1
|
Manoharan S, Taylor-Joyce G, Brooker TA, Hernández Rodríguez CS, Hapeshi A, Baldwin V, Baillie L, Oyston PCF, Waterfield NR. From cereus to anthrax and back again: Assessment of the temperature-dependent phenotypic switching in the "cross-over" strain Bacillus cereus G9241. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1113562. [PMID: 36937299 PMCID: PMC10017872 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1113562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus cereus G9241 was isolated from a Louisiana welder suffering from an anthrax-like infection. The organism carries two transcriptional regulators that have previously been proposed to be incompatible with each other in Bacillus anthracis: the pleiotropic transcriptional regulator PlcR found in most members of the Bacillus cereus group but truncated in all B. anthracis isolates, and the anthrax toxin regulator AtxA found in all B. anthracis strains and a few B. cereus sensu stricto strains. Here we report cytotoxic and hemolytic activity of cell free B. cereus G9241 culture supernatants cultured at 25°C to various eukaryotic cells. However, this is not observed at the mammalian infection relevant temperature 37°C, behaving much like the supernatants generated by B. anthracis. Using a combination of genetic and proteomic approaches to understand this unique phenotype, we identified several PlcR-regulated toxins to be secreted highly at 25°C compared to 37°C. Furthermore, results suggest that differential expression of the protease involved in processing the PlcR quorum sensing activator molecule PapR appears to be the limiting step for the production of PlcR-regulated toxins at 37°C, giving rise to the temperature-dependent hemolytic and cytotoxic activity of the culture supernatants. This study provides an insight on how B. cereus G9241 is able to "switch" between B. cereus and B. anthracis-like phenotypes in a temperature-dependent manner, potentially accommodating the activities of both PlcR and AtxA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shathviga Manoharan
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Grace Taylor-Joyce
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas A. Brooker
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alexia Hapeshi
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | | | - Les Baillie
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nicholas R. Waterfield
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Nicholas R. Waterfield,
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Muacevic A, Adler JR, Hindy JR, Garcia M, Gopalakrishna KV. Persistent Bacillus cereus Bacteremia in an Immunocompetent Patient With a History of Polysubstance Abuse. Cureus 2023; 15:e33650. [PMID: 36788826 PMCID: PMC9916463 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.33650] [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] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Extraintestinal infections are rare with Bacillus cereus and include endocarditis, pneumonia, and meningoencephalitis. It has been primarily reported in immunosuppressed individuals with hematological malignancies and rarely in people who inject drugs (PWIDs). Herein, we report the case of a healthy adult woman with no underlying conditions except for injection drug use who presented with signs of meningitis. A 40-year-old female intravenous (IV) drug addict presented to the hospital with a chief complaint of severe headache. She had a fever of 38 °C, and her neurological examination was unremarkable. Laboratory results were significant for a white blood cell (WBC) count of 20.0 × 109/L (reference range: 4.5 to 11.0 × 109/L) and urine toxicology that was positive for amphetamines and cocaine. A lumbar puncture showed a total of 1,736 nucleated cells/µL, 88% neutrophils, a glucose level of 73 mg/dL, and a significantly elevated protein level of 155 mg/dL. B. cereus grew in blood cultures and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures. Once the growth of B. cereus was identified in the CSF, intravenous vancomycin was started. After leaving against medical advice (AMA), the patient presented again to the hospital, and a lumbar puncture was repeated. Cerebrospinal fluid showed total nucleated cells of 13 cells/µL, but the patient remained bacteremic. An echocardiogram, computerized tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis, and tagged white blood cell scan could not identify a source for the bacteremia. Despite receiving two weeks of IV vancomycin, her blood cultures remained consistently positive for B. cereus without identifying a clear source of infection. Although B. cereus rarely affects the central nervous system, there have been a few cases where immunosuppression has been linked to the infection. We report an unusual case of a patient who continued to be bacteremic despite a thorough search for a source of B. cereus infection and IV vancomycin treatment. As a result, we raise the possibility of addictive behavior due to the patient's pattern of leaving the hospital against medical advice and returning with recurrent bacteremia. A thorough history and careful search for a source of infection are required when B. cereus grows persistently in blood cultures.
Collapse
|
3
|
Hendricks K, Martines RB, Bielamowicz H, Boyer AE, Long S, Byers P, Stoddard RA, Taylor K, Kolton CB, Gallegos-Candela M, Roberts C, DeLeon-Carnes M, Salzer J, Dawson P, Brown D, Templeton-LeBouf L, Maves RC, Gulvik C, Lonsway D, Barr JR, Bower WA, Hoffmaster A. Welder's Anthrax: A Tale of 2 Cases. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:S354-S363. [PMID: 36251561 PMCID: PMC9649440 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis has traditionally been considered the etiologic agent of anthrax. However, anthrax-like illness has been documented in welders and other metal workers infected with Bacillus cereus group spp. harboring pXO1 virulence genes that produce anthrax toxins. We present 2 recent cases of severe pneumonia in welders with B. cereus group infections and discuss potential risk factors for infection and treatment options, including antitoxin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Hendricks
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Roosecelis Brasil Martines
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Hannah Bielamowicz
- Pathology Department, Fort Bend County Medical Examiner Office, Rosenberg, Texas, USA
| | - Anne E Boyer
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Stephen Long
- Houston Laboratory Response Network, Houston Health Department, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Paul Byers
- Office of Communicable Diseases, Mississippi State Department of Health, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Robyn A Stoddard
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kathryn Taylor
- Office of Communicable Diseases, Mississippi State Department of Health, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Cari Beesley Kolton
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Maribel Gallegos-Candela
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Christine Roberts
- Office of Communicable Diseases, Mississippi State Department of Health, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Marlene DeLeon-Carnes
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Johanna Salzer
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Patrick Dawson
- Office of Science, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Dannette Brown
- King Daughters Medical Center, Brookhaven, Mississippi, USA
| | | | - Ryan C Maves
- Departments of Infectious Diseases and Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Chris Gulvik
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - David Lonsway
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - John R Barr
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - William A Bower
- Correspondence: W. A. Bower, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, NE, MS H24-12, Atlanta, GA 30329 ()
| | - Alex Hoffmaster
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tomatsidou A, Krunic M, Missiakas D. Contribution of TagA-Like Glycosyltransferases to the Assembly of the Secondary Cell Wall Polysaccharide in Bacillus anthracis. J Bacteriol 2022; 204:e0025322. [PMID: 35997505 PMCID: PMC9487633 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00253-22] [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: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis elaborates a secondary cell wall polysaccharide (SCWP) made of 6 to 12 trisaccharide units. Pyruvyl and acetyl substitutions of the distal unit are prerequisites for the noncovalent retention of 22 secreted Bacillus S-layer (Bsl)-associated proteins bearing an S-layer homology (SLH) domain. Surface display of Bsl proteins contributes to cell separation as well as virulence. Earlier work suggested that TagO initiates the synthesis of SCWP while GneY and GneZ, two UDP-GlcNAc 2-epimerases, synthesize ManNAc that is later incorporated in the repeat unit (→4)-ManNAc-(β1→4)-GlcNAc-(β1→6)-GlcNAc-(α1→). In organisms that synthesize wall teichoic acid, TagA catalysts have been shown to form the glycosidic bond ManNAc-(β1→4)-GlcNAc. Here, we show that genes bas2675 and bas5272, predicted to encode glycosyltransferases of the WecB/TagA/CpsF family (PFAM03808; CAZy GT26), are required for B. anthracis SCWP synthesis and S-layer assembly. Similar to tagO or gneY gneZ mutants, B. anthracis strains depleted of tagA1 (bas5272) cannot maintain cell shape, support vegetative growth, or synthesize SCWP. Expression of tagA2 (bas2675), or Staphylococcus aureus tagA on a plasmid, rescues the nonviable tagA1 mutant. We propose that TagA1 and TagA2 fulfill overlapping and key glycosyltransferase functions for the synthesis of repeat units of the SCWP of B. anthracis. IMPORTANCE Glycosyltransferases (GTs) catalyze the transfer of sugar moieties from activated donor molecules to acceptor molecules to form glycosidic bonds using a retaining or inverting mechanism. Based on the structural relatedness of their catalytic and carbohydrate-binding modules, GTs have been grouped into 115 families in the Carbohydrate-Active EnZyme (CAZy) database. For complex products, the functional assignment of GTs remains highly challenging without the knowledge of the chemical structure of the assembled polymer. Here, we propose that two uncharacterized GTs of B. anthracis belonging to the WecB/TagA/CpsF family incorporate ManNAc in repeat units of the secondary cell wall polymer of bacilli species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Tomatsidou
- Department of Microbiology, Howard Taylor Ricketts Laboratory, The University of Chicago, Lemont, Illinois, USA
| | - Maria Krunic
- Department of Microbiology, Howard Taylor Ricketts Laboratory, The University of Chicago, Lemont, Illinois, USA
| | - Dominique Missiakas
- Department of Microbiology, Howard Taylor Ricketts Laboratory, The University of Chicago, Lemont, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
de Perio MA, Hendricks KA, Dowell CH, Bower WA, Burton NC, Dawson P, Schrodt CA, Salzer JS, Marston CK, Feldmann K, Hoffmaster AR, Antonini JM. Welder’s Anthrax: A Review of an Occupational Disease. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11040402. [PMID: 35456077 PMCID: PMC9029013 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11040402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 1997, nine cases of severe pneumonia, caused by species within the B. cereus group and with a presentation similar to that of inhalation anthrax, were reported in seemingly immunocompetent metalworkers, with most being welders. In seven of the cases, isolates were found to harbor a plasmid similar to the B. anthracis pXO1 that encodes anthrax toxins. In this paper, we review the literature on the B. cereus group spp. pneumonia among welders and other metalworkers, which we term welder’s anthrax. We describe the epidemiology, including more information on two cases of welder’s anthrax in 2020. We also describe the health risks associated with welding, potential mechanisms of infection and pathological damage, prevention measures according to the hierarchy of controls, and clinical and public health considerations. Considering occupational risk factors and controlling exposure to welding fumes and gases among workers, according to the hierarchy of controls, should help prevent disease transmission in the workplace.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie A. de Perio
- Office of the Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +1-513-841-4116
| | - Katherine A. Hendricks
- Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (K.A.H.); (W.A.B.); (C.K.M.); (A.R.H.)
| | - Chad H. Dowell
- Office of the Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
| | - William A. Bower
- Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (K.A.H.); (W.A.B.); (C.K.M.); (A.R.H.)
| | - Nancy C. Burton
- Office of the Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA;
| | - Patrick Dawson
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA; (N.C.B.); (K.F.)
| | - Caroline A. Schrodt
- Office of Science, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA;
| | - Johanna S. Salzer
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA;
| | - Chung K. Marston
- Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (K.A.H.); (W.A.B.); (C.K.M.); (A.R.H.)
| | - Karl Feldmann
- Office of the Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA;
| | - Alex R. Hoffmaster
- Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (K.A.H.); (W.A.B.); (C.K.M.); (A.R.H.)
| | - James M. Antonini
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Attieh Z, Mouawad C, Rejasse A, Jehanno I, Perchat S, Hegna IK, Økstad OA, Kallassy Awad M, Sanchis-Borja V, El Chamy L. The fliK Gene Is Required for the Resistance of Bacillus thuringiensis to Antimicrobial Peptides and Virulence in Drosophila melanogaster. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:611220. [PMID: 33391240 PMCID: PMC7775485 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.611220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are essential effectors of the host innate immune system and they represent promising molecules for the treatment of multidrug resistant microbes. A better understanding of microbial resistance to these defense peptides is thus prerequisite for the control of infectious diseases. Here, using a random mutagenesis approach, we identify the fliK gene, encoding an internal molecular ruler that controls flagella hook length, as an essential element for Bacillus thuringiensis resistance to AMPs in Drosophila. Unlike its parental strain, that is highly virulent to both wild-type and AMPs deficient mutant flies, the fliK deletion mutant is only lethal to the latter's. In agreement with its conserved function, the fliK mutant is non-flagellated and exhibits highly compromised motility. However, comparative analysis of the fliK mutant phenotype to that of a fla mutant, in which the genes encoding flagella proteins are interrupted, indicate that B. thuringiensis FliK-dependent resistance to AMPs is independent of flagella assembly. As a whole, our results identify FliK as an essential determinant for B. thuringiensis virulence in Drosophila and provide new insights on the mechanisms underlying bacteria resistance to AMPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zaynoun Attieh
- UR-EGP, Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Beirut, Lebanon
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Carine Mouawad
- UR-EGP, Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Agnès Rejasse
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Isabelle Jehanno
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Stéphane Perchat
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Ida K. Hegna
- Department of Pharmacy, Centre for Integrative Microbial Evolution (CIME), Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole A. Økstad
- Department of Pharmacy, Centre for Integrative Microbial Evolution (CIME), Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Vincent Sanchis-Borja
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Laure El Chamy
- UR-EGP, Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Beirut, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Baldwin VM. You Can't B. cereus - A Review of Bacillus cereus Strains That Cause Anthrax-Like Disease. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1731. [PMID: 32973690 PMCID: PMC7468541 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging strains of Bacillus cereus, traditionally considered a self-limiting foodborne pathogen, have been associated with anthrax-like disease in mammals, including humans. The strains have emerged by divergent evolution and, as exchange of genetic material in the Bacillus genus occurs naturally, it is possible that further isolates will be identified in the future. The strains vary in their genotypes and phenotypes, combining traits of both B. cereus and B. anthracis species. Cases of anthrax-like disease associated with these strains result in similar symptoms and mortality rates as those caused by B. anthracis. The strains are susceptible to frontline antibiotics used in the treatment of anthrax and existing vaccines provide protection in animal models. The emergence of these strains has reignited the debate surrounding classification of the B. cereus sensu lato group and serves as a reminder that the field of medical microbiology is constantly changing and remains an important and ongoing area of research.
Collapse
|
8
|
Fan E, Peng J, Shi Y, Ouyang H, Xu Z, Fu Z. Quantification of live Gram-positive bacteria via employing artificial antibacterial peptide-coated magnetic spheres as isolation carriers. Microchem J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2020.104643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
9
|
Çiçek İ, Tunç T, Ogutcu H, Abdurrahmanoglu S, Günel A, Demirel N. Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of New Chiral Aminoalcohol and Benzimidazole Hybrids. ChemistrySelect 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202000355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- İlknur Çiçek
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and SciencesAhi Evran University 40100 Kırşehir Turkey
| | - Turgay Tunç
- Department of Chemistry Engineering and Process, Faculty of EngineeringUniversity of Ahi Evran Kırsehir 40100 Turkey
| | - Hatice Ogutcu
- Department of Field Crops, Faculty of AgricultureUniversity Ahi Evran Kırsehir 40100 Turkey
| | - Suzan Abdurrahmanoglu
- Department of ChemistryFaculty of Arts and Science, Marmara University Istanbul 34722 Turkey
| | - Aslıhan Günel
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and SciencesAhi Evran University 40100 Kırşehir Turkey
| | - Nadir Demirel
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and SciencesAhi Evran University 40100 Kırşehir Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Şahin Gül D, Ogutcu H, Hayvalı Z. Investigation of photophysical behaviours and antimicrobial activity of novel benzo-15-crown-5 substituted coumarin and chromone derivatives. J Mol Struct 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2019.127569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
11
|
Abstract
The Bacillus cereus group includes several Bacillus species with closely related phylogeny. The most well-studied members of the group, B. anthracis, B. cereus, and B. thuringiensis, are known for their pathogenic potential. Here, we present the historical rationale for speciation and discuss shared and unique features of these bacteria. Aspects of cell morphology and physiology, and genome sequence similarity and gene synteny support close evolutionary relationships for these three species. For many strains, distinct differences in virulence factor synthesis provide facile means for species assignment. B. anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax. Some B. cereus strains are commonly recognized as food poisoning agents, but strains can also cause localized wound and eye infections as well as systemic disease. Certain B. thuringiensis strains are entomopathogens and have been commercialized for use as biopesticides, while some strains have been reported to cause infection in immunocompromised individuals. In this article we compare and contrast B. anthracis, B. cereus, and B. thuringiensis, including ecology, cell structure and development, virulence attributes, gene regulation and genetic exchange systems, and experimental models of disease.
Collapse
|
12
|
Saikia L, Gogoi N, Das PP, Sarmah A, Punam K, Mahanta B, Bora S, Bora R. Bacillus cereus-Attributable Primary Cutaneous Anthrax-Like Infection in Newborn Infants, India. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:1261-1270. [PMID: 31211665 PMCID: PMC6590766 DOI: 10.3201/eid2507.181493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During March 13-June 23, 2018, anthrax-like cutaneous lesions attributed to the Bacillus cereus group of organisms developed in 12 newborns in India. We traced the source of infection to the healthcare kits used for newborn care. We used multilocus sequence typing to characterize the 19 selected strains from various sources in hospital settings, including the healthcare kits. This analysis revealed the existence of a genetically diverse population comprising mostly new sequence types. Phylogenetic analysis clustered most strains into the previously defined clade I, composed primarily of pathogenic bacilli. We suggest that the synergistic interaction of nonhemolytic enterotoxin and sphingomyelinase might have a role in the development of cutaneous lesions. The infection was controlled by removing the healthcare kits and by implementing an ideal housekeeping program. All the newborns recovered after treatment with ciprofloxacin and amikacin.
Collapse
|
13
|
Nartop D, Demirel B, Güleç M, Hasanoğlu Özkan E, Kurnaz Yetim N, Sarı N, Çeker S, Öğütcü H, Ağar G. Novel polymeric microspheres: Synthesis, enzyme immobilization, antimutagenic activity, and antimicrobial evaluation against pathogenic microorganisms. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2019; 34:e22432. [PMID: 31851403 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
New polymeric microspheres containing azomethine (1a-1c and 2a-2c) were synthesized by condensation to compare the enzymatic properties of the enzyme glucose oxidase (GOx) and to investigate antimutagenic and antimicrobial activities. The polymeric microspheres were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectra (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, thermal gravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy analysis. The catalytic activity of the glucose oxidase enzyme follows Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Influence of temperature, reusability, and storage capacity of the free and immobilized glucose oxidase enzyme were investigated. It is determined that immobilized enzymes exhibit good storage stability and reusability. After immobilization of GOx in polymeric supports, the thermal stability of the enzyme increased and the maximum reaction rate (Vmax ) decreased. The activity of the immobilized enzymes was preserved even after 5 months. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the polymeric microspheres were evaluated by well-diffusion method against some selected pathogenic microorganisms. The antimutagenic properties of all compounds were also examined against sodium azide in human lymphocyte cells by micronuclei and sister chromatid exchange tests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dilek Nartop
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Techonology, Düzce University, Düzce, Turkey
| | - Birtane Demirel
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Science, Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University, Nevşehir, Turkey
| | - Murat Güleç
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Science, Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University, Nevşehir, Turkey
| | | | - Nurdan Kurnaz Yetim
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Science, Kırklareli University, Kırklareli, Turkey
| | - Nurşen Sarı
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Selçuk Çeker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University, Ağrı, Turkey
| | - Hatice Öğütcü
- Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Ahi Evran University, Kırşehir, Turkey
| | - Güleray Ağar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Nartop D, Özkan EH, Gündem M, Çeker S, Ağar G, Öğütcü H, Sarı N. Synthesis, antimicrobial and antimutagenic effects of novel polymeric-Schiff bases including indol. J Mol Struct 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2019.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
|
15
|
Leung EC, McFadden S, Tremblay A. An unusual case of massive hemoptysis due to Bacillus cereus necrotizing pneumonia. Respir Med Case Rep 2019; 28:100943. [PMID: 31709137 PMCID: PMC6831836 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2019.100943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus cereus is a gram-positive bacillus that is ubiquitously present in the environment, often regarded as a contaminant when isolated in clinical testing. Cases of B. cereus causing lower respiratory tract infections are sparse, with less than 20 reported in the literature, and even fewer as a cause of massive hemoptysis. The majority of cases occur in the setting of an immunosuppressed patient. We describe a case of a 59-year-old male with esophageal adenocarcinoma undergoing chemotherapy presenting with a right upper lobe necrotizing pneumonia secondary to B. cereus with consequent massive hemoptysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric C. Leung
- Department of Respirology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Corresponding author.
| | - Sean McFadden
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Alain Tremblay
- Department of Respirology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Fatal community-acquired Bacillus cereus pneumonia in an immunocompetent adult man: a case report. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:197. [PMID: 30813918 PMCID: PMC6391836 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-3836-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacillus cereus is a gram-positive rod bacterium that is responsible for food poisoning. It is naturally widely distributed, and thus often contaminates cultures. Although it is rarely considered responsible, it can cause serious infections under certain conditions. However, lethal infections, especially in immunocompetent patients, are rare. CASE PRESENTATION A healthy 60-year-old man developed community-acquired B. cereus pneumonia and alveolar hemorrhage unveiled by abrupt chest pain and hemoptysis with no other advance symptoms. B. cereus induced silent alveolar destruction without any local or systemic inflammatory response. Although the lesion resembled lung anthrax, there was no evidence of Bacillus anthracis toxin. CONCLUSIONS Some isolates of B. cereus can cause anthrax-like fulminant necrotizing pneumonia in immunocompetent patients. If this type of B. cereus were used as a means of bioterrorism, it may be quite difficult to recognize as bioterrorism. We should keep B. cereus in mind as a potential pathogen of fulminant human infectious disease.
Collapse
|
17
|
Fyhrquist P, Virjamo V, Hiltunen E, Julkunen-Tiitto R. Epidihydropinidine, the main piperidine alkaloid compound of Norway spruce (Picea abies) shows antibacterial and anti-Candida activity. Fitoterapia 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2018.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
18
|
Scarff JM, Seldina YI, Vergis JM, Ventura CL, O’Brien AD. Expression and contribution to virulence of each polysaccharide capsule of Bacillus cereus strain G9241. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202701. [PMID: 30133532 PMCID: PMC6105005 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus cereus strain G9241 was isolated from a patient with pneumonia who had an anthrax-like illness. Like Bacillus anthracis, the virulence of G9241 is dependent on two large plasmids. In G9241 those plasmids are pBCXO1 and pBC210. There is a multi-gene capsule locus on each of these virulence plasmids, and both capsules are produced by G9241 in vitro and in mice. The hasACB operon on pBCXO1 is responsible for production of a hyaluronic acid (HA) capsule. The locus on pBC210 encodes a putative tetrasaccharide (TS) capsule that assembles in a Wzy-dependent manner. We found that the pBC210 capsule locus is transcribed as two operons and identified the promoter regions responsible for transcription. We constructed isogenic mutants to assess the role of genes in the two TS capsule operons in production of the capsule. Spores of strains deficient in production of either the HA or TS capsule were inoculated subcutaneously or intranasally into A/J and C57BL/6 mice to determine the lethal dose 50% of each bacterial mutant by each route of infection. The loss of the HA capsule attenuated G9241 more than the loss of the TS capsule for both infection routes in both mouse strains. Overall, our data further characterize the unique TS capsule on pBC210 and demonstrate that the two capsules do not have the same impact on virulence of G9241.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M. Scarff
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Yuliya I. Seldina
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - James M. Vergis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Christy L. Ventura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Alison D. O’Brien
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Glasset B, Herbin S, Granier SA, Cavalié L, Lafeuille E, Guérin C, Ruimy R, Casagrande-Magne F, Levast M, Chautemps N, Decousser JW, Belotti L, Pelloux I, Robert J, Brisabois A, Ramarao N. Bacillus cereus, a serious cause of nosocomial infections: Epidemiologic and genetic survey. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194346. [PMID: 29791442 PMCID: PMC5966241 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus cereus is the 2nd most frequent bacterial agent responsible for food-borne outbreaks in France and the 3rd in Europe. In addition, local and systemic infections have been reported, mainly describing individual cases or single hospital setting. The real incidence of such infection is unknown and information on genetic and phenotypic characteristics of the incriminated strains is generally scarce. We performed an extensive study of B. cereus strains isolated from patients and hospital environments from nine hospitals during a 5-year study, giving an overview of the consequences, sources and pathogenic patterns of B. cereus clinical infections. We demonstrated the occurrence of several hospital-cross-contaminations. Identical B. cereus strains were recovered from different patients and hospital environments for up to 2 years. We also clearly revealed the occurrence of inter hospital contaminations by the same strain. These cases represent the first documented events of nosocomial epidemy by B. cereus responsible for intra and inter hospitals contaminations. Indeed, contamination of different patients with the same strain of B. cereus was so far never shown. In addition, we propose a scheme for the characterization of B. cereus based on biochemical properties and genetic identification and highlight that main genetic signatures may carry a high pathogenic potential. Moreover, the characterization of antibiotic resistance shows an acquired resistance phenotype for rifampicin. This may provide indication to adjust the antibiotic treatment and care of patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Glasset
- Micalis Institute, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Université Paris-Est, Anses, Laboratory for Food Safety, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sabine Herbin
- Université Paris-Est, Anses, Laboratory for Food Safety, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sophie A. Granier
- Université Paris-Est, Anses, Laboratory for Food Safety, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Laurent Cavalié
- CHU Toulouse, Service de Bactériologie-Hygiène, IRSD, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, INRA, ENVT, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Emilie Lafeuille
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Inserm, U1135, Centre d’Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Paris, France
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie-Hygiène, Hôpitaux Universitaires Pitié-Salpêtrière-Charles Foix, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Cyprien Guérin
- MaiAGE, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Raymond Ruimy
- CHU Nice, Laboratoire de bactériologie, Nice, France
| | | | - Marion Levast
- Hôpital de Chambéry, Laboratoire de Biologie Médicale, Chambéry, France
| | | | - Jean-Winoc Decousser
- Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Sud Antoine Béclère, Laboratoire Hygiène, Clamart, France
| | - Laure Belotti
- CHU Strasbourg, Laboratoire d’hygiène hospitalière, Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Jerôme Robert
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Inserm, U1135, Centre d’Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Paris, France
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie-Hygiène, Hôpitaux Universitaires Pitié-Salpêtrière-Charles Foix, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Anne Brisabois
- Université Paris-Est, Anses, Laboratory for Food Safety, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Nalini Ramarao
- Micalis Institute, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Certhrax Is an Antivirulence Factor for the Anthrax-Like Organism Bacillus cereus Strain G9241. Infect Immun 2018; 86:IAI.00207-18. [PMID: 29610258 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00207-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus cereus G9241 caused a life-threatening anthrax-like lung infection in a previously healthy human. This strain harbors two large virulence plasmids, pBCXO1 and pBC210, that are absent from typical B. cereus isolates. The pBCXO1 plasmid is nearly identical to pXO1 from Bacillus anthracis and carries genes (pagA1, lef, and cya) for anthrax toxin components (protective antigen [called PA1 in G9241], lethal factor [LF], and edema factor [EF], respectively). The plasmid also has an intact hyaluronic acid capsule locus. The pBC210 plasmid has a tetrasaccharide capsule locus, a gene for a PA1 homolog called PA2 (pagA2), and a gene (cer) for Certhrax, an ADP-ribosyltransferase toxin that inactivates vinculin. LF, EF, and Certhrax require PA for entry into cells. In this study, we asked what role PA1, PA2, LF, and Certhrax play in the pathogenicity of G9241. To answer this, we generated isogenic deletion mutations in the targeted toxin gene components and then assessed the strains for virulence in highly G9241-susceptible (A/J) and moderately G9241-sensitive (C57BL/6) mice. We found that full virulence of G9241 required PA1 and LF, while PA2 contributed minimally to pathogenesis of G9241 but could not functionally replace PA1 as a toxin-binding subunit in vivo Surprisingly, we discovered that Certhrax attenuated the virulence of G9241; i.e., a Δcer Δlef mutant strain was more virulent than a Δlef mutant strain following subcutaneous inoculation of A/J mice. Moreover, the enzymatic activity of Certhrax contributed to this phenotype. We concluded that Certhrax acts as an antivirulence factor in the anthrax-like organism B. cereus G9241.
Collapse
|
21
|
Gaeta NC, Ribeiro BL, Alemán MA, Yoshihara E, Nassar AF, Marques LM, Timenetsky J, Gregory L. Bacterial pathogens of the lower respiratory tract of calves from Brazilian rural settlement herds and their association with clinical signs of bovine respiratory disease. PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-5323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT: Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is considered the major cause of economic losses in dairy and beef cattle production. The study aimed to detect the most important bacteria related to respiratory disease in tracheobronchial fluid samples of healthy and dairy calves with clinical signs of BRD in Brazilian rural settlements. Hundred and forty-one mongrel dairy calves were randomly selected from 42 family farm dairy herds from Brazilian settlements. Physical examination was performed and calves were classified as healthy (n=100) and BRD (n=41). Tracheobronchial fluid samples were collected. Isolation and molecular detection of Mycoplasma dispar, M. bovis and M. mycoides subsp. mycoides SC besides isolation of other aerobic bacteria were performed. Abnormal lung sounds (crackle/snoring/whistle), mucopurulent/purulent nasal discharge, body temperature >39.5°C and respiratory rate >40 breaths/min were higher in BRD calves compared to healthy calves (P<0.05). Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus intermedius and non-fermentative Gram-negative were the most prevalent bacteria isolated. Non-identified species from Enterobacteriaceae family was higher in BRD calves compared to healthy calves (P<0.05). Mollicutes were isolated in 7.4% of samples and only M. dispar was detected. Mollicutes was associated with purulent/mucopurulent nasal discharge (P=0.017). Pantoea agglomerans was associated to tachypnea (P=0.020), and Streptococcus spp. was associated with hyperthermia. Statistical tendencies were observed to M. dispar and tachypnea (P=0.066), and P. agglomerans and tachycardia (P=0.066). The obtained results describe the microorganisms found in tracheobronchial fluid of calves with BRD in some herds of Brazilian family farming and their relation to clinical signs of BRD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eidi Yoshihara
- Pólo Regional de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico dos Agronegócios da Alta Sorocabana, Brasil
| | | | - Lucas M. Marques
- Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil; Universidade Federal da Bahia, Brazil
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Yang BW, Yeo IC, Choi JH, Sumi CD, Hahm YT. RNA-Seq Analysis of Antibiotic-Producing Bacillus subtilis SC-8 Reveals a Role for Small Peptides in Controlling PapR Signaling. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2017; 185:359-369. [PMID: 29152694 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-017-2653-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus subtilis SC-8 (BSSC8) shows a narrow antimicrobial activity against the Bacillus cereus group. Previously, B. cereus-derived PapR as a signal peptide to stimulate PlcR, which plays a significant role in regulating the transcription of virulence factors, was assumed to stimulate antibiotic production in BSSC8. To better understand the functional role of PapR in the antibiotic production of BSSC8 and the interspecies interaction, the global transcriptomic profiling of BSSC8 was investigated using RNA-Seq in this study. Small peptides derived from B. cereus wild type (WTBC) and a papR-deleted mutant strain (MTBC) were individually supplied to BSSC8 cultures, and changes in global transcription levels were compared by RNA-Seq. In the presence of WTBC small peptides, more genes (80.9%) were significantly upregulated than in cells exposed to MTBC small peptides. Specifically, 48.8 and 83.4% of genes involved in glycolysis and the TCA cycle, respectively, showed changes in transcription levels in response to small peptides from both strains. Of the genes showing the alterations, 35.0% (glycolysis) and 60.0% (TCA cycle) of transcripts were significantly regulated only in response to WTBC-derived small peptides. Furthermore, the expression of biosynthetic genes encoding several known antibiotics in BSSC8 was further decreased in response to WTBC small peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Byung Wook Yang
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, 4726, Seodong-daero, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Cheol Yeo
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Jae Hee Choi
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, 4726, Seodong-daero, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Chandra Datta Sumi
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, 4726, Seodong-daero, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Tae Hahm
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, 4726, Seodong-daero, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Shimoyama Y, Umegaki O, Ooi Y, Agui T, Kadono N, Minami T. Bacillus cereus pneumonia in an immunocompetent patient: a case report. JA Clin Rep 2017; 3:25. [PMID: 29457069 PMCID: PMC5804607 DOI: 10.1186/s40981-017-0096-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) rarely causes lower respiratory tract infections, although most reported cases of B. cereus pneumonia are fatal despite intensive antibiotic therapy. We present a case of B. cereus pneumonia in an immunocompetent patient. Case presentation An 81-year-old woman was transferred from a district general hospital to our hospital for treatment of congestive heart failure. The patient presented with a nonproductive cough, dyspnea, edema in both lower extremities, orthopnea, fever, and occult blood in the stool. A chest radiograph indicated bilateral pleural effusion and pulmonary congestion. After diuretic therapy and chest drainage, bilateral pleural effusion and pulmonary congestion improved. On day 2, she experienced severe respiratory distress. B. cereus was isolated from two blood sample cultures. On day 4, her condition had progressed to severe respiratory distress (PaO2/FiO2 ratio = 108). A chest radiograph and computed tomography indicated extensive bilateral infiltrates. She was transferred to the intensive care unit and was intubated. B. cereus was also isolated from five blood sample cultures at that time. After isolating B. cereus, we switched antibiotics to a combination of imipenem and levofloxacin, which were effective. She had no history of immunodeficiency, surgery, ill close contacts, risk factors for HIV or tuberculosis, recent central venous catheter insertion, or anthrax vaccination. She improved and was discharged from the intensive care unit after several days. Conclusion This is a rare case of B. cereus pneumonia in an immunocompetent patient, who subsequently recovered. Bacillus should be considered as a potential pathogen when immunocompetent patients develop severe pneumonia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuichiro Shimoyama
- 1Department of Anesthesiology, Osaka Medical College, Intensive Care Unit, Osaka Medical College Hospital, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686 Japan
| | - Osamu Umegaki
- 1Department of Anesthesiology, Osaka Medical College, Intensive Care Unit, Osaka Medical College Hospital, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686 Japan
| | - Yukimasa Ooi
- 2Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka Medical College, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Agui
- 3Department of Surgery, Osaka Medical College, Intensive Care Unit, Osaka Medical College Hospital, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Noriko Kadono
- 1Department of Anesthesiology, Osaka Medical College, Intensive Care Unit, Osaka Medical College Hospital, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686 Japan
| | - Toshiaki Minami
- 4Department of Anesthesiology, Osaka Medical College, Takatsuki, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Fyhrquist P, Virjamo V, Hiltunen E, Julkunen-Tiitto R. Epidihydropinidine, the main piperidine alkaloid compound of Norway spruce (Picea abies) shows promising antibacterial and anti-Candida activity. Fitoterapia 2017; 117:138-146. [PMID: 28163074 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2017.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
This study reports for the first time promising antibacterial and antifungal effects of epidihydropinidine, the major piperidine alkaloid in the needles and bark of Norway spruce, Picea abies (L.) Karsten. Epidihydropinidine was growth inhibitory against all bacterial and fungal strains used in our investigation, showing the lowest MIC value of 5.37μg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Candida glabrata and C. albicans. Epidihydropinidine was nearly three times more active than tetracycline against P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis. Promising antibacterial effects were also recorded against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus (MIC 10.75μg/mL) as well as against Salmonella enterica (MIC and MBC 43μg/mL). Our preliminary results suggest that epidihydropinidine as well related alkaloids of Norway spruce could be powerful candidates for new antibiotics and for preventing food spoilage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pia Fyhrquist
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, P.O. Box 56, FIN-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Virpi Virjamo
- Natural Product Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Eveliina Hiltunen
- Natural Product Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Riitta Julkunen-Tiitto
- Natural Product Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, Joensuu, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Soudet S, Becquart C, Dezoteux F, Faure K, Staumont-Salle D, Delaporte E. Endocardite à Bacillus cereus avec probable porte d’entrée cutanée. Ann Dermatol Venereol 2017; 144:45-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annder.2016.09.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 05/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
26
|
Scarff JM, Raynor MJ, Seldina YI, Ventura CL, Koehler TM, O'Brien AD. The roles of AtxA orthologs in virulence of anthrax-like Bacillus cereus G9241. Mol Microbiol 2016; 102:545-561. [PMID: 27490458 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AtxA is a critical transcriptional regulator of plasmid-encoded virulence genes in Bacillus anthracis. Bacillus cereus G9241, which caused an anthrax-like infection, has two virulence plasmids, pBCXO1 and pBC210, that each harbor toxin genes and a capsule locus. G9241 also produces two orthologs of AtxA: AtxA1, encoded on pBCXO1, and AtxA2, encoded on pBC210. The amino acid sequence of AtxA1 is identical to that of AtxA from B. anthracis, while the sequences of AtxA1 and AtxA2 are 79% identical and 91% similar to one another. We found by qRT-PCR that AtxA1 and AtxA2 function as positive regulators of toxin (AtxA1) and capsule operon (both) transcription in G9241 and that a ΔatxA1 mutant produced lower levels of the anthrax toxins and no hyaluronic acid capsule. Deletion of atxA1 or atxA2 decreased the virulence of spores administered intranasally or subcutaneously to C57BL/6 mice but not to A/J mice, and deletion of both genes rendered spores avirulent in A/J mice. In addition, unlike AtxA1, AtxA2 did not form stable homomultimers in vitro, although AtxA1 and AtxA2 formed heterodimers. Our data show that AtxA1 is the primary regulator of G9241 virulence factor expression and that AtxA1 and AtxA2 are both required for full virulence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Scarff
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Malik J Raynor
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yuliya I Seldina
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christy L Ventura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Theresa M Koehler
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alison D O'Brien
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Li Z, Hwang S, Bar-Peled M. Discovery of a Unique Extracellular Polysaccharide in Members of the Pathogenic Bacillus That Can Co-form with Spores. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:19051-67. [PMID: 27402849 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.724708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
An exopolysaccharide, produced during the late stage of stationary growth phase, was discovered and purified from the culture medium of Bacillus cereus, Bacillus anthracis, and Bacillus thuringiensis when strains were grown in a defined nutrient medium that induces biofilm. Two-dimensional NMR structural characterization of the polysaccharide, named pzX, revealed that it is composed of an unusual three amino-sugar sequence repeat of [-3)XylNAc4OAc(α1-3)GlcNAcA4OAc(α1-3)XylNAc(α1-]n The sugar residue XylNAc had never been described previously in any glycan structure. The XNAC operon that contains the genes for the assembly of pzX is also unique and so far has been identified only in members of the Bacillus cereus sensu lato group. Microscopic and biochemical analyses indicate that pzX co-forms during sporulation, so that upon the release of the spore to the extracellular milieu it becomes surrounded by pzX. The relative amounts of pzX produced can be manipulated by specific nutrients in the medium, but rich medium appears to suppress pzX formation. pzX has the following unique characteristics: a surfactant property that lowers surface tension, a cell/spore antiaggregant, and an adherence property that increases spores binding to surfaces. pzX in Bacillus could represent a trait shared by many spore-producing microorganisms. It suggests pzX is an active player in spore physiology and may provide new insights to the successful survival of the B. cereus species in natural environments or in the hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zi Li
- From the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center and Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Soyoun Hwang
- From the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center and
| | - Maor Bar-Peled
- From the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center and Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Veysseyre F, Fourcade C, Lavigne JP, Sotto A. Bacillus cereus infection: 57 case patients and a literature review. Med Mal Infect 2015; 45:436-40. [PMID: 26525185 DOI: 10.1016/j.medmal.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Revised: 07/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to study the characteristics of patients presenting with a Bacillus cereus infection in a university hospital. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of the clinical, biological, and treatment-related data of patients hospitalized in our university hospital between January 1st, 2008 and December 31st, 2012 and diagnosed with a B. cereus infection. We identified a subgroup of patients presenting with bacteremia and looked for risk factors for death within that group of patients. RESULTS We included 57 patients in our study; 31 (54.4%) were hospitalized in a medical ward. We identified 24 bacteremia case patients, including 17 patients presenting with bacteremia alone (29.8%). Other frequently observed infection sites were skin infections (16; 28.1%) and bone and joint infections (10; 17.5%). We recorded 9 deaths (11.8%); 2 patients, despite being on an appropriate antibiotic therapy, died from a medical device-related infection that had not been removed. The empirical administration of a beta-lactam antibiotic was significantly associated with death (P=0.022). Three patients presenting with recurrent bacteremia were identified. The patients only recovered once the infected device had been removed. CONCLUSION B. cereus infections may have various clinical presentations. Prospective data is needed to put forward a consensual treatment approach and guide physicians in choosing the appropriate antibiotic therapy and in removing the infected device.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Veysseyre
- Service de maladies infectieuses et tropicales, CHU Caremeau, place du Pr R.-Debré, 30029 Nîmes cedex 9, France
| | - C Fourcade
- Service de maladies infectieuses et tropicales, CHU Caremeau, place du Pr R.-Debré, 30029 Nîmes cedex 9, France
| | - J-P Lavigne
- Service de microbiologie, CHU Caremeau, 30029 Nîmes, France
| | - A Sotto
- Service de maladies infectieuses et tropicales, CHU Caremeau, place du Pr R.-Debré, 30029 Nîmes cedex 9, France.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Unexpected Roles for Toll-Like Receptor 4 and TRIF in Intraocular Infection with Gram-Positive Bacteria. Infect Immun 2015. [PMID: 26195555 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00502-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation caused by infection with Gram-positive bacteria is typically initiated by interactions with Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). Endophthalmitis, an infection and inflammation of the posterior segment of the eye, can lead to vision loss when initiated by a virulent microbial pathogen. Endophthalmitis caused by Bacillus cereus develops as acute inflammation with infiltrating neutrophils, and vision loss is potentially catastrophic. Residual inflammation observed during B. cereus endophthalmitis in TLR2(-/-) mice led us to investigate additional innate pathways that may trigger intraocular inflammation. We first hypothesized that intraocular inflammation during B. cereus endophthalmitis would be controlled by MyD88- and TRIF-mediated signaling, since MyD88 and TRIF are the major adaptor molecules for all bacterial TLRs. In MyD88(-/-) and TRIF(-/-) mice, we observed significantly less intraocular inflammation than in eyes from infected C57BL/6J mice, suggesting an important role for these TLR adaptors in B. cereus endophthalmitis. These results led to a second hypothesis, that TLR4, the only TLR that signals through both MyD88 and TRIF signaling pathways, contributed to inflammation during B. cereus endophthalmitis. Surprisingly, B. cereus-infected TLR4(-/-) eyes also had significantly less intraocular inflammation than infected C57BL/6J eyes, indicating an important role for TLR4 in B. cereus endophthalmitis. Taken together, our results suggest that TLR4, TRIF, and MyD88 are important components of the intraocular inflammatory response observed in experimental B. cereus endophthalmitis, identifying a novel innate immune interaction for B. cereus and for this disease.
Collapse
|
30
|
Palmer J, Bell M, Darko C, Barnewall R, Keane-Myers A. Protein- and DNA-based anthrax toxin vaccines confer protection in guinea pigs against inhalational challenge with Bacillus cereus G9241. Pathog Dis 2014; 72:138-42. [PMID: 25044336 DOI: 10.1111/2049-632x.12204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Revised: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, several Bacillus cereus strains have been isolated from otherwise healthy individuals who succumbed to bacterial pneumonia presenting symptoms resembling inhalational anthrax. One strain was indistinguishable from B. cereus G9241, previously cultured from an individual who survived a similar pneumonia-like illness and which was shown to possess a complete set of plasmid-borne anthrax toxin-encoding homologs. The finding that B. cereus G9241 pathogenesis in mice is dependent on pagA1-derived protective antigen (PA) synthesis suggests that an anthrax toxin-based vaccine may be effective against this toxin-encoding B. cereus strain. Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs were immunized with protein- and DNA-based anthrax toxin-based vaccines, immune responses were evaluated and survival rates were calculated after lethal aerosol exposure with B. cereus G9241 spores. Each vaccine induced seroconversion with the protein immunization regimen eliciting significantly higher serum levels of antigen-specific antibodies at the prechallenge time-point compared with the DNA-protein prime-boost immunization schedule. Complete protection against lethal challenge was observed in all groups with a detectable prechallenge serum titer of toxin neutralizing antibodies. For the first time, we demonstrated that the efficacy of fully defined anthrax toxin-based vaccines was protective against lethal B. cereus G9241 aerosol challenge in the guinea pig animal model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Palmer
- Vaccines and Medical Countermeasures, Biological Defense Research Directorate, Navy Medical Research Center, NMRC-Frederick, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Plech T, Paneth A, Kaproń B, Kosikowska U, Malm A, Strzelczyk A, Stączek P. Structure-activity relationship studies of microbiologically active thiosemicarbazides derived from hydroxybenzoic acid hydrazides. Chem Biol Drug Des 2014; 85:315-25. [PMID: 25043121 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Revised: 05/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Forty-five derivatives of thiosemicarbazide were synthesized, and their antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was evaluated. Some of the described compounds exhibited interesting activity against reference strains of Gram-positive bacteria, whereas only two derivatives had the ability to inhibit the growth of Gram-negative species (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883, Proteus mirabilis ATCC 12453). The most potent antimicrobial activity was observed in the cases of salicylic acid hydrazide derivatives. The differences in activity inspired us to conduct conformational analysis using molecular mechanics level. The obtained results suggest that the molecule geometry, especially at the N4-terminus of thiosemicarbazide skeleton, determines the antibacterial activity. Unfortunately, in opposition to what we expected, only one of the tested compounds inhibited the activity of the topoIV enzyme, and none of them was active against DNA gyrase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Plech
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University, Chodzki 4A, Lublin, 20-093, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Identification of pBC218/pBC210 Genes of Bacillus cereus G9241 in Five Florida Soils Using qPCR. INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARLY RESEARCH NOTICES 2014; 2014:197234. [PMID: 27350995 PMCID: PMC4897429 DOI: 10.1155/2014/197234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The distribution of the virulent plasmid pBC210 of B. cereus that carries several B. anthracis genes and has been implicated in lethal anthrax-like pulmonary disease is unknown. We screened our collection of 103 B. cereus isolates and 256 soil samples using a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay that targeted three open reading frames putatively unique to pBC210. When tested with DNA from 2 B. cereus strains carrying pBC210, and 64 Gram-positive and 55 Gram-negative bacterial species, the assay had 100% sensitivity and specificity. None of the DNA from the B. cereus isolates yielded positive amplicons but DNA extracted from five soils collected in Florida gave positive results for all three target sequences of pBC210. While screening confirms that pBC210 is uncommon in B. cereus, this study is the first to report that pBC210 is present in Florida soils. This study improves our knowledge of the distribution of pBC210 in soils and, of public health importance, the potential threat of B. cereus isolates carrying the toxin-carrying plasmid. We demonstrated that sequences of pBC210 can be found in a larger geographical area than previously thought and that finding more B. cereus carrying the virulent plasmid is a possibility in the future.
Collapse
|
33
|
Simon NC, Barbieri JT. Bacillus cereus Certhrax ADP-ribosylates vinculin to disrupt focal adhesion complexes and cell adhesion. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:10650-10659. [PMID: 24573681 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.500710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus cereus is often associated with mild to moderate gastroenteritis; however, some recent isolates cause inhalational anthrax-like diseases and death. These potential emerging human pathogens express multiple virulence factors. B. cereus strain G9241 expresses anthrax toxin, several polysaccharide capsules, and the novel ADP-ribosyltransferase, Certhrax. In this study, we show that Certhrax ADP-ribosylates Arg-433 of vinculin, a protein that coordinates actin cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix interactions. ADP-ribosylation of vinculin disrupted focal adhesion complexes and redistributed vinculin to the cytoplasm. Exogenous vinculin rescued these phenotypes. This provides a mechanism for strain G9241 to breach host barrier defenses and promote bacterial growth and spread. Certhrax is the first bacterial toxin to add a post-translational modification to vinculin to disrupt the actin cytoskeleton.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan C Simon
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226
| | - Joseph T Barbieri
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Tran SL, Ramarao N. Bacillus cereus immune escape: a journey within macrophages. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2013; 347:1-6. [PMID: 23827020 DOI: 10.1111/1574-6968.12209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During bacterial infection, professional phagocytes are attracted to the site of infection, where they constitute a first line of host cell defense. Their function is to engulf and destroy the pathogens. Thus, bacteria must withstand the bactericidal activity of professional phagocytes, including macrophages to counteract the host immune system. Bacillus cereus infections are characterized by bacteremia despite the accumulation of inflammatory cells at the site of infection. This implies that the bacteria have developed means of resisting the host immune system. Bacillus cereus spores survive, germinate, and multiply in contact with macrophages, eventually producing toxins that kill these cells. However, the exact mechanism by which B. cereus evades immune attack remains unclear. This review addresses the interaction between B. cereus and macrophages, highlighting, in particular, the ways in which the bacteria escape the microbicidal activities of professional phagocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seav-Ly Tran
- INRA, Unité MICALIS, AgroParisTech, UMR-1319, La Minière, Guyancourt, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Wong CHY, Jenne CN, Petri B, Chrobok NL, Kubes P. Nucleation of platelets with blood-borne pathogens on Kupffer cells precedes other innate immunity and contributes to bacterial clearance. Nat Immunol 2013; 14:785-92. [PMID: 23770641 PMCID: PMC4972575 DOI: 10.1038/ni.2631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 270] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Using intravital imaging of the liver, we unveil a collaborative role for platelets with Kupffer cells (KCs) in eradicating bloodborne bacterial infections. Under basal conditions, platelets via glycoprotein Ib (GPIb) formed transient “touch-and-go” interactions with von Willebrand factor (vWF) constitutively expressed on KCs. Bacteria, such as Bacillus cereus and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), were rapidly caught by KCs and triggered platelets to switch from “touch-and-go” to sustained GPIIb-mediated adhesion on the KC surface to encase the bacterium. Infected GpIbα−/− mice demonstrated increased endothelial and KC damage, leading to increased fluid leakage, significant polycythemia and rapid mortality. This study identifies a novel surveillance mechanism of intravascular macrophage by platelets that rapidly converts to a critical host response against bloodborne bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Connie H Y Wong
- Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
The pore-forming haemolysins of bacillus cereus: a review. Toxins (Basel) 2013; 5:1119-39. [PMID: 23748204 PMCID: PMC3717773 DOI: 10.3390/toxins5061119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Revised: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The Bacillus cereus sensu lato group contains diverse Gram-positive spore-forming bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal diseases and severe eye infections in humans. They have also been incriminated in a multitude of other severe, and frequently fatal, clinical infections, such as osteomyelitis, septicaemia, pneumonia, liver abscess and meningitis, particularly in immuno-compromised patients and preterm neonates. The pathogenic properties of this organism are mediated by the synergistic effects of a number of virulence products that promote intestinal cell destruction and/or resistance to the host immune system. This review focuses on the pore-forming haemolysins produced by B. cereus: haemolysin I (cereolysin O), haemolysin II, haemolysin III and haemolysin IV (CytK). Haemolysin I belongs to the cholesterol-dependent cytolysin (CDC) family whose best known members are listeriolysin O and perfringolysin O, produced by L. monocytogenes and C. perfringens respectively. HlyII and CytK are oligomeric ß-barrel pore-forming toxins related to the α-toxin of S. aureus or the ß-toxin of C. perfringens. The structure of haemolysin III, the least characterized haemolytic toxin from the B. cereus, group has not yet been determined.
Collapse
|
37
|
Simon NC, Vergis JM, Ebrahimi AV, Ventura CL, O'Brien AD, Barbieri JT. Host cell cytotoxicity and cytoskeleton disruption by CerADPr, an ADP-ribosyltransferase of Bacillus cereus G9241. Biochemistry 2013; 52:2309-18. [PMID: 22934824 DOI: 10.1021/bi300692g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Bacillus cereus G9241 was isolated from a welder suffering from an anthrax-like inhalation illness. B. cereus G9241 encodes two megaplasmids, pBCXO1 and pBC210, which are analogous to the toxin- and capsule-encoding virulence plasmids of Bacillus anthracis. Protein modeling predicted that the pBC210 LF homologue contained an ADP-ribosyltransferase (ADPr) domain. This putative bacterial ADP-ribosyltransferase domain was denoted CerADPr. Iterative modeling showed that CerADPr possessed several conserved ADP-ribosyltransferase features, including an α-3 helix, an ADP-ribosyltransferase turn-turn loop, and a "Gln-XXX-Glu" motif. CerADPr ADP-ribosylated an ~120 kDa protein in HeLa cell lysates and intact cells. EGFP-CerADPr rounded HeLa cells, elicited cytoskeletal changes, and yielded a cytotoxic phenotype, indicating that CerADPr disrupts cytoskeletal signaling. CerADPr(E431D) did not possess ADP-ribosyltransferase or NAD glycohydrolase activities and did not elicit a phenotype in HeLa cells, implicating Glu431 as a catalytic residue. These experiments identify CerADPr as a cytotoxic ADP-ribosyltransferase that disrupts the host cytoskeleton.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan C Simon
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Vaccine protection against Bacillus cereus-mediated respiratory anthrax-like disease in mice. Infect Immun 2013; 81:1008-17. [PMID: 23319564 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01346-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus cereus strains harboring a pXO1-like virulence plasmid cause respiratory anthrax-like disease in humans, particularly in welders. We developed mouse models for intraperitoneal as well as aerosol challenge with spores of B. cereus G9241, harboring pBCXO1 and pBC218 virulence plasmids. Compared to wild-type B. cereus G9241, spores with a deletion of the pBCXO1-carried protective antigen gene (pagA1) were severely attenuated, whereas spores with a deletion of the pBC218-carried protective antigen homologue (pagA2) were not. Anthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA) immunization raised antibodies that bound and neutralized the pagA1-encoded protective antigen (PA1) but not the PA2 orthologue encoded by pagA2. AVA immunization protected mice against a lethal challenge with spores from B. cereus G9241 or B. cereus Elc4, a strain that had been isolated from a fatal case of anthrax-like disease. As the pathogenesis of B. cereus anthrax-like disease in mice is dependent on pagA1 and PA-neutralizing antibodies provide protection, AVA immunization may also protect humans from respiratory anthrax-like death.
Collapse
|
39
|
|
40
|
Immunization of mice with formalin-inactivated spores from avirulent Bacillus cereus strains provides significant protection from challenge with Bacillus anthracis Ames. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2012; 20:56-65. [PMID: 23114705 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00550-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis spores are the infectious form of the organism for humans and animals. However, the approved human vaccine in the United States is derived from a vegetative culture filtrate of a toxigenic, nonencapsulated B. anthracis strain that primarily contains protective antigen (PA). Immunization of mice with purified spore proteins and formalin-inactivated spores (FIS) from a nonencapsulated, nontoxigenic B. anthracis strain confers protection against B. anthracis challenge when PA is also administered. To investigate the capacity of the spore particle to act as a vaccine without PA, we immunized mice subcutaneously with FIS from nontoxigenic, nonencapsulated B. cereus strain G9241 pBCXO1(-)/pBC210(-) (dcG9241), dcG9241 ΔbclA, or 569-UM20 or with exosporium isolated from dcG9241. FIS vaccination provided significant protection of mice from intraperitoneal or intranasal challenge with spores of the virulent B. anthracis Ames or Ames ΔbclA strain. Immunization with dcG9241 ΔbclA FIS, which are devoid of the immunodominant spore protein BclA, provided greater protection from challenge with either Ames strain than did immunization with FIS from BclA-producing strains. In addition, we used prechallenge immune antisera to probe a panel of recombinant B. anthracis Sterne spore proteins to identify novel immunogenic vaccine candidates. The antisera were variably reactive with BclA and with 10 other proteins, four of which were previously tested as vaccine candidates. Overall our data show that immunization with FIS from nontoxigenic, nonencapsulated B. cereus strains provides moderate to high levels of protection of mice from B. anthracis Ames challenge and that neither PA nor BclA is required for this protection.
Collapse
|
41
|
Zeidler-Erdely PC, Erdely A, Antonini JM. Immunotoxicology of arc welding fume: worker and experimental animal studies. J Immunotoxicol 2012; 9:411-25. [PMID: 22734811 PMCID: PMC4696487 DOI: 10.3109/1547691x.2011.652783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Arc welding processes generate complex aerosols composed of potentially hazardous metal fumes and gases. Millions of workers worldwide are exposed to welding aerosols daily. A health effect of welding that is of concern to the occupational health community is the development of immune system dysfunction. Increased severity, frequency, and duration of upper and lower respiratory tract infections have been reported among welders. Specifically, multiple studies have observed an excess mortality from pneumonia in welders and workers exposed to metal fumes. Although several welder cohort and experimental animal studies investigating the adverse effects of welding fume exposure on immune function have been performed, the potential mechanisms responsible for these effects are limited. The objective of this report was to review both human and animal studies that have examined the effect of welding fume pulmonary exposure on local and systemic immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patti C Zeidler-Erdely
- Pathology and Physiology Research Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Hot and steamy: outbreak of Bacillus cereus in Singapore associated with construction work and laundry practices. J Hosp Infect 2012; 81:224-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2012.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2012] [Accepted: 04/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
43
|
Zwick ME, Joseph SJ, Didelot X, Chen PE, Bishop-Lilly KA, Stewart AC, Willner K, Nolan N, Lentz S, Thomason MK, Sozhamannan S, Mateczun AJ, Du L, Read TD. Genomic characterization of the Bacillus cereus sensu lato species: backdrop to the evolution of Bacillus anthracis. Genome Res 2012; 22:1512-24. [PMID: 22645259 PMCID: PMC3409264 DOI: 10.1101/gr.134437.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The key genes required for Bacillus anthracis to cause anthrax have been acquired recently by horizontal gene transfer. To understand the genetic background for the evolution of B. anthracis virulence, we obtained high-redundancy genome sequences of 45 strains of the Bacillus cereus sensu lato (s.l.) species that were chosen for their genetic diversity within the species based on the existing multilocus sequence typing scheme. From the resulting data, we called more than 324,000 new genes representing more than 12,333 new gene families for this group. The core genome size for the B. cereus s.l. group was ∼1750 genes, with another 2150 genes found in almost every genome constituting the extended core. There was a paucity of genes specific and conserved in any clade. We found no evidence of recent large-scale gene loss in B. anthracis or for unusual accumulation of nonsynonymous DNA substitutions in the chromosome; however, several B. cereus genomes isolated from soil and not previously associated with human disease were degraded to various degrees. Although B. anthracis has undergone an ecological shift within the species, its chromosome does not appear to be exceptional on a macroscopic scale compared with close relatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Zwick
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Walker D. Sverdlovsk revisited: pulmonary pathology of inhalational anthrax versus anthraxlike Bacillus cereus pneumonia. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2012; 136:235; author reply 235-6. [PMID: 22372894 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2011-0542-le] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
45
|
Temperature-dependent production of various PlcR-controlled virulence factors in Bacillus weihenstephanensis strain KBAB4. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012; 78:2553-61. [PMID: 22307282 DOI: 10.1128/aem.07446-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Bacillus cereus sensu lato complex has recently been divided into several phylogenetic groups with clear differences in growth temperature range. However, only a few studies have investigated the actual pathogenic potential of the psychrotolerant strains of the B. cereus group at low temperature, and little information is available concerning gene expression at low temperature. We found that vegetative cells of the psychrotolerant B. weihenstephanensis strain KBAB4 were pathogenic against the model insect Galleria mellonella at 15°C but not at 30°C. A similar temperature-dependent difference also was observed for the supernatant, which was cytotoxic to Vero epithelial cell lines and to murine macrophage J774 cells at 15°C but not at 30°C. We therefore determined the effect of low temperature on the production of various proteins putatively involved in virulence using two-dimensional protein gel electrophoresis, and we showed that the production of the Hbl enterotoxin and of two proteases, NprB and NprP2, was greater at a growth temperature of 15°C than at 30°C. The quantification of the mRNA levels for these virulence genes by real-time quantitative PCR at both temperatures showed that there was also more mRNA present at 15°C than at 30°C. We also found that at 15°C, hbl mRNA levels were maximal in the mid- to late exponential growth phase. In conclusion, we found that the higher virulence of the B. cereus KBAB4 strain at low temperature was accompanied by higher levels of the production of various known PlcR-controlled virulence factors and by a higher transcriptional activity of the corresponding genes.
Collapse
|
46
|
Yeo IC, Lee NK, Cha CJ, Hahm YT. Interspecies interaction of signal peptide PapR secreted by Bacillus cereus and its effect on production of antimicrobial peptide. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2012; 166:700-10. [PMID: 22101448 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-011-9459-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2011] [Accepted: 10/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This study was carried out to investigate the interspecies interaction of PapR peptide secreted by Bacillus cereus on production of BSAP-254, an antimicrobial peptide produced by Bacillus subtilis SC-8 isolated from the Korean fermented soybean paste and exhibited narrow antagonistic activity against the B. cereus group, but not against other foodborne pathogens. PapR is a signal peptide that activates PlcR, which is a pleiotropic regulator controlling the expression of various virulence factors in B. cereus. When B. subtilis SC-8 was co-cultured with B. cereus, it completely inhibited the growth of B. cereus within 12 h, and the rate of BSAP-254 production was increased 34.2% at 12 h. Furthermore, 5 μM of synthetic PapR peptide added to the culture of B. subtilis SC-8 increased the rate of BSAP-254 production up to 59.7%. The growth of B. subtilis SC-8, however, was not significantly different with or without the addition of PapR. When B. cereus papR mutant was co-cultured with B. subtilis SC-8, the growth of the mutant was not inhibited and the rate of BSAP-254 production was decreased by 45%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- In-Cheol Yeo
- Department of Biotechnology (BK21 Program), Chung-Ang University, Anseong 456-756, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Choi KB, Lim HS, Lee K, Ha GY, Jung KH, Sohn CK. [Epidemiological investigation for outbreak of food poisoning caused by Bacillus cereus among the workers at a local company in 2010]. J Prev Med Public Health 2011; 44:65-73. [PMID: 21483225 DOI: 10.3961/jpmph.2011.44.2.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In July 2 2010, a diarrhea outbreak occurred among the workers in a company in Gyeungju city, Korea. An epidemiological investigation was performed to clarify the cause and transmission route of the outbreak. METHODS We conducted a questionnaire survey among 193 persons, and we examined 21 rectal swabs and 6 environmental specimens. We also delegated the Daegu Bukgu public health center to examine 3 food service employees and 5 environmental specimens from the P buffet which served a buffet on June 30. The patient case was defined as a worker of L Corporation and who participated in the company meal service and who had diarrhea more than one time. We also collected the underground water filter of the company on July 23. RESULTS The attack rate of diarrhea among the employees was 20.3%. The epidemic curve showed that a single exposure peaked on July 1. The relative risk of attendance and non-attendance by date was highest for the lunch of June 30 (35.62; 95% CI, 2.25 to 574.79). There was no specific food that was statistically regarded as the source of the outbreak. Bacillus cereus was cultured from two of the rectal swabs, two of the preserved foods and the underground water filter. We thought the exposure date was lunch of June 30 according the latency period of B. cereus. CONCLUSIONS We concluded the route of transmission was infection of dishes, spoons and chopsticks in the lunch buffet of June 30 by the underground water. At the lunch buffet, 50 dishes, 40 spoons, and chopsticks were served as cleaned and wiped with a dishcloth. We thought the underground water contaminated the dishes, spoons, chopsticks and the dishcloth. Those contaminated materials became the cause of this outbreak.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kum-Bal Choi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeungju, Korea.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Wright AM, Beres SB, Consamus EN, Long SW, Flores AR, Barrios R, Richter GS, Oh SY, Garufi G, Maier H, Drews AL, Stockbauer KE, Cernoch P, Schneewind O, Olsen RJ, Musser JM. Rapidly progressive, fatal, inhalation anthrax-like infection in a human: case report, pathogen genome sequencing, pathology, and coordinated response. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2011; 135:1447-59. [PMID: 21882964 DOI: 10.5858/2011-0362-sair.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Ten years ago a bioterrorism event involving Bacillus anthracis spores captured the nation's interest, stimulated extensive new research on this pathogen, and heightened concern about illegitimate release of infectious agents. Sporadic reports have described rare, fulminant, and sometimes fatal cases of pneumonia in humans and nonhuman primates caused by strains of Bacillus cereus , a species closely related to Bacillus anthracis. OBJECTIVES To describe and investigate a case of rapidly progressive, fatal, anthrax-like pneumonia and the overwhelming infection caused by a Bacillus species of uncertain provenance in a patient residing in rural Texas. DESIGN We characterized the genome of the causative strain within days of its recovery from antemortem cultures using next-generation sequencing and performed immunohistochemistry on tissues obtained at autopsy with antibodies directed against virulence proteins of B anthracis and B cereus. RESULTS We discovered that the infection was caused by a previously unknown strain of B cereus that was closely related to, but genetically distinct from, B anthracis . The strain contains a plasmid similar to pXO1, a genetic element encoding anthrax toxin and other known virulence factors. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that several homologs of B anthracis virulence proteins were made in infected tissues, likely contributing to the patient's death. CONCLUSIONS Rapid genome sequence analysis permitted us to genetically define this strain, rule out the likelihood of bioterrorism, and contribute effectively to the institutional response to this event. Our experience strongly reinforced the critical value of deploying a well-integrated, anatomic, clinical, and genomic strategy to respond rapidly to a potential emerging, infectious threat to public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Wright
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Methodist Hospital System, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Narrow antagonistic activity of antimicrobial peptide from Bacillus subtilis SCK-2 against Bacillus cereus. J Biosci Bioeng 2011; 112:338-44. [PMID: 21783410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2011.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2011] [Revised: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 06/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Bacillus subtilis SCK-2, producing an antimicrobial peptide of this study, was isolated from Kyeopjang, the Korean traditional fermented-soybean paste. This strain showed a narrow antagonistic activity as it inhibited Bacillus cereus causing food poisoning in human. The antimicrobial peptide, tentatively named AMP IC-1, was purified, characterized, and compared to BSAP-254, another peptide which was previously recovered from traditionally fermented-soybean paste. AMP IC-1 was found to be more thermally stable than BSAP-254, retained inhibitory activity similar to that of BSAP-254 over wide range of pH values, and was also destroyed by proteolytic enzymes. Two compounds were detected by anti-BSAP-254 polyclonal antibody and showed to contain peptide moieties and aliphatic hydrocarbons by Fourier transform infrared analysis. AMP IC-1 had an identical R(f) value (0.69) on TLC plate and a molecular weight similar to that of BSAP-254 (AMP IC-1, m/z 3401; BSAP-254, m/z 3400 to 3473). AMP IC-1 was found to contain about 33 residues and 13 types of amino acids: Cys, Asp or Asn, Glu or Gln, Ser, Gly, Arg, Thr, Ala, Pro, Val, Ile, Leu, and Lys. Compared to BSAP-254, the molar ratios of Asp or Asn, Ser, Val, and Leu were different and only AMP IC-1 contained Arg, but not Trp. Both compounds showed non-hemolytic activity. A partial synergistic effect against B. cereus was observed in response to treatment when AMP IC-1 and BSAP-254 were administered in combination. Therefore, AMP IC-1 is a possible candidate as an antimicrobial agent to prevent food-borne infectious disease in human caused by B. cereus.
Collapse
|
50
|
Forsberg LS, Choudhury B, Leoff C, Marston CK, Hoffmaster AR, Saile E, Quinn CP, Kannenberg EL, Carlson RW. Secondary cell wall polysaccharides from Bacillus cereus strains G9241, 03BB87 and 03BB102 causing fatal pneumonia share similar glycosyl structures with the polysaccharides from Bacillus anthracis. Glycobiology 2011; 21:934-48. [PMID: 21421577 PMCID: PMC3110489 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwr026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2011] [Revised: 03/03/2011] [Accepted: 03/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Secondary cell wall polysaccharides (SCWPs) are important structural components of the Bacillus cell wall and contribute to the array of antigens presented by these organisms in both spore and vegetative forms. We previously found that antisera raised to Bacillus anthracis spore preparations cross-reacted with SCWPs isolated from several strains of pathogenic B. cereus, but did not react with other phylogenetically related but nonpathogenic Bacilli, suggesting that the SCWP from B. anthracis and pathogenic B. cereus strains share specific structural features. In this study, SCWPs from three strains of B. cereus causing severe or fatal pneumonia (G9241, 03BB87 and 03BB102) were isolated and subjected to structural analysis and their structures were compared to SCWPs from B. anthracis. Complete structural analysis was performed for the B. cereus G9241 SCWP using NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and derivatization methods. The analyses show that SCWPs from B. cereus G9241 has a glycosyl backbone identical to that of B. anthracis SCWP, consisting of multiple trisaccharide repeats of: →6)-α-d-GlcpNAc-(1 → 4)-β-d-ManpNAc-(1 → 4)-β-d-GlcpNAc-(1→. Both the B. anthracis and pathogenic B. cereus SCWPs are highly substituted at all GlcNAc residues with α- and β-Gal residues, however, only the SCWPs from B. cereus G9241 and 03BB87 carry an additional α-Gal substitution at O-3 of ManNAc residues, a feature lacking in the B. anthracis SCWPs. Both the B. anthracis and B. cereus SCWPs are pyruvylated, with an approximate molecular mass of ≈12,000 Da. The implications of these findings regarding pathogenicity and cell wall structure are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Scott Forsberg
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, 315 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Biswa Choudhury
- Glycotechnology Core Resource, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Christine Leoff
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, 315 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Chung K Marston
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Alex R Hoffmaster
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Elke Saile
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Conrad P Quinn
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Elmar L Kannenberg
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, 315 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Russell W Carlson
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, 315 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| |
Collapse
|