Morphological expressions of antibiotic synergism against Pseudomonas aeruginosa as observed by scanning electron microscopy

Peptides designed from a bacteriophage capsid protein function as synthetic transcription repressors

The bacteriophage capsid protein, Psu (polarity suppression), inhibits the bacterial transcription terminator, Rho. In an effort to find nontraditional antibacterial agents, we previously designed peptides from the Psu C terminus that function as inhibitors of Rho. Here, we demonstrated that these peptides have positive surface-charge densities, and they downregulate many genes in Escherichia coli. We hypothesized that these peptides could bind to nucleic acids and repress gene expression. One of these peptides, peptide 33, represses in vitro transcription from the T7A1 and Plac promoters efficiently by blocking the access of RNA polymerase to the promoter, a mode of transcription repression akin to many bacterial repressors. In vivo, expressions of the peptides reduce the total RNA level as well as transcription from Plac and Posm promoters significantly. However, they are less efficient in repressing transcription from the rRNA promoters with a very high turnover of RNA polymerase. The peptide 33 binds to both single and dsDNA as well as to RNA with dissociation constants ranging from 1 to 5 μM exhibiting preferences for the single-stranded DNA and RNAs. These interactions are salt-resistant and not sequence-specific. Interactions with dsDNA are entropy-driven, while it is enthalpy-driven for the ssDNA. This mode of interaction with nucleic acids is similar to many nonspecific ssDNA-binding proteins. Expression of peptide 33 induces cell elongation and impaired cell division, possibly due to the dislodging of the DNA-binding proteins. Overall, we surmised that these synthetic transcription repressors would function like bacterial nucleoid-associated proteins.

Filamentous morphology of bacterial pathogens: regulatory factors and control strategies

Several studies have demonstrated that when exposed to physical, chemical, and biological stresses in the environment, many bacteria (Gram-positive and Gram-negative) change their morphology from a normal cell to a filamentous shape. The formation of filamentous morphology is one of the survival strategies against environmental stress and protection against phagocytosis or protist predators. Numerous pathogenic bacteria have shown filamentous morphologies when examined in vivo or in vitro. During infection, certain pathogenic bacteria adopt a filamentous shape inside the cell to avoid phagocytosis by immune cells. Filamentous morphology has also been seen in biofilms formed on biotic or abiotic surfaces by certain bacteria. As a result, in addition to protecting against phagocytosis by immune cells or predators, the filamentous shape aids in biofilm adhesion or colonization to biotic or abiotic surfaces. Furthermore, these filamentous morphologies of bacterial pathogens lead to antimicrobial drug resistance. Clinically, filamentous morphology has become one of the most serious challenges in treating bacterial infection. The current review went into great detail about the various factors involved in the change of filamentous morphology and the underlying mechanisms. In addition, the review discussed a control strategy for suppressing filamentous morphology in order to combat bacterial infections. Understanding the mechanism underlying the filamentous morphology induced by various environmental conditions will aid in drug development and lessen the virulence of bacterial pathogens. KEY POINTS: • The bacterial filamentation morphology is one of the survival mechanisms against several environmental stress conditions and protection from phagocytosis by host cells and protist predators. • The filamentous morphologies in bacterial pathogens contribute to enhanced biofilm formation, which develops resistance properties against antimicrobial drugs. • Filamentous morphology has become one of the major hurdles in treating bacterial infection, hence controlling strategies employed for inhibiting the filamentation morphology from combating bacterial infections.

Cell wall deficiency - an alternate bacterial lifestyle?

Historically, many species of bacteria have been reported to produce viable, cell wall deficient (CWD) variants. A variety of terms have been used to refer to CWD bacteria and a plethora of methods described in which to induce, cultivate and propagate them. In this review, we will examine the long history of scientific research on CWD bacteria examining the methods by which CWD bacteria are generated; the requirements for survival in a CWD state; the replicative processes within a CWD state; and the reversion of CWD bacteria into a walled state, or lack thereof. In doing so, we will present evidence that not all CWD variants are alike and that, at least in some cases, CWD variants arise through an adaptive lifestyle switch that enables them to live and thrive without a cell wall, often to avoid antimicrobial activity. Finally, the implications of CWD bacteria in recurring infections, tolerance to antibiotic therapy and antimicrobial resistance will be examined to illustrate the importance of greater understanding of the CWD bacteria in human health and disease.

Inhibition of biofilm and virulence properties of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by sub-inhibitory concentrations of aminoglycosides

Aminoglycosides are a commonly used class of antibiotics; however, their application has been discontinued due to the emergence of multi-drug resistance bacterial strains. In the present study, the subinhibitory concentrations (sub-MIC) of several aminoglycosides were determined and tested as an antibiofilm and for their anti-virulence properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, which is an opportunistic foodborne pathogen. P. aeruginosa PAO1 exhibits multiple mechanisms of resistance, including the formation of biofilm and production of several virulence factors, against aminoglycoside antibiotics. The sub-MIC of these antibiotics exhibited biofilm inhibition of P. aeruginosa in alkaline TSB (pH 7.9). Moreover, various concentrations of these aminoglycosides also eradicate the mature biofilm of P. aeruginosa. In the presence of sub-MIC of aminoglycosides, the morphological changes of P. aeruginosa were found to change from rod-shaped to the filamentous, elongated, and streptococcal forms. Similar growth conditions and sub-MIC of aminoglycosides were also found to attenuate several virulence properties of P. aeruginosa PAO1. Molecular docking studies demonstrate that these aminoglycosides possess strong binding properties with the LasR protein, which is a well-characterized quorum-sensing receptor of P. aeruginosa. The present study suggests a new approach to revitalize aminoglycosides as antibiofilm and antivirulence drugs to treat infections caused by pathogenic bacteria.

Mathematical modelling of the antibiotic-induced morphological transition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Here we formulate a mechanistic mathematical model to describe the growth dynamics of P. aeruginosa in the presence of the β-lactam antibiotic meropenem. The model is mechanistic in the sense that carrying capacity is taken into account through the dynamics of nutrient availability rather than via logistic growth. In accordance with our experimental results we incorporate a sub-population of cells, differing in morphology from the normal bacillary shape of P. aeruginosa bacteria, which we assume have immunity from direct antibiotic action. By fitting this model to experimental data we obtain parameter values that give insight into the growth of a bacterial population that includes different cell morphologies. The analysis of two parameters sets, that produce different long term behaviour, allows us to manipulate the system theoretically in order to explore the advantages of a shape transition that may potentially be a mechanism that allows P. aeruginosa to withstand antibiotic effects. Our results suggest that inhibition of this shape transition may be detrimental to bacterial growth and thus suggest that the transition may be a defensive mechanism implemented by bacterial machinery. In addition to this we provide strong theoretical evidence for the potential therapeutic strategy of using antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in combination with meropenem. This proposed combination therapy exploits the shape transition as AMPs induce cell lysis by forming pores in the cytoplasmic membrane, which becomes exposed in the spherical cells.

Morphological and ultrastructural changes in bacterial cells as an indicator of antibacterial mechanism of action

Efforts to reduce the global burden of bacterial disease and contend with escalating bacterial resistance are spurring innovation in antibacterial drug and biocide development and related technologies such as photodynamic therapy and photochemical disinfection. Elucidation of the mechanism of action of these new agents and processes can greatly facilitate their development, but it is a complex endeavour. One strategy that has been popular for many years, and which is garnering increasing interest due to recent technological advances in microscopy and a deeper understanding of the molecular events involved, is the examination of treated bacteria for changes to their morphology and ultrastructure. In this review, we take a critical look at this approach. Variables affecting antibacterial-induced alterations are discussed first. These include characteristics of the test organism (e.g. cell wall structure) and incubation conditions (e.g. growth medium osmolarity). The main body of the review then describes the different alterations that can occur. Micrographs depicting these alterations are presented, together with information on agents that induce the change, and the sequence of molecular events that lead to the change. We close by highlighting those morphological and ultrastructural changes which are consistently induced by agents sharing the same mechanism (e.g. spheroplast formation by peptidoglycan synthesis inhibitors) and explaining how changes that are induced by multiple antibacterial classes (e.g. filamentation by DNA synthesis inhibitors, FtsZ disruptors, and other types of agent) can still yield useful mechanistic information. Lastly, recommendations are made regarding future study design and execution.

Synergistic killing of NDM-producing MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae by two 'old' antibiotics-polymyxin B and chloramphenicol

OBJECTIVES

Combination therapy is an important option in the fight against Gram-negative 'superbugs'. This study systematically investigated bacterial killing and the emergence of polymyxin resistance with polymyxin B and chloramphenicol combinations used against New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)-producing MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae.

METHODS

Four NDM-producing K. pneumoniae strains were employed. The presence of genes conferring resistance to chloramphenicol was examined by PCR. Time-kill studies (inocula ∼10(6) cfu/mL) were conducted using various clinically achievable concentrations of each antibiotic (range: polymyxin B, 0.5-2 mg/L; chloramphenicol, 4-32 mg/L), with real-time population analysis profiles documented at baseline and 24 h. The microbiological response was examined using the log change method and pharmacodynamic modelling in conjunction with scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS

Multiple genes coding for efflux pumps involved in chloramphenicol resistance were present in all strains. Polymyxin B monotherapy at all concentrations produced rapid bacterial killing followed by rapid regrowth with the emergence of polymyxin resistance; chloramphenicol monotherapy was largely ineffective. Combination therapy significantly delayed regrowth, with synergy observed in 25 out of 28 cases at both 6 and 24 h; at 24 h, no viable bacterial cells were detected in 15 out of 28 cases with various combinations across all strains. No polymyxin-resistant bacteria were detected with combination therapy. These results were supported by pharmacodynamic modelling. SEM revealed significant morphological changes following treatment with polymyxin B both alone and in combination.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of polymyxin B and chloramphenicol used against NDM-producing MDR K. pneumoniae substantially enhanced bacterial killing and suppressed the emergence of polymyxin resistance.

Structural changes and differentially expressed genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa exposed to meropenem-ciprofloxacin combination

The effect of a meropenem-ciprofloxacin combination (MCC) on the susceptibility of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MRPA) clinical isolates was determined using checkerboard and time-kill curve techniques. Structural changes and differential gene expression that resulted from the synergistic action of the MCC against one of the P. aeruginosa isolates (1071-MRPA]) were evaluated using electron microscopy and representational difference analysis (RDA), respectively. The differentially expressed, SOS response-associated, and resistance-associated genes in 1071-MRPA exposed to meropenem, ciprofloxacin, and the MCC were monitored by quantitative PCR. The MCC was synergistic against 25% and 40.6% of MDR P. aeruginosa isolates as shown by the checkerboard and time-kill curves, respectively. The morphological and structural changes that resulted from the synergistic action of the MCC against 1071-MRPA were a summation of the effects observed with each antimicrobial alone. One exception included outer membrane vesicles, which were seen in a greater amount upon ciprofloxacin exposure but were significantly inhibited upon MCC exposure. Cell wall- and DNA repair-associated genes were differentially expressed in 1071-MRPA exposed to meropenem, ciprofloxacin, and the MCC. However, some of the RDA-detected, resistance-associated, and SOS response-associated genes were expressed at significantly lower levels in 1071-MRPA exposed to the MCC. The MCC may be an alternative for the treatment of MDR P. aeruginosa. The effect of this antimicrobial combination may be not only the result of a summation of the effects of meropenem and ciprofloxacin but also a result of differential action that likely inhibits protective mechanisms in the bacteria.

Tannins possessing bacteriostatic effect impair Pseudomonas aeruginosa adhesion and biofilm formation

Plants produce many compounds that are biologically active, either as part of their normal program of growth and development or in response to pathogen attack or stress. Traditionally, Anadenanthera colubrina, Commiphora leptophloeos and Myracrodruon urundeuva have been used by communities in the Brazilian Caatinga to treat several infectious diseases. The ability to impair bacterial adhesion represents an ideal strategy to combat bacterial pathogenesis, because of its importance in the early stages of the infectious process; thus, the search for anti-adherent compounds in plants is a very promising alternative. This study investigated the ability of stem-bark extracts from these three species to control the growth and prevent biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an important opportunistic pathogen that adheres to surfaces and forms protective biofilms. A kinetic study (0–72 h) demonstrated that the growth of extract-treated bacteria was inhibited up to 9 h after incubation, suggesting a bacteriostatic activity. Transmission electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy showed both viable and nonviable cells, indicating bacterial membrane damage; crystal violet assay and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that treatment strongly inhibited biofilm formation during 6 and 24 h and that matrix production remained impaired even after growth was restored, at 24 and 48 h of incubation. Herein, we propose that the identified (condensed and hydrolyzable) tannins are able to inhibit biofilm formation via bacteriostatic properties, damaging the bacterial membrane and hindering matrix production. Our findings demonstrate the importance of this abundant class of Natural Products in higher plants against one of the most challenging issues in the hospital setting: biofilm resilience.

Characterization of a novel gene related to antibiotic susceptibility in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a human pathogen with increased intrinsic resistance to a large number of antibiotics used in clinical therapy. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of resistance and developing therapy alternatives for P. aeruginosa are of profound importance. Previous work from our laboratory demonstrated that several mutants have isolated with altered expression of the phzA1B1C1D1E1F1G1 (phzA1) operon in the presence of sub-inhibitory concentrations (SICs) of tetracycline (TET). The present study investigates the roles of the PA0011 gene in mediating phzA1 expression at SIC of TET. The PA0011 gene encodes 2-OH-lauroytransferase by controlling the synthesis of the cell envelope and the outer membrane. We found that the PA0011 mutant strain was susceptible to several different antibiotics and environmental stresses. Complementation in the PA0011 mutant restored these phenotypes to wild-type levels. In addition, expression of the PA0011 gene, as monitored through a luciferase reporter, is increased at SICs of antibiotics. Indeed, the expression of the PA0011 gene increased about threefold in pqsR and pqsH mutants compared with the wild-type PAO1. However, the PA0011 gene negatively regulates the quorum sensing (QS) system. Taken together, these data suggest that PA0011 is involved in susceptibility to antimicrobial agents in P. aeruginosa, and that its susceptibility effect maybe partly dependent on increased QS expression.

The use of antibiotics to improve phage detection and enumeration by the double-layer agar technique

BACKGROUND

The Double-Layer Agar (DLA) technique is extensively used in phage research to enumerate and identify phages and to isolate mutants and new phages. Many phages form large and well-defined plaques that are easily observed so that they can be enumerated when plated by the DLA technique. However, some give rise to small and turbid plaques that are very difficult to detect and count. To overcome these problems, some authors have suggested the use of dyes to improve the contrast between the plaques and the turbid host lawns. It has been reported that some antibiotics stimulate bacteria to produce phages, resulting in an increase in final titer. Thus, antibiotics might contribute to increasing plaque size in solid media.

RESULTS

Antibiotics with different mechanisms of action were tested for their ability to enhance plaque morphology without suppressing phage development. Some antibiotics increased the phage plaque surface by up to 50-fold.

CONCLUSION

This work presents a modification of the DLA technique that can be used routinely in the laboratory, leading to a more accurate enumeration of phages that would be difficult or even impossible otherwise.

Morphological analysis of the antimicrobial action of nitric oxide on gram-negative pathogens using atomic force microscopy

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to study the morphological changes of two gram-negative pathogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, after exposure to nitric oxide (NO). The time-dependent effects of NO released from a xerogel coating and the concentration-dependent effects rendered by a small molecule that releases NO in a bolus were examined and compared. Bacteria exhibited irregular and degraded exteriors. With NO-releasing surfaces, an increase in surface debris and disorganized adhesion patterns were observed compared to controls. Analysis of cell surface topography revealed that increasing membrane roughness correlated with higher doses of NO. At a lower total dose, NO delivered via a bolus resulted in greater membrane roughness than NO released from a surface via a sustained flux. At sub-inhibitory levels, treatment with amoxicillin, an antibiotic known to compromise the integrity of the cell wall, led to morphologies resembling those resulting from NO treatment. Our observations indicate that cell envelope deterioration is a visible consequence of NO-exposure for both gram-negative species studied.

Selection of an antibiotic-hypersusceptible mutant of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: identification of the GlmR transcriptional regulator

Tn501 random mutagenesis was applied to the Pseudomonas aeruginosa wild-type strain PAO1 to select for mutants hypersusceptible to aminoglycoside antimicrobial agents. One such mutant, called 19A, was found to be hypersusceptible to a wide range of antibiotics including aminoglycosides, beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, colistin, erythromycin, rifampin, and glycopeptides. Light microscopy of the mutant strain revealed abnormal morphology characterized by large, filamentous cells. The drug supersusceptibility of 19A was accompanied by loss of motility, reduced resistance to osmotic and heat shock stress, and impaired growth at low temperatures. The insertion site of the Tn501 transposon in mutant 19A has occurred in an open reading frame (PA5550 according to the PAO1 genome project), whose gene product shows amino acid sequence similarity to the DeoR family of transcriptional repressors. The gene, which we called glmR, is located between the glmS (PA5549) and glmU (PA5552) homologues of E. coli, responsible for the synthesis of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine-1-P, a precursor of both lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and peptidoglycan. We showed that GlmR represses the transcription of the adjacent glmS homologue (PA5549) in P. aeruginosa, possibly affecting the pool of precursors for peptidoglycan and LPS synthesis. To our knowledge GlmR is the first regulator in P. aeruginosa that affects susceptibility to a large variety of antibiotics and is therefore a potential target for novel anti-infective agents.

Characterization of impermeability variants of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated during unsuccessful therapy of experimental endocarditis

We characterized five amikacin-resistant variants of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from aortic valve vegetations during unsuccessful therapy of experimental endocarditis. These organisms were cross resistant to other aminoglycosides. No aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes were produced by these strains. However, all five variants demonstrated significant defects in permeability and intracellular uptake of [3H]amikacin when compared with the amikacin-susceptible parental strain (0 to 26% of that of the parental strain; mean, approximately 15%). The permeability defects were unstable in vitro, with normalization after serial passage in antibiotic-free media. The variants grew as nonpigmented, small-colony types, with in vitro generation times approximately 1.5 to 2 times longer than that of the parental strain (30 to 40 versus 20 min, respectively). Two impermeability variants were compared with the parental strain for ability to induce experimental endocarditis in rabbits with aortic catheters. Both variants were virulent in vivo; however, mean bacterial densities in vegetations were approximately 2.5 log10 CFU/g lower in animals challenged with the variants than in animals challenged with the parental strain, probably reflecting a slower in vivo growth rate.