Alteration of the rugose phenotype in waaG and ddhC mutants of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium DT104 is associated with inverse production of curli and cellulose

Only time will tell: lipopolysaccharide glycoform and biofilm-formation kinetics in Salmonella species and Escherichia coli

In Gram-negative bacteria, LPS (lipopolysaccharide) has been thoroughly characterized and has been shown to play a major role in pathogenesis and bacterial defense. In Salmonella and Escherichia coli, LPS also influences biofilm development. However, the overall role of LPS glycoform in biofilm formation has not been conclusively settled, as there is a lack of consensus on the topic. Some studies show that LPS mutants produce less biofilm biomass than the wild-type strains, while others show that they produce more. This review summarizes current knowledge of LPS biosynthesis and explores the impact of defective steps on biofilm-related characteristics, such as motility, adhesion, auto-aggregation, and biomass production in Salmonella and E. coli. Overall, motility tends to decrease, while adhesion and auto-aggregation phenotypes tend to increase in most LPS-mutant strains. Interestingly, biofilm biomass of various LPS mutants revealed a clear pattern dependent on biofilm maturation time. Incubation times of less than 24 h resulted in a biofilm-defective phenotype compared to the wild-type, while incubation exceeding 24 h led to significantly higher levels of biofilm production. This explains conflicting results found in reports describing the same LPS mutations. It is therefore critical to consider the effect of biofilm maturation time to ascertain the effects of LPS glycoform on biofilm phenotype. Underlying reasons for such changes in biofilm kinetics may include changes in signalling systems affecting biofilm maturation and composition, and dynamic LPS modifications. A better understanding of the role of LPS in the evolution and modification of biofilms is crucial for developing strategies to disperse biofilms.

Lipopolysaccharide Core Truncation in Invasive Escherichia coli O157:H7 ATCC 43895 Impairs Flagella and Curli Biosynthesis and Reduces Cell Invasion Ability

Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157) is known for causing severe foodborne illnesses such as hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome. Although E. coli O157 is typically regarded as an extracellular pathogen and a weak biofilm producer, some E. coli O157 strains, including a clinical strain ATCC 43895, exhibit a notable ability to invade bovine crypt cells and other epithelial cells, as well as to form robust biofilm. This invasive strain persists in the bovine host significantly longer than non-invasive strains. Various surface-associated factors, including lipopolysaccharides (LPS), flagella, and other adhesins, likely contribute to this enhanced invasiveness and biofilm formation. In this study, we constructed a series of LPS-core deletion mutations (waaI, waaG, waaF, and waaC) in E. coli O157 ATCC 43895, resulting in stepwise truncations of the LPS. This approach enabled us to investigate the effects on the biosynthesis of key surface factors, such as flagella and curli, and the ability of this invasive strain to invade host cells. We confirmed the LPS structure and found that all LPS-core mutants failed to form biofilms, highlighting the crucial role of core oligosaccharides in biofilm formation. Additionally, the LPS inner-core mutants ΔwaaF and ΔwaaC lost the ability to produce flagella and curli. Furthermore, these inner-core mutants exhibited a dramatic reduction in adherence to and invasion of epithelial cells (MAC-T), showing an approximately 100-fold decrease in cell invasion compared with the outer-core mutants (waaI and waaG) and the wild type. These findings underscore the critical role of LPS-core truncation in impairing flagella and curli biosynthesis, thereby reducing the invasion capability of E. coli O157 ATCC 43895.

Bacteriophage-resistant carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae shows reduced antibiotic resistance and virulence

Phage therapy has shown great promise in the treatment of bacterial infections. However, the effectiveness of phage therapy is compromised by the inevitable emergence of phage-resistant strains. In this study, a phage-resistant carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strain SWKP1711R, derived from parental carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae strain SWKP1711 was identified. The mechanism of bacteriophage resistance in SWKP1711R was investigated and the molecular determinants causing altered growth characteristics, antibiotic resistance, and virulence of SWKP1711R were tested. Compared to SWKP1711, SWKP1711R showed slower growth, smaller colonies, filamentous cells visible under the microscope, reduced production of capsular polysaccharide (CPS) and lipopolysaccharide, and reduced resistance to various antibiotics accompanied by reduced virulence. Adsorption experiments showed that phage vB_kpnM_17-11 lost the ability to adsorb onto SWKP1711R, and the adsorption receptor was identified to be bacterial surface polysaccharides. Genetic variation analysis revealed that, compared to the parental strain, SWKP1711R had only one thymine deletion at position 78 of the open reading frame of the lpcA gene, resulting in a frameshift mutation that caused alteration of the bacterial surface polysaccharide and inhibition of phage adsorption, ultimately leading to phage resistance. Transcriptome analysis and quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR revealed that genes encoding lipopolysaccharide synthesis, ompK35, blaTEM-1, and type II and Hha-TomB toxin-antitoxin systems, were all downregulated in SWKP1711R. Taken together, the evidence presented here indicates that the phenotypic alterations and phage resistance displayed by the mutant may be related to the frameshift mutation of lpcA and altered gene expression. While evolution of phage resistance remains an issue, our study suggests that the reduced antibiotic resistance and virulence of phage-resistant strain derivatives might be beneficial in alleviating the burden caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Characterization of a Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium lineage with rough colony morphology and multidrug resistance

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is a major cause of salmonellosis, and the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathovariants has become a growing concern. Here, we investigate a distinct rough colony variant exhibiting a strong biofilm-forming ability isolated in China. Whole-genome sequencing on 2,212 Chinese isolates and 1,739 publicly available genomes reveals the population structure and evolutionary history of the rough colony variants. Characterized by macro, red, dry, and rough (mrdar) colonies, these variants demonstrate enhanced biofilm formation at 28 °C and 37 °C compared to typical rdar colonies. The mrdar variants exhibit extensive multidrug resistance, with significantly higher resistance to at least five classes of antimicrobial agents compared to non-mrdar variants. This resistance is primarily conferred by an IncHI2 plasmid harboring 19 antimicrobial resistance genes. Phylogenomic analysis divides the global collections into six lineages. The majority of mrdar variants belong to sublineage L6.5, which originated from Chinese smooth colony strains and possibly emerged circa 1977. Among the mrdar variants, upregulation of the csgDEFG operons is observed, probably due to a distinct point mutation (-44G > T) in the csgD gene promoter. Pangenome and genome-wide association analyses identify 87 specific accessory genes and 72 distinct single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with the mrdar morphotype.

Contribution of the gyrA and waaG mutants to fluoroquinolones resistance, biofilm development, and persister cells formation in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi

Fluoroquinolone resistance in Salmonella has been reported worldwide and poses a serious public health threat in developing countries. Multiple factors contribute to fluoroquinolone resistance, including mutations in DNA gyrase and the acquisition of antimicrobial resistance genes. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) causes typhoid fever in humans, which is highly prevalent in counties with poor sanitation and hygiene standards. Here, we reported S. Typhi clinical isolates that showed varying degrees of susceptibility to fluoroquinolones and were characterized by Analytical Profile Index 20E test kit and 16S rRNA sequencing. S. Typhi strain S27 was resistant to fluoroquinolones and had multiple mutations in the gyrA gene. The gyrA lies in the quinolone resistance determining region of S. Typhi and has mutations at codon 83 (Ser83Phe), codon 87 (Asp87Gly), codon 308 (Lys308Glu), and codon 328 (Val328Ile). S. Typhi strain S6 has no gyrA mutations and is sensitive to fluoroquinolones but forms a strong biofilm relative to S. Typhi S27. Transcriptional analysis of biofilm associated genes revealed that the waaG gene was significantly downregulated. The ΔwaaG mutant showed a significant decrease in persister cells and a strong biofilm formation relative to wild type and gyrA mutant. The gyrA tetra mutant persister assay revealed a significant increase in persister cells compared to wild type and ΔwaaG. Collectively, this is the first report of S. Typhi's two key genes and their roles in antibiotic tolerance, biofilm formation, and fluoroquinolone resistance that can help in understanding the mechanism of persister formation and eradication.

Anti-biofilm mechanism of a synthetical low molecular weight poly-d-mannose on Salmonella Typhimurium

In this study, a low molecular weight poly-d-mannose (LMWM) was separated from a mixed polysaccharide synthesized previously. Monosaccharide composition, Fourier-Transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), periodate oxidation and smith degradation were determined. After safety evaluation, the inhibition of LMWM on the different biofilm formation stages of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) was tested in vitro. Furthermore, the effect of LMWM on the adhesion of S. Typhimurium to Caco-2 cells and cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) were observed. Results indicated that LMWM was a homopolysaccharide without cytotoxicity and hemolysis, containing both α-mannose and β-mannose. It showed obvious anti-biofilm activity on S. Typhimurium and mainly activated on the initial adhesion and formation stage, even better than the commercial S. cerevisiae mannan (CM). LMWM inhibited the adhesion of S. Typhimurium on Caco-2 cells with the inhibition rate of 61.04 % at 2 mg/ml. Meanwhile, LMWM decreased the hydrophobicity of S. Typhimurium cell surface. In conclusion, the inhibitory effect on S. Typhimurium biofilm was not caused by bacteriostatic or bactericidal activity of LMWM. The specific anti-adhesion and the decrease of bacterial CSH by LMWM may closely relate to anti-biofilm mechanism. This study provides some supports for the application of LMWM as antibiotics alternative on S. Typhimurium in the future.

Biofilm-forming ability of Salmonella enterica strains of different serotypes isolated from multiple sources in China

Salmonella is an important zoonotic and foodborne pathogen that can infect humans and animals, causing severe concerns about food safety and a heavy financial burden worldwide. The pathogen can adhere to living and abiotic surfaces by forming biofilms, which increases the risk of transmission and infection. In this study, we investigated the biofilm-forming ability of 243 Salmonella strains of 36 serotypes from different sources in China using microplate crystal violet staining method. The results showed that 99.6% tested strains, with the exception of one strain of S. Thompson, were capable of forming biofilms. The strains with the biofilm-forming ability of strong, medium and weak accounted for 2.88%, 24.28% and 72.43%, respectively. The strains of S. Havana and S. Hvittingfoss had the strongest biofilm-forming ability, with the OD570 of 0.81 ± 0.02 and 0.81 ± 0.38, respectively, while the strains of S. Agona and S. Bovismorbificans had the weakest biofilm-forming ability, with the OD570 of 0.16 ± 0.02 and 0.15 ± 0.00, respectively. Furthermore, statistical analysis results demonstrated that isolation of source had no effect on the biofilm formation ability, while the detection rates of pefABCD and ddhC were positively correlated with the biofilm formation ability of Salmonella. In particular, the detection rate of ddhC gene was more than 60% in the biofilm forming strains. These findings have important guiding significance for the investigation of pathogenesis, as well as the prevention and control of salmonellosis.

Comparative genome identification of accessory genes associated with strong biofilm formation in Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Vibrio parahaemolyticus biofilms on the seafood processing plant surfaces are a potential source of seafood contamination and subsequent food poisoning. Strains differ in their ability to form biofilm, but little is known about the genetic characteristics responsible for biofilm development. In this study, pangenome and comparative genome analysis of V. parahaemolyticus strains reveals genetic attributes and gene repertoire that contribute to robust biofilm formation. The study identified 136 accessory genes that were exclusively present in strong biofilm forming strains and these were functionally assigned to the Gene Ontology (GO) pathways of cellulose biosynthesis, rhamnose metabolic and catabolic processes, UDP-glucose processes and O antigen biosynthesis (p < 0.05). Strategies of CRISPR-Cas defence and MSHA pilus-led attachment were implicated via Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotation. Higher levels of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) were inferred to confer more putatively novel properties on biofilm-forming V. parahaemolyticus. Furthermore, cellulose biosynthesis, a neglected potential virulence factor, was identified as being acquired from within the order Vibrionales. The cellulose synthase operons in V. parahaemolyticus were examined for their prevalence (22/138, 15.94 %) and were found to consist of the genes bcsG, bcsE, bcsQ, bcsA, bcsB, bcsZ, bcsC. This study provides insights into robust biofilm formation of V. parahaemolyticus at the genomic level and facilitates: identification of key attributes for robust biofilm formation, elucidation of biofilm formation mechanisms and development of potential targets for novel control strategies of persistent V. parahaemolyticus.

Determination of an effective agent combination using nisin against Salmonella biofilm

This present study aims to determine the lowest concentration effects of the assayed different antibiotics; antimicrobial agents alone and their combinations with nisin were investigated to prevent the biofilm formation and break down the biofilm structure of Salmonella. While the combination of nisin and EDTA showed a synergistic effect against Salmonella strain, chlorhexidine digluconate and streptomycin with nisin showed a partial synergetic effect; citric acid and sulfonamides with nisin showed an indifferent effect. The use of citric acid and chlorhexidine digluconate alone was very effective in Salmonella inhibition. While the citric acid combined with other agents had not much effect, the use of chlorhexidine digluconate combined with nisin and EDTA inactivated the total initial count within 24 h. Significantly, when citric acid and sulfonamides are used alone, they reduce by 64% and 44%, respectively. When they used nisin + EDTA, this ratio increased to 83% and 84%, respectively. For the prevention of biofilm, the most suitable conditions were determined as 97% biofilm inhibition. The results of this study can be used as a guide for the emergence of new approaches to ensure the food safety and quality of the food industry.

Nanoemulsion of cashew gum and clove essential oil (Ocimum gratissimum Linn) potentiating antioxidant and antimicrobial activity

In this study, nanoemulsions of essential oil from Ocimumgratissimum (Linn) (EO) were produced using low and high energy techniques using cashew gum (CG) as a co-surfactant. The main constituents of the EO were determined by Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and their presence in the EO and in the formulations verified by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV-visible spectrophotometry was observed the encapsulation efficiency (EE%), with colloidal stability. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was used to study cashew gum. Dynamic light scattering analysis (DLS) determined the nanoemulsion Z means, polydispersity index and the Zeta potential value, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) were determined. The nanostructured EO showed better antibacterial action against the pathogenic gastroenteritis species Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica when compared to free EO. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was used for morphological analysis of the nanoparticle and study of the action of the nanoemulsion through images of the cellular morphology of S. enterica. The antioxidant activity was evaluated against the ABTS radical (2,2'-azino-bis diazonium salt (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)). The encapsulation of EO in a nanostructured system improved its antibacterial and antioxidant activity, the low energy synthesis showed greater storage stability, remaining stable for 37 days.

Biofilm Formation, Production of Matrix Compounds and Biosorption of Copper, Nickel and Lead by Different Bacterial Strains

Bacterial biofilms play a key role in metal biosorption from wastewater. Recently, Enterobacter asburiae ENSD102, Enterobacter ludwigii ENSH201, Vitreoscilla sp. ENSG301, Acinetobacter lwoffii ENSG302, and Bacillus thuringiensis ENSW401 were shown to form air–liquid (AL) and solid–air–liquid (SAL) biofilms in a static condition at 28 and 37°C, respectively. However, how environmental and nutritional conditions affect biofilm formation; production of curli and cellulose; and biosorption of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) by these bacteria have not been studied yet. In this study, E. asburiae ENSD102, E. ludwigii ENSH201, and B. thuringiensis ENSW401 developed the SAL biofilms at pH 8, while E. asburiae ENSD102 and Vitreoscilla sp. ENSG301 constructed the SAL biofilms at pH 4. However, all these strains produced AL biofilms at pH 7. In high osmolarity and ½-strength media, all these bacteria built fragile AL biofilms, while none of these strains generated the biofilms in anaerobic conditions. Congo red binding results showed that both environmental cues and bacterial strains played a vital role in curli and cellulose production. Calcofluor binding and spectrophotometric results revealed that all these bacterial strains produced significantly lesser amounts of cellulose at 37°C, pH 8, and in high osmotic conditions as compared to the regular media, at 28°C, and pH 7. Metal biosorption was drastically reduced in these bacteria at 37°C than at 28°C. Only Vitreoscilla sp. ENSG301 and B. thuringiensis ENSW401 completely removed (100%) Cu and Ni at an initial concentration of 12.5 mg l^–1, while all these bacteria totally removed (100%) Pb at concentrations of 12.5 and 25 mg l^–1 at pH 7 and 28°C. At an initial concentration of 100 mg l^–1, the removal of Cu (92.5 to 97.8%) and Pb (89.3 to 98.3%) was the highest at pH 6, while it was higher (84.7 to 93.9%) for Ni at pH 7. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results showed metal-unloaded biomass biofilms contained amino, hydroxyl, carboxyl, carbonyl, and phosphate groups. The peak positions of these groups were shifted responding to Cu, Ni, and Pb, suggesting biosorption of metals. Thus, these bacterial strains could be utilized to remove Cu, Ni, and Pb from aquatic environment.

Residue L193P Mutant of RpoS Affects Its Activity During Biofilm Formation in Salmonella Pullorum

The role of alternative sigma factor RpoS in regulating biofilm formation may differ in various Salmonella Pullorum strains. In this study, the biofilm-forming ability of two Salmonella Pullorum strains S6702 and S11923-3 were compared. The biofilm forming ability of S11923-3 was much stronger than that of S6702. After knocking out the rpoS gene, S11923-3ΔrpoS had significantly reduced biofilm while S6702ΔrpoS demonstrated similar biofilm compared with each parent strain. The analysis of RpoS sequences indicated two amino acid substitutions (L193P and R293C) between S6702 and S11923-3 RpoS. A complementation study confirmed that the expression of S11923-3 RpoS rather than S6702 RpoS could restore the biofilm-forming ability of ΔrpoS strains and the L193P mutation contributed to the restoration of the biofilm-forming ability. Further study indicated that RpoS with the L193P mutant had significantly improved expression level and binding activity to RNAP and csgD gene promoter, which increased the efficacy of the csgD gene promoter and biofilm-forming ability. Therefore, the L193P mutation of RpoS is critical for stronger biofilm formation of Salmonella Pullorum.

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium gene sseK3 is required for intracellular proliferation and virulence

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is one of the most significant zoonotic pathogens that poses a threat to humans. Previous studies have identified that Salmonella-secreted effector K3 (SseK3) is a novel translated and secreted protein of S. Typhimurium. The objective of this study was to determine whether deletion of the sseK3 gene can attenuate the virulence of S. Typhimurium. To do this, we constructed an sseK3 deletion mutant using the double-exchange allele of the suicide plasmid pRE112ΔsseK3 and assessed the virulence and intracellular proliferation of the mutant. The sseK3 deletion mutant exhibited adhesion and invasion properties similar to those of wild-type (WT) S. Typhimurium, although the virulence and intracellular proliferation of the mutant were significantly reduced compared to that of the WT strain. Furthermore, the observed increase in the median lethal dose (LD50) reflects a decrease in the pathogenicity of the sseK3 deletion mutant in a murine model. In summary, we concluded that disruption of sseK3 can attenuate the intracellular proliferation and reduce the virulence of S. Typhimurium.

Functional Specialization in Vibrio cholerae Diguanylate Cyclases: Distinct Modes of Motility Suppression and c-di-GMP Production

Cyclic diguanylate monophosphate (c-di-GMP) is a broadly conserved bacterial signaling molecule that affects motility, biofilm formation, and virulence. Although it has been known that high intracellular concentrations of c-di-GMP correlate with motility suppression and biofilm formation, how the 53 predicted c-di-GMP modulators in Vibrio cholerae collectively influence motility is not understood in detail. Here we used a combination of plate assays and single-cell tracking methods to correlate motility and biofilm formation outcomes with specific enzymes involved in c-di-GMP synthesis in Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of the disease cholera.

Vibrio cholerae biofilm formation and associated motility suppression are correlated with increased concentrations of cyclic diguanylate monophosphate (c-di-GMP), which are in turn driven by increased levels and/or activity of diguanylate cyclases (DGCs). To further our understanding of how c-di-GMP modulators in V. cholerae individually and collectively influence motility with cellular resolution, we determined how DGCs CdgD and CdgH impact intracellular c-di-GMP levels, motility, and biofilm formation. Our results indicated that CdgH strongly influences swim speed distributions; cells in which cdgH was deleted had higher average swim speeds than wild-type cells. Furthermore, our results suggest that CdgD, rather than CdgH, is the dominant DGC responsible for postattachment c-di-GMP production in biofilms. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis genes were found to be extragenic bypass suppressors of the motility phenotypes of strains ΔcdgD and ΔcdgH. We compared the motility regulation mechanism of the DGCs with that of Gmd, an LPS O-antigen biosynthesis protein, and discovered that comodulation of c-di-GMP levels by these motility effectors can be positively or negatively cooperative rather than simply additive. Taken together, these results suggest that different environmental and metabolic inputs orchestrate DGC responses of V. cholerae via c-di-GMP production and motility modulation.

Biofilm formation and potential virulence factors of Salmonella strains isolated from ready-to-eat shrimps

Salmonella species is an important foodborne pathogen with the non-typhoidal serovars such as Enteritidis and Typhimurium as the most predominant strains. This study examines the biofilm formation, phenotypic virulence factors and cell surface characteristics of Salmonella strains from ready-to-eat shrimps. The ready-to-eat shrimps were obtained from open markets between November 2016 and October 2017 in Edo and Delta States, Nigeria. The occurrence of Salmonella strains in this study was 210/1440 (14.58%) of the ready-to-eat shrimp’s samples. The identified strains comprise of Salmonella Enteritidis 11, Salmonella Typhimurium 14 and other Salmonella spp. 20. The 45 identified Salmonella strains revealed the following virulence properties: swimming and swarming motility 45(100%); S-layer 39(86.67%); haemolytic activity 40(88.89%); lipase activity 43(95.56%); protease activity 43(95.56%); gelatinase production 43(95.56%); and DNA degrading activity 41(91.11%). The variation in the formation of biofilm-based on the diversity of Salmonella species was observed with higher percentage of Salmonella Typhimurium strains as strong biofilms producers under different environmental conditions. For surface hydrophobicity using bacterial adherence to hydrocarbons, 25(55.56%) were hydrophilic while 20(44.44%) were moderately hydrophobic from the 45 Salmonella isolates. Using salting aggregation test for surface hydrophobicity, all selected isolates 45(100%) was hydrophilic. Autoaggregation index for the 12 selected Salmonella isolates ranged from 15.2–47.2%, while the autoaggragation index for the 12 selected test bacteria ranged from 26.2–71.3%. Coaggragation between the 12 selected test bacteria and 12 Salmonella isolates ranged from 12.5–81.0%. The occurrence of pathogenic species of Salmonella from ready-to-eat shrimps could be detrimental to the consumers. Findings on the physiological conditions of biofilms formed by the foodborne pathogenic Salmonella and the cell surface characteristics therein are crucial for the advancement of methods for controlling Salmonella from ready-to-eat foods.

Dimethyl adenosine transferase (KsgA) contributes to cell-envelope fitness in Salmonella Enteritidis

We previously reported that inactivation of a universally conserved dimethyl adenosine transferase (KsgA) attenuates virulence and increases sensitivity to oxidative and osmotic stress in Salmonella Enteritidis. Here, we show a role of KsgA in cell-envelope fitness as a potential mechanism underlying these phenotypes in Salmonella. We assessed structural integrity of the cell-envelope by transmission electron microscopy, permeability barrier function by determining intracellular accumulation of ethidium bromide and electrophysical properties by dielectrophoresis, an electrokinetic tool, in wild-type and ksgA knock-out mutants of S. Enteritidis. Deletion of ksgA resulted in disruption of the structural integrity, permeability barrier and distorted electrophysical properties of the cell-envelope. The cell-envelope fitness defects were alleviated by expression of wild-type KsgA (WT-ksgA) but not by its catalytically inactive form (ksgAE66A), suggesting that the dimethyl transferase activity of KsgA is important for cell-envelope fitness in S. Enteritidis. Upon expression of WT-ksgA and ksgAE66A in inherently permeable E. coli cells, the former strengthened and the latter weakened the permeability barrier, suggesting that KsgA also contributes to the cell-envelope fitness in E. coli. Lastly, expression of ksgAE66A exacerbated the cell-envelope fitness defects, resulting in impaired S. Enteritidis interactions with human intestinal epithelial cells, and human and avian phagocytes. This study shows that KsgA contributes to cell-envelope fitness and opens new avenues to modulate cell-envelopes via use of KsgA-antagonists.

Characterization of biofilm formation by Salmonella enterica at the air-liquid interface in aquatic environments

Survival of bacterial pathogens in different environments is due, in part, to their ability to form biofilms. Four wild-type Salmonella enterica strains, two Oranienburg and two Saintpaul isolated from river water and animal feces, were tested for biofilm formation at the air-liquid interface under stressful conditions (pH and salinity treatments such as pH 3, NaCl 4.5 w/v; pH 7, NaCl 4.5 w/v; pH 10, NaCl 4.5 w/v; pH 3, Nacl 0.5 w/v; pH 7, NaCl 0.5 w/v; and pH 10, NaCl 0.5 w/v); Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 was used as a control strain. Salmonella Oranienburg and Saintpaul from feces were moderately hydrophobic and motile, while S. Saintpaul from water and the control strain S. Typhimurium showed high hydrophobicity, which helped them form more resistant biofilms than S. Oranienburg. Under stressful conditions, all strains experienced difficulties in forming biofilms. Salmonella Saintpaul and Typhimurium expressed the red dry and rough (RDAR) morphotype and were able to form biofilm at air-liquid interface, contrarily to Oranienburg that showed incomplete rough morphology. This study contributes to the knowledge of biofilm formation as a survival strategy for Salmonella in aquatic environments.

Role of the sseK1 gene in the pathogenicity of Salmonella enterica serovar enteritidis in vitro and in vivo

Salmonella enteritidis is a common food-borne pathogen associated with consumption of contaminated poultry meat and eggs, which frequently causes gastroenteritis in humans. Salmonella secreted effector K1 (SseK1), as a translocated and secreted protein has been identified to be essential for the virulence of Salmonella typhimurium in host cells. However, the role of the sseK1 gene in the pathogenicity of S. enteritidis remain unclear. In this study, a sseK1 deletion mutant of S. enteritidis was constructed and its biological characteristics were examined. It was found that the sseK1 deletion mutant did not affect the growth, adherence and invasion of Salmonella enteritidis when compared to the wild-type S. enteritidis. However, the mutant showed decreased formation of biofilm and significantly reduced intracellular survival of bacteria in activated mouse peritoneal macrophages, as well as showed reduced pathogenicity to a murine model by increasing the lethal dose 50% (LD₅₀) value and decreasing the proliferation ratio of bacteria in vivo. Taken together, this study determined an important role for SseK1 in the pathogenicity of S. enteritidis in vitro and in vivo.

The Production of Curli Amyloid Fibers Is Deeply Integrated into the Biology of Escherichia coli

Curli amyloid fibers are the major protein component of the extracellular matrix produced by Enterobacteriaceae during biofilm formation. Curli are required for proper biofilm development and environmental persistence by Escherichia coli. Here, we present a complete and vetted genetic analysis of functional amyloid fiber biogenesis. The Keio collection of single gene deletions was screened on Congo red indicator plates to identify E. coli mutants that had defective amyloid production. We discovered that more than three hundred gene products modulated curli production. These genes were involved in fundamental cellular processes such as regulation, environmental sensing, respiration, metabolism, cell envelope biogenesis, transport, and protein turnover. The alternative sigma factors, σ^S and σ^E, had opposing roles in curli production. Mutations that induced the σ^E or Cpx stress response systems had reduced curli production, while mutant strains with increased σ^S levels had increased curli production. Mutations in metabolic pathways, including gluconeogenesis and the biosynthesis of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), produced less curli. Regulation of the master biofilm regulator, CsgD, was diverse, and the screen revealed several proteins and small RNAs (sRNA) that regulate csgD messenger RNA (mRNA) levels. Using previously published studies, we found minimal overlap between the genes affecting curli biogenesis and genes known to impact swimming or swarming motility, underlying the distinction between motile and sessile lifestyles. Collectively, the diversity and number of elements required suggest curli production is part of a highly regulated and complex developmental pathway in E. coli.

Contribution of the csgA and bcsA genes to Salmonella enterica serovar Pullorum biofilm formation and virulence

Salmonella biofilm formation is important to environmental stress resistance and virulence. However, the roles of the csgA and bcsA genes, which affect curli protein and cellulose production, respectively, in Salmonella enterica serovar Pullorum, are unknown. Here we constructed deletions in the csgA and bcsA genes in S. enterica serovar Pullorum strain S6702 and evaluated several aspects of biofilm formation and virulence. ΔcsgA showed decreased production of curli fimbriae, while ΔbcsA had reduced cellulose production. Both mutants had a reduced ability to form biofilms. ΔcsgA was reduced in adhesion and invasion to HeLa cells and exhibited decreased intracellular proliferation in HD11 macrophages. ΔbcsA exhibited increased proliferation in HD11 cells and replicated better in chicken spleens, as compared to the wild-type strain. ΔcsgA virulence was attenuated in assays involving oral challenge of one-day-old chickens.

CytR Homolog of Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum Controls Air-Liquid Biofilm Formation by Regulating Multiple Genes Involved in Cellulose Production, c-di-GMP Signaling, Motility, and Type III Secretion System in Response to Nutritional and Environmental Signals

Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum [Pcc (formerly Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora)] PC1 causes soft-rot disease in a wide variety of plant species by secreting multiple pathogenicity-related traits. In this study, regulatory mechanism of air-liquid (AL) biofilm formation was studied using a cytR homolog gene deletion mutant (ΔcytR) of Pcc PC1. Compared to the wild type (Pcc PC1), the ΔcytR mutant produced fragile and significantly (P < 0.001) lower amounts of AL biofilm on salt-optimized broth plus 2% glycerol (SOBG), yeast peptone dextrose adenine, and also on King’s B at 27°C after 72 h incubation in static condition. The wild type also produced significantly higher quantities of AL biofilm on SOBGMg^– (magnesium deprived) containing Cupper (Cu²⁺), Zinc (Zn²⁺), Manganese (Mn²⁺), Magnesium (Mg²⁺), and Calcium (Ca²⁺) compared to the ΔcytR mutant. Moreover, the wild type was produced higher amounts of biofilms compared to the mutant while responding to pH and osmotic stresses. The ΔfliC (encoding flagellin), flhD::Tn5 (encoding a master regulator) and ΔmotA (a membrane protein essential for flagellar rotation) mutants produced a lighter and more fragile AL biofilm on SOBG compared to their wild counterpart. All these mutants resulted in having weak bonds with the cellulose specific dye (Calcofluor) producing lower quantities of cellulose compared to the wild type. Gene expression analysis using mRNA collected from the AL biofilms showed that ΔcytR mutant significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the expressions of multiple genes responsible for cellulose production (bcsA, bcsE, and adrA), motility (flhD, fliA, fliC, and motA) and type III secretion system (hrpX, hrpL, hrpA, and hrpN) compared to the wild type. The CytR homolog was therefore, argued to be able to regulate the AL biofilm formation by controlling cellulose production, motility and T3SS in Pcc PC1. In addition, all the mutants exhibited poorer attachment to radish sprouts and AL biofilm cells of the wild type was resistant than stationary-phase and planktonic cells to acidity and oxidative stress compared to the same cells of the ΔcytR mutant. The results of this study therefore suggest that CytR homolog is a major determinant of Pcc PC1’s virulence, attachment and its survival mechanism.

Increased secretion of exopolysaccharide and virulence potential of a mucoid variant of Salmonella enterica serovar Montevideo under environmental stress

During an investigation to increase the recovery of Salmonella enterica from Oregano, an increased expression of exopolysaccharide was induced in Salmonella serovar Montevideo. The atypical mucoid (SAL242S) and the non-mucoid (SAL242) strains of Montevideo were compared and characterized using various methods. Serotyping analysis demonstrated that both strains are the same serovar Montevideo. Electron microscopy (EM) of cultured SAL242S cells revealed the production of a prominent EPS-like structure enveloping aggregates of cells that are composed of cellulose. Mucoid cells possessed a higher binding affinity for Calcofluor than that of the non-mucoid strain. Genotypic analysis revealed no major genomic differences between these morphotypes, while expression analyses using a DNA microarray shows that the mucoid variant exhibited heightened expression of genes encoding proteins produced by the SPI-1 type III secretion system. This increased expression of SPI1 genes may play a role in protecting Salmonella from environmental stressors. Based on these observations, Salmonella serovar Montevideo mucoid variant under stressful or low-nutrient environments presented atypical growth patterns and phenotypic changes, as well as an upregulated expression of virulence factors. These findings are significant in the understanding of survival abilities of Salmonella in a various food matrices.

The response of foodborne pathogens to osmotic and desiccation stresses in the food chain

In combination with other strategies, hyperosmolarity and desiccation are frequently used by the food processing industry as a means to prevent bacterial proliferation, and particularly that of foodborne pathogens, in food products. However, it is increasingly observed that bacteria, including human pathogens, encode mechanisms to survive and withstand these stresses. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms employed by Salmonella spp., Shiga toxin producing E. coli, Cronobacter spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Campylobacter spp. to tolerate osmotic and desiccation stresses and identifies gaps in knowledge which need to be addressed to ensure the safety of low water activity and desiccated food products.

Intra- and inter-species interactions within biofilms of important foodborne bacterial pathogens

A community-based sessile life style is the normal mode of growth and survival for many bacterial species. Under such conditions, cell-to-cell interactions are inevitable and ultimately lead to the establishment of dense, complex and highly structured biofilm populations encapsulated in a self-produced extracellular matrix and capable of coordinated and collective behavior. Remarkably, in food processing environments, a variety of different bacteria may attach to surfaces, survive, grow, and form biofilms. Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus are important bacterial pathogens commonly implicated in outbreaks of foodborne diseases, while all are known to be able to create biofilms on both abiotic and biotic surfaces. Particularly challenging is the attempt to understand the complexity of inter-bacterial interactions that can be encountered in such unwanted consortia, such as competitive and cooperative ones, together with their impact on the final outcome of these communities (e.g., maturation, physiology, antimicrobial resistance, virulence, dispersal). In this review, up-to-date data on both the intra- and inter-species interactions encountered in biofilms of these pathogens are presented. A better understanding of these interactions, both at molecular and biophysical levels, could lead to novel intervention strategies for controlling pathogenic biofilm formation in food processing environments and thus improve food safety.

Molecular typing, antibiotic resistance, virulence gene and biofilm formation of different Salmonella enterica serotypes

Salmonella enterica isolates representing commonly isolated serotypes in Tunisia were analyzed using genotyping and phenotyping methods. ERIC and ITS-PCR applied to 48 Salmonella spp. isolates revealed the presence of 12 and 10 different profiles, respectively. The distribution of profiles among serotypes demonstrated the presence of strains showing an identical fingerprinting pattern. All Salmonella strains used in this study were positive for the sdiA gene. Three Salmonella isolates belonging to serotypes Anatum, Enteritidis and Amsterdam were negative for the invA gene. The spvC gene was detected in thirteen isolates belonging to serotypes Anatum, Typhimurium, Enteritidis, Gallinarum and Montevideo. Antibiotic resistance was frequent among the recovered Salmonella isolates belonging to serotypes Anatum, Typhimurium, Enteritidis, Zanzibar and Derby. The majority of these isolates exhibited resistance to at least two antibiotic families. Four multidrug-resistant isolates were recovered from food animals and poultry products. These isolates exhibited not only resistance to tetracycline, sulphonamides, and ampicillin, but also have shown resistance to fluoroquinolones. Common resistance to nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin in two S. Anatum and S. Zanzibar strains isolated from raw meat and poultry was also obtained. Furthermore, wastewater and human isolates exhibited frequent resistance to nalidixic acid and tetracycline. Of all isolates, 33.5% were able to form biofilm.

Improving the efficiency of transposon mutagenesis in Salmonella enteritidis by overcoming host-restriction barriers

Transposon mutagenesis using transposome complex is a powerful method for functional genomics analysis in diverse bacteria by creating a large number of random mutants to prepare a genome-saturating mutant library. However, strong host restriction barriers can lead to limitations with species- or strain-specific restriction-modification systems. The purpose of this study was to enhance the transposon mutagenesis efficiency of Salmonella Enteritidis to generate a larger number of random insertion mutants. Host-adapted Tn5 DNA was used to form a transposome complex, and this simple approach significantly and consistently improved the efficiency of transposon mutagenesis, resulting in a 46-fold increase in the efficiency as compared to non-adapted transposon DNA fragments. Random nature of Tn5 insertions was confirmed by high-throughput sequencing of the Tn5-junction sequences. The result based on S. Enteritidis in this study should find broad applications in preparing a comprehensive mutant library of other species using transposome complex.

Surface adhesins and exopolymers of selected foodborne pathogens

The ability of bacteria to bind different compounds and to adhere to biotic and abiotic surfaces provides them with a range of advantages, such as colonization of various tissues, internalization, avoidance of an immune response, and survival and persistence in the environment. A variety of bacterial surface structures are involved in this process and these promote bacterial adhesion in a more or less specific manner. In this review, we will focus on those surface adhesins and exopolymers in selected foodborne pathogens that are involved mainly in primary adhesion. Their role in biofilm development will also be considered when appropriate. Both the clinical impact and the implications for food safety of such adhesion will be discussed.

Cronobacter: an emergent pathogen causing meningitis to neonates through their feeds

The recognition of Cronobacter as a public health concern was raised when powdered infant formula (PIF) was linked to several neonatal meningitis outbreaks. It is an opportunistic pathogen that causes necrotising enterocolitis, infantile septicaemia, and meningitis which carries a high mortality rate among neonates. It has been also linked with cases of infection in adults and elderly. Over the past decade, much focus has been made on developing sensitive and specific characterisation, detection, and isolation methods to ascertain the quality of foods, notably contamination of PIF with Cronobacter and to understand its ability to cause disease. Whole genome sequencing has unveiled several putative virulence factors, yet the full capacity of the pathogenesis of Cronobacter has not yet been elucidated.

Strong cross-system interactions drive the activation of the QseB response regulator in the absence of its cognate sensor

Bacterial two-component systems (TCSs) mediate specific responses to distinct conditions and/or stresses. TCS interactions are highly specific between cognate partners to avoid unintended cross-talk. Although cross-talk between a sensor kinase and a noncognate response regulator has been previously demonstrated, the majority of reported interactions have not been robust. Here, we report that in the case of the quorum-sensing Escherichia coli (Qse)BC TCS, absence of the cognate sensor QseC leads to robust, constitutive activation of the QseB response regulator by the noncognate polymyxin resistance (Pmr) sensor kinase PmrB. Remarkably, the noncognate PmrB exhibits a kinetic preference for QseB that is similar to QseC. However, although PmrB readily phosphorylates QseB in vitro, it is significantly less efficient at dephosphorylating QseB, compared with QseC, thereby explaining the increased levels of active QseB in the qseC mutant. In addition to PmrB activating QseB on the protein level, we found that the PmrA response regulator contributes to qseB transcription in the absence of QseC and PmrA specifically binds the qseBC promoter, indicative of a direct regulation of qseBC gene transcription by PmrAB under physiological conditions. Addition of ferric iron in the growth medium of wild-type uropathogenic E. coli induced the expression of qseBC in a PmrB-dependent manner. Taken together, our findings suggest that (i) robust cross-talk between noncognate partners is possible and (ii) this interaction can be manipulated for the development of antivirulence strategies aimed at targeting uropathogenic Escherichia coli and potentially other QseBC-PmrAB-bearing pathogens.

Mixed biofilm formation by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium enhanced bacterial resistance to sanitization due to extracellular polymeric substances

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium are important foodborne pathogens capable of forming single-species biofilms or coexisting in multispecies biofilm communities. Bacterial biofilm cells are usually more resistant to sanitization than their planktonic counterparts, so these foodborne pathogens in biofilms pose a serious food safety concern. We investigated how the coexistence of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium strains would affect bacterial planktonic growth competition and mixed biofilm composition. Furthermore, we also investigated how mixed biofilm formation would affect bacterial resistance to common sanitizers. Salmonella Typhimurium strains were able to outcompete E. coli strains in the planktonic growth phase; however, mixed biofilm development was highly dependent upon companion strain properties in terms of the expression of bacterial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), including curli fimbriae and exopolysaccharide cellulose. The EPS-producing strains with higher biofilm-forming abilities were able to establish themselves in mixed biofilms more efficiently. In comparison to single-strain biofilms, Salmonella or E. coli strains with negative EPS expression obtained significantly enhanced resistance to sanitization by forming mixed biofilms with an EPS-producing companion strain of the other species. These observations indicate that the bacterial EPS components not only enhance the sanitizer resistance of the EPS-producing strains but also render protections to their companion strains, regardless of species, in mixed biofilms. Our study highlights the potential risk of cross-contamination by multispecies biofilms in food safety and the need for increased attention to proper sanitization practices in food processing facilities.

Transposon mutagenesis identifies uropathogenic Escherichia coli biofilm factors

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), which accounts for 85% of urinary tract infections (UTI), assembles biofilms in diverse environments, including the host. Besides forming biofilms on biotic surfaces and catheters, UPEC has evolved an intracellular pathogenic cascade that culminates in the formation of biofilm-like intracellular bacterial communities (IBCs) within bladder epithelial cells. Rapid bacterial replication during IBC formation augments a build-up in bacterial numbers and persistence within the host. Relatively little is known about factors mediating UPEC biofilm formation and how these overlap with IBC formation. To address this gap, we screened a UPEC transposon mutant library in three in vitro biofilm conditions: Luria broth (LB)-polyvinyl chloride (PVC), YESCA (yeast extract-Casamino Acids)-PVC, and YESCA-pellicle that are dependent on type 1 pili (LB) and curli (YESCA), respectively. Flagella are important in all three conditions. Mutants were identified that had biofilm defects in all three conditions but had no significant effects on the expression of type 1 pili, curli, or flagella. Thus, this approach uncovered a comprehensive inventory of novel effectors and regulators that are involved in UPEC biofilm formation under multiple conditions. A subset of these mutants was found to be dramatically attenuated and unable to form IBCs in a murine model of UTI. Collectively, this study expands our insights into UPEC multicellular behavior that may provide insights into IBC formation and virulence.

Identification of genes responsible for biofilm formation or virulence in Salmonella enterica serovar pullorum

Salmonella living in biofilms are more resistant to chemical and physical stresses. However, information regarding the regulation of genes involved in biofilm formation for Salmonella enterica serovar Pullorum remains limited. In this study, eight mutants with knockout of genes ompR, rpoS, rfaG, rfbH, rhlE, metE, spiA, or steB from the Salmonella enterica serovar Pullorum strain S6702 were constructed. Phenotypic analysis revealed that all mutants were similar to the wild-type strain in growth rate. Only the ompR mutant showed a complete loss of production ofcurli and biofilm formation. The other mutants showed a modified production of curli and cellulose with less effect related to biofilm formation. The results of animal experiments indicated that the deletion of genes ompR, spiA, rfaG, or metE in wild-type strains contributed to attenuation of virulence in 1-day-old chickens. This study may bring new insights into novel vaccines or therapeutic interventions against Salmonella enterica serovar Pullorum infections.

Cronobacter species (formerly known as Enterobacter sakazakii) in powdered infant formula: a review of our current understanding of the biology of this bacterium

Cronobacter species (formerly known as Enterobacter sakazakii) are opportunistic pathogens that can cause necrotizing enterocolitis, bacteraemia and meningitis, predominantly in neonates. Infection in these vulnerable infants has been linked to the consumption of contaminated powdered infant formula (PIF). Considerable research has been undertaken on this organism in the past number of years which has enhanced our understanding of this neonatal pathogen leading to improvements in its control within the PIF production environment. The taxonomy of the organism resulted in the recognition of a new genus, Cronobacter, which consists of seven species. This paper presents an up-to-date review of our current knowledge of Cronobacter species. Taxonomy, genome sequencing, current detection protocols and epidemiology are all discussed. In addition, consideration is given to the control of this organism in the manufacturing environment, as a first step towards reducing the occurrence of this pathogen in PIF.

The gpsX gene encoding a glycosyltransferase is important for polysaccharide production and required for full virulence in Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri

Background

The Gram-negative bacterium Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xac) causes citrus canker, one of the most destructive diseases of citrus worldwide. In our previous work, a transposon mutant of Xac strain 306 with an insertion in the XAC3110 locus was isolated in a screening that aimed at identifying genes related to biofilm formation. The XAC3110 locus was named as bdp24 for biofilm-defective phenotype and the mutant was observed to be affected in extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis and cell motility. In this study, we further characterized the bdp24 (XAC3110) gene (designated as gpsX) using genetic complementation assays and expanded the knowledge about the function of the gpsX gene in Xac pathogenesis by investigating the roles of gpsX in EPS and LPS production, cell motility, biofilm formation on host leaves, stress tolerance, growth in planta, and host virulence of the citrus canker bacterium.

Results

The gpsX gene encodes a putative glycosyltransferase, which is highly conserved in the sequenced strains of Xanthomonas. Mutation of gpsX resulted in a significant reduction of the amount of EPS and loss of two LPS bands visualized on sodium dodecylsulphate- polyacrylamide gels. Biofilm assays revealed that the gpsX mutation affected biofilm formation by Xac on abiotic and biotic surfaces. The gpsX mutant showed delayed bacterial growth and caused reduced development of disease symptoms in susceptible citrus leaves. The gpsX mutant was more sensitive than the wild-type strain to various stresses, including the H₂O₂ oxidative stress. The mutant also showed attenuated ability in cell motility but not in flagellar formation. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR assays indicated that mutation of gpsX did not affect the expression of virulence genes such as pthA in Xac strain 306. The affected phenotypes of the gpsX mutant could be complemented to wild-type levels by the intact gpsX gene.

Conclusions

Taken together, our data confirm that the gpsX gene is involved in EPS and LPS synthesis and biofilm formation in Xac and suggest that the gpsX gene contributes to the adaptation of Xac to the host microenvironments at early stage of infection and thus is required for full virulence on host plants.

Roles of the spiA gene from Salmonella enteritidis in biofilm formation and virulence

Salmonella enteritidis has emerged as one of the most important food-borne pathogens for humans, and the formation of biofilms by this species may improve its resistance to disadvantageous conditions. The spiA gene of Salmonella typhimurium is essential for its virulence in host cells. However, the roles of the spiA gene in biofilm formation and virulence of S. enteritidis remain unclear. In this study we constructed a spiA gene mutant with a suicide plasmid. Phenotypic and biological analysis revealed that the mutant was similar to the wild-type strain in growth rate, morphology, and adherence to and invasion of epithelial cells. However, the mutant showed reduced biofilm formation in a quantitative microtitre assay and by scanning electron microscopy, and significantly decreased curli production and intracellular proliferation of macrophages during the biofilm phase. In addition, the spiA mutant was attenuated in a mouse model in both the exponential growth and biofilm phases. These data indicate that the spiA gene is involved in both biofilm formation and virulence of S. enteritidis.

Biofilm formation and the food industry, a focus on the bacterial outer surface

The ability of many bacteria to adhere to surfaces and to form biofilms has major implications in a variety of industries including the food industry, where biofilms create a persistent source of contamination. The formation of a biofilm is determined not only by the nature of the attachment surface, but also by the characteristics of the bacterial cell and by environmental factors. This review focuses on the features of the bacterial cell surface such as flagella, surface appendages and polysaccharides that play a role in this process, in particular for bacteria linked to food-processing environments. In addition, some aspects of the attachment surface, biofilm control and eradication will be highlighted.

Effects of sequential Campylobacter jejuni 81-176 lipooligosaccharide core truncations on biofilm formation, stress survival, and pathogenesis

Campylobacter jejuni is a highly prevalent human pathogen for which pathogenic and stress survival strategies remain relatively poorly understood. We previously found that a C. jejuni strain 81-176 mutant defective for key virulence and stress survival attributes was also hyper-biofilm and hyperreactive to the UV fluorescent dye calcofluor white (CFW). We hypothesized that screening for CFW hyperreactive mutants would identify additional genes required for C. jejuni pathogenesis properties. Surprisingly, two such mutants harbored lesions in lipooligosaccharide (LOS) genes (waaF and lgtF), indicating a complete loss of the LOS outer core region. We utilized this as an opportunity to explore the role of each LOS core-specific moiety in the pathogenesis and stress survival of this strain and thus also constructed DeltagalT and DeltacstII mutants with more minor LOS truncations. Interestingly, we found that mutants lacking the LOS outer core (DeltawaaF and DeltalgtF but not DeltagalT or DeltacstII mutants) exhibited enhanced biofilm formation. The presence of the complete outer core was also necessary for resistance to complement-mediated killing. In contrast, any LOS truncation, even that of the terminal sialic acid (DeltacstII), resulted in diminished resistance to polymyxin B. The cathelicidin LL-37 was found to be active against C. jejuni, with the LOS mutants exhibiting modest but tiled alterations in LL-37 sensitivity. The DeltawaaF mutant but not the other LOS mutant strains also exhibited a defect in intraepithelial cell survival, an aspect of C. jejuni pathogenesis that has only recently begun to be clarified. Finally, using a mouse competition model, we now provide the first direct evidence for the importance of the C. jejuni LOS in host colonization. Collectively, this study has uncovered novel roles for the C. jejuni LOS, highlights the dynamic nature of the C. jejuni cell envelope, and provides insight into the contribution of specific LOS core moieties to stress survival and pathogenesis.

The transcriptional programme of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium reveals a key role for tryptophan metabolism in biofilms

BACKGROUND

Biofilm formation enhances the capacity of pathogenic Salmonella bacteria to survive stresses that are commonly encountered within food processing and during host infection. The persistence of Salmonella within the food chain has become a major health concern, as biofilms can serve as a reservoir for the contamination of food products. While the molecular mechanisms required for the survival of bacteria on surfaces are not fully understood, transcriptional studies of other bacteria have demonstrated that biofilm growth triggers the expression of specific sets of genes, compared with planktonic cells. Until now, most gene expression studies of Salmonella have focused on the effect of infection-relevant stressors on virulence or the comparison of mutant and wild-type bacteria. However little is known about the physiological responses taking place inside a Salmonella biofilm.

RESULTS

We have determined the transcriptomic and proteomic profiles of biofilms of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. We discovered that 124 detectable proteins were differentially expressed in the biofilm compared with planktonic cells, and that 10% of the S. Typhimurium genome (433 genes) showed a 2-fold or more change in the biofilm compared with planktonic cells. The genes that were significantly up-regulated implicated certain cellular processes in biofilm development including amino acid metabolism, cell motility, global regulation and tolerance to stress. We found that the most highly down-regulated genes in the biofilm were located on Salmonella Pathogenicity Island 2 (SPI2), and that a functional SPI2 secretion system regulator (ssrA) was required for S. Typhimurium biofilm formation. We identified STM0341 as a gene of unknown function that was needed for biofilm growth. Genes involved in tryptophan (trp) biosynthesis and transport were up-regulated in the biofilm. Deletion of trpE led to decreased bacterial attachment and this biofilm defect was restored by exogenous tryptophan or indole.

CONCLUSIONS

Biofilm growth of S. Typhimurium causes distinct changes in gene and protein expression. Our results show that aromatic amino acids make an important contribution to biofilm formation and reveal a link between SPI2 expression and surface-associated growth in S. Typhimurium.

Survival potential of wild type cellulose deficient Salmonella from the feed industry

BACKGROUND

Biofilm has been shown to be one way for Salmonella to persist in the feed factory environment. Matrix components, such as fimbriae and cellulose, have been suggested to play an important role in the survival of Salmonella in the environment. Multicellular behaviour by Salmonella is often categorized according to colony morphology into rdar (red, dry and rough) expressing curli fimbriae and cellulose, bdar (brown, dry and rough) expressing curli fimbriae and pdar (pink, dry and rough) expressing cellulose. The aim of the study was to look into the distribution of morphotypes among feed and fish meal factory strains of Salmonella, with emphasis on potential differences between morphotypes with regards to survival in the feed factory environment.

RESULTS

When screening a total of 148 Salmonella ser. Agona, Salmonella ser. Montevideo, Salmonella ser. Senftenberg and Salmonella ser. Typhimurium strains of feed factory, human clinical and reference collection origin, as many as 99% were able to express rough morphology (rdar or bdar). The dominant morphotype was rdar (74%), however as many as 55% of Salmonella ser. Agona and 19% of Salmonella ser. Senftenberg displayed the bdar morphology. Inconsistency in Calcofluor binding, indicating expression of cellulose, was found among 25% of all the strains tested, however Salmonella ser. Agona showed to be highly consistent in Calcofluor binding (98%). In biofilm, Salmonella ser. Agona strains with bdar mophology was found to be equally tolerant to disinfection treatment as strains with rdar morphotype. However, rdar morphology appeared to be favourable in long term survival in biofilm in a very dry environment. Chemical analysis showed no major differences in polysaccharide content between bdar and rdar strains. Our results indicate that cellulose is not a major component of the Salmonella biofilm matrix.

CONCLUSION

The bdar morphotype is common among Salmonella ser. Agona strains isolated from the factory environment. The rdar and the bdar strains were found to be equally tolerant to disinfectants, while the rdar strain was found to be more tolerant to long-term desiccation and nutrient depletion in biofilm than the bdar strain. Cellulose does not appear to be a major component of the Salmonella biofilm matrix.

Molecular characterization of biofilm formation and attachment of Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium DT104 on food contact surfaces

The molecular mechanism of biofilm formation by Salmonella Typhimuriun DT104 was characterized for a better understanding of its attachment and colonization in food processing environments. A library of random mutagenized clones was screened for phenotypic analyses of their ability to form biofilm, pellicle, curli, and cellulose. The genes identified were involved in lipopolysaccharide synthesis, assembly of flagella, regulation of rRNA biosynthesis, and outer membrane transportation and signaling. The insertion of transposon in flgK, rfbA, nusB, and pnp genes resulted in decreased biofilm formation. Alterations of flagellar and lipopolysaccharide production were confirmed in the flgK mutant and rfbA mutant, respectively. Biofilm formation by these four mutants in meat and poultry broths and their attachment on surfaces of stainless steel and glass were significantly reduced compared with those of the wild-type strain (P < 0.05). On the contrary, the mutation of STM4263 and yjcC genes in Salmonella Typhimuriun DT104 resulted in increased biofilm formation and attachment of the species in tested broths and on contact surfaces. Our findings suggest that many factors, such as production of exopolymeric substances and their efficient transportation through outer membrane, expression of flagella, and regulation of exoribonucleases and RNA-binding protein, could be involved in biofilm formation and attachment of Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 on contact surfaces.