiotic susceptibility in planktonic cells regrown from biofilm were investigated. We found 59.6% of the strains were biofilm-formers, among which, 66.1% were non-multidrug resistant (MDR) strains. Presence of virulence genes bap, csuE, and abaI was significantly associated with biofilm-forming capacities. When strains were grown in biofilm state, the minimum biofilm eradication concentrations were 44, 407, and 364 times higher than the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) for colistin, ciprofloxacin, and imipenem, respectively. Persisters were detected after treating the biofilm at 32-256 times the MBC of planktonic cells. Reversibility test for antibiotic susceptibility showed that biofilm formation induced reversible antibiotic tolerance in the non-MDR strains but a higher level of irreversible resistance in the extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strain. In summary, we showed that the non-MDR strains were strong biofilm-formers. Presence of persisters in biofilm contributed to the reduced antibiotic susceptibilities. Biofilm-grown Acinetobacter baumannii has induced antibiotic tolerance in non-MDR strains and increased resistance levels in XDR strains. To address the regulatory mechanisms of biofilm-specific resistance, thorough investigations at genome and transcription levels are warranted.
Collapse
|
30
|
Klimkaitė L, Armalytė J, Skerniškytė J, Sužiedėlienė E. The Toxin-Antitoxin Systems of the Opportunistic Pathogen Stenotrophomonas maltophilia of Environmental and Clinical Origin. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E635. [PMID: 33019620 PMCID: PMC7650669 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12100635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a ubiquitous environmental bacterium that has recently emerged as a multidrug-resistant opportunistic pathogen causing bloodstream, respiratory, and urinary tract infections. The connection between the commensal environmental S. maltophilia and the opportunistic pathogen strains is still under investigation. Bacterial toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems have been previously associated with pathogenic traits, such as biofilm formation and resistance to antibiotics, which are important in clinical settings. The same species of the bacterium can possess various sets of TAs, possibly influencing their overall stress response. While the TA systems of other important opportunistic pathogens have been researched, nothing is known about the TA systems of S. maltophilia. Here, we report the identification and characterization of S. maltophilia type II TA systems and their prevalence in the isolates of clinical and environmental origins. We found 49 putative TA systems by bioinformatic analysis in S. maltophilia genomes. Despite their even spread in sequenced S. maltophilia genomes, we observed that relBE, hicAB, and previously undescribed COG3832-ArsR operons were present solely in clinical S. maltophilia isolates collected in Lithuania, while hipBA was more frequent in the environmental ones. The kill-rescue experiments in Escherichia coli proved higBA, hicAB, and relBE systems to be functional TA modules. Together with different TA profiles, the clinical S. maltophilia isolates exhibited stronger biofilm formation, increased antibiotic, and serum resistance compared to environmental isolates. Such tendencies suggest that certain TA systems could be used as indicators of virulence traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Julija Armalytė
- Institute of Biosciences, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-1025 Vilnius, Lithuania; (L.K.); (J.S.)
| | | | - Edita Sužiedėlienė
- Institute of Biosciences, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-1025 Vilnius, Lithuania; (L.K.); (J.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Monem S, Furmanek-Blaszk B, Łupkowska A, Kuczyńska-Wiśnik D, Stojowska-Swędrzyńska K, Laskowska E. Mechanisms Protecting Acinetobacter baumannii against Multiple Stresses Triggered by the Host Immune Response, Antibiotics and Outside-Host Environment. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5498. [PMID: 32752093 PMCID: PMC7432025 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is considered one of the most persistent pathogens responsible for nosocomial infections. Due to the emergence of multidrug resistant strains, as well as high morbidity and mortality caused by this pathogen, A. baumannii was placed on the World Health Organization (WHO) drug-resistant bacteria and antimicrobial resistance research priority list. This review summarizes current studies on mechanisms that protect A. baumannii against multiple stresses caused by the host immune response, outside host environment, and antibiotic treatment. We particularly focus on the ability of A. baumannii to survive long-term desiccation on abiotic surfaces and the population heterogeneity in A. baumannii biofilms. Insight into these protective mechanisms may provide clues for the development of new strategies to fight multidrug resistant strains of A. baumannii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soroosh Monem
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland; (S.M.); (A.Ł.); (D.K.-W.); (K.S.-S.)
| | - Beata Furmanek-Blaszk
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Adrianna Łupkowska
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland; (S.M.); (A.Ł.); (D.K.-W.); (K.S.-S.)
| | - Dorota Kuczyńska-Wiśnik
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland; (S.M.); (A.Ł.); (D.K.-W.); (K.S.-S.)
| | - Karolina Stojowska-Swędrzyńska
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland; (S.M.); (A.Ł.); (D.K.-W.); (K.S.-S.)
| | - Ewa Laskowska
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland; (S.M.); (A.Ł.); (D.K.-W.); (K.S.-S.)
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Ramirez MS, Bonomo RA, Tolmasky ME. Carbapenemases: Transforming Acinetobacter baumannii into a Yet More Dangerous Menace. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10050720. [PMID: 32384624 PMCID: PMC7277208 DOI: 10.3390/biom10050720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a common cause of serious nosocomial infections. Although community-acquired infections are observed, the vast majority occur in people with preexisting comorbidities. A. baumannii emerged as a problematic pathogen in the 1980s when an increase in virulence, difficulty in treatment due to drug resistance, and opportunities for infection turned it into one of the most important threats to human health. Some of the clinical manifestations of A. baumannii nosocomial infection are pneumonia; bloodstream infections; lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, and wound infections; burn infections; skin and soft tissue infections (including necrotizing fasciitis); meningitis; osteomyelitis; and endocarditis. A. baumannii has an extraordinary genetic plasticity that results in a high capacity to acquire antimicrobial resistance traits. In particular, acquisition of resistance to carbapenems, which are among the antimicrobials of last resort for treatment of multidrug infections, is increasing among A. baumannii strains compounding the problem of nosocomial infections caused by this pathogen. It is not uncommon to find multidrug-resistant (MDR, resistance to at least three classes of antimicrobials), extensively drug-resistant (XDR, MDR plus resistance to carbapenems), and pan-drug-resistant (PDR, XDR plus resistance to polymyxins) nosocomial isolates that are hard to treat with the currently available drugs. In this article we review the acquired resistance to carbapenems by A. baumannii. We describe the enzymes within the OXA, NDM, VIM, IMP, and KPC groups of carbapenemases and the coding genes found in A. baumannii clinical isolates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Soledad Ramirez
- Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, Department of Biological Science, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92831, USA;
| | - Robert A. Bonomo
- Medical Service and GRECC, Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
- Departments of Medicine, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Biochemistry, Proteomics and Bioinformatics; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- WRU-Cleveland VAMC Center for Antimicrobial Resistance and Epidemiology (Case VA CARES), Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Marcelo E. Tolmasky
- Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, Department of Biological Science, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92831, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +657-278-5263
| |
Collapse
|