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Yousuf B, Pasha R, Pineault N, Ramirez-Arcos S. Modulation of Staphylococcus aureus gene expression during proliferation in platelet concentrates with focus on virulence and platelet functionality. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0307920. [PMID: 39052660 PMCID: PMC11271859 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a well-documented bacterial contaminant in platelet concentrates (PCs), a blood component used to treat patients with platelet deficiencies. This bacterium can evade routine PC culture screening and cause septic transfusion reactions. Here, we investigated the gene expression modulation within the PC niche versus trypticase soy media (TSB) of S. aureus CBS2016-05, a strain isolated from a septic reaction, in comparison to PS/BAC/317/16/W, a strain identified during PC screening. RNA-seq analysis revealed upregulation of the capsule biosynthesis operon (capA-H), surface adhesion factors (sasADF), clumping factor A (clfA), protein A (spa), and anaerobic metabolism genes (pflAB, nrdDG) in CBS2016-05 when grown in PCs versus TSB, implying its enhanced pathogenicity in this milieu, in contrast to the PS/BAC/317/16/W strain. Furthermore, we investigated the impact of S. aureus CBS2016-05 on platelet functionality in spiked PCs versus non-spiked PC units. Flow cytometry analyses revealed a significant decrease in glycoprotein (GP) IIb (CD41) and GPIbα (CD42b) expression, alongside increased P-selectin (CD62P) and phosphatidylserine (annexin V) expression in spiked PCs compared to non-spiked PCs (p = 0.01). Moreover, spiked PCs exhibited a drastic reduction in MitoTrack Red FM and Calcein AM positive platelets (87.3% vs. 29.4%, p = 0.0001 and 95.4% vs. 24.7%, p = 0.0001) in a bacterial cell density manner. These results indicated that S. aureus CBS2016-05 triggers platelet activation and apoptosis, and compromises mitochondrial functionality and platelet viability, in contaminated PCs. Furthermore, this study enhanced our understanding of the effects of platelet-bacteria interactions in the unique PC niche, highlighting S. aureus increased pathogenicity and deleterious effect on platelet functionality in a strain specific manner. Our novel insights serve as a platform to improve PC transfusion safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basit Yousuf
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Roya Pasha
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Nicolas Pineault
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Sandra Ramirez-Arcos
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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Yousuf B, Flint A, Weedmark K, Pagotto F, Ramirez-Arcos S. Comparative virulome analysis of four Staphylococcus epidermidis strains from human skin and platelet concentrates using whole genome sequencing. Access Microbiol 2024; 6:000780.v3. [PMID: 38737800 PMCID: PMC11083402 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000780.v3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidis is one of the predominant bacterial contaminants in platelet concentrates (PCs), a blood component used to treat bleeding disorders. PCs are a unique niche that triggers biofilm formation, the main pathomechanism of S. epidermidis infections. We performed whole genome sequencing of four S. epidermidis strains isolated from skin of healthy human volunteers (AZ22 and AZ39) and contaminated PCs (ST10002 and ST11003) to unravel phylogenetic relationships and decipher virulence mechanisms compared to 24 complete S. epidermidis genomes in GenBank. AZ39 and ST11003 formed a separate unique lineage with strains 14.1 .R1 and SE95, while AZ22 formed a cluster with 1457 and ST10002 closely grouped with FDAAGOS_161. The four isolates were assigned to sequence types ST1175, ST1174, ST73 and ST16, respectively. All four genomes exhibited biofilm-associated genes ebh, ebp, sdrG, sdrH and atl. Additionally, AZ22 had sdrF and aap, whereas ST10002 had aap and icaABCDR. Notably, AZ39 possesses truncated ebh and sdrG and harbours a toxin-encoding gene. All isolates carry multiple antibiotic resistance genes conferring resistance to fosfomycin (fosB), β-lactams (blaZ) and fluoroquinolones (norA). This study reveales a unique lineage for S. epidermidis and provides insight into the genetic basis of virulence and antibiotic resistance in transfusion-associated S. epidermidis strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basit Yousuf
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Annika Flint
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Kelly Weedmark
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Franco Pagotto
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Sandra Ramirez-Arcos
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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Gradil C, Joone C, Haire T, Fowler B, Zinchuk J, Davies CJ, Ball B. An intrauterine device with potential to control fertility in feral equids. Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 231:106795. [PMID: 34153579 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Fertility control of feral equids is difficult. A 4-month pilot study was conducted with a hormone-free intrauterine device (iUPOD). There was evaluation of i) device retention; ii) contraceptive efficacy; iii) fertility following device removal; iv) effects of device on estrous cycle periodicity and; v) abundance of biofilm on devices after removal from the uterus. The iUPODs were inserted trans-cervically in eight mares at random stages of the estrous cycle. Mares were confined in a paddock with a stallion the following day and remained with the stallion for 120 days. Transabdominal detection of the iUPOD, using a non-invasive handheld magnetic detector wand, was performed weekly. Mares were examined using transrectal ultrasonography on days 0 (Time at insertion = day 0), 14, and 30, and subsequently every third week to assess number and size of follicles, corpora lutea, and whether there was intrauterine fluid (IUF) present. The mares and stallion were observed daily for mating behavior. Weekly samples were assayed for progesterone (P4) at day 0 and until 3 weeks subsequent to stallion removal. None of the mares became pregnant while fitted with the iUPOD. Two of four mares conceived within 30 days subsequent to iUPOD removal. Three of eight mares fitted with the device had periods greater than 14 days with P4 concentrations <1 ng/mL, and seven of eight mares had periods greater than 14 days with P4 concentrations>1 ng/mL. There was a marked abundance of biofilm on devices of two mares at the time of device removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Gradil
- Cummings Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine/Vet&AnSci, UMass Amherst, MA, USA.
| | | | | | - Bradley Fowler
- Cummings Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine, N Grafton, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Barry Ball
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Lexington, KY, USA
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Loza-Correa M, Yousuf B, Ramirez-Arcos S. Staphylococcus epidermidis undergoes global changes in gene expression during biofilm maturation in platelet concentrates. Transfusion 2021; 61:2146-2158. [PMID: 33904608 DOI: 10.1111/trf.16418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Staphylococcus epidermidis forms surface-attached aggregates (biofilms) when grown in platelet concentrates (PCs). Comparative transcriptome analyses were undertaken to investigate differential gene expression of S. epidermidis biofilms grown in PCs. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Two S. epidermidis strains isolated from human skin (AZ22 and AZ39) and one strain isolated from contaminated PCs (ST02) were grown in glucose-supplemented Trypticase Soy Broth (TSBg) and PCs. RNA was extracted and sequenced using Illumina HiSeq. Differential expression analysis was done using DESeq, and significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected. DEGs were subjected to Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes and Gene Ontology analyses. Differential gene expression was validated with quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. RESULTS A total of 436, 442, and 384 genes were expressed in AZ22, AZ39, and ST02, respectively. DEG analysis showed that 170, 172, and 117 genes were upregulated in PCs in comparison to TSBg, whereas 120, 135, and 89 genes were downregulated (p < .05) in mature biofilms of AZ22, AZ39, and ST02, respectively. Twenty-seven DEGs were shared by all three strains. While 76 DEGs were shared by AZ22 and AZ39, only 34 and 21 DEGs were common between ST02, and AZ22 and AZ39, respectively. Significant transcriptional expression changes were observed in genes involved in platelet-bacteria interaction, biofilm formation, production of virulence factors, and resistance to antimicrobial peptides and antibiotics. CONCLUSION Differential gene expression in S. epidermidis is triggered by the stressful PC storage environment. Upregulation of virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes could have clinical implications for transfusion patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Loza-Correa
- Centre for Innovation, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Basit Yousuf
- Centre for Innovation, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sandra Ramirez-Arcos
- Centre for Innovation, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Taha M, Kyluik‐Price D, Kumaran D, Scott MD, Toyofuku W, Ramirez‐Arcos S. Bacterial survival in whole blood depends on plasma sensitivity and resistance to neutrophil killing. Transfusion 2019; 59:3674-3682. [DOI: 10.1111/trf.15550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Taha
- Centre for Innovation, Canadian Blood Services Ottawa Ontario
| | - Dana Kyluik‐Price
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia
| | - Dilini Kumaran
- Centre for Innovation, Canadian Blood Services Ottawa Ontario
| | - Mark D. Scott
- Centre for Innovation, Canadian Blood Services Ottawa Ontario
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia
| | - Wendy Toyofuku
- Centre for Innovation, Canadian Blood Services Ottawa Ontario
| | - Sandra Ramirez‐Arcos
- Centre for Innovation, Canadian Blood Services Ottawa Ontario
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario Canada
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The peptidoglycan and biofilm matrix of Staphylococcus epidermidis undergo structural changes when exposed to human platelets. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211132. [PMID: 30682094 PMCID: PMC6347161 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidis is a bacterium frequently isolated from contaminated platelet concentrates (PCs), a blood product used to treat bleeding disorders in transfusion patients. PCs offer an accidental niche for colonization of S. epidermidis by forming biofilms and thus avoiding clearance by immune factors present in this milieu. Using biochemical and microscopy techniques, we investigated the structural changes of the peptidoglycan (PG) and the biofilm matrix of S. epidermidis biofilms formed in whole-blood derived PCs compared to biofilms grown in glucose-supplemented trypticase soy broth (TSBg). Both, the PG and the biofilm matrix are primary mechanisms of defense against environmental stress. Here we show that in PCs, the S. epidermidis biofilm matrix is mainly of a proteinaceous nature with extracellular DNA, in contrast to the predominant polysaccharide nature of the biofilm matrix formed in TSBg cultures. PG profile studies demonstrated that the PG of biofilm cells remodels during PC storage displaying fewer muropeptides variants than those observed in TSBg. The PG muropeptides contain two chemical modifications (amidation and O-acetylation) previously associated with resistance to antimicrobial agents by other staphylococci. Our study highlights two key structural features of S. epidermidis that are remodeled when exposed to human platelets and could be used as targets to reduce septic transfusions events.
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Alabdullatif M, Atreya CD, Ramirez-Arcos S. Antimicrobial peptides: an effective approach to prevent bacterial biofilm formation in platelet concentrates. Transfusion 2018; 58:2013-2021. [DOI: 10.1111/trf.14646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chintamani D. Atreya
- Laboratory of Cellular Hematology, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research; U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Silver Spring Maryland
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