1
|
Jeong GJ, Khan F, Tabassum N, Kim YM. Motility of Acinetobacter baumannii: regulatory systems and controlling strategies. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:3. [PMID: 38159120 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12975-6] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative opportunistic zoonotic pathogenic bacterium that causes nosocomial infections ranging from minor to life-threatening. The clinical importance of this zoonotic pathogen is rapidly increasing due to the development of multiple resistance mechanisms and the synthesis of numerous virulence factors. Although no flagellum-mediated motility exists, it may move through twitching or surface-associated motility. Twitching motility is a coordinated multicellular movement caused by the extension, attachment, and retraction of type IV pili, which are involved in surface adherence and biofilm formation. Surface-associated motility is a kind of movement that does not need appendages and is most likely driven by the release of extra polymeric molecules. This kind of motility is linked to the production of 1,3-diaminopropane, lipooligosaccharide formation, natural competence, and efflux pump proteins. Since A. baumannii's virulence qualities are directly tied to motility, it is possible that its motility may be used as a specialized preventative or therapeutic measure. The current review detailed the signaling mechanism and involvement of various proteins in controlling A. baumannii motility. As a result, we have thoroughly addressed the role of natural and synthetic compounds that impede A. baumannii motility, as well as the underlying action mechanisms. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms behind A. baumannii's motility features will aid in the development of therapeutic drugs to control its infection. KEY POINTS: • Acinetobacter baumannii exhibits multiple resistance mechanisms. • A. baumannii can move owing to twitching and surface-associated motility. • Natural and synthetic compounds can attenuate A. baumannii motility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geum-Jae Jeong
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Fazlurrahman Khan
- Institute of Fisheries Sciences, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
| | - Nazia Tabassum
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Mog Kim
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cao L, Yang H, Huang Z, Lu C, Chen F, Zhang J, Ye P, Yan J, Zhang H. Direct prediction of antimicrobial resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by metagenomic next-generation sequencing. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1413434. [PMID: 38903781 PMCID: PMC11187003 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1413434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Pseudomonas aeruginosa has strong drug resistance and can tolerate a variety of antibiotics, which is a major problem in the management of antibiotic-resistant infections. Direct prediction of multi-drug resistance (MDR) resistance phenotypes of P. aeruginosa isolates and clinical samples by genotype is helpful for timely antibiotic treatment. Methods In the study, whole genome sequencing (WGS) data of 494 P. aeruginosa isolates were used to screen key anti-microbial resistance (AMR)-associated genes related to imipenem (IPM), meropenem (MEM), piperacillin/tazobactam (TZP), and levofloxacin (LVFX) resistance in P. aeruginosa by comparing genes with copy number differences between resistance and sensitive strains. Subsequently, for the direct prediction of the resistance of P. aeruginosa to four antibiotics by the AMR-associated features screened, we collected 74 P. aeruginosa positive sputum samples to sequence by metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS), of which 1 sample with low quality was eliminated. Then, we constructed the resistance prediction model. Results We identified 93, 88, 80, 140 AMR-associated features for IPM, MEM, TZP, and LVFX resistance in P. aeruginosa. The relative abundance of AMR-associated genes was obtained by matching mNGS and WGS data. The top 20 features with importance degree for IPM, MEM, TZP, and LVFX resistance were used to model, respectively. Then, we used the random forest algorithm to construct resistance prediction models of P. aeruginosa, in which the areas under the curves of the IPM, MEM, TZP, and LVFX resistance prediction models were all greater than 0.8, suggesting these resistance prediction models had good performance. Conclusion In summary, mNGS can predict the resistance of P. aeruginosa by directly detecting AMR-associated genes, which provides a reference for rapid clinical detection of drug resistance of pathogenic bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lichao Cao
- Shenzhen Nucleus Gene Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Huilin Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhigang Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chang Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Fang Chen
- Shenzhen Nucleus Gene Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jiahao Zhang
- Shenzhen Nucleus Gene Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Peng Ye
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jinjin Yan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hezi Zhang
- Shenzhen Nucleus Gene Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Uc-Cachón AH, Dzul-Beh A, González-Cortázar M, Zamilpa-Álvarez A, Molina-Salinas GM. Investigating the anti-growth, anti-resistance, and anti-virulence activities of Schoepfia schreberi J.F.Gmel. against the superbug Acinetobacter baumannii. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31420. [PMID: 38813144 PMCID: PMC11133943 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31420] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Schoepfia schreberi has been used in Mayan folk medicine to treat diarrhea and cough. This study aimed to determine the anti-growth, anti-resistance, and/or anti-virulence activities of S. schreberi extracts against Acinetobacter baumannii, a pathogen leader that causes healthcare-associated infections with high rates of drug-resistant including carbapenems, the last line of antibiotics known as superbugs, and analyze their composition using HPLC-DAD. Ethyl acetate (SSB-3) and methanol (SSB-4) bark extracts exhibit antimicrobial and biocidal effects against drug-susceptible and drug-resistant A. baumannii. Chemical analysis revealed that SSB-3 and SSB-4 contained of gallic and ellagic acids derivatives. The anti-resistance activity of the extracts revealed that SSB-3 or SSB-4, combined with imipenem, exhibited potent antibiotic reversal activity against A. baumannii by acting as pump efflux modulators. The extracts also displayed activity against surface motility of A. baumannii and its capacity to survive reactive oxygen species. This study suggests that S. schreberi can be considered a source of antibiotics, even adjuvanted compounds, as anti-resistant or anti-virulence agents against A. baumannii, contributing to ethnopharmacological knowledge and reappraisal of Mayan medicinal flora, and supporting the traditional use of the bark of the medicinal plant S. schreberi for the treatment of infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Humberto Uc-Cachón
- Unidad de Investigación Médica Yucatán, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mérida, 97150, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Angel Dzul-Beh
- Unidad de Investigación Médica Yucatán, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mérida, 97150, Yucatán, Mexico
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, 11340, Mexico
| | - Manases González-Cortázar
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Sur, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Xochitepec, 62790, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Zamilpa-Álvarez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Sur, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Xochitepec, 62790, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Gloria María Molina-Salinas
- Unidad de Investigación Médica Yucatán, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mérida, 97150, Yucatán, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yao Y, Chen Q, Zhou H. Virulence Factors and Pathogenicity Mechanisms of Acinetobacter baumannii in Respiratory Infectious Diseases. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1749. [PMID: 38136783 PMCID: PMC10740465 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12121749] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) has become a notorious pathogen causing nosocomial and community-acquired infections, especially ventilator-associated pneumonia. This opportunistic pathogen is found to possess powerful genomic plasticity and numerous virulence factors that facilitate its success in the infectious process. Although the interactions between A. baumannii and the pulmonary epitheliums have been extensively studied, a complete and specific description of its overall pathogenic process is lacking. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the antibiotic resistance and virulence factors of A. baumannii, specifically focusing on the pathogenic mechanisms of this detrimental pathogen in respiratory infectious diseases. An expansion of the knowledge regarding A. baumannii pathogenesis will contribute to the development of effective therapies based on immunopathology or intracellular signaling pathways to eliminate this harmful pathogen during infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hua Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; (Y.Y.); (Q.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Di Pilato V, Willison E, Marchese A. The microbiology and pathogenesis of nonfermenting Gram-negative infections. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2023; 36:537-544. [PMID: 37732777 PMCID: PMC10624403 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review provides an overview of most recent evidence about pathogenesis traits and virulence factors contributing to successful colonization or infection by P. aeruginosa , A. baumannii , S. maltophilia and B. cepacia complex, among the most clinically relevant nonfermenting Gram-negative bacteria (NFGNB). RECENT FINDINGS The growing clinical importance of NFGNB as important opportunistic pathogens causing difficult-to-treat infections in a fragile patients' population in stressed by numerous studies. Identification of novel virulence factors and deciphering of their mechanisms of action have greatly furthered our understanding of NFGNB pathogenesis, revealing that each pathogen-specific armamentarium of virulence factors (adhesins, motility, capsule, biofilm, lipopolysaccharide, exotoxins, exoenzymes, secretion systems, siderophores) can be likely responsible for the difference in the pathophysiology even in the context of a similar infection site. Emerging evidence of the immunomodulatory effect of some virulence factors is also acknowledged. SUMMARY NFGNB continue to be a serious global problem as cause of life-threatening opportunistic infections, owing to a highly heterogeneous content of virulence factors and their extensive number of intrinsic resistance mechanisms. Further efforts in development of novel effective antimicrobials and of alternative strategies targeting key virulence factors are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Di Pilato
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa
| | - Edward Willison
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Marchese
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ko SY, Kim N, Park SY, Kim SY, Kim S, Shin M, Lee JC. PmrAB controls virulence-associated traits and outer membrane vesicle biogenesis in Acinetobacter baumannii. Microb Pathog 2023; 185:106434. [PMID: 37913828 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106434] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The PmrAB two-component system modulates colistin resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii, but its association with the virulence traits of this bacterium remains uncharacterized. This study explored the role of A. baumannii PmrAB in surface motility, biofilm formation, and outer membrane vesicle (OMV) biogenesis using wild-type (WT) A. baumannii 17978 and ΔpmrA and ΔpmrB mutant strains. The two mutant strains exhibited significantly decreased surface motility compared with that of WT strain by the low expression of abaI, abaR, A1S_0113, A1S_0115, and A1S_0116. Biofilm mass also significantly decreased in the two mutant strains at 12 h of incubation, but restored at 24 h. Under static culture conditions for 12 h, the two mutant strains showed low pgaA expression. However, the other biofilm-associated genes, such as csuC, csuE, ompA, and bap, showed different expression between the two mutant strains. Although the size of OMVs was similar among the three strains, the number of OMVs secreted from the two mutant strains slightly decreased compared with that secreted from the WT strain. Protein concentrations in the OMVs of ΔpmrA mutant significantly decreased compared with those in the OMVs of WT and ΔpmrB strains. Overall, PmrAB modulates virulence traits and OMV biogenesis in A. baumannii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seo Yeon Ko
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Nayeong Kim
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Yong Park
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Yeop Kim
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Shukho Kim
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Minsang Shin
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Je Chul Lee
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Migration of surface-associated microbial communities in spaceflight habitats. Biofilm 2023; 5:100109. [PMID: 36909662 PMCID: PMC9999172 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2023.100109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Astronauts are spending longer periods locked up in ships or stations for scientific and exploration spatial missions. The International Space Station (ISS) has been inhabited continuously for more than 20 years and the duration of space stays by crews could lengthen with the objectives of human presence on the moon and Mars. If the environment of these space habitats is designed for the comfort of astronauts, it is also conducive to other forms of life such as embarked microorganisms. The latter, most often associated with surfaces in the form of biofilm, have been implicated in significant degradation of the functionality of pieces of equipment in space habitats. The most recent research suggests that microgravity could increase the persistence, resistance and virulence of pathogenic microorganisms detected in these communities, endangering the health of astronauts and potentially jeopardizing long-duration manned missions. In this review, we describe the mechanisms and dynamics of installation and propagation of these microbial communities associated with surfaces (spatial migration), as well as long-term processes of adaptation and evolution in these extreme environments (phenotypic and genetic migration), with special reference to human health. We also discuss the means of control envisaged to allow a lasting cohabitation between these vibrant microscopic passengers and the astronauts.
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang X, Jiang J, Wei C, Yang W, Chen J, Dong X, Wan H, Yu D. UTILITY OF STREM-1 BIOMARKER AND HCP GENE FOR IDENTIFICATION OF ACINETOBACTER BAUMANNII COLONIZATION AND INFECTION IN LUNG. Shock 2023; 60:354-361. [PMID: 37553916 PMCID: PMC10510786 DOI: 10.1097/shk.0000000000002175] [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: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective: Respiratory infections or colonization of Acinetobacter baumannii (Ab) are common in clinical practice but are treated differently. Early identification of Ab infection and colonization reduces the risk of antibiotic mismatch but objective laboratory indicators to distinguish between bacterial infections and colonization are lacking. To distinguish infection and colonization of Ab, we tested the role of two biomarkers, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) and hemolysin coregulated protein. Methods: A total of 96 inpatients with Ab were divided into infection and colonization groups. Blood samples were collected on days 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, and 10 and daily maximum body temperature was recorded. Polymerase Chain Reaction and Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction were used to detect the presence and expression levels of the hcp gene in Ab clinical isolates. Results : sTREM-1 and procalcitonin (PCT) levels on days 1 to 10 and neutrophil classification (N%) on days 1 to 3 were different ( P < 0.05) in the infection group and colonization group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed significant differences in N% and sTREM-1 on days 2 and 3 ( P < 0.01). sTREM-1 had the highest AUC ROC on days 1, 2, and 3 of all the markers. On day 1, the ROC curve of "WBC&N%&PCT&sTREM-1" was statistically different from individual indices (white blood cell count, N%, and PCT; P < 0.05) and was equal to the ROC curve of sTREM-1 ( P > 0.05). Thirty five of 96 patients were classified as infection group and 61 as colonization group with hcp gene detection rates of 71.43% (25/35) and 31.15% (19/61), respectively. No differences in hcp gene presence and transcript levels were found between two groups ( P > 0.05). Conclusions: Dynamic monitoring of sTREM-1 and PCT is valuable in identifying Ab infection and colonization. sTREM-1 can be improved by combination with multiple biomarkers in the early stage for identification of infection and colonization. The hcp gene was more likely to be present in the infection cohort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Wang
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Jiang
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenxing Wei
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Yang
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xueyan Dong
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haitong Wan
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Daojun Yu
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kandolo O, Cherrak Y, Filella-Merce I, Le Guenno H, Kosta A, Espinosa L, Santucci P, Verthuy C, Lebrun R, Nilges M, Pellarin R, Durand E. Acinetobacter type VI secretion system comprises a non-canonical membrane complex. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011687. [PMID: 37769028 PMCID: PMC10564176 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A. baumannii can rapidly acquire new resistance mechanisms and persist on abiotic surface, enabling the colonization of asymptomatic human host. In Acinetobacter the type VI secretion system (T6SS) is involved in twitching, surface motility and is used for interbacterial competition allowing the bacteria to uptake DNA. A. baumannii possesses a T6SS that has been well studied for its regulation and specific activity, but little is known concerning its assembly and architecture. The T6SS nanomachine is built from three architectural sub-complexes. Unlike the baseplate (BP) and the tail-tube complex (TTC), which are inherited from bacteriophages, the membrane complex (MC) originates from bacteria. The MC is the most external part of the T6SS and, as such, is subjected to evolution and adaptation. One unanswered question on the MC is how such a gigantesque molecular edifice is inserted and crosses the bacterial cell envelope. The A. baumannii MC lacks an essential component, the TssJ lipoprotein, which anchors the MC to the outer membrane. In this work, we studied how A. baumannii compensates the absence of a TssJ. We have characterized for the first time the A. baumannii's specific T6SS MC, its unique characteristic, its membrane localization, and assembly dynamics. We also defined its composition, demonstrating that its biogenesis employs three Acinetobacter-specific envelope-associated proteins that define an intricate network leading to the assembly of a five-proteins membrane super-complex. Our data suggest that A. baumannii has divided the function of TssJ by (1) co-opting a new protein TsmK that stabilizes the MC and by (2) evolving a new domain in TssM for homo-oligomerization, a prerequisite to build the T6SS channel. We believe that the atypical species-specific features we report in this study will have profound implication in our understanding of the assembly and evolutionary diversity of different T6SSs, that warrants future investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ona Kandolo
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies and Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-UMR 7255, Marseille, France
| | - Yassine Cherrak
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies and Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-UMR 7255, Marseille, France
| | - Isaac Filella-Merce
- Institut Pasteur, Structural Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Collège doctoral, Paris, France
| | - Hugo Le Guenno
- Microscopy Core Facility, Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Marseille Cedex 20, France
| | - Artemis Kosta
- Microscopy Core Facility, Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Marseille Cedex 20, France
| | - Leon Espinosa
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne (LCB), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies and Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Santucci
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies and Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-UMR 7255, Marseille, France
| | - Christophe Verthuy
- Proteomic Core Facility IMM, Marseille Protéomique (MaP), Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille Cedex 20, France
| | - Régine Lebrun
- Proteomic Core Facility IMM, Marseille Protéomique (MaP), Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille Cedex 20, France
| | - Michael Nilges
- Institut Pasteur, Structural Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Paris, France
| | - Riccardo Pellarin
- Institut Pasteur, Structural Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Paris, France
| | - Eric Durand
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies and Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-UMR 7255, Marseille, France
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies and Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Amaral SC, Pruski BB, de Freitas SB, Dos Santos LM, Hartwig DD. Biofilm formation in drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Acinetobacter nosocomialis isolates obtained from a university hospital in Pelotas, RS, Brazil. Lett Appl Microbiol 2023; 76:ovad094. [PMID: 37563082 DOI: 10.1093/lambio/ovad094] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-A. baumannii (ACB) complex isolates recovered from a university hospital in Pelotas, RS, Brazil. The species were confirmed using gyrB multiplex and blaOXA-51-like genes PCR. The presence of the bfmRS virulence gene was evaluated by the PCR, and the isolates were classified based on their biofilm-forming ability on polystyrene (PO) and glass surfaces (TM). Out of 50 ACB complex isolates evaluated, 41 were identified as A. baumannii and nine as A. nosocomialis. The bfmRS gene was detected in 97.6% (40/41) of A. baumannii and 33.3% (3/9) of A. nosocomialis species. Forty-nine isolates exhibited a multidrug-resistant (MDR) profile, while one A. nosocomialis isolate presented an extensively drug-resistant (XDR) profile. All isolates were able of forming biofilms on PO surfaces and 98% (49/50) on TM surfaces. A significant correlation was observed between biofilm production on PO and TM surfaces (P < 0.05). However, no correlation was found between biofilms forming and the presence of the bfmRS gene or displaying a certain antibiotic resistance profile. In conclusion, A. baumannii and A. nosocomialis are frequent species causing nosocomial infections in a hospital in Pelotas, RS, Brazil, and both are capable of forming biofilms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suélen Cavalheiro Amaral
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Bioassays (LaBBio), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biology Institute, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, 96010900, RS, Brazil
- Center of Technological Development, Biotechnology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, 96010900, RS, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Bohns Pruski
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Bioassays (LaBBio), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biology Institute, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, 96010900, RS, Brazil
| | - Stella Buchhorn de Freitas
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Bioassays (LaBBio), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biology Institute, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, 96010900, RS, Brazil
| | - Lucas Moreira Dos Santos
- Center of Technological Development, Biotechnology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, 96010900, RS, Brazil
| | - Daiane Drawanz Hartwig
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Bioassays (LaBBio), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biology Institute, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, 96010900, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sykes EME, Mateo-Estrada V, Zhanel G, Dettman J, Chapados J, Gerdis S, Akineden Ö, Khan IIU, Castillo-Ramírez S, Kumar A. Emergence of ADC-5 Cephalosporinase in environmental Acinetobacter baumannii from a German tank milk with a novel Sequence Type. Access Microbiol 2023; 5:acmi000485.v3. [PMID: 37424542 PMCID: PMC10323797 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000485.v3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria resistant to antibiotics arguably pose the greatest threat to human health in the twenty-first century. One such bacterium that typifies antibiotic resistance is Acinetobacter baumannii . Frequently, hospital strains of A. baumannii display multidrug resistant (MDR) or extensively drug resistant (XDR) phenotypes, often requiring the use of last resort antibiotics for treatment. In addition to hospital settings, A. baumannii has been isolated from many highly divergent sources including wastewater treatment plant effluent, soil, and agricultural run-off with global distribution. However, such isolates remain poorly characterized. In this study, we characterized a strain of A. baumannii, AB341-IK15, isolated from bulk tank milk in Germany that demonstrated resistance to ceftazidime and intermediate resistance to ceftriaxone and piperacillin/tazobactam. Further genetic characterization identified an ADC-5 cephalosporinase, first incidence in an environmental isolate; and an OXA-408 oxacillinase that may contribute to this phenotype. Interestingly, AB341-IK15 is of a novel sequence type. This research underscores the importance of studying isolates of A. baumannii of non-clinical origin to understand the antibiotic resistance and virulence potential of environmental isolates of A. baumannii as well to understand the diversity of this species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M. E. Sykes
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Valeria Mateo-Estrada
- Programa de Genómica Evolutiva, Centro de Ciencias Génomicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - George Zhanel
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Jeremy Dettman
- Ottawa Research and Development Centre (ORDC), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Julie Chapados
- Ottawa Research and Development Centre (ORDC), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Suzanne Gerdis
- Ottawa Research and Development Centre (ORDC), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ömer Akineden
- Institute of Veterinary Food Science, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Izhar I. U. Khan
- Ottawa Research and Development Centre (ORDC), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Santiago Castillo-Ramírez
- Programa de Genómica Evolutiva, Centro de Ciencias Génomicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Ayush Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fernandez M, Callegari EA, Paez MD, González PS, Agostini E. Functional response of Acinetobacter guillouiae SFC 500-1A to tannery wastewater as revealed by a complementary proteomic approach. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 342:118333. [PMID: 37320920 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Acinetobacter guillouiae SFC 500-1 A is a promising candidate for the bioremediation of tannery wastewater. In this study, we applied shotgun proteomic technology in conjunction with a gel-based assay (Gel-LC) to explore the strain's intracellular protein profile when grown in tannery wastewater as opposed to normal culture conditions. A total of 1775 proteins were identified, 52 of which were unique to the tannery wastewater treatment. Many of them were connected to the degradation of aromatic compounds and siderophore biosynthesis. On the other hand, 1598 proteins overlapped both conditions but were differentially expressed in each. Those that were upregulated in wastewater (109) were involved in the processes mentioned above, as well as in oxidative stress mitigation and intracellular redox state regulation. Particularly interesting were the downregulated proteins under the same treatment (318), which were diverse but mainly linked to the regulation of basic cellular functions (replication, transcription, translation, cell cycle, and wall biogenesis); metabolism (amino acids, lipids, sulphate, energetic processes); and other more complex responses (cell motility, exopolysaccharide production, biofilm formation, and quorum sensing). The findings suggest that SFC 500-1 A engages in survival and stress management strategies to cope with the toxic effects of tannery wastewater, and that such strategies may be mostly oriented at keeping metabolic processes to a minimum. Altogether, the results might be useful in the near future to improve the strain's effectiveness if it will be applied for bioremediation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marilina Fernandez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, FCEFQyN, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC), 5800, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina; Instituto de Biotecnología Ambiental y Salud (INBIAS-CONICET), Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina.
| | - Eduardo A Callegari
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, USA.
| | - María D Paez
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, USA.
| | - Paola S González
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, FCEFQyN, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC), 5800, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina; Instituto de Biotecnología Ambiental y Salud (INBIAS-CONICET), Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina.
| | - Elizabeth Agostini
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, FCEFQyN, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC), 5800, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina; Instituto de Biotecnología Ambiental y Salud (INBIAS-CONICET), Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ng HK, Puah SM, Teh CSJ, Idris N, Chua KH. Characterisation of pellicle-forming ability in clinical carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15304. [PMID: 37214089 PMCID: PMC10194081 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acinetobacter baumannii was reported to have resistance towards carbapenems and the ability to form an air-liquid biofilm (pellicle) which contributes to their virulence. The GacSA two-component system has been previously shown to play a role in pellicle formation. Therefore, this study aims to detect the presence of gacA and gacS genes in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) isolates recovered from patients in intensive care units and to investigate their pellicle forming ability. Methods The gacS and gacA genes were screened in 96 clinical CRAB isolates using PCR assay. Pellicle formation assay was performed in Mueller Hinton medium and Luria Bertani medium using borosilicate glass tubes and polypropylene plastic tubes. The biomass of the pellicle was quantitated using the crystal violet staining assay. The selected isolates were further assessed for their motility using semi-solid agar and monitored in real-time using real-time cell analyser (RTCA). Results All 96 clinical CRAB isolates carried the gacS and gacA genes, however, only four isolates (AB21, AB34, AB69 and AB97) displayed the ability of pellicle-formation phenotypically. These four pellicle-forming isolates produced robust pellicles in Mueller Hinton medium with better performance in borosilicate glass tubes in which biomass with OD570 ranging from 1.984 ± 0.383 to 2.272 ± 0.376 was recorded. The decrease in cell index starting from 13 hours obtained from the impedance-based RTCA showed that pellicle-forming isolates had entered the growth stage of pellicle development. Conclusion These four pellicle-forming clinical CRAB isolates could be potentially more virulent, therefore further investigation is warranted to provide insights into their pathogenic mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heng Kang Ng
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Suat Moi Puah
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Cindy Shuan Ju Teh
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nuryana Idris
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kek Heng Chua
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Shadan A, Pathak A, Ma Y, Pathania R, Singh RP. Deciphering the virulence factors, regulation, and immune response to Acinetobacter baumannii infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1053968. [PMID: 36968113 PMCID: PMC10038080 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1053968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Deciphering the virulence factors, regulation, and immune response to Acinetobacter baumannii infectionAcinetobacter baumannii is a gram-negative multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen and a major cause of hospital acquired infetions. Carbapenem resistant A. baumannii has been categorised as a Priority1 critial pathogen by the World Health Organisation. A. baumannii is responsible for infections in hospital settings, clinical sectors, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and bloodstream infections with a mortality rates up to 35%. With the development of advanced genome sequencing, molecular mechanisms of manipulating bacterial genomes, and animal infection studies, it has become more convenient to identify the factors that play a major role in A. baumannii infection and its persistence. In the present review, we have explored the mechanism of infection, virulence factors, and various other factors associated with the pathogenesis of this organism. Additionally, the role of the innate and adaptive immune response, and the current progress in the development of innovative strategies to combat this multidrug-resistant pathogen is also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Afreen Shadan
- Department of Microbiology, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | - Avik Pathak
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India
| | - Ying Ma
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Ma, ; Ranjana Pathania, ; Rajnish Prakash Singh,
| | - Ranjana Pathania
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India
- *Correspondence: Ying Ma, ; Ranjana Pathania, ; Rajnish Prakash Singh,
| | - Rajnish Prakash Singh
- Department of Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
- *Correspondence: Ying Ma, ; Ranjana Pathania, ; Rajnish Prakash Singh,
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Singaravelu D, Binjawhar DN, Ameen F, Veerappan A. Lectin-Fortified Cationic Copper Sulfide Nanoparticles Gain Dual Targeting Capabilities to Treat Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Infection. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:43934-43944. [PMID: 36506188 PMCID: PMC9730473 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c05252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Targeted drug delivery maximizes the chance to combat infection caused by drug-resistant pathogens. Herein, lectin-fortified cationic copper sulfide (cCuS) nanoparticles were suggested for targeted adhesion to bacterial membranes and to enforce bacterial death. Jacalin, a lectin from jackfruit seed, was conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), and its ability to recognize bacterial cell surface glycans was demonstrated. Jacalin formed a noncovalent complex with cCuS, which was investigated by fluorescence quenching measurements. The data revealed that jacalin-cCuS (JcCuS) had a good affinity with an association constant K a of 2.27 (± 0.28) × 104 M-1. The resultant JcCuS complex displayed excellent anti-infective activity against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of cCuS was 62.5 μM, which was 2-fold lower than that of the broad-spectrum antibiotic ciprofloxacin. Interestingly, the MIC of JcCuS was reduced to 15.63 μM, which was attributed to jacalin fortification. The mechanistic study unveiled that JcCuS affected the membrane integrity, depolarized the inner membrane, and produced excess reactive oxygen species to combat CRAB at a lower concentration compared to cCuS. A. baumannii formed a biofilm more readily, which played a critical role in pathogenesis and resistance in clinical settings. JcCuS (3.91 μM) displayed stronger antibiofilm activity without affecting the metabolic viability of CRAB. Microscopy analyses confirmed the inhibition of biofilm formation and disruption of the mature biofilm upon treatment with JcCuS. Furthermore, JcCuS hindered pellicle formation and inhibited the biofilm-associated virulence factor of CRAB such as exopolysaccharide, cell surface hydrophobicity, swarming, and twitching mobility. The anti-infective potential of JcCuS was demonstrated by rescuing CRAB-infected zebrafish. The reduction in pathogen proliferation in muscle tissues was observed in the treated group, and the fish recovered from the infection and was restored to normal life within 12 h. The findings illustrate that lectin fortification offers a unique advantage in enhancing the therapeutic potential of antimicrobials against human pathogens of critical priority worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dharshini
Karnan Singaravelu
- Department
of Chemistry, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, Shanmugha Arts,
Science, Technology & Research Academy
(SASTRA) Deemed University, Thanjavur613401, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Dalal Nasser Binjawhar
- Department
of Chemistry, College of Science, Princess
Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh11671, Saudi
Arabia
| | - Fuad Ameen
- Department
of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anbazhagan Veerappan
- Department
of Chemistry, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, Shanmugha Arts,
Science, Technology & Research Academy
(SASTRA) Deemed University, Thanjavur613401, Tamil Nadu, India
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Xiong L, Yi F, Yu Q, Huang X, Ao K, Wang Y, Xie Y. Transcriptomic analysis reveals the regulatory role of quorum sensing in the Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 19606 via RNA-seq. BMC Microbiol 2022; 22:198. [PMID: 35971084 PMCID: PMC9380347 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-022-02612-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as the major opportunistic pathogen in healthcare-associated infections with high-level antibiotic resistance and high mortality. Quorum sensing (QS) system is a cell-to-cell bacterial communication mediated by the synthesis, secretion, and binding of auto-inducer signals. It is a global regulatory system to coordinate the behavior of individual bacteria in a population. The present study focused on the QS system, aiming to investigate the regulatory role of QS in bacterial virulence and antibiotic resistance. Method The auto-inducer synthase gene abaI was deleted using the A. baumannii ATCC 19606 strain to interrupt the QS process. The RNA-seq was performed to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways in the mutant (△abaI) strain compared with the wild-type (WT) strain. Results A total of 380 DEGs [the adjusted P value < 0.05 and the absolute value of log2(fold change) > log21.5] were identified, including 256 upregulated genes and 124 downregulated genes in the △abaI strain. The enrichment analysis indicated that the DEGs involved in arginine biosynthesis, purine metabolism, biofilm formation, and type VI secretion system (T6SS) were downregulated, while the DEGs involved in pathways related to fatty acid metabolism and amino acid metabolism were upregulated. Consistent with the expression change of the DEGs, a decrease in biofilm formation was observed in the △abaI strain compared with the WT strain. On the contrary, no obvious changes were found in antimicrobial resistance following the deletion of abaI. Conclusions The present study demonstrated the transcriptomic profile of A. baumannii after the deletion of abaI, revealing an important regulatory role of the QS system in bacterial virulence. The deletion of abaI suppressed the biofilm formation in A. baumannii ATCC 19606, leading to decreased pathogenicity. Further studies on the role of abaR, encoding the receptor of auto-inducer in the QS circuit, are required for a better understanding of the regulation of bacterial virulence and pathogenicity in the QS network. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-022-02612-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Xiong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fanli Yi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiuju Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiyue Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Keping Ao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuanfang Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Xie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|