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Gambino M, Sørensen MCH. Flagellotropic phages: common yet diverse host interaction strategies. Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 78:102451. [PMID: 38452595 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2024.102451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Many bacteriophages (phages) interact with flagella and rely on bacterial motility for successful infection of their hosts. Yet, limited information is available on how phages have evolved to recognize and bind both flagella and subsequent surface receptors for phage DNA injection. Here, we present an update on the current knowledge of flagellotropic phages using a few well-studied phages as examples to unravel the molecular details of bacterial host recognition. We discuss the recent advances in the role of globular exposed flagellin domains and flagella glycosylation in phage binding to the flagella. In addition, we present diverse types of surface receptors and phage components responsible for the interaction with the host. Finally, we point to questions remaining to be answered and new approaches to study this unique group of phages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Gambino
- Institute of Conservation, Royal Danish Academy, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martine C H Sørensen
- Section of Food Safety and Zoonoses, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
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2
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Ostenfeld LJ, Sørensen AN, Neve H, Vitt A, Klumpp J, Sørensen MCH. A hybrid receptor binding protein enables phage F341 infection of Campylobacter by binding to flagella and lipooligosaccharides. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1358909. [PMID: 38380094 PMCID: PMC10877375 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1358909] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Flagellotropic bacteriophages are interesting candidates as therapeutics against pathogenic bacteria dependent on flagellar motility for colonization and causing disease. Yet, phage resistance other than loss of motility has been scarcely studied. Here we developed a soft agar assay to study flagellotropic phage F341 resistance in motile Campylobacter jejuni. We found that phage adsorption was prevented by diverse genetic mutations in the lipooligosaccharides forming the secondary receptor of phage F341. Genome sequencing showed phage F341 belongs to the Fletchervirus genus otherwise comprising capsular-dependent C. jejuni phages. Interestingly, phage F341 encodes a hybrid receptor binding protein (RBP) predicted as a short tail fiber showing partial similarity to RBP1 encoded by capsular-dependent Fletchervirus, but with a receptor binding domain similar to tail fiber protein H of C. jejuni CJIE1 prophages. Thus, C. jejuni prophages may represent a genetic pool from where lytic Fletchervirus phages can acquire new traits like recognition of new receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Jensen Ostenfeld
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | | | - Horst Neve
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max-Rubner Institut, Kiel, Germany
| | - Amira Vitt
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Jochen Klumpp
- Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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3
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Bacteriophages as Biocontrol Agents in Livestock Food Production. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10112126. [PMID: 36363718 PMCID: PMC9692620 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages have been regarded as biocontrol agents that can be used in the food industry. They can be used in various applications, such as pathogen detection and bio-preservation. Their potential to improve the quality of food and prevent foodborne illness is widespread. These bacterial viruses can also be utilized in the preservation of various other food products. The specificity and high sensitivity of bacteriophages when they lyse bacterial targets have been regarded as important factors that contribute to their great potential utility in the food industry. This review will provide an overview of their current and potential applications.
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4
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Campylobacter jejuni Developed the Resistance to Bacteriophage CP39 by Phase Variable Expression of 06875 Encoding the CGPTase. Viruses 2022; 14:v14030485. [PMID: 35336892 PMCID: PMC8949473 DOI: 10.3390/v14030485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophage (phage) is regarded as an antimicrobial alternative for Campylobacter in food production. However, the development of phage resistance to the host is a main concern for the phage application. This study characterized the phage CP39 and investigated the phage resistance of CP39 in Campylobacter jejuni NCTC12662. We determined that phage CP39 belonged to the Myoviridae family by the WGS and phylogenetic analysis. Phage CP39 was confirmed as a capsular polysaccharide (CPS)-dependent phage by primary C. jejuni phage typing. It was further confirmed that the phage could not be adsorbed by the acapsular mutant ΔkpsM but showed the same lytic ability in both the wild-type strain NCTC 12662 and the ΔmotA mutant lacking motile flagella filaments. We further determined that the 06875 gene encoding CDP-glycerol:poly (glycerophosphate) glycerophosphotransferase (CGPTase) in the CPS loci was related to phage CP39 adsorption by SNP analysis and observed a rapid development of phage resistance in NCTC 12662 during the phage infection. Furthermore, we observed a high mutation frequency of 06875 (32%), which randomly occurred in nine different sites in the gene according to colony PCR sequencing. The mutation of the 06875 gene could cause the phase variable expression of non-functional protein and allow the bacteria against the phage infection by modifying the CPS. Our study confirmed the 06875 gene responsible for the CPS-phage adsorption for the first time and demonstrated the phase variable expression as a main mechanism for the bacteria to defend phage CP39. Our study provided knowledge for the evolutionary adaption of bacteria against the bacteriophage, which could add more information to understand the phage resistance mechanism before applying in the industry.
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5
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Olson EG, Micciche AC, Rothrock MJ, Yang Y, Ricke SC. Application of Bacteriophages to Limit Campylobacter in Poultry Production. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:458721. [PMID: 35069459 PMCID: PMC8766974 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.458721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter is a major foodborne pathogen with over a million United States cases a year and is typically acquired through the consumption of poultry products. The common occurrence of Campylobacter as a member of the poultry gastrointestinal tract microbial community remains a challenge for optimizing intervention strategies. Simultaneously, increasing demand for antibiotic-free products has led to the development of several alternative control measures both at the farm and in processing operations. Bacteriophages administered to reduce foodborne pathogens are one of the alternatives that have received renewed interest. Campylobacter phages have been isolated from both conventionally and organically raised poultry. Isolated and cultivated Campylobacter bacteriophages have been used as an intervention in live birds to target colonized Campylobacter in the gastrointestinal tract. Application of Campylobacter phages to poultry carcasses has also been explored as a strategy to reduce Campylobacter levels during poultry processing. This review will focus on the biology and ecology of Campylobacter bacteriophages in poultry production followed by discussion on current and potential applications as an intervention strategy to reduce Campylobacter occurrence in poultry production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena G Olson
- Meat Science and Animal Biologics Discovery Program, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Andrew C Micciche
- Center for Food Safety, Department of Food Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - Michael J Rothrock
- Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Yichao Yang
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - Steven C Ricke
- Meat Science and Animal Biologics Discovery Program, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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6
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Sørensen MCH, Gencay YE, Fanger F, Chichkova MAT, Mazúrová M, Klumpp J, Nielsen EM, Brøndsted L. Identification of Novel Phage Resistance Mechanisms in Campylobacter jejuni by Comparative Genomics. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:780559. [PMID: 34970240 PMCID: PMC8713573 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.780559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Phages infecting Campylobacter jejuni are considered a promising intervention strategy at broiler farms, yet phage sensitivity of naturally occurring poultry isolates is not well studied. Here, we investigated phage sensitivity and identified resistance mechanisms of C. jejuni strains originating from Danish broilers belonging to the most prevalent MLST (ST) types. Determining plaque formation of 51 phages belonging to Fletchervirus or Firehammervirus showed that 21 out of 31 C. jejuni strains were susceptible to at least one phage. While C. jejuni ST-21 strains encoded the common phase variable O-methyl phosphoramidate (MeOPN) receptor of the Fletchervirus and were only infected by these phages, ST-45 strains did not encode this receptor and were exclusively infected by Firehammervirus phages. To identify internal phage resistance mechanism in ST-21 strains, we performed comparative genomics of two strains, CAMSA2002 sensitive to almost all Fletchervirus phages and CAMSA2038, resistant to all 51 phages. The strains encoded diverse clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) spacers but none matched the tested phages. Sequence divergence was also observed in a predicted SspE homolog and putative restriction modification systems including a methyl-specific McrBC endonuclease. Furthermore, when mcrB was deleted, CAMSA2038 became sensitive to 17 out of 43 phages, three being Firehammervirus phages that otherwise did not infect any ST-21 strains. Yet, 16 phages demonstrated significantly lower efficiencies of plating on the mcrB mutant suggesting additional resistance mechanism still restricting phage propagation in CAMSA2038. Thus, our work demonstrates that C. jejuni isolates originating from broilers may have acquired several resistance mechanisms to successfully prevent phage infection in their natural habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine C H Sørensen
- Food Safety and Zoonoses, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Yilmaz Emre Gencay
- Food Safety and Zoonoses, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Florian Fanger
- Food Safety and Zoonoses, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Mariana A T Chichkova
- Food Safety and Zoonoses, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Mária Mazúrová
- Food Safety and Zoonoses, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Jochen Klumpp
- Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eva M Nielsen
- Foodborne Infections, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lone Brøndsted
- Food Safety and Zoonoses, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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7
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Reduced Infection Efficiency of Phage NCTC 12673 on Non-Motile Campylobacter jejuni Strains Is Related to Oxidative Stress. Viruses 2021; 13:v13101955. [PMID: 34696385 PMCID: PMC8540345 DOI: 10.3390/v13101955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter jejuni is a Gram-negative foodborne pathogen that causes diarrheal disease and is associated with severe post-infectious sequelae. Bacteriophages (phages) are a possible means of reducing Campylobacter colonization in poultry to prevent downstream human infections. However, the factors influencing phage-host interactions must be better understood before this strategy can be predictably employed. Most studies have focused on Campylobacter phage binding to the host surface, with all phages classified as either capsule- or flagella-specific. Here we describe the characterization of a C. jejuni phage that requires functional flagellar glycosylation and motor genes for infection, without needing the flagella for adsorption to the cell surface. Through phage infectivity studies of targeted C. jejuni mutants, transcriptomic analysis of phage-resistant mutants, and genotypic and phenotypic analysis of a spontaneous phage variant capable of simultaneously overcoming flagellar gene dependence and sensitivity to oxidative stress, we have uncovered a link between oxidative stress, flagellar motility, and phage infectivity. Taken together, our results underscore the importance of understanding phage-host interactions beyond the cell surface and point to host oxidative stress state as an important and underappreciated consideration for future phage-host interaction studies.
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8
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Cayrou C, Barratt NA, Ketley JM, Bayliss CD. Phase Variation During Host Colonization and Invasion by Campylobacter jejuni and Other Campylobacter Species. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:705139. [PMID: 34394054 PMCID: PMC8355987 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.705139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Phase variation (PV) is a phenomenon common to a variety of bacterial species for niche adaption and survival in challenging environments. Among Campylobacter species, PV depends on the presence of intergenic and intragenic hypermutable G/C homopolymeric tracts. The presence of phase-variable genes is of especial interest for species that cause foodborne or zoonotic infections in humans. PV influences the formation and the structure of the lipooligosaccharide, flagella, and capsule in Campylobacter species. PV of components of these molecules is potentially important during invasion of host tissues, spread within hosts and transmission between hosts. Motility is a critical phenotype that is potentially modulated by PV. Variation in the status of the phase-variable genes has been observed to occur during colonization in chickens and mouse infection models. Interestingly, PV is also involved in bacterial survival of attack by bacteriophages even during chicken colonization. This review aims to explore and discuss observations of PV during model and natural infections by Campylobacter species and how PV may affect strategies for fighting infections by this foodborne pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Cayrou
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie A Barratt
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Julian M Ketley
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher D Bayliss
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
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9
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Loponte R, Pagnini U, Iovane G, Pisanelli G. Phage Therapy in Veterinary Medicine. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10040421. [PMID: 33920369 PMCID: PMC8069180 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10040421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
To overcome the obstacle of antimicrobial resistance, researchers are investigating the use of phage therapy as an alternative and/or supplementation to antibiotics to treat and prevent infections both in humans and in animals. In the first part of this review, we describe the unique biological characteristics of bacteriophages and the crucial aspects influencing the success of phage therapy. However, despite their efficacy and safety, there is still no specific legislation that regulates their use. In the second part of this review, we describe the comprehensive research done in the past and recent years to address the use of phage therapy for the treatment and prevention of bacterial disease affecting domestic animals as an alternative to antibiotic treatments. While in farm animals, phage therapy efficacy perspectives have been widely studied in vitro and in vivo, especially for zoonoses and diseases linked to economic losses (such as mastitis), in pets, studies are still few and rather recent.
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10
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Kittler S, Steffan S, Peh E, Plötz M. Phage Biocontrol of Campylobacter: A One Health Approach. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2021; 431:127-168. [PMID: 33620651 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-65481-8_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Human infections by Campylobacter species are among the most reported bacterial gastrointestinal diseases in the European Union and worldwide with severe outcomes in rare cases. Considering the transmission routes and farm animal reservoirs of these zoonotic pathogens, a comprehensive One Health approach will be necessary to reduce human infection rates. Bacteriophages are viruses that specifically infect certain bacterial genera, species, strains or isolates. Multiple studies have demonstrated the general capacity of phage treatments to reduce Campylobacter loads in the chicken intestine. However, phage treatments are not yet approved for extensive use in the agro-food industry in Europe. Technical inconvenience is mainly related to the efficacy of phages, depending on the optimal choice of phages and their combination, as well as application route, concentration and timing. Additionally, regulatory uncertainties have been a major concern for investment in commercial phage-based products. This review addresses the question as to how phages can be put into practice and can help to solve the issue of human campylobacteriosis in a sustainable One Health approach. By compiling the reported findings from the literature in a standardized manner, we enabled inter-experimental comparisons to increase our understanding of phage infection in Campylobacter spp. and practical on-farm studies. Further, we address some of the hurdles that still must be overcome before this new methodology can be adapted on an industrial scale. We envisage that phage treatment can become an integrated and standardized part of a multi-hurdle anti-bacterial strategy in food production. The last part of this chapter deals with some of the issues raised by legal authorities, bringing together current knowledge on Campylobacter-specific phages and the biosafety requirements for approval of phage treatment in the food industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Kittler
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Severin Steffan
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elisa Peh
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | - Madeleine Plötz
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173, Hannover, Germany
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Flagellar Structures from the Bacterium Caulobacter crescentus and Implications for Phage ϕ CbK Predation of Multiflagellin Bacteria. J Bacteriol 2021; 203:JB.00399-20. [PMID: 33288623 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00399-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Caulobacter crescentus is a Gram-negative alphaproteobacterium that commonly lives in oligotrophic fresh- and saltwater environments. C. crescentus is a host to many bacteriophages, including ϕCbK and ϕCbK-like bacteriophages, which require interaction with the bacterial flagellum and pilus complexes during adsorption. It is commonly thought that the six paralogs of the flagellin gene present in C. crescentus are important for bacteriophage evasion. Here, we show that deletion of specific flagellins in C. crescentus can indeed attenuate ϕCbK adsorption efficiency, although no single deletion completely ablates ϕCbK adsorption. Thus, the bacteriophage ϕCbK likely recognizes a common motif among the six known flagellins in C. crescentus with various degrees of efficiency. Interestingly, we observe that most deletion strains still generate flagellar filaments, with the exception of a strain that contains only the most divergent flagellin, FljJ, or a strain that contains only FljN and FljO. To visualize the surface residues that are likely recognized by ϕCbK, we determined two high-resolution structures of the FljK filament, with and without an amino acid substitution that induces straightening of the filament. We observe posttranslational modifications on conserved surface threonine residues of FljK that are likely O-linked glycans. The possibility of interplay between these modifications and ϕCbK adsorption is discussed. We also determined the structure of a filament composed of a heterogeneous mixture of FljK and FljL, the final resolution of which was limited to approximately 4.6 Å. Altogether, this work builds a platform for future investigations of how phage ϕCbK infects C. crescentus at the molecular level.IMPORTANCE Bacterial flagellar filaments serve as an initial attachment point for many bacteriophages to bacteria. Some bacteria harbor numerous flagellin genes and are therefore able to generate flagellar filaments with complex compositions, which is thought to be important for evasion from bacteriophages. This study characterizes the importance of the six flagellin genes in C. crescentus for infection by bacteriophage ϕCbK. We find that filaments containing the FljK flagellin are the preferred substrate for bacteriophage ϕCbK. We also present a high-resolution structure of a flagellar filament containing only the FljK flagellin, which provides a platform for future studies on determining how bacteriophage ϕCbK attaches to flagellar filaments at the molecular level.
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12
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Isolation, host specificity and genetic characterization of Campylobacter specific bacteriophages from poultry and swine sources. Food Microbiol 2021; 97:103742. [PMID: 33653521 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2021.103742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The isolation and characterization of 304 Campylobacter specific bacteriophage isolates from broiler and swine sources is reported in this study. Genome size characterization determined by PFGE classified these isolates,called CAM1-CAM304, within the campylophages group II (n = 18) and group III (n = 286). Host range analyses showed a high host specificity and similar lytic spectrum among isolates of the same group. Campylophages of group II infected C. jejuni, C. coli and even a C. fetus strain whereas those of group III only infected C. jejuni strains. The most promising 59 campylophage candidates were selected according to their lytic activity and their genetic diversity was analyzed by RFLP using SmiI and HhaI endonucleases for group II and III campylophages, respectively. Moreover, RAPD-PCR technique was for the first time assessed in the genetic characterization of campylophages and it was shown to be effective only for those of group II. Bacteriophage isolates grouped in a same genotype displayed different host ranges, therefore, 13 campylophages of group II and eight of group III were differentiated considering all the approaches assayed. An in-depth analysis of these bacteriophages will be performed to confirm their promising potential for the biocontrol of Campylobacter within the farm to fork process.
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13
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Sher AA, Jerome JP, Bell JA, Yu J, Kim HY, Barrick JE, Mansfield LS. Experimental Evolution of Campylobacter jejuni Leads to Loss of Motility, rpoN (σ54) Deletion and Genome Reduction. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:579989. [PMID: 33240235 PMCID: PMC7677240 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.579989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Evolution experiments in the laboratory have focused heavily on model organisms, often to the exclusion of clinically relevant pathogens. The foodborne bacterial pathogen Campylobacter jejuni belongs to a genus whose genomes are small compared to those of its closest genomic relative, the free-living genus Sulfurospirillum, suggesting genome reduction during the course of evolution to host association. In an in vitro experiment, C. jejuni serially passaged in rich medium in the laboratory exhibited loss of flagellar motility-an essential function for host colonization. At early time points the motility defect was often reversible, but after 35 days of serial culture, motility was irreversibly lost in most cells in 5 independently evolved populations. Population re-sequencing revealed disruptive mutations to genes in the flagellar transcriptional cascade, rpoN (σ54)-therefore disrupting the expression of the genes σ54 regulates-coupled with deletion of rpoN in all evolved lines. Additional mutations were detected in virulence-related loci. In separate in vivo experiments, we demonstrate that a phase variable (reversible) motility mutant carrying an adenine deletion within a homopolymeric tract resulting in truncation of the flagellar biosynthesis gene fliR was deficient for colonization in a C57BL/6 IL-10-/- mouse disease model. Re-insertion of an adenine residue partially restored motility and ability to colonize mice. Thus, a pathogenic C. jejuni strain was rapidly attenuated by experimental laboratory evolution and demonstrated genomic instability during this evolutionary process. The changes observed suggest C. jejuni is able to evolve in a novel environment through genome reduction as well as transition, transversion, and slip-strand mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam A. Sher
- Comparative Enteric Diseases Laboratory, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - John P. Jerome
- Comparative Enteric Diseases Laboratory, East Lansing, MI, United States
- BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Julia A. Bell
- Comparative Enteric Diseases Laboratory, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Julian Yu
- Comparative Enteric Diseases Laboratory, East Lansing, MI, United States
- BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Hahyung Y. Kim
- Comparative Enteric Diseases Laboratory, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Jeffrey E. Barrick
- BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Linda S. Mansfield
- Comparative Enteric Diseases Laboratory, East Lansing, MI, United States
- BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
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14
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Guerin E, Hill C. Shining Light on Human Gut Bacteriophages. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:481. [PMID: 33014897 PMCID: PMC7511551 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The human gut is a complex environment that contains a multitude of microorganisms that are collectively termed the microbiome. Multiple factors have a role to play in driving the composition of human gut bacterial communities either toward homeostasis or the instability that is associated with many disease states. One of the most important forces are likely to be bacteriophages, bacteria-infecting viruses that constitute by far the largest portion of the human gut virome. Despite this, bacteriophages (phages) are the one of the least studied residents of the gut. This is largely due to the challenges associated with studying these difficult to culture entities. Modern high throughput sequencing technologies have played an important role in improving our understanding of the human gut phageome but much of the generated sequencing data remains uncharacterised. Overcoming this requires database-independent bioinformatic pipelines and even those phages that are successfully characterized only provide limited insight into their associated biological properties, and thus most viral sequences have been characterized as “viral dark matter.” Fundamental to understanding the role of phages in shaping the human gut microbiome, and in turn perhaps influencing human health, is how they interact with their bacterial hosts. An essential aspect is the isolation of novel phage-bacteria host pairs by direct isolation through various screening methods, which can transform in silico phages into a biological reality. However, this is also beset with multiple challenges including culturing difficulties and the use of traditional methods, such as plaquing, which may bias which phage-host pairs that can be successfully isolated. Phage-bacteria interactions may be influenced by many aspects of complex human gut biology which can be difficult to reproduce under laboratory conditions. Here we discuss some of the main findings associated with the human gut phageome to date including composition, our understanding of phage-host interactions, particularly the observed persistence of virulent phages and their hosts, as well as factors that may influence these highly intricate relationships. We also discuss current methodologies and bottlenecks hindering progression in this field and identify potential steps that may be useful in overcoming these hurdles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Guerin
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Colin Hill
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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15
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Sacher JC, Shajahan A, Butcher J, Patry RT, Flint A, Hendrixson DR, Stintzi A, Azadi P, Szymanski CM. Binding of Phage-Encoded FlaGrab to Motile Campylobacter jejuni Flagella Inhibits Growth, Downregulates Energy Metabolism, and Requires Specific Flagellar Glycans. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:397. [PMID: 32265863 PMCID: PMC7099621 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many bacterial pathogens display glycosylated surface structures that contribute to virulence, and targeting these structures is a viable strategy for pathogen control. The foodborne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni expresses a vast diversity of flagellar glycans, and flagellar glycosylation is essential for its virulence. Little is known about why C. jejuni encodes such a diverse set of flagellar glycans, but it has been hypothesized that evolutionary pressure from bacteriophages (phages) may have contributed to this diversity. However, interactions between Campylobacter phages and host flagellar glycans have not been characterized in detail. Previously, we observed that Gp047 (now renamed FlaGrab), a conserved Campylobacter phage protein, binds to C. jejuni flagella displaying the nine-carbon monosaccharide 7-acetamidino-pseudaminic acid, and that this binding partially inhibits cell growth. However, the mechanism of this growth inhibition, as well as how C. jejuni might resist this activity, are not well-understood. Here we use RNA-Seq to show that FlaGrab exposure leads C. jejuni 11168 cells to downregulate expression of energy metabolism genes, and that FlaGrab-induced growth inhibition is dependent on motile flagella. Our results are consistent with a model whereby FlaGrab binding transmits a signal through flagella that leads to retarded cell growth. To evaluate mechanisms of FlaGrab resistance in C. jejuni, we characterized the flagellar glycans and flagellar glycosylation loci of two C. jejuni strains naturally resistant to FlaGrab binding. Our results point toward flagellar glycan diversity as the mechanism of resistance to FlaGrab. Overall, we have further characterized the interaction between this phage-encoded flagellar glycan-binding protein and C. jejuni, both in terms of mechanism of action and mechanism of resistance. Our results suggest that C. jejuni encodes as-yet unidentified mechanisms for generating flagellar glycan diversity, and point to phage proteins as exciting lenses through which to study bacterial surface glycans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C Sacher
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Asif Shajahan
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - James Butcher
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Robert T Patry
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States.,Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Annika Flint
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - David R Hendrixson
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Alain Stintzi
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Parastoo Azadi
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Christine M Szymanski
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States.,Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
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16
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Gigante A, Atterbury RJ. Veterinary use of bacteriophage therapy in intensively-reared livestock. Virol J 2019; 16:155. [PMID: 31831017 PMCID: PMC6909661 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-019-1260-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Zoonoses are infectious diseases transmitted directly or indirectly between animals and humans. Several important zoonotic pathogens colonize farm animals asymptomatically, which may lead to contamination of the food chain and public health hazards. Moreover, routine sampling of carcasses at retail by government authorities over the past 20 years suggests the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in foodborne pathogens has increased. If this continues, antibiotics may be ineffective against such pathogens in the future and alternative approaches, such as phage therapy, may be necessary. Intensive livestock farming is the only realistic way of meeting the demand for meat from an increasing global population and growth in middle class consumers in developing countries, particularly in Asia. This review elaborates on the use of phages to control zoonotic pathogens in intensively-reared livestock (poultry and pigs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Gigante
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD UK
| | - Robert J Atterbury
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD UK
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17
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Richards PJ, Connerton PL, Connerton IF. Phage Biocontrol of Campylobacter jejuni in Chickens Does Not Produce Collateral Effects on the Gut Microbiota. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:476. [PMID: 30930877 PMCID: PMC6423408 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophage biocontrol to reduce Campylobacter jejuni levels in chickens can reduce human exposure and disease acquired through the consumption of contaminated poultry products. Investigating changes in the chicken microbiota during phage treatment has not previously been undertaken but is crucial to understanding the system-wide effects of such treatments to establish a sustainable application. A phage cocktail containing two virulent Campylobacter phages was used to treat broiler chickens colonized with C. jejuni HPC5. Campylobacter counts from cecal contents were significantly reduced throughout the experimental period but were most effective 2 days post-treatment showing a reduction of 2.4 log10 CFU g-1 relative to mock-treated Campylobacter colonized controls. The administered phages replicated in vivo to establish stable populations. Bacteriophage predation of C. jejuni was not found to affect the microbiota structure but selectively reduced the relative abundance of C. jejuni without affecting other bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ian F. Connerton
- Division of Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
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18
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Liang L, Connerton IF. FlhF(T368A) modulates motility in the bacteriophage carrier state of Campylobacter jejuni. Mol Microbiol 2018; 110:616-633. [PMID: 30230632 PMCID: PMC6282759 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The carrier state is an alternative bacteriophage life cycle by which virulent bacteriophage can persist in association with host bacteria. Campylobacter jejuni carrier state strains exhibit growth phase dependent motility due to a truncated flagella phenotype. Genome sequencing identified a T368A substitution in the G3 domain of the SRP-like GTPase FlhF from C. jejuni PT14CP30A carrier state strains, which we hypothesized to be the cause of the complex motility phenotype. We have analyzed the role of this mutation in C. jejuni PT14 and demonstrated that flhF(T368A) leads to a large proportion of cells unable to synthesize flagella, while the remaining cells form a single flagellum at one pole leading to significantly reduced motility. The flhF(T368A) mutation causes a reduction in the phage adsorption constant, which leads to a decrease in infection efficiency. Down-regulation of σ28 and σ54 dependent flagellar genes were observed as responses to the flhF(T368A) mutation. FlhF(T368A) protein is impaired in GTPase activity and exhibits reduced stability. C. jejuni carrying flhF(T368A) are less sensitive to bacteriophage infection and formation of the carrier state. The acquisition of flhF(T368A) in carrier state strains acts to prevent super-infection and maintain association with the bacteriophage that provoked the interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liang
- Division of Food Sciences, School of BiosciencesUniversity of NottinghamSutton Bonington CampusLoughboroughLeicestershireLE12 5RDUK
| | - Ian F. Connerton
- Division of Food Sciences, School of BiosciencesUniversity of NottinghamSutton Bonington CampusLoughboroughLeicestershireLE12 5RDUK
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19
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Sacher JC, Flint A, Butcher J, Blasdel B, Reynolds HM, Lavigne R, Stintzi A, Szymanski CM. Transcriptomic Analysis of the Campylobacter jejuni Response to T4-Like Phage NCTC 12673 Infection. Viruses 2018; 10:E332. [PMID: 29914170 PMCID: PMC6024767 DOI: 10.3390/v10060332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter jejuni is a frequent foodborne pathogen of humans. As C. jejuni infections commonly arise from contaminated poultry, phage treatments have been proposed to reduce the C. jejuni load on farms to prevent human infections. While a prior report documented the transcriptome of C. jejuni phages during the carrier state life cycle, transcriptomic analysis of a lytic C. jejuni phage infection has not been reported. We used RNA-sequencing to profile the infection of C. jejuni NCTC 11168 by the lytic T4-like myovirus NCTC 12673. Interestingly, we found that the most highly upregulated host genes upon infection make up an uncharacterized operon (cj0423⁻cj0425), which includes genes with similarity to T4 superinfection exclusion and antitoxin genes. Other significantly upregulated genes include those involved in oxidative stress defense and the Campylobactermultidrug efflux pump (CmeABC). We found that phage infectivity is altered by mutagenesis of the oxidative stress defense genes catalase (katA), alkyl-hydroxyperoxidase (ahpC), and superoxide dismutase (sodB), and by mutagenesis of the efflux pump genes cmeA and cmeB. This suggests a role for these gene products in phage infection. Together, our results shed light on the phage-host dynamics of an important foodborne pathogen during lytic infection by a T4-like phage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C Sacher
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada.
| | - Annika Flint
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada.
| | - James Butcher
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada.
| | - Bob Blasdel
- Laboratory of Gene Technology, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven 3001, Belgium.
| | - Hayley M Reynolds
- Department of Microbiology and Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Rob Lavigne
- Laboratory of Gene Technology, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven 3001, Belgium.
| | - Alain Stintzi
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada.
| | - Christine M Szymanski
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada.
- Department of Microbiology and Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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20
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Farrell LJ, Lo R, Wanford JJ, Jenkins A, Maxwell A, Piddock LJV. Revitalizing the drug pipeline: AntibioticDB, an open access database to aid antibacterial research and development. J Antimicrob Chemother 2018; 73:2284-2297. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dky208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- L J Farrell
- Institute of Microbiology & Infection, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - R Lo
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
- Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - J J Wanford
- Institute of Microbiology & Infection, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - A Jenkins
- British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Griffin House, 53 Regent Place, Birmingham B1 3NJ, UK
| | - A Maxwell
- Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - L J V Piddock
- Institute of Microbiology & Infection, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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21
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O'Sullivan L, Lucid A, Neve H, Franz CMAP, Bolton D, McAuliffe O, Paul Ross R, Coffey A. Comparative genomics of Cp8viruses with special reference to Campylobacter phage vB_CjeM_los1, isolated from a slaughterhouse in Ireland. Arch Virol 2018; 163:2139-2154. [PMID: 29687158 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-018-3845-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Campylobacter phage vB_CjeM_Los1 was recently isolated from a slaughterhouse in the Republic of Ireland using the host Campylobacter jejuni subsp. jejuni PT14, and full-genome sequencing and annotation were performed. The genome was found to be 134,073 bp in length and to contain 169 predicted open reading frames. Transmission electron microscopy images of vB_CjeM_Los1 revealed that it belongs to the family Myoviridae, with tail fibres observed in both extended and folded conformations, as seen in T4. The genome size and morphology of vB_CjeM_Los1 suggest that it belongs to the genus Cp8virus, and seven other Campylobacter phages with similar size characteristics have also been fully sequenced. In this work, comparative studies were performed in relation to genomic rearrangements and conservation within each of the eight genomes. None of the eight genomes were found to have undergone internal rearrangements, and their sequences retained more than 98% identity with one another despite the widespread geographical distribution of each phage. Whole-genome phylogenetics were also performed, and clades were shown to be representative of the differing number of tRNAs present in each phage. This may be an indication of lineages within the genus, despite their striking homology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa O'Sullivan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland
- Teagasc, Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Co. Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alan Lucid
- Department of Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland
| | - Horst Neve
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max Rubner-Institut, Kiel, Germany
| | - Charles M A P Franz
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max Rubner-Institut, Kiel, Germany
| | - Declan Bolton
- Teagasc, Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Co. Dublin, Ireland
| | - Olivia McAuliffe
- Teagasc, Moorepark Food Research Centre, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - R Paul Ross
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Aidan Coffey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland.
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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22
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Gencay YE, Sørensen MCH, Wenzel CQ, Szymanski CM, Brøndsted L. Phase Variable Expression of a Single Phage Receptor in Campylobacter jejuni NCTC12662 Influences Sensitivity Toward Several Diverse CPS-Dependent Phages. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:82. [PMID: 29467727 PMCID: PMC5808241 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter jejuni NCTC12662 is sensitive to infection by many Campylobacter bacteriophages. Here we used this strain to investigate the molecular mechanism behind phage resistance development when exposed to a single phage and demonstrate how phase variable expression of one surface component influences phage sensitivity against many diverse C. jejuni phages. When C. jejuni NCTC12662 was exposed to phage F207 overnight, 25% of the bacterial cells were able to grow on a lawn of phage F207, suggesting that resistance develops at a high frequency. One resistant variant, 12662R, was further characterized and shown to be an adsorption mutant. Plaque assays using our large phage collection showed that seven out of 36 diverse capsular polysaccharide (CPS)-dependent phages could not infect 12662R, whereas the remaining phages formed plaques on 12662R with reduced efficiencies. Analysis of the CPS composition of 12662R by high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (HR-MAS NMR) showed a diminished signal for O-methyl phosphoramidate (MeOPN), a phase variable modification of the CPS. This suggested that the majority of the 12662R population did not express this phase variable modification in the CPS, indicating that MeOPN serves as a phage receptor in NCTC12662. Whole genome analysis of 12662R showed a switch in the length of the phase variable homopolymeric G tract of gene 06810, encoding a putative MeOPN-transferase located in the CPS locus, resulting in a non-functional protein. To confirm the role of 06810 in phage resistance development of NCTC12662, a 06810 knockout mutant in NCTC12662 was constructed and analyzed by HR-MAS NMR demonstrating the absence of MeOPN in the CPS of the mutant. Plaque assays using NCTC12662Δ06810 demonstrated that seven of our CPS-dependent Campylobacter phages are dependent on the presence of MeOPN for successful infection of C. jejuni, whereas the remaining 29 phages infect independently of MeOPN, although with reduced efficiencies. Our data indicate that CPS-dependent phages uses diverse mechanisms for their initial interaction with their C. jejuni host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilmaz Emre Gencay
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Martine C H Sørensen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Cory Q Wenzel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Christine M Szymanski
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Lone Brøndsted
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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23
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Sørensen MCH, Gencay YE, Brøndsted L. Methods for Initial Characterization of Campylobacter jejuni Bacteriophages. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1512:91-105. [PMID: 27885601 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6536-6_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Here we describe an initial characterization of Campylobacter jejuni bacteriophages by host range analysis, genome size determination by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and receptor-type identification by screening mutants for phage sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine Camilla Holst Sørensen
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Stigbøjlen 4, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Yilmaz Emre Gencay
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Stigbøjlen 4, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Lone Brøndsted
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Stigbøjlen 4, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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24
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Lis L, Connerton IF. The Minor Flagellin of Campylobacter jejuni (FlaB) Confers Defensive Properties against Bacteriophage Infection. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1908. [PMID: 27965643 PMCID: PMC5126078 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A screen of bacteriophages infecting a panel of Campylobacter jejuni PT14 gene knock-out mutants identified a role for the minor flagellin encoded by the flaB gene, in the defense of the host against CP8unalikevirus bacteriophage CP_F1 infection. Inactivation of the flaB gene resulted in an increase in the susceptibility of PT14 cultures to infection by CP_F1 and an increase in bacteriophage yields. Infection of wild type PT14 with CP_F1 produces turbid plaques in bacterial lawns, from which 78% of the resistant isolates recovered exhibit either attenuation or complete loss of motility. CP_F1 produces clear plaques on the flaB mutant with no regrowth in the lysis zones. Complementation of the mutant restored overgrowth and the development of resistance at the expense of motility. Further analyses revealed an increase in bacteriophage adsorption constant of nearly 2-fold and burst-size 3-fold, relative to the wild type. Motility analysis showed no major reduction in swarming motility in the flaB mutant. Thus, we propose a new role for FlaB in the defense of campylobacters against bacteriophage infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Lis
- PTC Phage Technology Center GmbH, Im Kompetenzzentrum BioSecurityBönen, Germany
- Division of Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of NottinghamLoughborough, UK
| | - Ian F. Connerton
- Division of Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of NottinghamLoughborough, UK
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25
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Javed MA, Sacher JC, van Alphen LB, Patry RT, Szymanski CM. A Flagellar Glycan-Specific Protein Encoded by Campylobacter Phages Inhibits Host Cell Growth. Viruses 2015; 7:6661-74. [PMID: 26694450 PMCID: PMC4690887 DOI: 10.3390/v7122964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously characterized a carbohydrate binding protein, Gp047, derived from lytic Campylobacter phage NCTC 12673, as a promising diagnostic tool for the identification of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. We also demonstrated that this protein binds specifically to acetamidino-modified pseudaminic acid residues on host flagella, but the role of this protein in the phage lifecycle remains unknown. Here, we report that Gp047 is capable of inhibiting C. jejuni growth both on solid and liquid media, an activity, which we found to be bacteriostatic. The Gp047 domain responsible for bacterial growth inhibition is localized to the C-terminal quarter of the protein, and this activity is both contact- and dose-dependent. Gp047 gene homologues are present in all Campylobacter phages sequenced to date, and the resulting protein is not part of the phage particle. Therefore, these results suggest that either phages of this pathogen have evolved an effector protein capable of host-specific growth inhibition, or that Campylobacter cells have developed a mechanism of regulating their growth upon sensing an impending phage threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Afzal Javed
- Alberta Glycomics Centre and Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.
- Saskatoon Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0X2, Canada.
| | - Jessica C Sacher
- Alberta Glycomics Centre and Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.
| | - Lieke B van Alphen
- Alberta Glycomics Centre and Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Robert T Patry
- Alberta Glycomics Centre and Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.
| | - Christine M Szymanski
- Alberta Glycomics Centre and Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.
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26
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Simpson DJ, Sacher JC, Szymanski CM. Exploring the interactions between bacteriophage-encoded glycan binding proteins and carbohydrates. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2015; 34:69-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2015.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2015] [Revised: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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27
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Ulasi GN, Creese AJ, Hui SX, Penn CW, Cooper HJ. Comprehensive mapping of O-glycosylation in flagellin from Campylobacter jejuni 11168: A multienzyme differential ion mobility mass spectrometry approach. Proteomics 2015; 15:2733-45. [PMID: 25884275 PMCID: PMC4975691 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201400533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Revised: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Glycosylation of flagellin is essential for the virulence of Campylobacter jejuni, a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis. Here, we demonstrate comprehensive mapping of the O‐glycosylation of flagellin from Campylobacter jejuni 11168 by use of a bottom‐up proteomics approach that incorporates differential ion mobility spectrometry (also known as high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry or FAIMS) together with proteolysis with proteinase K. Proteinase K provides complementary sequence coverage to that achieved following trypsin proteolysis. The use of FAIMS increased the number of glycopeptides identified. Novel glycans for this strain were identified (pseudaminic acid and either acetamidino pseudaminic acid or legionaminic acid), as were novel glycosylation sites: Thr208, Ser343, Ser348, Ser349, Ser395, Ser398, Ser423, Ser433, Ser436, Ser445, Ser448, Ser451, Ser452, Ser454, Ser457 and Thr465. Multiply glycosylated peptides were observed, as well as variation at individual residues in the nature of the glycan and its presence or absence. Such extreme heterogeneity in the pattern of glycosylation has not been reported previously, and suggests a novel dimension in molecular variation within a bacterial population that may be significant in persistence of the organism in its natural environment. These results demonstrate the usefulness of differential ion mobility in proteomics investigations of PTMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria N Ulasi
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andrew J Creese
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sam Xin Hui
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Charles W Penn
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Helen J Cooper
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
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28
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Brathwaite KJ, Siringan P, Connerton PL, Connerton IF. Host adaption to the bacteriophage carrier state of Campylobacter jejuni. Res Microbiol 2015; 166:504-15. [PMID: 26004283 PMCID: PMC4534711 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2015.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The carrier state of the foodborne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni represents an alternative life cycle whereby virulent bacteriophages can persist in association with host bacteria without commitment to lysogeny. Host bacteria exhibit significant phenotypic changes that improve their ability to survive extra-intestinal environments, but exhibit growth-phase-dependent impairment in motility. We demonstrate that early exponential phase cultures become synchronised with respect to the non-motile phenotype, which corresponds with a reduction in their ability to adhere to and invade intestinal epithelial cells. Comparative transcriptome analyses (RNA-seq) identify changes in gene expression that account for the observed phenotypes: downregulation of stress response genes hrcA, hspR and per and downregulation of the major flagellin flaA with the chemotactic response signalling genes cheV, cheA and cheW. These changes present mechanisms by which the host and bacteriophage can remain associated without lysis, and the cultures survive extra-intestinal transit. These data provide a basis for understanding a critical link in the ecology of the Campylobacter bacteriophage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J Brathwaite
- Division of Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Patcharin Siringan
- Division of Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Phillippa L Connerton
- Division of Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Ian F Connerton
- Division of Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, United Kingdom.
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Sørensen MCH, Gencay YE, Birk T, Baldvinsson SB, Jäckel C, Hammerl JA, Vegge CS, Neve H, Brøndsted L. Primary isolation strain determines both phage type and receptors recognised by Campylobacter jejuni bacteriophages. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116287. [PMID: 25585385 PMCID: PMC4293142 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study we isolated novel bacteriophages, infecting the zoonotic bacterium Campylobacter jejuni. These phages may be used in phage therapy of C. jejuni colonized poultry to prevent spreading of the bacteria to meat products causing disease in humans. Many C. jejuni phages have been isolated using NCTC12662 as the indicator strain, which may have biased the selection of phages. A large group of C. jejuni phages rely on the highly diverse capsular polysaccharide (CPS) for infection and recent work identified the O-methyl phosphoramidate modification (MeOPN) of CPS as a phage receptor. We therefore chose seven C. jejuni strains each expressing different CPS structures as indicator strains in a large screening for phages in samples collected from free-range poultry farms. Forty-three phages were isolated using C. jejuni NCTC12658, NCTC12662 and RM1221 as host strains and 20 distinct phages were identified based on host range analysis and genome restriction profiles. Most phages were isolated using C. jejuni strains NCTC12662 and RM1221 and interestingly phage genome size (140 kb vs. 190 kb), host range and morphological appearance correlated with the isolation strain. Thus, according to C. jejuni phage grouping, NCTC12662 and NCTC12658 selected for CP81-type phages, while RM1221 selected for CP220-type phages. Furthermore, using acapsular ∆kpsM mutants we demonstrated that phages isolated on NCTC12658 and NCTC12662 were dependent on the capsule for infection. In contrast, CP220-type phages isolated on RM1221 were unable to infect non-motile ∆motA mutants, hence requiring motility for successful infection. Hence, the primary phage isolation strain determines both phage type (CP81 or CP220) as well as receptors (CPS or flagella) recognised by the isolated phages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yilmaz Emre Gencay
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Tina Birk
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Søborg, Denmark
| | - Signe Berg Baldvinsson
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Claudia Jäckel
- Department Biological Safety, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens A. Hammerl
- Department Biological Safety, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christina S. Vegge
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Horst Neve
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max-Rubner Institut, Federal Research Institute for Nutrition and Food, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lone Brøndsted
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
- * E-mail:
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30
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Hammerl JA, Jäckel C, Alter T, Janzcyk P, Stingl K, Knüver MT, Hertwig S. Reduction of Campylobacter jejuni in broiler chicken by successive application of group II and group III phages. PLoS One 2014; 9:e114785. [PMID: 25490713 PMCID: PMC4260947 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacteriophage treatment is a promising tool to reduce Campylobacter in chickens. Several studies have been published where group II or group III phages were successfully applied. However, these two groups of phages are different regarding their host ranges and host cell receptors. Therefore, a concerted activity of group II and group III phages might enhance the efficacy of a treatment and decrease the number of resistant bacteria. RESULTS In this study we have compared the lytic properties of some group II and group III phages and analysed the suitability of various phages for a reduction of C. jejuni in broiler chickens. We show that group II and group III phages exhibit different kinetics of infection. Two group III and one group II phage were selected for animal experiments and administered in different combinations to three groups of chickens, each containing ten birds. While group III phage CP14 alone reduced Campylobacter counts by more than 1 log10 unit, the concomitant administration of a second group III phage (CP81) did not yield any reduction, probably due to the development of resistance induced by this phage. One group of chickens received phage CP14 and, 24 hours later, group II phage CP68. In this group of animals, Campylobacter counts were reduced by more than 3 log10 units. CONCLUSION The experiments illustrated that Campylobacter phage cocktails have to be carefully composed to achieve the best results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Stefan Hertwig
- Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
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31
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Javed MA, van Alphen LB, Sacher J, Ding W, Kelly J, Nargang C, Smith DF, Cummings RD, Szymanski CM. A receptor-binding protein of Campylobacter jejuni bacteriophage NCTC 12673 recognizes flagellin glycosylated with acetamidino-modified pseudaminic acid. Mol Microbiol 2014; 95:101-15. [PMID: 25354466 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophage receptor-binding proteins (RBPs) confer host specificity. We previously identified a putative RBP (Gp047) from the campylobacter lytic phage NCTC 12673 and demonstrated that Gp047 has a broader host range than its parent phage. While NCTC 12673 recognizes the capsular polysaccharide (CPS) of a limited number of Campylobacter jejuni isolates, Gp047 binds to a majority of C. jejuni and related Campylobacter coli strains. In this study, we demonstrate that Gp047 also binds to acapsular mutants, suggesting that unlike the parent phage, CPS is not the receptor for Gp047. Affinity chromatography and far-western analyses of C. jejuni lysates using Gp047 followed by mass spectrometry indicated that Gp047 binds to the major flagellin protein, FlaA. Because C. jejuni flagellin is extensively glycosylated, we investigated this binding specificity further and demonstrate that Gp047 only recognizes flagellin decorated with acetamidino-modified pseudaminic acid. This binding activity is localized to the C-terminal quarter of the protein and both wild-type and coccoid forms of C. jejuni are recognized. In addition, Gp047 treatment agglutinates vegetative cells and reduces their motility. Because Gp047 is highly conserved among all campylobacter phages sequenced to date, it is likely that this protein plays an important role in the phage life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Afzal Javed
- Alberta Glycomics Centre and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2E9
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32
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Campylobacter jejuni motility is required for infection of the flagellotropic bacteriophage F341. Appl Environ Microbiol 2014; 80:7096-106. [PMID: 25261508 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02057-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have identified a specific modification of the capsular polysaccharide as receptor for phages that infect Campylobacter jejuni. Using acapsular kpsM mutants of C. jejuni strains NCTC11168 and NCTC12658, we found that bacteriophage F341 infects C. jejuni independently of the capsule. In contrast, phage F341 does not infect C. jejuni NCTC11168 mutants that either lack the flagellar filaments (ΔflaAB) or that have paralyzed, i.e., nonrotating, flagella (ΔmotA and ΔflgP). Complementing flgP confirmed that phage F341 requires rotating flagella for successful infection. Furthermore, adsorption assays demonstrated that phage F341 does not adsorb to these nonmotile C. jejuni NCTC11168 mutants. Taken together, we propose that phage F341 uses the flagellum as a receptor. Phage-host interactions were investigated using fluorescence confocal and transmission electron microscopy. These data demonstrate that F341 binds to the flagellum by perpendicular attachment with visible phage tail fibers interacting directly with the flagellum. Our data are consistent with the movement of the C. jejuni flagellum being required for F341 to travel along the filament to reach the basal body of the bacterium. The initial binding to the flagellum may cause a conformational change of the phage tail that enables DNA injection after binding to a secondary receptor.
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33
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Janež N, Kokošin A, Zaletel E, Vranac T, Kovač J, Vučković D, Smole Možina S, Čurin Šerbec V, Zhang Q, Accetto T, Podgornik A, Peterka M. Identification and characterisation of newCampylobactergroup III phages of animal origin. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2014; 359:64-71. [DOI: 10.1111/1574-6968.12556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nika Janež
- Center of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control; Center for Biotechnology; Ajdovščina Slovenia
| | - Andreja Kokošin
- Center of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control; Center for Biotechnology; Ajdovščina Slovenia
| | - Eva Zaletel
- Center of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control; Center for Biotechnology; Ajdovščina Slovenia
| | - Tanja Vranac
- Department for Production of Diagnostic Reagents and Research; Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia; Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Jasna Kovač
- Department of Food Science and Technology; Biotechnical Faculty; University of Ljubljana; Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Darinka Vučković
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology; School of Medicine; University of Rijeka; Rijeka Croatia
| | - Sonja Smole Možina
- Department of Food Science and Technology; Biotechnical Faculty; University of Ljubljana; Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Vladka Čurin Šerbec
- Department for Production of Diagnostic Reagents and Research; Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia; Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Qijing Zhang
- Departments of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine; Iowa State University; Ames IA USA
| | - Tomaž Accetto
- Animal Sciences Department; Biotechnical Faculty; University of Ljubljana; Domžale Slovenia
| | - Aleš Podgornik
- Center of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control; Center for Biotechnology; Ajdovščina Slovenia
| | - Matjaž Peterka
- Center of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control; Center for Biotechnology; Ajdovščina Slovenia
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34
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Kittler S, Fischer S, Abdulmawjood A, Glünder G, Klein G. Colonisation of a phage susceptible Campylobacter jejuni population in two phage positive broiler flocks. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94782. [PMID: 24733154 PMCID: PMC3986380 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogens Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli are commensals in the poultry intestine and campylobacteriosis is one of the most frequent foodborne diseases in developed and developing countries. Phages were identified to be effective in reducing intestinal Campylobacter load and this was evaluated, in the first field trials which were recently carried out. The aim of this study was to further investigate Campylobacter population dynamics during phage application on a commercial broiler farm. This study determines the superiority in colonisation of a Campylobacter type found in a field trial that was susceptible to phages in in vitro tests. The colonisation factors, i.e. motility and gamma glutamyl transferase activity, were increased in this type. The clustering in phylogenetic comparisons of MALDI-TOF spectra did not match the ST, biochemical phenotype and phage susceptibility. Occurrence of Campylobacter jejuni strains and phage susceptibility types with different colonisation potential seem to play a very important role in the success of phage therapy in commercial broiler houses. Thus, mechanisms of both, phage susceptibility and Campylobacter colonisation should be further investigated and considered when composing phage cocktails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Kittler
- Institute of Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Samuel Fischer
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Amir Abdulmawjood
- Institute of Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gerhard Glünder
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Günter Klein
- Institute of Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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35
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Siringan P, Connerton PL, Cummings NJ, Connerton IF. Alternative bacteriophage life cycles: the carrier state of Campylobacter jejuni. Open Biol 2014; 4:130200. [PMID: 24671947 PMCID: PMC3971406 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.130200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the genus Campylobacter are frequently responsible for human enteric disease, often through consumption of contaminated poultry products. Bacteriophages are viruses that have the potential to control pathogenic bacteria, but understanding their complex life cycles is key to their successful exploitation. Treatment of Campylobacter jejuni biofilms with bacteriophages led to the discovery that phages had established a relationship with their hosts typical of the carrier state life cycle (CSLC), where bacteria and bacteriophages remain associated in equilibrium. Significant phenotypic changes include improved aerotolerance under nutrient-limited conditions that would confer an advantage to survive in extra-intestinal environments, but a lack in motility eliminated their ability to colonize chickens. Under these circumstances, phages can remain associated with a compatible host and continue to produce free virions to prospect for new hosts. Moreover, we demonstrate that CSLC host bacteria can act as expendable vehicles for the delivery of bacteriophages to new host bacteria within pre-colonized chickens. The CSLC represents an important phase in the ecology of Campylobacter bacteriophage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ian F. Connerton
- Division of Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK
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36
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Complete Genome Sequence of Universal Bacteriophage Host Strain Campylobacter jejuni subsp. jejuni PT14. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2013; 1:1/6/e00969-13. [PMID: 24265498 PMCID: PMC3837179 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.00969-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Campylobacter jejuni strain PT14 is a clinical isolate previously used to propagate bacteriophages in the United Kingdom phage typing scheme. The strain has proven useful in the isolation of Campylobacter bacteriophages from several sources, and it functions as a model host in phage therapy experiments with poultry and poultry meat.
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37
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A suggested classification for two groups of Campylobacter myoviruses. Arch Virol 2013; 159:181-90. [DOI: 10.1007/s00705-013-1788-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 06/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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38
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Janež N, Loc-Carrillo C. Use of phages to control Campylobacter spp. J Microbiol Methods 2013; 95:68-75. [PMID: 23830848 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2013.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2013] [Revised: 06/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The use of phages to control pathogenic bacteria has been investigated since they were first discovered in the beginning of the 1900s. Over the last century we have slowly gained an in-depth understanding of phage biology including which phage properties are desirable when considering phage as biocontrol agents and which phage characteristics to potentially avoid. Campylobacter infections are amongst the most frequently encountered foodborne bacterial infections around the world. Handling and consumption of raw or undercooked poultry products have been determined to be the main route of transmission. The ability to use phages to target these bacteria has been studied for more than a decade and although we have made progress towards deciphering how best to use phages to control Campylobacter associated with poultry production, there is still much work to be done. This review outlines methods to improve the isolation of these elusive phages, as well as methods to identify desirable characteristics needed for a successful outcome. It also highlights the body of research undertaken so far and what criteria to consider when doing in-vivo studies, especially because some in-vitro studies have not been found to translate into to phage efficacy in-vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nika Janež
- Laboratory of Bio-Analytics, Center of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control, Solkan, Slovenia
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39
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Fischer S, Kittler S, Klein G, Glünder G. Microplate-test for the rapid determination of bacteriophage-susceptibility of Campylobacter isolates-development and validation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53899. [PMID: 23349761 PMCID: PMC3547971 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A simple susceptibility test using 800 isolates of one Campylobacter strain with different degrees of susceptibility and four bacteriophages of the British phage typing scheme was developed and examined for its suitability. The test presented is economically cheaper and less time consuming than the conventional agar overlay plate assay and therefore enables the monitoring of changes in the susceptibility pattern during phage therapy under practical field conditions. The main objective of this study was to compare the simplified test with the conventional agar overlay plate assay. The conventional test describes for a population of Campylobacter: i. the rate of resistant isolates (0 plaques) and ii. the degree of susceptibility, also called relative efficiency of plating (EOP), for the remaining isolates. The simplified test divides the isolates into four susceptibility ranks, which are easily distinguishable to the naked eye. Ten Campylobacter isolates out of each rank were subjected to the conventional method for validation of the simplified test. Each resistance rank contained isolates showing certain degrees of susceptibility, reflecting decreasing susceptibility by an increase of the rank. Thus, the simplified test correlated well with the conventional method. Nevertheless, it can be suggested for a clear cut to summarise the first thee ranks as “high susceptible” and to mark out the fourth rank as reduced susceptible. Further test improvements will enable the monitoring of the degree of susceptibility and potentially also of resistance during phage therapy in the field. To ensure a long-lasting successful use of phage therapy, further studies on both the loss of susceptibility and the development of resistance of Campylobacter against phages combined with their impact on phage therapy will be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Fischer
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany.
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40
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A novel link between Campylobacter jejuni bacteriophage defence, virulence and Guillain–Barré syndrome. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2012; 32:207-26. [DOI: 10.1007/s10096-012-1733-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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41
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Identification of Cj1051c as a major determinant for the restriction barrier of Campylobacter jejuni strain NCTC11168. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012; 78:7841-8. [PMID: 22923403 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01799-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of human diarrheal illness in the world, and research on it has benefitted greatly by the completion of several genome sequences and the development of molecular biology tools. However, many hurdles remain for a full understanding of this unique bacterial pathogen. One of the most commonly used strains for genetic work with C. jejuni is NCTC11168. While this strain is readily transformable with DNA for genomic recombination, transformation with plasmids is problematic. In this study, we have identified a determinant of this to be cj1051c, predicted to encode a restriction-modification type IIG enzyme. Knockout mutagenesis of this gene resulted in a strain with a 1,000-fold-enhanced transformation efficiency with a plasmid purified from a C. jejuni host. Additionally, this mutation conferred the ability to be transformed by plasmids isolated from an Escherichia coli host. Sequence analysis suggested a high level of variability of the specificity domain between strains and that this gene may be subject to phase variation. We provide evidence that cj1051c is active in NCTC11168 and behaves as expected for a type IIG enzyme. The identification of this determinant provides a greater understanding of the molecular biology of C. jejuni as well as a tool for plasmid work with strain NCTC11168.
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42
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Bayliss CD, Bidmos FA, Anjum A, Manchev VT, Richards RL, Grossier JP, Wooldridge KG, Ketley JM, Barrow PA, Jones MA, Tretyakov MV. Phase variable genes of Campylobacter jejuni exhibit high mutation rates and specific mutational patterns but mutability is not the major determinant of population structure during host colonization. Nucleic Acids Res 2012; 40:5876-89. [PMID: 22434884 PMCID: PMC3401435 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gks246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Phase variation of surface structures occurs in diverse bacterial species due to stochastic, high frequency, reversible mutations. Multiple genes of Campylobacter jejuni are subject to phase variable gene expression due to mutations in polyC/G tracts. A modal length of nine repeats was detected for polyC/G tracts within C. jejuni genomes. Switching rates for these tracts were measured using chromosomally-located reporter constructs and high rates were observed for cj1139 (G8) and cj0031 (G9). Alteration of the cj1139 tract from G8 to G11 increased mutability 10-fold and changed the mutational pattern from predominantly insertions to mainly deletions. Using a multiplex PCR, major changes were detected in ‘on/off’ status for some phase variable genes during passage of C. jejuni in chickens. Utilization of observed switching rates in a stochastic, theoretical model of phase variation demonstrated links between mutability and genetic diversity but could not replicate observed population diversity. We propose that modal repeat numbers have evolved in C. jejuni genomes due to molecular drivers associated with the mutational patterns of these polyC/G repeats, rather than by selection for particular switching rates, and that factors other than mutational drift are responsible for generating genetic diversity during host colonization by this bacterial pathogen.
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43
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Holst Sørensen MC, van Alphen LB, Fodor C, Crowley SM, Christensen BB, Szymanski CM, Brøndsted L. Phase variable expression of capsular polysaccharide modifications allows Campylobacter jejuni to avoid bacteriophage infection in chickens. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2012; 2:11. [PMID: 22919603 PMCID: PMC3417653 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2012.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2011] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages are estimated to be the most abundant entities on earth and can be found in every niche where their bacterial hosts reside. The initial interaction between phages and Campylobacter jejuni, a common colonizer of poultry intestines and a major source of foodborne bacterial gastroenteritis in humans, is not well understood. Recently, we isolated and characterized a phage F336 resistant variant of C. jejuni NCTC11168 called 11168R. Comparisons of 11168R with the wildtype lead to the identification of a novel phage receptor, the phase variable O-methyl phosphoramidate (MeOPN) moiety of the C. jejuni capsular polysaccharide (CPS). In this study we demonstrate that the 11168R strain has gained cross-resistance to four other phages in our collection (F198, F287, F303, and F326). The reduced plaquing efficiencies suggested that MeOPN is recognized as a receptor by several phages infecting C. jejuni. To further explore the role of CPS modifications in C. jejuni phage recognition and infectivity, we tested the ability of F198, F287, F303, F326, and F336 to infect different CPS variants of NCTC11168, including defined CPS mutants. These strains were characterized by high-resolution magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy. We found that in addition to MeOPN, the phase variable 3-O-Me and 6-O-Me groups of the NCTC11168 CPS structure may influence the plaquing efficiencies of the phages. Furthermore, co-infection of chickens with both C. jejuni NCTC11168 and phage F336 resulted in selection of resistant C. jejuni bacteria, which either lack MeOPN or gain 6-O-Me groups on their surface, demonstrating that resistance can be acquired in vivo. In summary, we have shown that phase variable CPS structures modulate phage infectivity in C. jejuni and suggest that the constant phage predation in the avian gut selects for changes in these structures leading to a continuing phage-host co-evolution.
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Bacteriophage F336 recognizes the capsular phosphoramidate modification of Campylobacter jejuni NCTC11168. J Bacteriol 2011; 193:6742-9. [PMID: 21965558 DOI: 10.1128/jb.05276-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages infecting the food-borne human pathogen Campylobacter jejuni could potentially be exploited to reduce bacterial counts in poultry prior to slaughter. This bacterium colonizes the intestinal tract of poultry in high numbers, and contaminated poultry meat is regarded as the major source of human campylobacteriosis. In this study, we used phage F336 belonging to the Myoviridae family to select a C. jejuni NCTC11168 phage-resistant strain, called 11168R, with the aim of investigating the mechanisms of phage resistance. We found that phage F336 has reduced adsorption to 11168R, thus indicating that the receptor is altered. While proteinase K-treated C. jejuni cells did not affect adsorption, periodate treatment resulted in reduced adsorption, suggesting that the phage binds to a carbohydrate moiety. Using high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, we found that 11168R lacks an O-methyl phosphoramidate (MeOPN) moiety attached to the GalfNAc on the capsular polysaccharide (CPS), which was further confirmed by mass spectroscopy. Sequence analysis of 11168R showed that the potentially hypervariable gene cj1421, which encodes the GalfNAc MeOPN transferase, contains a tract of 10 Gs, resulting in a nonfunctional gene product. However, when 11168R reverted back to phage sensitive, cj1421 contained 9 Gs, and the GalfNAc MeOPN was regained in this strain. In summary, we have identified the phase-variable MeOPN moiety, a common component of the diverse capsular polysaccharides of C. jejuni, as a novel receptor of phages infecting this bacterium.
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The Campylobacter jejuni NCTC11168 capsule prevents excessive cytokine production by dendritic cells. Med Microbiol Immunol 2011; 201:137-44. [PMID: 21863342 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-011-0214-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of human bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide, mainly caused by handling and consumption of contaminated poultry. However, the immune response to infection is poorly understood. Here, the impact of the C. jejuni capsule, flagella and the N-linked glycosylation system on cytokine production by dendritic cells was investigated. Bone marrow-derived murine dendritic cells (BMDCs) infected with C. jejuni lacking the N-linked glycosylation system produced similar amounts of cytokines compared to cells infected with C. jejuni 11168H wild-type (WT) cultures. C. jejuni flagellin FlaA mutants elicited reduced IL-6 and IL-10 production in BMDCs compared to C. jejuni WT and this reduction was more pronounced in TLR4(-/-) BMDCs. An acapsular C. jejuni mutant as well as a mutant lacking the O-methyl phosphoramidate modification of the capsule elicited a higher cytokine response in BMDCs. Experiments with TLR4(-/-) BMDCs revealed that this increased cytokine production was not solely dependent on signalling through TLR4. Therefore, the C. jejuni capsule is important to prevent excessive cytokine production by BMDCs and even minor changes in capsule composition such as the lack of the O-methyl phosphoramidate modification can lead to increased cytokine production.
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Siringan P, Connerton PL, Payne RJH, Connerton IF. Bacteriophage-Mediated Dispersal of Campylobacter jejuni Biofilms. Appl Environ Microbiol 2011; 77:3320-6. [PMID: 21441325 PMCID: PMC3126433 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02704-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2010] [Accepted: 03/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria in their natural environments frequently exist as mixed surface-associated communities, protected by extracellular material, termed biofilms. Biofilms formed by the human pathogen Campylobacter jejuni may arise in the gastrointestinal tract of animals but also in water pipes and other industrial situations, leading to their possible transmission into the human food chain either directly or via farm animals. Bacteriophages are natural predators of bacteria that usually kill their prey by cell lysis and have potential application for the biocontrol and dispersal of target bacteria in biofilms. The effects of virulent Campylobacter specific-bacteriophages CP8 and CP30 on C. jejuni biofilms formed on glass by strains NCTC 11168 and PT14 at 37°C under microaerobic conditions were investigated. Independent bacteriophage treatments (n ≥ 3) led to 1 to 3 log₁₀ CFU/cm² reductions in the viable count 24 h postinfection compared with control levels. In contrast, bacteriophages applied under these conditions effected a reduction of less than 1 log₁₀ CFU/ml in planktonic cells. Resistance to bacteriophage in bacteria surviving bacteriophage treatment of C. jejuni NCTC 11168 biofilms was 84% and 90% for CP8 and CP30, respectively, whereas bacteriophage resistance was not found in similarly recovered C. jejuni PT14 cells. Dispersal of the biofilm matrix by bacteriophage was demonstrated by crystal violet staining and transmission electron microscopy. Bacteriophage may play an important role in the control of attachment and biofilm formation by Campylobacter in situations where biofilms occur in nature, and they have the potential for application in industrial situations leading to improvements in food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patcharin Siringan
- Division of Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Phillippa L. Connerton
- Division of Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Robert J. H. Payne
- Division of Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Ian F. Connerton
- Division of Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
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Connerton PL, Timms AR, Connerton IF. Campylobacter bacteriophages and bacteriophage therapy. J Appl Microbiol 2011; 111:255-65. [PMID: 21447013 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2011.05012.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Members of the genus Campylobacter are frequently responsible for human enteric disease with occasionally very serious outcomes. Much of this disease burden is thought to arise from consumption of contaminated poultry products. More than 80% of poultry in the UK harbour Campylobacter as a part of their intestinal flora. To address this unacceptably high prevalence, various interventions have been suggested and evaluated. Among these is the novel approach of using Campylobacter-specific bacteriophages, which are natural predators of the pathogen. To optimize their use as therapeutic agents, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the bacteriophages that infect Campylobacter, and how they can affect their host bacteria. This review will focus on many aspects of Campylobacter-specific bacteriophages including: their first isolation in the 1960s, their use in bacteriophage typing schemes, their isolation from the different biological sources and genomic characterization. As well as their use as therapeutic agents to reduce Campylobacter in poultry their future potential, including their use in bio-sanitization of food, will be explored. The evolutionary consequences of naturally occurring bacteriophage infection that have come to light through investigations of bacteriophages in the poultry ecosystem will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L Connerton
- School of Biosciences, Division of Food Sciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough Leics, UK
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Abstract
Bacteria produce an array of glycan-based structures including capsules, lipo-oligosaccharide and glycosylated proteins, which are invariably cell-surface-located. For pathogenic bacteria, such structures are involved in diverse roles in the life cycle of the bacterium, including adhesion, colonization, avoidance of predation and interactions with the immune system. Compared with eukaryotes, bacteria produce huge combinatorial variations of glycan structures, which, coupled to the lack of genetic data, has previously hampered studies on bacterial glycans and their role in survival and pathogenesis. The advent of genomics in tandem with rapid technological improvements in MS analysis has opened a new era in bacterial glycomics. This has resulted in a rich source of novel glycan structures and new possibilities for glycoprospecting and glycoengineering. However, assigning genetic information in predicted glycan biosynthetic pathways to the overall structural information is complex. Bioinformatic analysis is required, linked to systematic mutagenesis and functional analysis of individual genes, often from diverse biosynthetic pathways. This must then be related back to structural analysis from MS or NMR spectroscopy. To aid in this process, systems level analysis of the multiple datasets can be used to make predictions of gene function that can then be confirmed experimentally. The present paper exemplifies these advances with reference to the major gastrointestinal pathogen Campylobacter jejuni.
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Hitchen P, Brzostek J, Panico M, Butler JA, Morris HR, Dell A, Linton D. Modification of the Campylobacter jejuni flagellin glycan by the product of the Cj1295 homopolymeric-tract-containing gene. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2010; 156:1953-1962. [PMID: 20338909 PMCID: PMC3068675 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.038091-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The Campylobacter jejuni flagellin protein is O-glycosylated with structural analogues of the nine-carbon sugar pseudaminic acid. The most common modifications in the C. jejuni 81-176 strain are the 5,7-di-N-acetylated derivative (Pse5Ac7Ac) and an acetamidino-substituted version (Pse5Am7Ac). Other structures detected include O-acetylated and N-acetylglutamine-substituted derivatives (Pse5Am7Ac8OAc and Pse5Am7Ac8GlnNAc, respectively). Recently, a derivative of pseudaminic acid modified with a di-O-methylglyceroyl group was detected in C. jejuni NCTC 11168 strain. The gene products required for Pse5Ac7Ac biosynthesis have been characterized, but those genes involved in generating other structures have not. We have demonstrated that the mobility of the NCTC 11168 flagellin protein in SDS-PAGE gels can vary spontaneously and we investigated the role of single nucleotide repeats or homopolymeric-tract-containing genes from the flagellin glycosylation locus in this process. One such gene, Cj1295, was shown to be responsible for structural changes in the flagellin glycoprotein. Mass spectrometry demonstrated that the Cj1295 gene is required for glycosylation with the di-O-methylglyceroyl-modified version of pseudaminic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Hitchen
- Centre for Integrative Systems Biology at Imperial College, Faculty of Natural Science, Imperial College, London SW7 2AY, UK.,Division of Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Science, Imperial College, London SW7 2AY, UK
| | - Joanna Brzostek
- Division of Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Science, Imperial College, London SW7 2AY, UK
| | - Maria Panico
- Division of Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Science, Imperial College, London SW7 2AY, UK
| | - Jonathan A Butler
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Howard R Morris
- M-SCAN Ltd, Wokingham, Berkshire RG41 2TZ, UK.,Division of Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Science, Imperial College, London SW7 2AY, UK
| | - Anne Dell
- Division of Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Science, Imperial College, London SW7 2AY, UK
| | - Dennis Linton
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
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50
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van Putten JPM, van Alphen LB, Wösten MMSM, de Zoete MR. Molecular mechanisms of campylobacter infection. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2010; 337:197-229. [PMID: 19812984 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-01846-6_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Campylobacter jejuni is the principal bacterial foodborne pathogen. A major challenge still is to identify the virulence strategies exploited by C. jejuni. Recent genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics approaches indicate that C. jejuni displays extensive inter- and intrastrain variation. The diverse behavior enables bacterial adaptation to different environmental conditions and directs interactions with the gut mucosa. Here, we report recent progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms and functional consequences of the phenotype diversity. The results suggest that C. jejuni actively penetrates the intestinal mucus layer, secretes proteins mainly via its flagellar apparatus, is engulfed by intestinal cells, and can disrupt the integrity of the epithelial lining. C. jejuni stimulates the proinflammatory pathway and the production of a large repertoire of cytokines, chemokines, and innate effector molecules. Novel experimental infection models suggest that the activation of the innate immune response is important for the development of intestinal pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jos P M van Putten
- Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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