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Mullally CA, Fahriani M, Mowlaboccus S, Coombs GW. Non- faecium non- faecalis enterococci: a review of clinical manifestations, virulence factors, and antimicrobial resistance. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0012123. [PMID: 38466110 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00121-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYEnterococci are a diverse group of Gram-positive bacteria that are typically found as commensals in humans, animals, and the environment. Occasionally, they may cause clinically relevant diseases such as endocarditis, septicemia, urinary tract infections, and wound infections. The majority of clinical infections in humans are caused by two species: Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis. However, there is an increasing number of clinical infections caused by non-faecium non-faecalis (NFF) enterococci. Although NFF enterococcal species are often overlooked, studies have shown that they may harbor antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and virulence factors that are found in E. faecium and E. faecalis. In this review, we present an overview of the NFF enterococci with a particular focus on human clinical manifestations, epidemiology, virulence genes, and AMR genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Mullally
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Infectious Diseases (AMRID) Research Laboratory, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
- The Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Marhami Fahriani
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Infectious Diseases (AMRID) Research Laboratory, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Shakeel Mowlaboccus
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Infectious Diseases (AMRID) Research Laboratory, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
- The Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine-WA, Department of Microbiology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Geoffrey W Coombs
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Infectious Diseases (AMRID) Research Laboratory, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
- The Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine-WA, Department of Microbiology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
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2
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Jackson JJ, Heyer S, Bell G. Sortase-encoding genes, srtA and srtC, mediate Enterococcus faecalis OG1RF persistence in the Helicoverpa zea gastrointestinal tract. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1322303. [PMID: 38562482 PMCID: PMC10982312 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1322303] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is a commensal and opportunistic pathogen in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of mammals and insects. To investigate mechanisms of bacterial persistence in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), we developed a non-destructive sampling model using Helicoverpa zea, a destructive agricultural pest, as host to study the role of bacterial sortase enzymes in mitigating persistence in the gastrointestinal tract. E. faecalis OG1RF ΔsrtA and E. faecalis OG1RF ΔsrtC, isogenic E. faecalis OG1RF sortase mutants grew similarly under planktonic growth conditions relative to a streptomycin-resistant E. faecalis OG1RFS WT in vitro but displayed impaired biofilm formation under, both, physiological and alkaline conditions. In the H. zea GI model, both mutants displayed impaired persistence relative to the WT. This represents one of the initial reports in which a non-destructive insect model has been used to characterize mechanisms of bacterial persistence in the Lepidopteran midgut and, furthermore, sheds light on new molecular mechanisms employed by diverse microorganisms to associate with invertebrate hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerreme J. Jackson
- Department of Biology, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, United States
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3
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Schwartzman JA, Lebreton F, Salamzade R, Shea T, Martin MJ, Schaufler K, Urhan A, Abeel T, Camargo ILBC, Sgardioli BF, Prichula J, Guedes Frazzon AP, Giribet G, Van Tyne D, Treinish G, Innis CJ, Wagenaar JA, Whipple RM, Manson AL, Earl AM, Gilmore MS. Global diversity of enterococci and description of 18 previously unknown species. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2310852121. [PMID: 38416678 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310852121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Enterococci are gut microbes of most land animals. Likely appearing first in the guts of arthropods as they moved onto land, they diversified over hundreds of millions of years adapting to evolving hosts and host diets. Over 60 enterococcal species are now known. Two species, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium, are common constituents of the human microbiome. They are also now leading causes of multidrug-resistant hospital-associated infection. The basis for host association of enterococcal species is unknown. To begin identifying traits that drive host association, we collected 886 enterococcal strains from widely diverse hosts, ecologies, and geographies. This identified 18 previously undescribed species expanding genus diversity by >25%. These species harbor diverse genes including toxins and systems for detoxification and resource acquisition. Enterococcus faecalis and E. faecium were isolated from diverse hosts highlighting their generalist properties. Most other species showed a more restricted distribution indicative of specialized host association. The expanded species diversity permitted the Enterococcus genus phylogeny to be viewed with unprecedented resolution, allowing features to be identified that distinguish its four deeply rooted clades, and the entry of genes associated with range expansion such as B-vitamin biosynthesis and flagellar motility to be mapped to the phylogeny. This work provides an unprecedentedly broad and deep view of the genus Enterococcus, including insights into its evolution, potential new threats to human health, and where substantial additional enterococcal diversity is likely to be found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A Schwartzman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02144
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Department of Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089
| | - Francois Lebreton
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02144
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Multidrug-Resistant Organism Repository and Surveillance Network, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910
| | - Rauf Salamzade
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Terrance Shea
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Melissa J Martin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02144
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Multidrug-Resistant Organism Repository and Surveillance Network, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910
| | - Katharina Schaufler
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02144
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- University of Greifswald, Institute of Pharmacy, Greifswald 17489, Germany
- Kiel University and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Institute of Infection Medicine, Kiel 24105, Germany
| | - Aysun Urhan
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142
- Delft Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Intelligent Systems, Delft University of Technology, Delft 2628XE, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Abeel
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142
- Delft Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Intelligent Systems, Delft University of Technology, Delft 2628XE, The Netherlands
| | - Ilana L B C Camargo
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Microbiologia Moleculares, Departamento de Física e Ciências Interdisciplinares, Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos - SP 13566-590, Brazil
| | - Bruna F Sgardioli
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Microbiologia Moleculares, Departamento de Física e Ciências Interdisciplinares, Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos - SP 13566-590, Brazil
| | - Janira Prichula
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02144
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre - RS 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Guedes Frazzon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02144
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre - RS, 90010-150, Brazil
| | - Gonzalo Giribet
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology and Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Daria Van Tyne
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02144
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburg, PA 15213
| | | | - Charles J Innis
- New England Aquarium, Animal Health Department and Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, Boston, MA 02110
| | - Jaap A Wagenaar
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CS, The Netherlands
| | - Ryan M Whipple
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02144
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Abigail L Manson
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Ashlee M Earl
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Michael S Gilmore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02144
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
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Tang T, Martinenghi LD, Hounmanou YMG, Leisner JJ. Distribution and ecology of the generalist lactic acid bacterium Carnobacterium maltaromaticum in different freshwater habitats: Metabolic and antagonistic abilities. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:3556-3576. [PMID: 37750577 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
We explored the distribution, metabolic and antagonistic activities of Carnobacterium maltaromaticum, isolated from freshwater locations in Denmark during winter or early spring. This species was widely distributed in such habitats although it was relatively rare in low pH locations. Isolates possessed a diverse metabolism, potentially enabling functional capacities independent of habitat. The intraspecies competition showed a relatively high degree of mostly low-intensity interactions, which overall were not correlated with phylogeny or location. Only a few isolates exhibited broad-spectrum inhibition activity, targeting species from other genera and families, including one isolate that exhibited a broad inhibitory activity due to H2 O2 production. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that the frequency of bacteriocinogenic systems was low, and only one unmodified bacteriocin, piscicolin 126, correlated with phenotypic antagonistic activity. Furthermore, most potential bacteriocin gene complexes were not complete. Overall, this study showed C. maltaromaticum to be a generalist (nomadic) species with a constant presence in freshwater habitats, especially those with pH values >5. General metabolic properties did not suggest a strong degree of adaptation to the freshwater environment, and bacteriocin-mediated antagonistic activities appeared to play a minimal ecological role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taya Tang
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Laura Daniela Martinenghi
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Yaovi Mahuton Gildas Hounmanou
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Jørgen J Leisner
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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5
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Yun HM, Hyun S. Role of gut commensal bacteria in juvenile developmental growth of the host: insights from Drosophila studies. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2023; 27:329-339. [PMID: 38023592 PMCID: PMC10653766 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2023.2282726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining health in a variety of organisms, from insects to humans. Further, beneficial symbiotic microbes are believed to contribute to improving the quality of life of the host. Drosophila is an optimal model for studying host-commensal microbe interactions because it allows for convenient manipulation of intestinal microbial composition. Fly microbiota has a simple taxonomic composition and can be cultivated and genetically tracked. This permits functional studies and analyses of the molecular mechanisms underlying their effects on host physiological processes. In this context, we briefly introduce the principle of juvenile developmental growth in Drosophila. Then, we discuss the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of gut commensal bacteria, such as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Acetobacter pomorum, in the fly gut microbiome on Drosophila juvenile growth, including specific actions of gut hormones and metabolites in conserved cellular signaling systems, such as the insulin/insulin-like (IIS) and the target of rapamycin (TOR) pathways. Given the similarities in tissue function/structure, as well as the high conservation of physiological systems between Drosophila and mammals, findings from the Drosophila model system will have significant implications for understanding the mechanisms underlying the interaction between the host and the gut microbiome in metazoans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Myoung Yun
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seogang Hyun
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
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6
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Leister C, Reiner JE, Grießmeier V, Gescher J, Hügler M. Gastropods as a source for fecal indicator bacteria in drinking water. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 244:120494. [PMID: 37611356 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Microbial water quality is routinely examined using the fecal indicator bacteria Escherichia coli, coliform bacteria and enterococci. Several practical cases in German drinking water distribution systems indicated invertebrates such as insects or gastropods as a source for the microbiological deterioration. Therefore, we examined three genera of Gastropoda (Arion, Helix and Cepaea) for the presence of fecal indictor bacteria in excreta using standard methods. Enterococci and coliform bacteria were detected in high concentrations (mean values of 1.5 × 106 and 6.3 × 106 per gram feces, respectively). E. coli was also detected, still specification revealed that what was assigned by standard ISO-methods to be E. coli was indeed a novel species of Buttiauxella, exhibiting β-D-glucuronidase activity, thus, explaining the false-positive results. Microbiome analyses confirmed the cultural results. Enterobacteriaceae were dominant in the samples, yet only very few sequences could be assigned to Escherichia. Our study suggests, that enterococci and coliform bacteria are an integral component in the gastropod microbiome, whereas E. coli might be derived from other sources with gastropods being a vector. The results further indicate, that the current concept of fecal indicator bacteria needs to be extended, as not only humans and homeothermic animals could be a source for fecal indictor bacteria, but also gastropods need to be taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Leister
- TZW: DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser, Department Water Microbiology, Karlsruher Str. 84, D-76139, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Johannes E Reiner
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Department of Applied Biology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Victoria Grießmeier
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Department of Applied Biology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Johannes Gescher
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Department of Applied Biology, Karlsruhe, Germany; Technical University of Hamburg, Institute of Technical Microbiology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Hügler
- TZW: DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser, Department Water Microbiology, Karlsruher Str. 84, D-76139, Karlsruhe, Germany.
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7
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Schwartzman JA, Lebreton F, Salamzade R, Martin MJ, Schaufler K, Urhan A, Abeel T, Camargo IL, Sgardioli BF, Prichula J, Frazzon APG, Van Tyne D, Treinish G, Innis CJ, Wagenaar JA, Whipple RM, Manson AL, Earl AM, Gilmore MS. Global diversity of enterococci and description of 18 novel species. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.18.540996. [PMID: 37293047 PMCID: PMC10245769 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.18.540996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Enterococci are commensal gut microbes of most land animals. They diversified over hundreds of millions of years adapting to evolving hosts and host diets. Of over 60 known enterococcal species, Enterococcus faecalis and E. faecium uniquely emerged in the antibiotic era among leading causes of multidrug resistant hospital-associated infection. The basis for the association of particular enterococcal species with a host is largely unknown. To begin deciphering enterococcal species traits that drive host association, and to assess the pool of Enterococcus-adapted genes from which known facile gene exchangers such as E. faecalis and E. faecium may draw, we collected 886 enterococcal strains from nearly 1,000 specimens representing widely diverse hosts, ecologies and geographies. This provided data on the global occurrence and host associations of known species, identifying 18 new species in the process expanding genus diversity by >25%. The novel species harbor diverse genes associated with toxins, detoxification, and resource acquisition. E. faecalis and E. faecium were isolated from a wide diversity of hosts highlighting their generalist properties, whereas most other species exhibited more restricted distributions indicative of specialized host associations. The expanded species diversity permitted the Enterococcus genus phylogeny to be viewed with unprecedented resolution, allowing features to be identified that distinguish its four deeply rooted clades as well as genes associated with range expansion, such as B-vitamin biosynthesis and flagellar motility. Collectively, this work provides an unprecedentedly broad and deep view of the genus Enterococcus, potential threats to human health, and new insights into its evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Schwartzman
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Microbiology, Mass Eye and Ear, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,USA
- Department of Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Francois Lebreton
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Microbiology, Mass Eye and Ear, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,USA
- Multidrug-Resistant Organism Repository and Surveillance Network, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Rauf Salamzade
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Melissa J. Martin
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Microbiology, Mass Eye and Ear, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,USA
- Multidrug-Resistant Organism Repository and Surveillance Network, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Katharina Schaufler
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Microbiology, Mass Eye and Ear, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,USA
- University of Greifswald, Institute of Pharmacy, Greifswald, Germany
- Kiel University and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Institute of Infection Medicine, Kiel, Germany
| | - Aysun Urhan
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Delft Bioinformatics Lab, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Abeel
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Delft Bioinformatics Lab, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Ilana L.B.C Camargo
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Microbiologia Moleculares (LEMiMo), Departamento de Física e Ciências Interdisciplinares, Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruna F. Sgardioli
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Microbiologia Moleculares (LEMiMo), Departamento de Física e Ciências Interdisciplinares, Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Janira Prichula
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Microbiology, Mass Eye and Ear, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,USA
- Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Guedes Frazzon
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Microbiology, Mass Eye and Ear, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Daria Van Tyne
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Microbiology, Mass Eye and Ear, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburg, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Jaap A. Wagenaar
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ryan M. Whipple
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Microbiology, Mass Eye and Ear, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,USA
| | - Abigail L. Manson
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ashlee M. Earl
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michael S. Gilmore
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Microbiology, Mass Eye and Ear, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,USA
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Jeon J, Rahman MM, Han C, Shin J, Sa KJ, Kim J. Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Life Table Comparisons and Gut Microbiome Analysis Reared on Corn Varieties. INSECTS 2023; 14:358. [PMID: 37103173 PMCID: PMC10146201 DOI: 10.3390/insects14040358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, FAW) is an invasive migratory pest that has recently spread to Korea, damaging several corn cultivars with significant economic value. Comparisons of the growth stages of FAW were conducted based on the preferred feed. Therefore, we selected six maize cultivars, including three categories: (i) commercial waxy corn (mibaek 2-ho, heukjeom 2-ho, dreamoak); (ii) popcorn (oryun popcorn, oryun 2-ho); and (iii) processing corn (miheukchal). A significant effect was observed during the larvae period, pupal period, egg hatching ratio, and larvae weight, whereas the total survival period and adult period did not show significant variation among the tested corn cultivars. We identified variations in the FAW gut bacterial community that were dependent on the genotype of the corn maize feed. The identified phyla included Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. Among these genera, the most abundant bacterial genus was Enterococcus, followed by Ureibacillus. Enterococcus mundtii was the most abundant among the top 40 bacterial species. The intergenic PCR-based amplification and gene sequence of the colony isolates were also matched to the GenBank owing to the prevalence of E. mundtii. These results showed that the bacterial diversity and abundance of particular bacteria in the guts of FAWs were influenced by the six major maize corn cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungwon Jeon
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Smart Agriculture, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Md-Mafizur Rahman
- Agriculture and Life Sciences Research Institute, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Science, Islamic University, Kushtia 7003, Bangladesh
| | - Changhee Han
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Smart Agriculture, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyeong Shin
- Agriculture and Life Sciences Research Institute, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu Jin Sa
- Agriculture and Life Sciences Research Institute, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Juil Kim
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Smart Agriculture, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
- Department of Plant Medicine, Division of Bio-Resource Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
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Zacharopoulos GV, Manios GA, Papadakis M, Koumaki D, Maraki S, Kassotakis D, De Bree E, Manios A. Comparative activities of ampicillin and teicoplanin against Enterococcus faecalis isolates. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:5. [PMID: 36609223 PMCID: PMC9817409 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-022-02753-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enterococcus faecalis remains one of the most common pathogens causing infection in surgical patients. Our goal was to evaluate the antibiotic resistance of E. faecalis, causing infections in a surgical clinic, against two antibacterial drugs, ampicillin and teicoplanin. One commonly administered in the past for such infections, ampicillin, and another newer, teicoplanin, which demonstrated exceptionally good efficacy. METHODS Data from 1882 isolates were retrieved from the microbiology department database during two 5-year periods. Standard biochemical methods were employed for the identification of the isolates. The prevalence of E. faecalis among patients with clinical evidence of infection in a surgical oncology ward was assessed. Confidence interval (CI) as well as standard error (SE) were calculated. Moreover, the annual incidence of E. faecalis infections in this surgical ward was recorded. The susceptibility of E. faecalis to ampicillin and teicoplanin was studied and compared using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Results showed that the incidence of E. faecalis infections in the surgical clinic was increasing. Ampicillin, in the later year period, was not statistically different from teicoplanin in treating E. faecalis infections. Consequently, ampicillin seems currently to be an effective antibiotic against such infections that could be used as empiric therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios V. Zacharopoulos
- grid.412481.a0000 0004 0576 5678Department of Surgical Oncology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Georgios A. Manios
- grid.410558.d0000 0001 0035 6670Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, University of Thessaly, Lamia, Greece
| | - Marios Papadakis
- grid.412581.b0000 0000 9024 6397Department of Surgery II, Witten/Herdecke University, Heusnerstrasse 40, Postal code, 42283 Witten, Germany
| | - Dimitra Koumaki
- grid.412481.a0000 0004 0576 5678Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, 71110 Crete, Greece
| | - Sofia Maraki
- grid.412481.a0000 0004 0576 5678Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kassotakis
- grid.412481.a0000 0004 0576 5678Department of Surgical Oncology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Eelco De Bree
- grid.412481.a0000 0004 0576 5678Department of Surgical Oncology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Andreas Manios
- grid.412481.a0000 0004 0576 5678Department of Surgical Oncology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Juottonen H, Moghadam NN, Murphy L, Mappes J, Galarza JA. Host's genetic background determines the outcome of reciprocal faecal transplantation on life-history traits and microbiome composition. Anim Microbiome 2022; 4:67. [PMID: 36564793 PMCID: PMC9789590 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-022-00210-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microbes play a role in their host's fundamental ecological, chemical, and physiological processes. Host life-history traits from defence to growth are therefore determined not only by the abiotic environment and genotype but also by microbiota composition. However, the relative importance and interactive effects of these factors may vary between organisms. Such connections remain particularly elusive in Lepidoptera, which have been argued to lack a permanent microbiome and have microbiota primarily determined by their diet and environment. We tested the microbiome specificity and its influence on life-history traits of two colour genotypes of the wood tiger moth (Arctia plantaginis) that differ in several traits, including growth. All individuals were grown in the laboratory for several generations with standardized conditions. We analyzed the bacterial community of the genotypes before and after a reciprocal frass (i.e., larval faeces) transplantation and followed growth rate, pupal mass, and the production of defensive secretion. RESULTS After transplantation, the fast-growing genotype grew significantly slower compared to the controls, but the slow-growing genotype did not change its growth rate. The frass transplant also increased the volume of defensive secretions in the fast-growing genotype but did not affect pupal mass. Overall, the fast-growing genotype appeared more susceptible to the transplantation than the slow-growing genotype. Microbiome differences between the genotypes strongly suggest genotype-based selective filtering of bacteria from the diet and environment. A novel cluster of insect-associated Erysipelotrichaceae was exclusive to the fast-growing genotype, and specific Enterococcaceae were characteristic to the slow-growing genotype. These Enterococcaceae became more prevalent in the fast-growing genotype after the transplant, which suggests that a slower growth rate is potentially related to their presence. CONCLUSIONS We show that reciprocal frass transplantation can reverse some genotype-specific life-history traits in a lepidopteran host. The results indicate that genotype-specific selective filtering can fine-tune the bacterial community at specific life stages and tissues like the larval frass, even against a background of a highly variable community with stochastic assembly. Altogether, our findings suggest that the host's genotype can influence its susceptibility to being colonized by microbiota, impacting key life-history traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Juottonen
- grid.9681.60000 0001 1013 7965Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Neda N. Moghadam
- grid.9681.60000 0001 1013 7965Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Liam Murphy
- grid.9681.60000 0001 1013 7965Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Johanna Mappes
- grid.9681.60000 0001 1013 7965Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland ,grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Program, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Viikki Biocenter 3, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Juan A. Galarza
- grid.9681.60000 0001 1013 7965Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland ,grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Program, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Viikki Biocenter 3, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
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11
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Hubbart JA, Kellner E, Petersen F. A 22-Site Comparison of Land-Use Practices, E-coli and Enterococci Concentrations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13907. [PMID: 36360790 PMCID: PMC9658064 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Land-use practices can greatly impact water quality. Escherichia (E.) coli and Enterococcus are accepted water quality indicators. However, surprisingly little research has been conducted comparing both organisms' population density relationships to land use practices and water quality. Stream water grab samples were collected monthly (n = 9 months) from 22 stream monitoring sites draining varying land use practice types in a representative mixed-land-use watershed of the northeastern United States. E. coli and enterococci colony forming units (CFU per 100 mL) were estimated (n = 396) and statistically analyzed relative to land use practices, hydroclimate, and pH, using a suite of methods, including correlation analysis, Principal Components Analysis (PCA), and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). Correlation analyses indicated significant (p < 0.05) relationships between fecal indicator bacteria concentrations, water quality metrics and land use practices but emphasized significant (p < 0.05) negative correlations between pH and instream enterococci concentrations. PCA and CCA results indicated consistent spatial differences between fecal indicator bacteria concentrations, pH, and land use/land cover characteristics. The study showed that pH could be considered an integrated proxy variable for past (legacy) and present land use practice influences. Results also bring to question the comparability of E-coli and enterococci relative to dominant land use practices and variations in pH and provide useful information that will help guide land use practice and water pollutant mitigation decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason A. Hubbart
- Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, West Virginia University, Percival Hall, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Elliott Kellner
- The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, 975 N. Warson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63132, USA
| | - Fritz Petersen
- Department of Biology, Biology Life Sciences Building, Loyola University Chicago, 1032 W. Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
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12
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Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is an opportunistic pathogen and a major cause of severe nosocomial infections. Treatment options against enterococcal infections are declining due to the resistance of enterococci to numerous antibiotics. A key risk factor for developing enterococcal infections is treatment with cephalosporin antibiotics, to which enterococci are intrinsically resistant. For susceptible organisms, cephalosporins inhibit bacterial growth by acylating the active site of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), key enzymes that catalyze peptidoglycan cross-linking. Two specific PBPs of enterococci, Pbp4(5) and PbpA(2b), exhibit low reactivity toward cephalosporins, allowing these PBPs to cross-link peptidoglycan in the presence of cephalosporins to drive resistance in enterococci, but the mechanisms by which these PBPs are regulated are poorly understood. The CroS/R two-component signal transduction system (TCS) is also required for cephalosporin resistance. Activation of CroS/R by cephalosporins leads to CroR-dependent changes in gene expression. However, the specific genes regulated by CroS/R that are responsible for cephalosporin resistance remain largely unknown. In this study, we characterized CroR-dependent transcriptome remodeling by RNA-seq, identifying pbp4(5) as a CroR regulon member in multiple, diverse lineages of E. faecalis. Through genetic analysis of the pbp4(5) and croR promoters, we uncovered a CroR-dependent regulatory motif. Mutations in this motif to disrupt CroR-dependent upregulation of pbp4(5) in the presence of cell wall stress resulted in a reduction of resistance to cephalosporins in E. faecalis, demonstrating that enhanced production of Pbp4(5) and likely other proteins involved in peptidoglycan biogenesis by the CroS/R system drives enterococcal cephalosporin resistance.
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13
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Liang X, He J, Zhang N, Muhammad A, Lu X, Shao Y. Probiotic potentials of the silkworm gut symbiont Enterococcus casseliflavus ECB140, a promising L-tryptophan producer living inside the host. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 133:1620-1635. [PMID: 35717576 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIMS L-tryptophan is an essential aromatic amino acid for the growth and development of animals. Studies about enteric L-tryptophan-producing bacteria are scarce. In this report, we characterized the probiotic potential of Enterococcus casseliflavus ECB140, focusing on its L-tryptophan production abilities. METHODS AND RESULTS ECB140 strain was isolated from the silkworm gut and can survive under strong alkaline environmental conditions. Bacterial colonization traits (motility and biofilm) were examined and showed that only ECB140 produced flagellum and strong biofilms compared with other Enterococcus strains. Comparative genome sequence analyses showed that only ECB140 possessed a complete route for L-tryptophan synthesis among all 15 strains. High-performance liquid chromatography and qRT-PCR confirmed the capability of ECB140 to produce L-tryptophan. Besides, the genome also contains the biosynthesis pathways of several other essential amino acids, such as phenylalanine, threonine, valine, leucine, isoleucine and lysine. These results indicate that ECB140 has the ability to survive passage through the gut and could act as a candidate probiotic. CONCLUSIONS The study describes a novel, natural silkworm gut symbiont capable of producing L-tryptophan. Enterococcus casseliflavus ECB140 physical and genomic attributes offer possibilities for its colonization and provide L-tryptophan for lepidopteran insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xili Liang
- Max Planck Partner Group, Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jintao He
- Max Planck Partner Group, Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Max Planck Partner Group, Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Abrar Muhammad
- Max Planck Partner Group, Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xingmeng Lu
- Max Planck Partner Group, Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongqi Shao
- Max Planck Partner Group, Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
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14
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Cho S, McMillan EA, Barrett JB, Hiott LM, Woodley TA, House SL, Frye JG, Jackson CR. Distribution and Transfer of Plasmid Replicon Families among Multidrug-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium from Poultry. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10061244. [PMID: 35744761 PMCID: PMC9228330 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence and transfer of plasmids from commensal bacteria to more pathogenic bacteria may contribute to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. However, the prevalence of plasmids from commensal bacteria, such as the enterococci, in food animals remains largely unknown. In this study, the diversity and prevalence of plasmid families from multidrug-resistant (MDR; resistance to three or more antimicrobials) enterococci from poultry carcasses were determined. Plasmid-positive MDR enterococci were also tested for the ability to transfer plasmids to other enterococci using conjugation. MDR Enterococcus faecalis (n = 98) and Enterococcus faecium (n = 696) that were isolated from poultry carcass rinsates between 2004 and 2011 were tested for the presence of 21 plasmid replicon (rep) families using multiplex PCR. Approximately 48% of E. faecalis (47/98) and 16% of E. faecium (110/696) were positive for at least one rep-family. Fourteen rep-families were detected overall, and ten rep-families were shared between E. faecalis and E. faecium. The rep7 and rep17 families were unique to E. faecalis, while the rep5 and rep8 families were unique to E. faecium. The rep9 family was predominant in both E. faecalis and E. faecium for all the years tested. The greatest number of rep-families detected was in 2005 (n = 10), and the least was in 2009 (n = 1). Eight rep-families were transferred from E. faecalis donors to the E. faecalis JH2-2 recipient using conjugation. Results from this study showed that E. faecalis and E. faecium from poultry carcasses contain numerous and diverse rep-families that are capable of conjugal transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohyun Cho
- Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit, USDA-ARS, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Athens, GA 30605, USA; (S.C.); (E.A.M.); (J.B.B.); (L.M.H.); (T.A.W.); (S.L.H.); (J.G.F.)
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. McMillan
- Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit, USDA-ARS, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Athens, GA 30605, USA; (S.C.); (E.A.M.); (J.B.B.); (L.M.H.); (T.A.W.); (S.L.H.); (J.G.F.)
| | - John B. Barrett
- Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit, USDA-ARS, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Athens, GA 30605, USA; (S.C.); (E.A.M.); (J.B.B.); (L.M.H.); (T.A.W.); (S.L.H.); (J.G.F.)
| | - Lari M. Hiott
- Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit, USDA-ARS, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Athens, GA 30605, USA; (S.C.); (E.A.M.); (J.B.B.); (L.M.H.); (T.A.W.); (S.L.H.); (J.G.F.)
| | - Tiffanie A. Woodley
- Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit, USDA-ARS, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Athens, GA 30605, USA; (S.C.); (E.A.M.); (J.B.B.); (L.M.H.); (T.A.W.); (S.L.H.); (J.G.F.)
| | - Sandra L. House
- Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit, USDA-ARS, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Athens, GA 30605, USA; (S.C.); (E.A.M.); (J.B.B.); (L.M.H.); (T.A.W.); (S.L.H.); (J.G.F.)
| | - Jonathan G. Frye
- Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit, USDA-ARS, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Athens, GA 30605, USA; (S.C.); (E.A.M.); (J.B.B.); (L.M.H.); (T.A.W.); (S.L.H.); (J.G.F.)
| | - Charlene R. Jackson
- Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit, USDA-ARS, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Athens, GA 30605, USA; (S.C.); (E.A.M.); (J.B.B.); (L.M.H.); (T.A.W.); (S.L.H.); (J.G.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(706)-546-3604; Fax: +1-(706)-546-3616
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15
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Grenda A, Grenda T, Domaradzki P, Kwiatek K. Enterococci-Involvement in Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Potential in Cancer Treatment: A Mini-Review. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11060687. [PMID: 35745541 PMCID: PMC9227201 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11060687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus spp. are Gram-positive, heterogeneous lactic acid bacteria inhabiting various environments. Several species of Enterococci are considered to be able to stimulate the immune system and play an important role in intestinal homeostasis. Some Enterococci can be used as probiotics. Some strains of E. faecium are components of pharmaceutical products used to treat diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, it has been proved that they are responsible for food contamination, and are sometimes undesirable from the point of view of food technology. Additionally, the virulence and multi-drug resistance of Enterococci potentially pose a risk of an epidemic, especially in hospital environments. Moreover, there are indications of their negative role in colon tumorigenesis; however, some nterococci are proved to support immunotherapy in cancer treatment. In general, it can be concluded that this group of microorganisms, despite its nature, has properties that can be used to support cancer treatment—both aggressive chemotherapy and cutting-edge therapy targeting immune checkpoints (IC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Grenda
- Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University in Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-81-724-42-93
| | - Tomasz Grenda
- Department of Hygiene of Animal Feeding Stuffs, National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland; (T.G.); (K.K.)
| | - Piotr Domaradzki
- Department of Commodity Science and Animal Raw Materials Processing, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Kwiatek
- Department of Hygiene of Animal Feeding Stuffs, National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland; (T.G.); (K.K.)
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16
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Nielsen SS, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar C, Herskin M, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Ståhl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Baldinelli F, Broglia A, Kohnle L, Alvarez J. Assessment of listing and categorisation of animal diseases within the framework of the Animal Health Law (Regulation (EU) No 2016/429): antimicrobial-resistant Enterococcus faecalis in poultry. EFSA J 2022; 20:e07127. [PMID: 35228848 PMCID: PMC8859914 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) was identified among the most relevant antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria in the EU for poultry in a previous scientific opinion. Thus, it has been assessed according to the criteria of the Animal Health Law (AHL), in particular criteria of Article 7 on disease profile and impacts, Article 5 on its eligibility to be listed, Annex IV for its categorisation according to disease prevention and control rules as in Article 9 and Article 8 for listing animal species related to the bacterium. The assessment has been performed following a methodology previously published. The outcome is the median of the probability ranges provided by the experts, which indicates whether each criterion is fulfilled (lower bound ≥ 66%) or not (upper bound ≤ 33%), or whether there is uncertainty about fulfilment. Reasoning points are reported for criteria with uncertain outcome. According to the assessment here performed, it is uncertain whether AMR E. faecalis can be considered eligible to be listed for Union intervention according to Article 5 of the AHL (33-66% probability). According to the criteria in Annex IV, for the purpose of categorisation related to the level of prevention and control as in Article 9 of the AHL, the AHAW Panel concluded that the bacterium does not meet the criteria in Sections 1, 2 and 4 (Categories A, B and D; 0-5%, 5-10% and 1-10% probability of meeting the criteria, respectively) and the AHAW Panel is uncertain whether it meets the criteria in Sections 3 and 5 (Categories C and E, 33-66% and 33-66% probability of meeting the criteria, respectively). The animal species to be listed for AMR E. faecalis according to Article 8 criteria are mostly birds of the orders Galliformes and Anseriformes, but also mammals and reptiles can serve as reservoirs.
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Du Y, Luo S, Zhou X. Enterococcus faecium Regulates Honey Bee Developmental Genes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212105. [PMID: 34829986 PMCID: PMC8621553 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey bees provide essential pollination services to the terrestrial ecosystem and produce important agricultural products. As a beneficial lactic acid bacterium, Enterococcus faecium is often supplied as a probiotic for honey bees and other animals. However, the underlying mechanisms of its actions and possible safety risks are not well understood. We present the first complete genome sequence of E. faecium isolated from the honey bee gut using nanopore sequencing, and investigate the effects and mechanisms of interactions between E. faecium and honey bees via transcriptome and miRNA analysis. E. faecium colonization increased honey bee gut weight. Transcriptome analysis showed that developmental genes were up-regulated. In accordance, the target genes of the down-regulated miRNAs were enriched in developmental pathways. We describe how E. faecium increases honey bee gut weight at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, and add insights about how miRNAs mediate host and bacteria interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Du
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China;
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shiqi Luo
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Correspondence: (S.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Correspondence: (S.L.); (X.Z.)
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18
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Johnson CN, Sheriff EK, Duerkop BA, Chatterjee A. Let Me Upgrade You: Impact of Mobile Genetic Elements on Enterococcal Adaptation and Evolution. J Bacteriol 2021; 203:e0017721. [PMID: 34370561 PMCID: PMC8508098 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00177-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococci are Gram-positive bacteria that have evolved to thrive as both commensals and pathogens, largely due to their accumulation of mobile genetic elements via horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Common agents of HGT include plasmids, transposable elements, and temperate bacteriophages. These vehicles of HGT have facilitated the evolution of the enterococci, specifically Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium, into multidrug-resistant hospital-acquired pathogens. On the other hand, commensal strains of Enterococcus harbor CRISPR-Cas systems that prevent the acquisition of foreign DNA, restricting the accumulation of mobile genetic elements. In this review, we discuss enterococcal mobile genetic elements by highlighting their contributions to bacterial fitness, examine the impact of CRISPR-Cas on their acquisition, and identify key areas of research that can improve our understanding of enterococcal evolution and ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cydney N. Johnson
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Emma K. Sheriff
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Breck A. Duerkop
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Anushila Chatterjee
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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19
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The Many Faces of Enterococcus spp.-Commensal, Probiotic and Opportunistic Pathogen. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9091900. [PMID: 34576796 PMCID: PMC8470767 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9091900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus spp. are Gram-positive, facultative, anaerobic cocci, which are found in the intestinal flora and, less frequently, in the vagina or mouth. Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium are the most common species found in humans. As commensals, enterococci colonize the digestive system and participate in the modulation of the immune system in humans and animals. For many years reference enterococcal strains have been used as probiotic food additives or have been recommended as supplements for the treatment of intestinal dysbiosis and other conditions. The use of Enterococcus strains as probiotics has recently become controversial due to the ease of acquiring different virulence factors and resistance to various classes of antibiotics. Enterococci are also seen as opportunistic pathogens. This problem is especially relevant in hospital environments, where enterococcal outbreaks often occur. Their ability to translocate from the gastro-intestinal tract to various tissues and organs as well as their virulence and antibiotic resistance are risk factors that hinder eradication. Due to numerous reports on the plasticity of the enterococcal genome and the acquisition of pathogenic microbial features, we ask ourselves, how far is this commensal genus from acquiring pathogenicity? This paper discusses both the beneficial properties of these microorganisms and the risk factors related to their evolution towards pathogenicity.
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20
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Current Trends of Enterococci in Dairy Products: A Comprehensive Review of Their Multiple Roles. Foods 2021; 10:foods10040821. [PMID: 33920106 PMCID: PMC8070337 DOI: 10.3390/foods10040821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As a genus that has evolved for resistance against adverse environmental factors and that readily exchanges genetic elements, enterococci are well adapted to the cheese environment and may reach high numbers in artisanal cheeses. Their metabolites impact cheese flavor, texture, and rheological properties, thus contributing to the development of its typical sensorial properties. Due to their antimicrobial activity, enterococci modulate the cheese microbiota, stimulate autolysis of other lactic acid bacteria (LAB), control pathogens and deterioration microorganisms, and may offer beneficial effects to the health of their hosts. They could in principle be employed as adjunct/protective/probiotic cultures; however, due to their propensity to acquire genetic determinants of virulence and antibiotic resistance, together with the opportunistic character of some of its members, this genus does not possess Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) status. It is, however, noteworthy that some putative virulence factors described in foodborne enterococci may simply reflect adaptation to the food environment and to the human host as commensal. Further research is needed to help distinguish friend from foe among enterococci, eventually enabling exploitation of the beneficial aspects of specific cheese-associated strains. This review aims at discussing both beneficial and deleterious roles played by enterococci in artisanal cheeses, while highlighting the need for further research on such a remarkably hardy genus.
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21
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Pöntinen AK, Top J, Arredondo-Alonso S, Tonkin-Hill G, Freitas AR, Novais C, Gladstone RA, Pesonen M, Meneses R, Pesonen H, Lees JA, Jamrozy D, Bentley SD, Lanza VF, Torres C, Peixe L, Coque TM, Parkhill J, Schürch AC, Willems RJL, Corander J. Apparent nosocomial adaptation of Enterococcus faecalis predates the modern hospital era. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1523. [PMID: 33750782 PMCID: PMC7943827 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21749-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is a commensal and nosocomial pathogen, which is also ubiquitous in animals and insects, representing a classical generalist microorganism. Here, we study E. faecalis isolates ranging from the pre-antibiotic era in 1936 up to 2018, covering a large set of host species including wild birds, mammals, healthy humans, and hospitalised patients. We sequence the bacterial genomes using short- and long-read techniques, and identify multiple extant hospital-associated lineages, with last common ancestors dating back as far as the 19th century. We find a population cohesively connected through homologous recombination, a metabolic flexibility despite a small genome size, and a stable large core genome. Our findings indicate that the apparent hospital adaptations found in hospital-associated E. faecalis lineages likely predate the "modern hospital" era, suggesting selection in another niche, and underlining the generalist nature of this nosocomial pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Pöntinen
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Janetta Top
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sergio Arredondo-Alonso
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ana R Freitas
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Microbiology, Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Novais
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Microbiology, Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rebecca A Gladstone
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maiju Pesonen
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (OCBE), Oslo University Hospital Research Support Services, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rodrigo Meneses
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Henri Pesonen
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - John A Lees
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Dorota Jamrozy
- Parasites and Microbes, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Carmen Torres
- Department of Food and Agriculture, Area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of La Rioja, Logroño, Spain
| | - Luisa Peixe
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Microbiology, Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Teresa M Coque
- Department of Microbiology, Ramón y Cajal Institute for Health Research Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Julian Parkhill
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anita C Schürch
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rob J L Willems
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jukka Corander
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
- Parasites and Microbes, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK.
- Helsinki Institute of Information Technology, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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22
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Tao Y, Huang F, Zhang Z, Tao X, Wu Q, Qiu L, Wei H. Probiotic Enterococcus faecalis Symbioflor 1 ameliorates pathobiont-induced miscarriage through bacterial antagonism and Th1-Th2 modulation in pregnant mice. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:5493-5504. [PMID: 32314005 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10609-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The bacterium-bacterium interaction between pathogenic and probiotic Enterococcus as well as the bacterium-host interaction between Enterococcus and intestinal epithelium has drawn increasing attentions, but the influence of those interactions on host pregnancy remains largely unexplored. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of probiotic E. faecalis Symbioflor 1 or/and pathogenic E. faecalis OG1RF on the miscarriage of pregnant mice. Using in vitro assays of competition and exclusion and displacement, antagonistic property of E. faecalis Symbioflor 1 against E. faecalis OG1RF was observed, and the former inhibited the translocation of the later in vivo. The rate of miscarriage induced by E. faecalis OG1RF challenge was significantly reduced by 28% with E. faecalis Symbioflor 1 intervention; and the tissue integrity of ileum, colon, uterus, and placenta and placental blood cell density in pregnant mice were drastically improved by such probiotic intervention. Compared with the controls, probiotic intervention significantly upregulated the level of IL-10 and TGF-β, downregulated levels of IFN-γ, and increased progesterone level that reversed the trend of being Th1 predominance state reported for adverse pregnancy outcome at early pregnancy stage. In conclusion, E. faecalis Symbioflor 1 decreased the translocation of E. faecalis OG1RF, prevented pathogen-induced tissue damage, and changed Th1-Th2 homeostasis toward Th2 predominance during early pregnancy resulting in decreased miscarriage. KEY POINTS: •The mechanism of how probiotic E. faecalis Symbioflor 1 improves pregnancy of mice • Influence of interactions of pathogenic and probiotic Enterococcus on host pregnancy • E. faecalis Symbioflor 1 change Th1-Th2 homeostasis toward Th2 predominance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, Jiangxi, China
| | - Fuqing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhihong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xueying Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qinglong Wu
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Texas Children's Microbiome Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Liang Qiu
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Hua Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, Jiangxi, China.
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23
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Růžičková M, Vítězová M, Kushkevych I. The Characterization of Enterococcus Genus: Resistance Mechanisms and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Open Med (Wars) 2020; 15:211-224. [PMID: 32292819 PMCID: PMC7147287 DOI: 10.1515/med-2020-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The constantly growing bacterial resistance against antibiotics is recently causing serious problems in the field of human and veterinary medicine as well as in agriculture. The mechanisms of resistance formation and its preventions are not well explored in most bacterial genera. The aim of this review is to analyse recent literature data on the principles of antibiotic resistance formation in bacteria of the Enterococcus genus. Furthermore, the habitat of the Enterococcus genus, its pathogenicity and pathogenicity factors, its epidemiology, genetic and molecular aspects of antibiotic resistance, and the relationship between these bacteria and bowel diseases are discussed. So-called VREfm - vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecium and its currently rapidly growing resistance as well as the significance of these bacteria in nosocomial diseases is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Růžičková
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Vítězová
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Kushkevych
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00Brno, Czech Republic
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24
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Gour S, Kumar V, Rana M, Yadav JK. Pheromone peptide cOB1 from native Enterococcus faecalis forms amyloid-like structures: A new paradigm for peptide pheromones. J Pept Sci 2019; 25:e3178. [PMID: 31317612 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Pheromone peptides are an important component of bacterial quorum-sensing system. The pheromone peptide cOB1 (VAVLVLGA) of native commensal Enterococcus faecalis has also been identified as an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) and reported to kill the prototype clinical isolate strain of E. faecalis V583. In this study, the pheromone peptide cOB1 has shown to form amyloid-like structures, a characteristic which is never reported for a pheromone peptide so far. With in silico analysis, the peptide was predicted to be highly amyloidogenic. Further, under experimental conditions, cOB1 formed aggregates displaying characteristics of amyloid structures such as bathochromic shift in Congo red absorbance, enhancement in thioflavin T fluorescence, and fibrillar morphology under transmission electron microscopy. This novel property of pheromone peptide cOB1 may have some direct effects on the binding of the pheromone to the receptor cells and subsequent conjugative transfer, making this observation more important for the therapeutics, dealing with the generation of virulent and multidrug-resistant pathogenic strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Gour
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8 Bandarsindri, Kishangarh Ajmer, 305817, Rajasthan, India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8 Bandarsindri, Kishangarh Ajmer, 305817, Rajasthan, India
| | - Monika Rana
- Department of Chemistry, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh Ajmer, 305817, Rajasthan, India
| | - Jay Kant Yadav
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8 Bandarsindri, Kishangarh Ajmer, 305817, Rajasthan, India
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25
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Fiore E, Van Tyne D, Gilmore MS. Pathogenicity of Enterococci. Microbiol Spectr 2019; 7:10.1128/microbiolspec.gpp3-0053-2018. [PMID: 31298205 PMCID: PMC6629438 DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.gpp3-0053-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococci are unusually well adapted for survival and persistence in a variety of adverse environments, including on inanimate surfaces in the hospital environment and at sites of infection. This intrinsic ruggedness undoubtedly played a role in providing opportunities for enterococci to interact with other overtly drug-resistant microbes and acquire additional resistances on mobile elements. The rapid rise of antimicrobial resistance among hospital-adapted enterococci has rendered hospital-acquired infections a leading therapeutic challenge. With about a quarter of a genome of additional DNA conveyed by mobile elements, there are undoubtedly many more properties that have been acquired that help enterococci persist and spread in the hospital setting and cause diseases that have yet to be defined. Much remains to be learned about these ancient and rugged microbes, particularly in the area of pathogenic mechanisms involved with human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Fiore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA 02114
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Daria Van Tyne
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA 02114
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Michael S Gilmore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA 02114
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
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26
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Sortase-Dependent Proteins Promote Gastrointestinal Colonization by Enterococci. Infect Immun 2019; 87:IAI.00853-18. [PMID: 30804098 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00853-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The human gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is inhabited by a dense microbial community of symbionts. Enterococci are among the earliest members of this community and remain core members of the GIT microbiota throughout life. Enterococci have also recently emerged as opportunistic pathogens and major causes of nosocomial infections. Although recognized as a prerequisite for infection, colonization of the GIT by enterococci remains poorly understood. One way that bacteria adapt to dynamic ecosystems like the GIT is through the use of their surface proteins to sense and interact with components of their immediate environment. In Gram-positive bacteria, a subset of surface proteins relies on an enzyme called sortase for covalent attachment to the cell wall. Here, we show that the housekeeping sortase A (SrtA) enzyme promotes intestinal colonization by enterococci. Furthermore, we show that the enzymatic activity of SrtA is key to the ability of Enterococcus faecalis to bind mucin (a major component of the GIT mucus). We also report the GIT colonization phenotypes of E. faecalis mutants lacking selected sortase-dependent proteins (SDPs). Further examination of the mucin binding ability of these mutants suggests that adhesion to mucin contributes to intestinal colonization by E. faecalis.
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27
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Abstract
The genus Enterococcus comprises a ubiquitous group of Gram-positive bacteria that are of great relevance to human health for their role as major causative agents of health care-associated infections. The enterococci are resilient and versatile species able to survive under harsh conditions, making them well adapted to the health care environment. Two species cause the majority of enterococcal infections: Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium Both species demonstrate intrinsic resistance to common antibiotics, such as virtually all cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, clindamycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Additionally, a remarkably plastic genome allows these two species to readily acquire resistance to further antibiotics, such as high-level aminoglycoside resistance, high-level ampicillin resistance, and vancomycin resistance, either through mutation or by horizontal transfer of genetic elements conferring resistance determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica García-Solache
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Louis B Rice
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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28
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Bacterial diversity obtained by culturable approaches in the gut of Glossina pallidipes population from a non sleeping sickness focus in Tanzania: preliminary results. BMC Microbiol 2018; 18:164. [PMID: 30470192 PMCID: PMC6251091 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-018-1288-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glossina pallidipes is a haematophagous insect that serves as a cyclic transmitter of trypanosomes causing African Trypanosomiasis (AT). To fully assess the role of G. pallidipes in the epidemiology of AT, especially the human form of the disease (HAT), it is essential to know the microbial diversity inhabiting the gut of natural fly populations. This study aimed to examine the diversity of G. pallidipes fly gut bacteria by culture-dependent approaches. RESULTS 113 bacterial isolates were obtained from aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms originating from the gut of G. pallidipes. 16S rDNA of each isolate was PCR amplified and sequenced. The overall majority of identified bacteria belonged in descending order to the Firmicutes (86.6%), Actinobacteria (7.6%), Proteobacteria (5.5%)and Bacteroidetes (0.3%). Diversity of Firmicutes was found higher when enrichments and isolation were performed under anaerobic conditions than aerobic ones. Experiments conducted in the absence of oxygen (anaerobiosis) led to the isolation of bacteria pertaining to four phyla (83% Firmicutes, 15% Actinobacteria, 1% Proteobacteria and 0.5% Bacteroidetes, whereas those conducted in the presence of oxygen (aerobiosis) led to the isolation of bacteria affiliated to two phyla only (90% Firmicutes and 10% Proteobacteria). Phylogenetic analyses placed these isolates into 11 genera namely Bacillus, Acinetobacter, Mesorhizobium, Paracoccus, Microbacterium, Micrococcus, Arthrobacter, Corynobacterium, Curtobacterium, Vagococcus and Dietzia spp.which are known to be either facultative anaerobes, aerobes, or even microaerobes. CONCLUSION This study shows that G. pallidipes fly gut is an environmental reservoir for a vast number of bacterial species, which are likely to be important for ecological microbial well being of the fly and possibly on differing vectorial competence and refractoriness against AT epidemiology.
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29
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Banla LI, Salzman NH, Kristich CJ. Colonization of the mammalian intestinal tract by enterococci. Curr Opin Microbiol 2018; 47:26-31. [PMID: 30439685 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Enterococci are colonizers of the mammalian gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and normally live in healthy association with their human host. However, enterococci are also major causes of healthcare-acquired infections, prompting the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to declare vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) a serious threat to public health. Because of both intrinsic and acquired antibiotic resistance, enterococci proliferate in the GIT during antibiotic therapy, leading to dissemination and disease. The recognition that colonization of the GIT is a pre-requisite for enterococcal infections has prompted research to study mechanisms used by enterococci to colonize this niche. This review discusses major findings of recent research to understand GIT colonization by enterococci using diverse experimental models, each of which exhibits unique strengths. This work has revealed enterococcal transcriptional reprogramming in the GIT, contributions of specific enterococcal genes encoded by the core genome to GIT colonization, the impact of genome plasticity, and roles for intra-species and inter-species interactions in modulation of GIT colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leou Ismael Banla
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Nita H Salzman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.
| | - Christopher J Kristich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.
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30
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McManus R, Ravenscraft A, Moore W. Bacterial Associates of a Gregarious Riparian Beetle With Explosive Defensive Chemistry. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2361. [PMID: 30344514 PMCID: PMC6182187 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Bombardier beetles (Carabidae: Brachininae) are well known for their unique explosive defensive chemistry. These beetles are found in riparian corridors throughout the American Southwest, where they commonly form large diurnal multispecies aggregations in moist areas under rocks, in crevices, and in leaf litter. Using high throughput 16S amplicon sequencing, we provide the first microbiome survey of a bombardier beetle, Brachinus elongatulus, collected from two sites in Arizona. Two bacterial taxa were present in all individuals sampled: Enterococcus and Dysgonomonas. Enterococcus has been implicated in the production of fecal aggregation pheromone components, which have been shown to regulate aggregation in the German cockroach; it is possible that Enterococcus plays a similar role in Brachinus. Dysgonomonas was found in all the secretory cells of the defensive system and gut samples. Additional studies are needed to determine if these microbes play a role in these beetles' unique chemical defense. Results also show that the majority of B. elongatulus individuals collected from both sites were infected with Spiroplasma. Many Spiroplasma are intracellular, vertically transmitted insect symbionts that may manipulate host reproduction (e.g., cause male-killing) or provide resistance to nematodes and/or parasitoid wasps. Defensive protection could be especially beneficial to B. elongatulus, which are frequently parasitized by horsehair worms (Nematomorpha). In sum, findings suggest several testable hypotheses on the effects bacteria may have on bombardier beetle behavior and physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reilly McManus
- Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Entomology and Insect Science, Tucson, AZ, United States.,Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Alison Ravenscraft
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.,Center for Insect Science, Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Wendy Moore
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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31
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Group IIA-Secreted Phospholipase A 2 in Human Serum Kills Commensal but Not Clinical Enterococcus faecium Isolates. Infect Immun 2018; 86:IAI.00180-18. [PMID: 29784864 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00180-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human innate immunity employs cellular and humoral mechanisms to facilitate rapid killing of invading bacteria. The direct killing of bacteria by human serum is attributed mainly to the activity of the complement system, which forms pores in Gram-negative bacteria. Although Gram-positive bacteria are considered resistant to killing by serum, we uncover here that normal human serum effectively kills Enterococcus faecium Comparison of a well-characterized collection of commensal and clinical E. faecium isolates revealed that human serum specifically kills commensal E. faecium strains isolated from normal gut microbiota but not clinical isolates. Inhibitor studies show that the human group IIA secreted phospholipase A2 (hGIIA), but not complement, is responsible for killing of commensal E. faecium strains in human normal serum. This is remarkable since the hGIIA concentration in "noninflamed" serum was considered too low to be bactericidal against Gram-positive bacteria. Mechanistic studies showed that serum hGIIA specifically causes permeabilization of commensal E. faecium membranes. Altogether, we find that a normal concentration of hGIIA in serum effectively kills commensal E. faecium and that resistance of clinical E. faecium to hGIIA could have contributed to the ability of these strains to become opportunistic pathogens in hospitalized patients.
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32
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Dickel F, Münch D, Amdam GV, Mappes J, Freitak D. Increased survival of honeybees in the laboratory after simultaneous exposure to low doses of pesticides and bacteria. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191256. [PMID: 29385177 PMCID: PMC5791986 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies of honeybees and bumblebees have examined combinatory effects of different stressors, as insect pollinators are naturally exposed to multiple stressors. At the same time the potential influences of simultaneously occurring agricultural agents on insect pollinator health remain largely unknown. Due to different farming methods, and the drift of applied agents and manure, pollinators are most probably exposed to insecticides but also bacteria from organic fertilizers at the same time. We orally exposed honeybee workers to sub-lethal doses of the insecticide thiacloprid and two strains of the bacterium Enterococcus faecalis, which can occur in manure from farming animals. Our results show that under laboratory conditions the bees simultaneously exposed to the a bacterium and the pesticide thiacloprid thiacloprid had significant higher survival rates 11 days post exposure than the controls, which surprisingly showed the lowest survival. Bees that were exposed to diet containing thiacloprid showed decreased food intake. General antibacterial activity is increased by the insecticide and the bacteria, resulting in a higher immune response observed in treated individuals compared to control individuals. We thus propose that caloric restriction through behavioural and physiological adaptations may have mediated an improved survival and stress resistance in our tests. However, the decreased food consumption could in long-term also result in possible negative effects at colony level. Our study does not show an additive negative impact of sub-lethal insecticide and bacteria doses, when tested under laboratory conditions. In contrast, we report seemingly beneficial effects of simultaneous exposure of bees to agricultural agents, which might demonstrate a surprising biological capacity for coping with stressors, possibly through hormetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Dickel
- Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyvaskyla, Jyvaskyla, Finland
| | - Daniel Münch
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Aas, Norway
| | - Gro Vang Amdam
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Aas, Norway
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, United States of America
| | - Johanna Mappes
- Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyvaskyla, Jyvaskyla, Finland
| | - Dalial Freitak
- Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions, Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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33
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Abstract
The Enterococcus genus comprises over 50 species that live as commensal bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tracts of insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals. Named "entero" to emphasize their intestinal habitat, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium were first isolated in the early 1900s and are the most abundant species of this genus found in the human fecal microbiota. In the past 3 decades, enterococci have developed increased resistance to several classes of antibiotics and emerged as a prevalent causative agent of health care-related infections. In U.S. hospitals, antibiotic use has increased the transmission of multidrug-resistant enterococci. Antibiotic treatment depletes broad communities of commensal microbes from the GI tract, allowing resistant enterococci to densely colonize the gut. The reestablishment of a diverse intestinal microbiota is an emerging approach to combat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the GI tract. Because enterococci exist as commensals, modifying the intestinal microbiome to eliminate enterococcal clinical pathogens poses a challenge. To better understand how enterococci exist as both commensals and pathogens, in this article we discuss their clinical importance, antibiotic resistance, diversity in genomic composition and habitats, and interaction with the intestinal microbiome that may be used to prevent clinical infection.
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34
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Mereghetti V, Chouaia B, Montagna M. New Insights into the Microbiota of Moth Pests. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18112450. [PMID: 29156569 PMCID: PMC5713417 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have helped to improve our understanding of the bacterial communities associated with insects, shedding light on their wide taxonomic and functional diversity. To date, little is known about the microbiota of lepidopterans, which includes some of the most damaging agricultural and forest pests worldwide. Studying their microbiota could help us better understand their ecology and offer insights into developing new pest control strategies. In this paper, we review the literature pertaining to the microbiota of lepidopterans with a focus on pests, and highlight potential recurrent patterns regarding microbiota structure and composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Mereghetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Bessem Chouaia
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Matteo Montagna
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy.
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35
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Yang H, Singh M, Kim SJ, Schaefer J. Characterization of the tertiary structure of the peptidoglycan of Enterococcus faecalis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2017; 1859:2171-2180. [PMID: 28784459 PMCID: PMC5610627 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Solid-state NMR spectra of whole cells and isolated cell walls of Enterococcus faecalis grown in media containing combinations of 13C and 15N specific labels in d- and l-alanine and l-lysine (in the presence of an alanine racemase inhibitor alaphosphin) have been used to determine the composition and architecture of the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The compositional variables include the concentrations of (i) peptidoglycan stems without bridges, (ii) d-alanylated wall teichoic acid, (iii) cross-links, and (iv) uncross-linked tripeptide and tetra/pentapeptide stems. Connectivities of l-alanyl carbonyl‑carbon bridge labels to d-[3-13C]alanyl and l-[ε-15N]lysyl stem labels prove that the peptidoglycan of E. faecalis has the same hybrid short-bridge architecture (with a mix of parallel and perpendicular stems) as the FemA mutant of Staphylococcus aureus, in which the cross-linked stems are perpendicular to one another and the cross-linking is close to the ideal 50% value. This is the first determination of the cell-wall chemical and geometrical architecture of whole cells of E. faecalis, a major source of nosocomial infections worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Manmilan Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Sung Joon Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
| | - Jacob Schaefer
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.
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Lebreton F, Manson AL, Saavedra JT, Straub TJ, Earl AM, Gilmore MS. Tracing the Enterococci from Paleozoic Origins to the Hospital. Cell 2017; 169:849-861.e13. [PMID: 28502769 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2017.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
We examined the evolutionary history of leading multidrug resistant hospital pathogens, the enterococci, to their origin hundreds of millions of years ago. Our goal was to understand why, among the vast diversity of gut flora, enterococci are so well adapted to the modern hospital environment. Molecular clock estimation, together with analysis of their environmental distribution, phenotypic diversity, and concordance with host fossil records, place the origins of the enterococci around the time of animal terrestrialization, 425-500 mya. Speciation appears to parallel the diversification of hosts, including the rapid emergence of new enterococcal species following the End Permian Extinction. Major drivers of speciation include changing carbohydrate availability in the host gut. Life on land would have selected for the precise traits that now allow pathogenic enterococci to survive desiccation, starvation, and disinfection in the modern hospital, foreordaining their emergence as leading hospital pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Lebreton
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Infectious Disease & Microbiome Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Abigail L Manson
- Infectious Disease & Microbiome Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Jose T Saavedra
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Timothy J Straub
- Infectious Disease & Microbiome Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Ashlee M Earl
- Infectious Disease & Microbiome Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Michael S Gilmore
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Infectious Disease & Microbiome Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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Vilanova C, Baixeras J, Latorre A, Porcar M. The Generalist Inside the Specialist: Gut Bacterial Communities of Two Insect Species Feeding on Toxic Plants Are Dominated by Enterococcus sp. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1005. [PMID: 27446044 PMCID: PMC4923067 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Some specialist insects feed on plants rich in secondary compounds, which pose a major selective pressure on both the phytophagous and the gut microbiota. However, microbial communities of toxic plant feeders are still poorly characterized. Here, we show the bacterial communities of the gut of two specialized Lepidoptera, Hyles euphorbiae and Brithys crini, which exclusively feed on latex-rich Euphorbia sp. and alkaloid-rich Pancratium maritimum, respectively. A metagenomic analysis based on high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that the gut microbiota of both insects is dominated by the phylum Firmicutes, and especially by the common gut inhabitant Enterococcus sp. Staphylococcus sp. are also found in H. euphorbiae though to a lesser extent. By scanning electron microscopy, we found a dense ring-shaped bacterial biofilm in the hindgut of H. euphorbiae, and identified the most prominent bacterium in the biofilm as Enterococcus casseliflavus through molecular techniques. Interestingly, this species has previously been reported to contribute to the immobilization of latex-like molecules in the larvae of Spodoptera litura, a highly polyphagous lepidopteran. The E. casseliflavus strain was isolated from the gut and its ability to tolerate natural latex was tested under laboratory conditions. This fact, along with the identification of less frequent bacterial species able to degrade alkaloids and/or latex, suggest a putative role of bacterial communities in the tolerance of specialized insects to their toxic diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Vilanova
- Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universitat de ValènciaValencia, Spain; Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), University of Valencia-CSICValencia, Spain
| | - Joaquín Baixeras
- Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universitat de València Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Latorre
- Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universitat de ValènciaValencia, Spain; Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), University of Valencia-CSICValencia, Spain; Unidad Mixta de Investigación en Genómica y Salud, Centro Superior de Investigación en Salud PúblicaValencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Porcar
- Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universitat de ValènciaValencia, Spain; Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), University of Valencia-CSICValencia, Spain
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Dantoft W, Lundin D, Esfahani SS, Engström Y. The POU/Oct Transcription Factor Pdm1/nub Is Necessary for a Beneficial Gut Microbiota and Normal Lifespan of Drosophila. J Innate Immun 2016; 8:412-26. [PMID: 27231014 DOI: 10.1159/000446368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of a stable gut microbial community relies on a delicate balance between immune defense and immune tolerance. We have used Drosophila to study how the microbial gut flora is affected by changes in host genetic factors and immunity. Flies with a constitutively active gut immune system, due to a mutation in the POU transcriptional regulator Pdm1/nubbin (nub) gene, had higher loads of bacteria and a more diverse taxonomic composition than controls. In addition, the microbial composition shifted considerably during the short lifespan of the nub1 mutants. This shift was characterized by a loss of relatively few OTUs (operational taxonomic units) and a remarkable increase in a large number of Acetobacter spp. and Leuconostoc spp. Treating nub1 mutant flies with antibiotics prolonged their lifetime survival by more than 100%. Immune gene expression was also persistently high in the presence of antibiotics, indicating that the early death was not a direct consequence of an overactive immune defense but rather an indirect consequence of the microbial load and composition. Thus, changes in host genotype and an inability to regulate the normal growth and composition of the gut microbiota leads to a shift in the microbial community, dysbiosis and early death.
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Guzman Prieto AM, van Schaik W, Rogers MRC, Coque TM, Baquero F, Corander J, Willems RJL. Global Emergence and Dissemination of Enterococci as Nosocomial Pathogens: Attack of the Clones? Front Microbiol 2016; 7:788. [PMID: 27303380 PMCID: PMC4880559 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococci are Gram-positive bacteria that are found in plants, soil and as commensals of the gastrointestinal tract of humans, mammals, and insects. Despite their commensal nature, they have also become globally important nosocomial pathogens. Within the genus Enterococcus, Enterococcus faecium, and Enterococcus faecalis are clinically most relevant. In this review, we will discuss how E. faecium and E. faecalis have evolved to become a globally disseminated nosocomial pathogen. E. faecium has a defined sub-population that is associated with hospitalized patients and is rarely encountered in community settings. These hospital-associated clones are characterized by the acquisition of adaptive genetic elements, including genes involved in metabolism, biofilm formation, and antibiotic resistance. In contrast to E. faecium, clones of E. faecalis isolated from hospitalized patients, including strains causing clinical infections, are not exclusively found in hospitals but are also present in healthy individuals and animals. This observation suggests that the division between commensals and hospital-adapted lineages is less clear for E. faecalis than for E. faecium. In addition, genes that are reported to be associated with virulence of E. faecalis are often not unique to clinical isolates, but are also found in strains that originate from commensal niches. As a reflection of more ancient association of E. faecalis with different hosts, these determinants Thus, they may not represent genuine virulence genes but may act as host-adaptive functions that are useful in a variety of intestinal environments. The scope of the review is to summarize recent trends in the emergence of antibiotic resistance and explore recent developments in the molecular epidemiology, population structure and mechanisms of adaptation of E. faecium and E. faecalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Guzman Prieto
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Willem van Schaik
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Malbert R C Rogers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Teresa M Coque
- Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación SanitariaMadrid, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud PúblicaMadrid, Spain; Unidad de Resistencia a Antibióticos y Virulencia Bacteriana Asociada al Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasMadrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Baquero
- Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación SanitariaMadrid, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud PúblicaMadrid, Spain; Unidad de Resistencia a Antibióticos y Virulencia Bacteriana Asociada al Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasMadrid, Spain
| | - Jukka Corander
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Helsinki Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rob J L Willems
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht Utrecht, Netherlands
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The N-terminal domain of the thermo-regulated surface protein PrpA of Enterococcus faecium binds to fibrinogen, fibronectin and platelets. Sci Rep 2015; 5:18255. [PMID: 26675410 PMCID: PMC4682149 DOI: 10.1038/srep18255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecium is a commensal of the mammalian gastrointestinal tract, but is also found in non-enteric environments where it can grow between 10 °C and 45 °C. E. faecium has recently emerged as a multi-drug resistant nosocomial pathogen. We hypothesized that genes involved in the colonization and infection of mammals exhibit temperature-regulated expression control and we therefore performed a transcriptome analysis of the clinical isolate E. faecium E1162, during mid-exponential growth at 25 °C and 37 °C. One of the genes that exhibited differential expression between 25 °C and 37 °C, was predicted to encode a peptidoglycan-anchored surface protein. The N-terminal domain of this protein is unique to E. faecium and closely related enterococci, while the C-terminal domain is homologous to the Streptococcus agalactiae surface protein BibA. This region of the protein contains proline-rich repeats, leading us to name the protein PrpA for proline-rich protein A. We found that PrpA is a surface-exposed protein which is most abundant during exponential growth at 37 °C in E. faecium E1162. The heterologously expressed and purified N-terminal domain of PrpA was able to bind to the extracellular matrix proteins fibrinogen and fibronectin. In addition, the N-terminal domain of PrpA interacted with both non-activated and activated platelets.
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Johnston PR, Rolff J. Host and Symbiont Jointly Control Gut Microbiota during Complete Metamorphosis. PLoS Pathog 2015; 11:e1005246. [PMID: 26544881 PMCID: PMC4636265 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Holometabolous insects undergo a radical anatomical re-organisation during metamorphosis. This poses a developmental challenge: the host must replace the larval gut but at the same time retain symbiotic gut microbes and avoid infection by opportunistic pathogens. By manipulating host immunity and bacterial competitive ability, we study how the host Galleria mellonella and the symbiotic bacterium Enterococcus mundtii interact to manage the composition of the microbiota during metamorphosis. Disenabling one or both symbiotic partners alters the composition of the gut microbiota, which incurs fitness costs: adult hosts with a gut microbiota dominated by pathogens such as Serratia and Staphylococcus die early. Our results reveal an interaction that guarantees the safe passage of the symbiont through metamorphosis and benefits the resulting adult host. Host-symbiont "conspiracies" as described here are almost certainly widespread in holometobolous insects including many disease vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jens Rolff
- Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany
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Pheromone killing of multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecalis V583 by native commensal strains. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:7273-8. [PMID: 26039987 PMCID: PMC4466700 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1500553112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant enterococci are leading causes of hospital infection. The antibiotic-perturbed patient gut serves as a staging ground—small numbers of resistant hospital strains colonize and then, greatly amplify in the colon. Little is known of the colonization principles involved—whether hospital strains are competitive or noncompetitive with commensal enterococci or whether mobile elements comprising over 25% of the genome of the former impose significant fitness costs. We unexpectedly found that the prototype vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis strain V583 was actively killed by fecal organisms, and we traced that to pheromone production by commensal enterococci that trigger lethal mobile element cross-talk. This work highlights the importance of maintaining commensal enterococci in the gut of the hospitalized patient. Multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecalis possess numerous mobile elements that encode virulence and antibiotic resistance traits as well as new metabolic pathways, often constituting over one-quarter of the genome. It was of interest to determine how this large accretion of mobile elements affects competitive growth in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract consortium. We unexpectedly observed that the prototype clinical isolate strain V583 was actively killed by GI tract flora, whereas commensal enterococci flourished. It was found that killing of V583 resulted from lethal cross-talk between accumulated mobile elements and that this cross-talk was induced by a heptapeptide pheromone produced by native E. faecalis present in the fecal consortium. These results highlight two important aspects of the evolution of multidrug-resistant enterococci: (i) the accretion of mobile elements in E. faecalis V583 renders it incompatible with commensal strains, and (ii) because of this incompatibility, multidrug-resistant strains sharing features found in V583 cannot coexist with commensal strains. The accumulation of mobile elements in hospital isolates of enterococci can include those that are inherently incompatible with native flora, highlighting the importance of maintaining commensal populations as means of preventing colonization and subsequent infection by multidrug-resistant strains.
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Enterococcus faecalis 6-phosphogluconolactonase is required for both commensal and pathogenic interactions with Manduca sexta. Infect Immun 2014; 83:396-404. [PMID: 25385794 DOI: 10.1128/iai.02442-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is a commensal and pathogen of humans and insects. In Manduca sexta, E. faecalis is an infrequent member of the commensal gut community, but its translocation to the hemocoel results in a commensal-to-pathogen switch. To investigate E. faecalis factors required for commensalism, we identified E. faecalis genes that are upregulated in the gut of M. sexta using recombinase-based in vivo expression technology (RIVET). The RIVET screen produced 113 clones, from which we identified 50 genes that are more highly expressed in the insect gut than in culture. The most frequently recovered gene was locus OG1RF_11582, which encodes a 6-phosphogluconolactonase that we designated pglA. A pglA deletion mutant was impaired in both pathogenesis and gut persistence in M. sexta and produced enhanced biofilms compared with the wild type in an in vitro polystyrene plate assay. Mutation of four other genes identified by RIVET did not affect persistence in caterpillar guts but led to impaired pathogenesis. This is the first identification of genetic determinants for E. faecalis commensal and pathogenic interactions with M. sexta. Bacterial factors identified in this model system may provide insight into colonization or persistence in other host-associated microbial communities and represent potential targets for interventions to prevent E. faecalis infections.
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Abstract
The Enterococcus genus comprises over 50 species that live as commensal bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tracts of insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals. Named "entero" to emphasize their intestinal habitat, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium were first isolated in the early 1900s and are the most abundant species of this genus found in the human fecal microbiota. In the past 3 decades, enterococci have developed increased resistance to several classes of antibiotics and emerged as a prevalent causative agent of health care-related infections. In U.S. hospitals, antibiotic use has increased the transmission of multidrug-resistant enterococci. Antibiotic treatment depletes broad communities of commensal microbes from the GI tract, allowing resistant enterococci to densely colonize the gut. The reestablishment of a diverse intestinal microbiota is an emerging approach to combat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the GI tract. Because enterococci exist as commensals, modifying the intestinal microbiome to eliminate enterococcal clinical pathogens poses a challenge. To better understand how enterococci exist as both commensals and pathogens, in this article we discuss their clinical importance, antibiotic resistance, diversity in genomic composition and habitats, and interaction with the intestinal microbiome that may be used to prevent clinical infection.
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45
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Van Tyne D, Gilmore MS. Friend turned foe: evolution of enterococcal virulence and antibiotic resistance. Annu Rev Microbiol 2014; 68:337-56. [PMID: 25002090 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-091213-113003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The enterococci are an ancient genus that evolved along with the tree of life. These intrinsically rugged bacteria are highly adapted members of the intestinal consortia of a range of hosts that spans the animal kingdom. Enterococci are also leading opportunistic hospital pathogens, causing infections that are often resistant to treatment with most antibiotics. Despite the importance of enterococci as hospital pathogens, the vast majority live outside of humans, and nearly all of their evolutionary history took place before the appearance of modern humans. Because hospital infections represent evolutionary end points, traits that exacerbate human infection are unlikely to have evolved for that purpose. However, clusters of traits have converged in specific lineages that are well adapted to colonize the antibiotic-perturbed gastrointestinal tracts of patients and that thrive in the hospital environment. Here we discuss these traits in an evolutionary context, as well as how comparative genomics is providing new insights into the evolution of the enterococci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Van Tyne
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
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46
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Hammer TJ, McMillan WO, Fierer N. Metamorphosis of a butterfly-associated bacterial community. PLoS One 2014; 9:e86995. [PMID: 24466308 PMCID: PMC3900687 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0086995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Butterflies are charismatic insects that have long been a focus of biological research. They are also habitats for microorganisms, yet these microbial symbionts are little-studied, despite their likely importance to butterfly ecology and evolution. In particular, the diversity and composition of the microbial communities inhabiting adult butterflies remain uncharacterized, and it is unknown how the larval (caterpillar) and adult microbiota compare. To address these knowledge gaps, we used Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA genes from internal bacterial communities associated with multiple life stages of the neotropical butterfly Heliconius erato. We found that the leaf-chewing larvae and nectar- and pollen-feeding adults of H. erato contain markedly distinct bacterial communities, a pattern presumably rooted in their distinct diets. Larvae and adult butterflies host relatively small and similar numbers of bacterial phylotypes, but few are common to both stages. The larval microbiota clearly simplifies and reorganizes during metamorphosis; thus, structural changes in a butterfly's bacterial community parallel those in its own morphology. We furthermore identify specific bacterial taxa that may mediate larval and adult feeding biology in Heliconius and other butterflies. Although male and female Heliconius adults differ in reproductive physiology and degree of pollen feeding, bacterial communities associated with H. erato are not sexually dimorphic. Lastly, we show that captive and wild individuals host different microbiota, a finding that may have important implications for the relevance of experimental studies using captive butterflies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobin J. Hammer
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Republic of Panama
| | - W. Owen McMillan
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Republic of Panama
| | - Noah Fierer
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
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Characterization of an ancient lepidopteran lateral gene transfer. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59262. [PMID: 23533610 PMCID: PMC3606386 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria to eukaryote lateral gene transfers (LGT) are an important potential source of material for the evolution of novel genetic traits. The explosion in the number of newly sequenced genomes provides opportunities to identify and characterize examples of these lateral gene transfer events, and to assess their role in the evolution of new genes. In this paper, we describe an ancient lepidopteran LGT of a glycosyl hydrolase family 31 gene (GH31) from an Enterococcus bacteria. PCR amplification between the LGT and a flanking insect gene confirmed that the GH31 was integrated into the Bombyx mori genome and was not a result of an assembly error. Database searches in combination with degenerate PCR on a panel of 7 lepidopteran families confirmed that the GH31 LGT event occurred deep within the Order approximately 65–145 million years ago. The most basal species in which the LGT was found is Plutella xylostella (superfamily: Yponomeutoidea). Array data from Bombyx mori shows that GH31 is expressed, and low dN/dS ratios indicates the LGT coding sequence is under strong stabilizing selection. These findings provide further support for the proposition that bacterial LGTs are relatively common in insects and likely to be an underappreciated source of adaptive genetic material.
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48
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Gilmore MS, Lebreton F, van Schaik W. Genomic transition of enterococci from gut commensals to leading causes of multidrug-resistant hospital infection in the antibiotic era. Curr Opin Microbiol 2013; 16:10-6. [PMID: 23395351 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2013.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2012] [Revised: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The enterococci evolved over eons as highly adapted members of gastrointestinal consortia of a wide variety of hosts, but for reasons that are not entirely clear, emerged in the 1970s as leading causes of multidrug resistant hospital infection. Hospital-adapted pathogenic isolates are characterized by the presence of multiple mobile elements conferring antibiotic resistance, as well as pathogenicity islands, capsule loci and other variable traits. Enterococci may have been primed to emerge among the vanguard of antibiotic resistant strains because of their occurrence in the GI tracts of insects and simple organisms living and feeding on organic matter that is colonized by antibiotic resistant, antibiotic producing micro-organisms. In response to the opportunity to inhabit a new niche--the antibiotic treated hospital patient--the enterococcal genome is evolving in a pattern characteristic of other bacteria that have emerged as pathogens because of opportunities stemming from anthropogenic change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Gilmore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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49
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Bae HS, Hou A. 23S rRNA gene-based enterococci community signatures in Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana, USA, following urban runoff inputs after Hurricane Katrina. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2013; 65:289-301. [PMID: 23269456 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-012-0166-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the impacts of fecal polluted urban runoff inputs on the structure of enterococci communities in estuarine waters. This study employed a 23S rRNA gene-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay with newly designed genus-specific primers, Ent127F-Ent907R, to determine the possible impacts of Hurricane Katrina floodwaters via the 17th Street Canal discharge on the community structure of enterococci in Lake Pontchartrain. A total of 94 phylotypes were identified through the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) screening of 494 clones while only 8 phylotypes occurred among 88 cultivated isolates. Sequence analyses of representative phylotypes and their temporal and spatial distribution in the lake and the canal indicated the Katrina floodwater input introduced a large portion of Enterococcus flavescens, Enterococcus casseliflavus, and Enterococcus dispar into the lake; typical fecal groups Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus durans, Enterococcus hirae, and Enterococcus mundtii were detected primarily in the floodwater-impacted waters. This study provides a global picture of enterococci in estuarine waters impacted by Hurricane Katrina-derived urban runoff. It also demonstrates the culture-independent PCR approach using 23S rRNA gene as a molecular marker could be a good alternative in ecological studies of enterococci in natural environments to overcome the limitation of conventional cultivation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Sung Bae
- Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Coast and Environment, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
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50
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Nilsson O. Vancomycin resistant enterococci in farm animals - occurrence and importance. Infect Ecol Epidemiol 2012; 2:IEE-2-16959. [PMID: 22957131 PMCID: PMC3426332 DOI: 10.3402/iee.v2i0.16959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2011] [Revised: 03/16/2012] [Accepted: 03/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The view on enterococci has over the years shifted from harmless commensals to opportunistic but important pathogens mainly causing nosocomial infections. One important part of this development is the emergence of vancomycin resistance enterococci (VRE). The term VRE includes several combinations of bacterial species and resistance genes of which the most clinically important is Enterococcus faecium with vanA type vancomycin resistance. This variant is also the most common VRE among farm animals. The reason for VRE being present among farm animals is selection by extensive use of the vancomycin analog avoparcin for growth promotion. Once the use of avoparcin was discontinued, the prevalence of VRE among farm animals decreased. However, VRE are still present among farm animals and by spread via food products they could potentially have a negative impact on public health. This review is based on the PhD thesis Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci in Swedish Broilers - Emergence, Epidemiology and Elimination and makes a short summary of VRE in humans and food producing animals. The specific situation regarding VRE in Swedish broiler production is also mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oskar Nilsson
- Department of Animal health and Antimicrobial strategies, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
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