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Nazeih SI, Ali MAM, Halim ASA, Al-Lawati H, Abbas HA, Al-Zharani M, Boufahja F, Alghamdi MA, Hegazy WAH, Seleem NM. Relocating Glyceryl Trinitrate as an Anti-Virulence Agent against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens: Insights from Molecular and In Vivo Investigations. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2420. [PMID: 37894078 PMCID: PMC10609227 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The problem of antibiotic resistance is a global critical public health concern. In light of the threat of returning to the pre-antibiotic era, new alternative approaches are required such as quorum-sensing (QS) disruption and virulence inhibition, both of which apply no discernible selective pressure on bacteria, therefore mitigating the potential for the development of resistant strains. Bearing in mind the significant role of QS in orchestrating bacterial virulence, disrupting QS becomes essential for effectively diminishing bacterial virulence. This study aimed to assess the potential use of sub-inhibitory concentration (0.25 mg/mL) of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) to inhibit virulence in Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. GTN could decrease the expression of virulence genes in both tested bacteria in a significant manner. Histopathological study revealed the ability of GTN to alleviate the congestion in hepatic and renal tissues of infected mice and to reduce bacterial and leukocyte infiltration. This study recommends the use of topical GTN to treat topical infection caused by P. aeruginosa and S. marcescens in combination with antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaimaa I. Nazeih
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt; (S.I.N.); (H.A.A.); (N.M.S.)
| | - Mohamed A. M. Ali
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 11623, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.M.A.); (F.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo 11566, Egypt;
| | - Alyaa S. Abdel Halim
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo 11566, Egypt;
| | - Hanan Al-Lawati
- Pharmacy Program, Department of Pharmaceutics, Oman College of Health Sciences, Muscat 113, Oman;
| | - Hisham A. Abbas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt; (S.I.N.); (H.A.A.); (N.M.S.)
| | - Mohammed Al-Zharani
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 11623, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.M.A.); (F.B.)
| | - Fehmi Boufahja
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 11623, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.M.A.); (F.B.)
| | - Mashael A. Alghamdi
- Department of Chemistry, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 11623, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Wael A. H. Hegazy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt; (S.I.N.); (H.A.A.); (N.M.S.)
- Pharmacy Program, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oman College of Health Sciences, Muscat 113, Oman
| | - Noura M. Seleem
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt; (S.I.N.); (H.A.A.); (N.M.S.)
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Bizubac M, Balaci-Miroiu F, Filip C, Vasile CM, Herișeanu C, Marcu V, Stoica S, Cîrstoveanu C. Neonatal Brain Abscess with Serratia marcescens after Intrauterine Infection: A Case Report. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12040722. [PMID: 37107084 PMCID: PMC10135221 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12040722] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain abscesses are a possible complication of bacterial sepsis or central nervous system infection but are uncommon in the neonatal period. Gram-negative organisms often cause them, but Serratia marcescens is an unusual cause of sepsis and meningitis in this age group. This pathogen is opportunistic and frequently responsible for nosocomial infections. Despite the existing antibiotics and modern radiological tools, mortality and morbidity remain significant in this group of patients. We report an unusual unilocular brain abscess in a preterm neonate caused by Serratia marcescens. The infection had an intrauterine onset. The pregnancy was achieved through assisted human reproduction techniques. It was a high-risk pregnancy, with pregnancy-induced hypertension, imminent abortion, and required prolonged hospitalization of the pregnant woman with multiple vaginal examinations. The infant was treated with multiple antibiotic cures and percutaneous drainage of the brain abscess associated with local antibiotic treatment. Despite treatment, evolution was unfavorable, complicated by fungal sepsis (Candida parapsilosis) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Bizubac
- Department of Neonatal Intensive Care, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, "M.S. Curie" Children's Clinical Hospital, 041451 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Francisca Balaci-Miroiu
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, "M.S. Curie" Children's Clinical Hospital, 041451 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Filip
- Department of Pediatrics, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, "M.S. Curie" Children's Clinical Hospital, 041451 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Corina Maria Vasile
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, "M.S. Curie" Children's Clinical Hospital, 041451 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pediatric and Adult Congenital Cardiology, University Hospital of Bordeaux, 33600 Bordeaux, France
| | - Carmen Herișeanu
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, "M.S. Curie" Children's Clinical Hospital, 041451 Bucharest, Romania
- Ph.D. School Department, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Veronica Marcu
- Department of Radiology, "M.S. Curie" Children's Clinical Hospital, 041451 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sergiu Stoica
- Department of Neurosurgery, Monza Hospital, 021967 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Catalin Cîrstoveanu
- Department of Neonatal Intensive Care, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, "M.S. Curie" Children's Clinical Hospital, 041451 Bucharest, Romania
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Tavares-Carreon F, De Anda-Mora K, Rojas-Barrera IC, Andrade A. Serratia marcescens antibiotic resistance mechanisms of an opportunistic pathogen: a literature review. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14399. [PMID: 36627920 PMCID: PMC9826615 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Serratia marcescens is a ubiquitous bacterium from order Enterobacterales displaying a high genetic plasticity that allows it to adapt and persist in multiple niches including soil, water, plants, and nosocomial environments. Recently, S. marcescens has gained attention as an emerging pathogen worldwide, provoking infections and outbreaks in debilitated individuals, particularly newborns and patients in intensive care units. S. marcescens isolates recovered from clinical settings are frequently described as multidrug resistant. High levels of antibiotic resistance across Serratia species are a consequence of the combined activity of intrinsic, acquired, and adaptive resistance elements. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in the understanding of mechanisms guiding resistance in this opportunistic pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faviola Tavares-Carreon
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
| | - Karla De Anda-Mora
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
| | - Idalia C. Rojas-Barrera
- Environmental Genomics Group, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany,Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Angel Andrade
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
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Yin L, Zhang PP, Wang W, Tang S, Deng SM, Jia AQ. 3-Phenylpropan-1-Amine Enhanced Susceptibility of Serratia marcescens to Ofloxacin by Occluding Quorum Sensing. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0182922. [PMID: 35972277 PMCID: PMC9603881 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01829-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Serratia marcescens (S. marcescens) is an environmental bacterium that causes infections with high morbidity and mortality. Notably, infections caused by multidrug-resistant S. marcescens have become a global public health issue. Therefore, the discovery of promising compounds to reduce the virulence of pathogens and restore antibiotic activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria is critical. Quorum sensing (QS) regulates virulence factors and biofilm formation of microorganisms to increase their pathogenicity and is, therefore, an important factor in the formation of multidrug resistance. In this study, we found that 3-phenylpropan-1-amine (3-PPA) inhibited S. marcescens NJ01 biofilm formation and virulence factors, including prodigiosin, protease, lipase, hemolysin, and swimming. The combination of 3-PPA (50.0 μg/mL) and ofloxacin (0.2 μg/mL) enhanced S. marcescens NJ01 sensitivity to ofloxacin. Based on crystalline violet staining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), 3-PPA (50.0 μg/mL) reduced S. marcescens NJ01 biofilm formation by 48%. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) showed that 3-PPA regulated the expression of virulence- and biofilm-related genes fimA, fimC, bsmB, pigP, flhC, flhD, and sodB. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) indicated that 3-PPA affected intracellular metabolites of S. marcescens NJ01, leading to reduce metabolic activity. These results suggested that 3-PPA inhibits the pathogenicity of S. marcescens NJ01 by occluding QS. Thus, 3-PPA is feasible as an ofloxacin adjuvant to overcome multidrug-resistant S. marcescens and improve the treatment of intractable infections. IMPORTANCE Multidrug-resistant bacteria have become a major threat to global public health, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. Bacterial virulence factors and biofilms, which are regulated by quorum sensing (QS), are the primary causes of multidrug resistance. In this study, 3-PPA reduced virulence factors and eliminated biofilm formation by inhibiting QS in S. marcescens NJ01 bacteria, without affecting bacterial growth, thus restoring sensitivity to ofloxacin. Thus, the discovery of compounds that can restore antibiotic activity against bacteria is a promising strategy to mitigate multidrug resistance in pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lujun Yin
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Ping-Ping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Shi Tang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Shi-Ming Deng
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Ai-Qun Jia
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, China
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Piccirilli A, Cherubini S, Brisdelli F, Fazii P, Stanziale A, Di Valerio S, Chiavaroli V, Principe L, Perilli M. Molecular Characterization by Whole-Genome Sequencing of Clinical and Environmental Serratia marcescens Strains Isolated during an Outbreak in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12092180. [PMID: 36140580 PMCID: PMC9498040 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12092180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of eighteen S. marcescens clinical strains isolated from 18 newborns hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Pescara Public Hospital, Italy, was compared with that of S. marcescens isolated from cradles surfaces in the same ward. The identical antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factors were found in both clinical and environmental S. marcescens strains. The aac(6′)-Ic, tetA(41), blaSRT-3, adeFGH, rsmA, and PBP3 (D350N) genes were identified in all strains. The SRT-3 enzyme, which exhibited 10 amino acid substitutions with respect to SST-1, the constitutive AmpC β-lactamase in S. marcescens, was partially purified and tested against some β-lactams. It showed a good activity against cefazolin. Both clinical and environmental S. marcescens strains exhibited susceptibility to all antibiotics tested, with the exception of amoxicillin/clavulanate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Piccirilli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (M.P.); Tel.: +39-0862433489 (M.P.)
| | - Sabrina Cherubini
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Brisdelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Paolo Fazii
- Clinical Microbiology and Virology Unit, Pescara Public Hospital, 65122 Pescara, Italy
| | - Andrea Stanziale
- Clinical Microbiology and Virology Unit, Pescara Public Hospital, 65122 Pescara, Italy
| | - Susanna Di Valerio
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pescara Public Hospital, 65123 Pescara, Italy
| | - Valentina Chiavaroli
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pescara Public Hospital, 65123 Pescara, Italy
- Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1141, New Zealand
| | - Luigi Principe
- Clinical Pathology and Microbiology Unit, “S. Giovanni di Dio” Hospital, 88900 Crotone, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Perilli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (M.P.); Tel.: +39-0862433489 (M.P.)
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6
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Zhou Z, Lv H, Lv J, Shi Y, Huang H, Chen L, Shi D. Alterations of gut microbiota in cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: A distinctive diagnostic feature. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:999418. [PMID: 36147601 PMCID: PMC9485664 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.999418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundSpontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a severe infection in cirrhotic patients that requires early diagnosis to improve the long-term outcome. Alterations in the gut microbiota have been shown to correlate with the development and progression of liver cirrhosis. However, the relationship between SBP and gut microbiota remains unknown.MethodsIn this study, we applied 16S rRNA pyrosequencing of feces to ascertain possible links between the gut microbiota and SBP. We recruited 30 SBP patients, 30 decompensated cirrhotic patients without SBP (NSBP) and 30 healthy controls. Metagenomic functional prediction of bacterial taxa was achieved using PICRUSt. ResultsThe composition of the gut microbiota in the SBP patients differed remarkably from that in the NSBP patients and healthy individuals. The microbial richness was significantly decreased, while the diversity was increased in the SBP patients. Thirty-four bacterial taxa containing 15 species, mainly pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens and Prevotella oris, were dominant in the SBP group, while 42 bacterial taxa containing 16 species, especially beneficial species such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Methanobrevibacter smithii and Lactobacillus reuteri, were enriched in the NSBP group. Notably, we found that 18 gene functions of gut microbiota were different between SBP patients and NSBP patients, which were associated with energy metabolism and functional substance metabolism. Five optimal microbial markers were determined using a random forest model, and the combination of Lactobacillus reuteri, Rothia mucilaginosa, Serratia marcescens, Ruminococcus callidus and Neisseria mucosa achieved an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.8383 to distinguish SBP from decompensated cirrhosis.ConclusionsWe described the obvious dysbiosis of gut microbiota in SBP patients and demonstrated the potential of microbial markers as noninvasive diagnostic tools for SBP at an early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zumo Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhuji People’s Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Zhuji Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hui Lv
- Health Promotion Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiawen Lv
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Shandong Laboratory, Jinan Microecological Biomedicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yongming Shi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhuji People’s Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Zhuji Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Heqing Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhuji People’s Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Zhuji Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhuji People’s Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Zhuji Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ding Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Shandong Laboratory, Jinan Microecological Biomedicine, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Ding Shi,
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7
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Akcan N, Uyguner O, Baş F, Altunoğlu U, Toksoy G, Karaman B, Avcı Ş, Yavaş Abalı Z, Poyrazoğlu Ş, Aghayev A, Karaman V, Bundak R, Başaran S, Darendeliler F. Mutations in AR or SRD5A2 Genes: Clinical Findings, Endocrine Pitfalls, and Genetic Features of Children with 46,XY DSD. J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol 2022; 14:153-171. [PMID: 35135181 PMCID: PMC9176093 DOI: 10.4274/jcrpe.galenos.2022.2021-9-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Androgen insensivity syndrome (AIS) and 5α-reductase deficiency (5α-RD) present with indistinguishable phenotypes among the 46,XY disorders of sexual development (DSD) that usually necessitate molecular analyses for the definitive diagnosis in the prepubertal period. The aim was to evaluate the clinical, hormonal and genetic findings of 46,XY DSD patients who were diagnosed as AIS or 5α-RD. METHODS Patients diagnosed as AIS or 5α-RD according to clinical and hormonal evaluations were investigated. Sequence variants of steroid 5-α-reductase type 2 were analyzed in cases with testosterone/dihydrotestosterone (T/DHT) ratio of ≥20, whereas the androgen receptor (AR) gene was screened when the ratio was <20. Stepwise analysis of other associated genes were screened in cases with no causative variant found in initial analysis. For statistical comparisons, the group was divided into three main groups and subgroups according to their genetic diagnosis and T/DHT ratios. RESULTS A total of 128 DSD patients from 125 non-related families were enrolled. Birth weight SDS and gestational weeks were significantly higher in 5α-RD group than in AIS and undiagnosed groups. Completely female phenotype was higher in all subgroups of both AIS and 5α-RD patients than in the undiagnosed subgroups. In those patients with stimulated T/DHT <20 in the prepubertal period, stimulated T/DHT ratio was significantly lower in AIS than in the undiagnosed group, and higher in 5α-RD. Phenotype associated variants were detected in 24% (n=18 AIS, n=14 5α-RD) of the patients, revealing four novel AR variants (c.94G>T, p.Glu32*, c.330G>C, p.Leu110=; c.2084C>T, p.Pro695Leu, c.2585_2592delAGCTCCTG, p.(Lys862Argfs*16), of these c.330G>C with silent status remained undefined in terms of its causative effects. CONCLUSION T/DHT ratio is an important hormonal criterion, but in some cases, T/DHT ratio may lead to diagnostic confusion. Molecular diagnosis is important for the robust diagnosis of 46,XY DSD patients. Four novel AR variants were identified in our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neşe Akcan
- Near East University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Nicosia, Cyprus,* Address for Correspondence: Near East University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Nicosia, Cyprus Phone: +90 392 675 10 00 (1388) E-mail:
| | - Oya Uyguner
- İstanbul University, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Firdevs Baş
- İstanbul University, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Umut Altunoğlu
- İstanbul University, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, İstanbul, Turkey,Koç University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Güven Toksoy
- İstanbul University, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Birsen Karaman
- İstanbul University, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Şahin Avcı
- İstanbul University, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, İstanbul, Turkey,Koç University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Zehra Yavaş Abalı
- İstanbul University, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Şükran Poyrazoğlu
- İstanbul University, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Agharza Aghayev
- İstanbul University, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Volkan Karaman
- İstanbul University, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Rüveyde Bundak
- University of Kyrenia, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Kyrenia, Cyprus
| | - Seher Başaran
- İstanbul University, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Feyza Darendeliler
- İstanbul University, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, İstanbul, Turkey
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A New Insight into Nosocomial Infections: a Worldwide Crisis. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.52547/jommid.10.2.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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9
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Khayyat AN, Abbas HA, Khayat MT, Shaldam MA, Askoura M, Asfour HZ, Khafagy ES, Abu Lila AS, Allam AN, Hegazy WAH. Secnidazole Is a Promising Imidazole Mitigator of Serratia marcescens Virulence. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9112333. [PMID: 34835458 PMCID: PMC8617784 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Serratia marcescens is an opportunistic pathogen that causes diverse nosocomial infections. S. marcescens has developed considerable resistance to different antibiotics and is equipped with an armory of virulence factors. These virulence factors are regulated in S. marcescens by an intercellular communication system termed quorum sensing (QS). Targeting bacterial virulence and QS is an interesting approach to mitigating bacterial pathogenesis and overcoming the development of resistance to antimicrobials. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anti-virulence activities of secnidazole on a clinical isolate of S. marcescens. The effects of secnidazole at sub-inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) on virulence factors, swarming motility, biofilm formation, proteases, hemolysin activity, and prodigiosin production were evaluated in vitro. Secnidazole's protective activity against S. marcescens pathogenesis was assessed in vivo in mice. Furthermore, a molecular docking study was conducted to evaluate the binding ability of secnidazole to the S. marcescens SmaR QS receptor. Our findings showed that secnidazole at sub-MICs significantly reduced S. marcescens virulence factor production in vitro and diminished its pathogenesis in mice. The insilico docking study revealed a great ability of secnidazole to competitively hinder the binding of the autoinducer to the SmaR QS receptor. In conclusion, secnidazole is a promising anti-virulence agent that may be used to control infections caused by S. marcescens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahdab N. Khayyat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (A.N.K.); (M.T.K.)
| | - Hisham A. Abbas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt; (H.A.A.); (M.A.)
| | - Maan T. Khayat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (A.N.K.); (M.T.K.)
| | - Moataz A. Shaldam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh 33511, Egypt;
| | - Momen Askoura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt; (H.A.A.); (M.A.)
| | - Hani Z. Asfour
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - El-Sayed Khafagy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41552, Egypt
| | - Amr S. Abu Lila
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail 81442, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Ahmed N. Allam
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21521, Egypt;
| | - Wael A. H. Hegazy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt; (H.A.A.); (M.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +20-110-118-8800
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Goncharov AE, Solomenny AP, Panin AL, Grigoriev SE, Cheprasov MY, Ahremenko YA, Kolodzieva VV, Goncharov NE, Kraeva LA. Assessing <i>Serratia</i> spp. pathogenic potential from cryogenic habitats. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND IMMUNITY 2021. [DOI: 10.15789/2220-7619-ass-1593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The genus Serratia are opportunistic bacteria widely spread in natural environment. At the same time, this bacterial genus consists of the species associated with outbreaks of nosocomial infections. Serratia species are found in extreme habitats, but pathogenic potential of polyextremophilic strains in this genus remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to compare the genomes of two Serratia strains isolated in polar regions, primarily examining genetic factors of virulence and adaptation to cryogenic environment. During the 56th Russian Antarctic Expedition the Serratia liquefaciens 72 strain was isolated from a guano sample of the Adelie Penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) colony on Tokarev Island (Haswell Archipelago, East Antarctica). The Serratia fonticola 5l strain was isolated from the frozen carcass of moose (Alces alces) fossils found on the Buor-Khaya Peninsula near the Laptev Sea coast (Yakutia Region, Russia). The whole-genome sequencing of such strains allowed to reveal genetic structures evidencing about their successful adaptation to low temperatures. Thus, it was found that both genomes contain genes encoding the main cold shock proteins, phylogenetically close to the corresponding genes in the hypobarotolerant Serratia liquefaciens strain ATCC 27592. Furthermore, both strains bear a cluster of tc-fABCD genes determining the bacterial adhesion to epithelial tissues, and the genes for RTX toxins — adhesins, crucial factors of biofilm formation in pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria. Experimental studies confirmed the ability of Serratia liquefaciens 72 and Serratia fonticola 5l to actively form biofilms in a wide temperature range (from 6°C to 37°C). The results obtained indicate that the examined genus Serratia strains isolated in Arctica and Antarctica exert overall similar adaptation strategies to polar climate, including the ability to produce pili, show active adhesion, and biofilm formation under low temperatures. Genetic adaptive factors may also act as pathogenicity factors allowing extremotolerant Serratia strains to exert traits of opportunistic and nosocomial pathogens and spread via chilled food-borne transmission. The wide use of food technologies, such as cooling and vacuum sealing, can potentially create a new ecological niche favourable for selection of psychrotolerant and hypobarotolerant pathogens. The data obtained allow to raise a question about necessity of further studies to monitor genetic diversity among psychrophilic hypobarotolerant microbial populations possessing pathogenic and epidemic potential.
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11
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Current antibiotic resistance patterns of rare uropathogens: survey from Central European Urology Department 2011-2019. BMC Urol 2021; 21:61. [PMID: 33849512 PMCID: PMC8042353 DOI: 10.1186/s12894-021-00821-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the resistance rates of commonly detected uropathogens are well described, those of less frequent Gram-negative uropathogenic bacteria have seldom been reported. The aim of this study was to examine the resistance rates of less frequent uropathogenic Gram-negatives in a population of patients treated in a Department of Urology of a tertiary referral centre in Central Europe over a period of 9 years. METHODS Data on all positive urine samples from urological in- and out-patients were extracted form the Department of Clinical Microbiology database from 2011 to 2019. Numbers of susceptible and resistant isolates per year were calculated for these uropathogens: Acinetobacter spp. (n = 74), Citrobacter spp. (n = 60), Enterobacter spp. (n = 250), Morganella morganii (n = 194), Providencia spp. (n = 53), Serratia spp. (n = 82) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (n = 27). Antimicrobial agents selected for the survey included: ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, piperacillin/tazobactam; cefuroxime, cefotaxime, ceftazidime and cefepime; ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin; gentamicin and amikacin; ertapenem, meropenem and imipenem; trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (co-trimoxazole), nitrofurantoin and colistin. RESULTS Penicillin derivatives have generally poor effect except piperacillin/tazobactam. Cefuroxime is not efficient unlike cefotaxime (except against Acinetobacter spp. and S. maltophilia). Susceptibility to fluoroquinolones is limited. Amikacin is somewhat more efficient than gentamicine but susceptibilities for both safely exceed 80%. Nitrofurantoin shows virtually no efficiency. Cotrimoxazole acts well against Citrobacter spp., Serratia spp. and it is the treatment of choice for S. maltophilia UTIs. Among carbapenems, ertapenem was less efficient than meropenem and imipenem except for S. maltophilia whose isolates were mostly not suceptible to any carbapenems. CONCLUSIONS Uropathogenic microorganisms covered in this report are noteworthy for their frequently multi-drug resistant phenotypes. Knowledge of resistance patterns helps clinicians choose the right empirical antibiotic treatment when the taxonomical assignment of the isolate is known but sensitivity results are pending.
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Churchill-Angus AM, Schofield THB, Marlow TR, Sedelnikova SE, Wilson JS, Rafferty JB, Baker PJ. Characterisation of a tripartite α-pore forming toxin from Serratia marcescens. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6447. [PMID: 33742033 PMCID: PMC7979752 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85726-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Tripartite members of the ClyA family of α-PFTs have recently been identified in a number of pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria, including the human pathogen Serratia marcescens. Structures of a Gram-negative A component and a tripartite α-PFT complete pore are unknown and a mechanism for pore formation is still uncertain. Here we characterise the tripartite SmhABC toxin from S. marcescens and propose a mechanism of pore assembly. We present the structure of soluble SmhA, as well as the soluble and pore forms of SmhB. We show that the β-tongue soluble structure is well conserved in the family and propose two conserved latches between the head and tail domains that are broken on the soluble to pore conformational change. Using the structures of individual components, sequence analysis and docking predictions we illustrate how the A, B and C protomers would assemble on the membrane to produce a complete tripartite α-PFT pore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M Churchill-Angus
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, South Yorkshire, UK
| | - Thomas H B Schofield
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, South Yorkshire, UK
- Current address: Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Thomas R Marlow
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, South Yorkshire, UK
| | - Svetlana E Sedelnikova
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, South Yorkshire, UK
| | - Jason S Wilson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, South Yorkshire, UK
| | - John B Rafferty
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, South Yorkshire, UK
| | - Patrick J Baker
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, South Yorkshire, UK.
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Pérusseau-Lambert A, Gouda JJ, Fareed H. Infection of the hip joint by Serratia marcescens. BMJ Case Rep 2021; 14:14/3/e234607. [PMID: 33731396 PMCID: PMC7978062 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-234607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
A 72-year-old male patient presented to the hospital because of sudden inability to bear weight and without a history of trauma. A fracture of the head of the femur was identified on CT scan of the pelvis. In his history, the patient had a hospital admission 3 months earlier, during which he had a urinary catheter, and a urine specimen was analysed. The same pathogen was found in the patient urine and in the head of the femur specimen. This is a report of blood-borne spread of Serratia marcescens infection from the urothelium to the hip joint, responsible for spontaneous fracture of the femoral head without history of trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joe Jan Gouda
- Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Isle of Wight NHS Trust, Newport, UK
| | - Hilal Fareed
- Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Isle of Wight NHS Trust, Newport, UK
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Hegazy WAH, Khayat MT, Ibrahim TS, Youns M, Mosbah R, Soliman WE. Repurposing of antidiabetics as Serratia marcescens virulence inhibitors. Braz J Microbiol 2021; 52:627-638. [PMID: 33686563 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-021-00465-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serratia marcescens becomes an apparent nosocomial pathogen and causes a variety of infections. S. marcescens possess various virulence factors that are regulated by intercellular communication system quorum sensing (QS). Targeting bacterial virulence is a proposed strategy to overcome bacterial resistance. Sitagliptin anti-QS activity has been demonstrated previously and we aimed in this study to investigate the effects of antidiabetic drugs vildagliptin and metformin compared to sitagliptin on S. marcescens pathogenesis. METHODS We assessed the effects of tested drugs in subinhibitory concentrations phenotypically on the virulence factors and genotypically on the virulence encoding genes' expressions. The protection of tested drugs on S. marcescens pathogenesis was performed in vivo. Molecular docking study has been conducted to evaluate the interference capabilities of tested drugs to the SmaR QS receptor. RESULTS Vildagliptin reduced the expression of virulence encoding genes but did not show in vitro or in vivo anti-virulence activities. Metformin reduced the expression of virulence encoding genes and inhibited bacterial virulence in vitro but did not show in vivo protection. Sitagliptin significantly inhibited virulence factors in vitro, reduced the expression of virulence factors and protected mice from S. marcescens. Docking study revealed that sitagliptin is more active than metformin and fully binds to SmaR receptor, whereas vildagliptin had single interaction to SmaR. CONCLUSION The downregulation of virulence genes was not enough to show anti-virulence activities. Hindering of QS receptors may play a crucial role in diminishing bacterial virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wael A H Hegazy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
| | - Maan T Khayat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tarek S Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia.,Center of Excellence for Drug Research & Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Youns
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rasha Mosbah
- Infection control Unit, Zagazig University Hospitals, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Wafaa E Soliman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, AL AHSA, 31982, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, 35712, Egypt
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15
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Fu Y, Liu W, Liu M, Zhang J, Yang M, Wang T, Qian W. In vitro anti-biofilm efficacy of sanguinarine against carbapenem-resistant Serratia marcescens. BIOFOULING 2021; 37:341-351. [PMID: 33947279 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2021.1919649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sanguinarine, a plant-derived benzophenanthridine alkaloid, was studied in terms of its anti-biofilm effects against carbapenem-resistant Serratia marcescens (CRSM). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and cell membrane integrity were measured to investigate the antimicrobial mechanism of sanguinarine. Additionally, the extent of biofilm formation by CRSM exposed to sanguinarine was measured by crystal violet staining and visualized via field emission scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Sanguinarine displayed moderate activity against CRSM, with a MIC90 of 32 μg ml-1. Moreover, cell membrane integrity was severely disrupted by sanguinarine at 64 μg ml-1, and biofilm formation was sharply inhibited at 32 μg ml-1. The minimum biofilm eradication concentration was 512 μg ml-1 against mature CRSM biofilms. The overall results suggest that sanguinarine is a potential anti-biofilm agent that can be explored to treat CRSM infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Fu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Wanting Liu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Miao Liu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Jianing Zhang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Min Yang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Ting Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Weidong Qian
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
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16
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Churchill-Angus AM, Sedelnikova SE, Schofield THB, Baker PJ. The A component (SmhA) of a tripartite pore-forming toxin from Serratia marcescens: expression, purification and crystallographic analysis. Acta Crystallogr F Struct Biol Commun 2020; 76:577-582. [PMID: 33263568 PMCID: PMC7716259 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x20013862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Tripartite α-pore-forming toxins are constructed of three proteins (A, B and C) and are found in many bacterial pathogens. While structures of the B and C components from Gram-negative bacteria have been described, the structure of the A component of a Gram-negative α-pore-forming toxin has so far proved elusive. SmhA, the A component from the opportunistic human pathogen Serratia marcescens, has been cloned, overexpressed and purified. Crystals were grown of selenomethionine-derivatized protein and anomalous data were collected. Phases were calculated and an initial electron-density map was produced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M. Churchill-Angus
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Svetlana E. Sedelnikova
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas H. B. Schofield
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick J. Baker
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
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17
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Abbas HA, Hegazy WAH. Repurposing anti-diabetic drug "Sitagliptin" as a novel virulence attenuating agent in Serratia marcescens. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231625. [PMID: 32298346 PMCID: PMC7162429 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Serratia marcescens is an emerging pathogen that causes a variety of health care associated infections. S. marcescens is equipped with an arsenal of virulence factors such as biofilm formation, swimming and swarming motilities, prodigiosin, protease and others which enable it to initiate and cause the infection. These virulence factors are orchestrated under the umbrella of an intercellular communication system named Quorum sensing (QS). QS allows bacterial population to synchronize the expression of virulence genes upon detection of a chemical signaling molecule. Targeting bacterial virulence is a promising approach to attenuate bacteria and enhances the ability of immune system to eradicate the bacterial infection. Drug repurposing is an advantageous strategy that confers new applications for drugs outside the scope of their original medical use. This promising strategy offers the use of safe approved compounds, which potentially lowers the costs and shortens the time than that needed for development of new drugs. Sitagliptin is dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, is used to treat diabetes mellitus type II as it increases the production of insulin and decreasing the production of glucagon by the pancreas. We aimed in this study to repurpose sitagliptin, investigating the anti-virulence activities of sitagliptin on S. marcescens. Methods The effect of sub-inhibitory concentrations of sitagliptin on virulence factors; protease, prodigiosin, biofilm formation, swimming and swarming motilities was estimated phenotypically. The qRT-PCR was used to show the effect of sitagliptin on the expression of QS-regulated virulence genes. The in-vivo protective activity of sitagliptin on S. marcescens pathogenesis was evaluated on mice. Results Sitagliptin (1 mg/ml) significantly reduced the biofilm formation, swimming and swarming motilities, prodigiosin and protease. The qRT-PCR confirmed the effect on virulence as shown by down regulating the expression of fimA, fimC, flhC, flhD, bsmB, rssB, rsmA, pigP, and shlA genes. Moreover, the in-vivo findings showed the efficient ability of sitagliptin to weaken S. marcescens pathogenesis. Conclusion Sitagliptin is a promising anti-virulence agent against S. marcescens that may be beneficial in the control of healthcare associated infections caused by S. marcescens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham A. Abbas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Wael A. H. Hegazy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
- * E-mail:
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18
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Wilson JS, Churchill-Angus AM, Davies SP, Sedelnikova SE, Tzokov SB, Rafferty JB, Bullough PA, Bisson C, Baker PJ. Identification and structural analysis of the tripartite α-pore forming toxin of Aeromonas hydrophila. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2900. [PMID: 31263098 PMCID: PMC6602965 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10777-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The alpha helical CytolysinA family of pore forming toxins (α-PFT) contains single, two, and three component members. Structures of the single component Eschericia coli ClyA and the two component Yersinia enterolytica YaxAB show both undergo conformational changes from soluble to pore forms, and oligomerization to produce the active pore. Here we identify tripartite α-PFTs in pathogenic Gram negative bacteria, including Aeromonas hydrophila (AhlABC). We show that the AhlABC toxin requires all three components for maximal cell lysis. We present structures of pore components which describe a bi-fold hinge mechanism for soluble to pore transition in AhlB and a contrasting tetrameric assembly employed by soluble AhlC to hide their hydrophobic membrane associated residues. We propose a model of pore assembly where the AhlC tetramer dissociates, binds a single membrane leaflet, recruits AhlB promoting soluble to pore transition, prior to AhlA binding to form the active hydrophilic lined pore. Pore forming toxins (PFTs) form the major group of virulence factors in many pathogenic bacteria. Here the authors identify tripartite α-helical PFTs in pathogenic Gram negative bacteria and structurally characterize AhlABC from Aeromonas hydrophila and propose a model for its pore assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason S Wilson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Alicia M Churchill-Angus
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Simon P Davies
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TN, UK.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Svetlana E Sedelnikova
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Svetomir B Tzokov
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TN, UK
| | - John B Rafferty
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Per A Bullough
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Claudine Bisson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TN, UK.,ISMB, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - Patrick J Baker
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TN, UK.
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Riley LW. Differentiating Epidemic from Endemic or Sporadic Infectious Disease Occurrence. Microbiol Spectr 2019; 7:10.1128/microbiolspec.ame-0007-2019. [PMID: 31325286 PMCID: PMC10957193 DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.ame-0007-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
One important scope of work of epidemiology is the investigation of infectious diseases that cluster in time and place. Clusters of infectious disease may represent outbreaks or epidemics in which the cases share in common a point source exposure or an infectious agent in a chain of transmission pathways. Investigations of outbreaks of an illness can facilitate identification of a source, risk, or cause of the illness. However, most infectious disease episodes occur not as part of any apparent outbreaks but as sporadic infections. Multiple sporadic infections that occur steadily in time and place are referred to as endemic disease. How does one investigate sources and risk factors for sporadic or endemic infections? As part of the Microbiology Spectrum Curated Collection: Advances in Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, this review discusses limitations of traditional approaches and advantages of molecular epidemiology approaches to investigate sporadic and endemic infections. Using specific examples, the discussions show that most sporadic infections are actually part of unrecognized outbreaks and that what appears to be endemic disease occurrence is actually comprised of multiple small outbreaks. These molecular epidemiologic investigations have unmasked modes of transmission of infectious agents not known to cause outbreaks. They have also raised questions about the traditional ways to measure incidence and assess sources of drug-resistant infections in community settings. The discoveries made by the application of molecular microbiology methods in epidemiologic investigations have led to creation of new public health intervention strategies that have not been previously considered. *This article is part of a curated collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee W Riley
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
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20
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Assessment of Airborne Bacterial and Fungal Communities in Selected Areas of Teaching Hospital, Kandy, Sri Lanka. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:7393926. [PMID: 31309114 PMCID: PMC6594343 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7393926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nosocomial infections, in lay term known as hospital acquired infections, are caused mainly by airborne pathogens found in healthcare facilities and their surroundings. The aim of this study was to quantify and identify bacteria and fungi in a hospital, which is an understudied area of air quality in Sri Lanka. Air samples were collected in agar medium and petri plates containing sterile filter papers. The number of culturable and total airborne microorganisms was estimated by manual counting and fluorescent microscopy, respectively. The morphologically distant bacteria and fungi were identified by DNA sequencing. The statistical analysis revealed significant variances between studied sites (p < 0.05) where Outpatients Department and Respiratory Unit showed higher levels of airborne microbial load. Culturable microbial count was higher at noon (hospital visiting hours) compared to other sampling periods (after hospital visiting hours) within the hospital. Total count of airborne microbes was found to be the highest during the afternoon. The most sensitive zones such as Operating Theatre and Intensive Care Unit showed considerably higher counts of airborne microbes. Identification by molecular means revealed the presence of human pathogens in the hospital air including Bacillus sp, Micrococcus sp, Pseudomonas sp, Staphylococcu ssp, Exiguobacterium sp, Enterobacter sp, Escherichia sp, Sphingomonas sp, Massilia sp, Kocuria sp, Fusarium sp, and Aspergillus sp. In conclusion, the results from this study indicate that the hospital air was generally contaminated. Therefore, the implementation of proactive policies and strategies are needed to monitor hospital air quality in sensitive zones as well as other areas of the hospitals.
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Serratia marcescens Infections in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16040610. [PMID: 30791509 PMCID: PMC6406414 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16040610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Serratia marcescens belongs to the family Enterobacteriaceae, which is commonly found in water, soil, animals, insects, plants. Although S. marcescens displays relatively low virulence, it causes nosocomial infections and outbreaks in severely immunocompromised or critically ill patients, particularly in settings such as intensive care units (ICUs), especially neonatal units (NICUs). This microorganism gives rise to a wide range of clinical manifestations in newborns: from asymptomatic colonization to keratitis, conjunctivitis, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, surgical wound infections, sepsis, bloodstream infection and meningitis. The most frequent site of infection is the bloodstream, followed by the respiratory apparatus and the gastrointestinal tract. Strains of S. marcescens involved in epidemic events have frequently proved to be multi-resistant. Indeed, this species displays intrinsic resistance to several classes of antibiotics. Often, the specific source of the infection cannot be identified. However, the contaminated hands of healthcare workers are believed to be a major vehicle of its transmission. In neonatal intensive care units, colonized or infected newborns are the main potential source of S. marcescens, particularly in the respiratory apparatus, but also in the gastrointestinal tract. The early identification of colonized or infected patients and the prompt implementation of infection control measures, particularly rigorous hand hygiene and contact precautions, are essential in order to curb the spread of infection.
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22
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Abreo E, Altier N. Pangenome of Serratia marcescens strains from nosocomial and environmental origins reveals different populations and the links between them. Sci Rep 2019; 9:46. [PMID: 30631083 PMCID: PMC6328595 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37118-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Serratia marcescens is a Gram-negative bacterial species that can be found in a wide range of environments like soil, water and plant surfaces, while it is also known as an opportunistic human pathogen in hospitals and as a plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPR) in crops. We have used a pangenome-based approach, based on publicly available genomes, to apply whole genome multilocus sequence type schemes to assess whether there is an association between source and genotype, aiming at differentiating between isolates from nosocomial sources and the environment, and between strains reported as PGPR from other environmental strains. Most genomes from a nosocomial setting and environmental origin could be assigned to the proposed nosocomial or environmental MLSTs, which is indicative of an association between source and genotype. The fact that a few genomes from a nosocomial source showed an environmental MLST suggests that a minority of nosocomial strains have recently derived from the environment. PGPR strains were assigned to different environmental types and clades but only one clade comprised strains accumulating a low number of known virulence and antibiotic resistance determinants and was exclusively from environmental sources. This clade is envisaged as a group of promissory MLSTs for selecting prospective PGPR strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Abreo
- Laboratorio de Bioproducción, Plataforma de Bioinsumos, INIA Uruguay, Ruta 48 Km 10, Canelones, Uruguay.
| | - Nora Altier
- Laboratorio de Bioproducción, Plataforma de Bioinsumos, INIA Uruguay, Ruta 48 Km 10, Canelones, Uruguay
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Tong W, Xiong Y, Duan S, Ding X, Xu FJ. Phthalocyanine functionalized poly(glycidyl methacrylate) nano-assemblies for photodynamic inactivation of bacteria. Biomater Sci 2019; 7:1905-1918. [DOI: 10.1039/c8bm01483c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Self-assembled PGED-Pc nanoparticles are able to inactivate bacteria via the generation of reactive oxygen species in aqueous solution, while a facile immobilization strategy sheds light on the engineering of self-sterilizing surfaces to combat bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering
- Beijing University of Chemical Technology
- Beijing 100029
- China
- Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology)
| | - Yanhua Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering
- Beijing University of Chemical Technology
- Beijing 100029
- China
- Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology)
| | - Shun Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering
- Beijing University of Chemical Technology
- Beijing 100029
- China
- Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology)
| | - Xiaokang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering
- Beijing University of Chemical Technology
- Beijing 100029
- China
- Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology)
| | - Fu-Jian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering
- Beijing University of Chemical Technology
- Beijing 100029
- China
- Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology)
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Ranjan M, Karade S, Sen S, Srinivas V. Pseudohemoptysis in an elderly due to Serratia marcescens pneumonitis. Med J Armed Forces India 2018; 74:383-385. [PMID: 30449928 DOI: 10.1016/j.mjafi.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Manish Ranjan
- Resident, Department of Microbiology, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune 411040, India
| | - Santosh Karade
- Classified Specialist (Microbiology), Trained in Virology & Retrovirology, Command Hospital (Southern Command), Pune 411040, India
| | - Sourav Sen
- Professor & Head, Department of Microbiology, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune 411040, India
| | - V Srinivas
- Consultant and Head, Department of Pathology, Command Hospital (Southern Command), Pune 411040, India
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Dhusia K, Raja K, Thomas PPM, Yadav PK, Ramteke PW. Molecular dynamics simulation analysis of conessine against multi drug resistant Serratia marcescens. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2018; 67:101-111. [PMID: 30396000 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is an immediate precursor of polyamine biosynthesis in Serratia marcescens and a potential target for inhibition of its growth. We predicted the 3D structural conformation of ODC enzyme and validated it using MDS in our previous study. In this current study, the potential inhibitors of ODC were obtained by virtual screening of potential inhibitors from ZINC database and studied in depth for their different binding pose. Among the ten virtually screened inhibitors, Conessine exhibited the best binding with ODC and its inhibition property was studied further by MDS studies. The natural compound conessine is isolated from plant Holarrhena antidysenterica and it is studied against ODC of Serratia marcenses for its inhibitory potentials. This revealed unforeseen twisted position in root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) and ODC modelled conformation that influenced ligand binding. Both predicted model and ligand bound model were compared and found to be stable with Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) of approximately 7 nm and 0.25 nm to that of crystallographic structure over simulation time of 55 ns and 70 ns respectively. This work paves the way for future development of new drugs against nosocomial diseases caused by Serratia marcescens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyani Dhusia
- Department of Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad 211007, U.P., India
| | - Kalpana Raja
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Pierre Paul Michel Thomas
- Institute of Public Health Genomics, Genetics and Cell Biology cluster, GROW Research School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
| | - Pramod K Yadav
- Department of Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad 211007, U.P., India
| | - Pramod W Ramteke
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad 211007, U.P., India.
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Srinivasan R, Mohankumar R, Kannappan A, Karthick Raja V, Archunan G, Karutha Pandian S, Ruckmani K, Veera Ravi A. Exploring the Anti-quorum Sensing and Antibiofilm Efficacy of Phytol against Serratia marcescens Associated Acute Pyelonephritis Infection in Wistar Rats. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:498. [PMID: 29259923 PMCID: PMC5723315 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Quorum Sensing (QS) mechanism, a bacterial density-dependent gene expression system, governs the Serratia marcescens pathogenesis through the production of virulence factors and biofilm formation. The present study demonstrates the anti-quorum sensing (anti-QS), antibiofilm potential and in vivo protective effect of phytol, a diterpene alcohol broadly utilized as food additive and in therapeutics fields. In vitro treatment of phytol (5 and 10 μg/ml) showed decreasing level of biofilm formation, lipase and hemolysin production in S. marcescens compared to their respective controls. More, microscopic analyses confirmed the antibiofilm potential of phytol. The biofilm related phenomenons such as swarming motility and exopolysccharide productions were also inhibited by phytol. Furthermore, the real-time analysis elucidated the molecular mechanism of phytol which showed downregulation of fimA, fimC, flhC, flhD, bsmB, pigP, and shlA gene expressions. On the other hand, the in vivo rescue effect of phytol was assessed against S. marcescens associated acute pyelonephritis in Wistar rat. Compared to the infected and vehicle controls, the phytol treated groups (100 and 200 mg/kg) showed decreased level of bacterial counts in kidney, bladder tissues and urine samples on the 5th post infection day. As well, the phytol treatment showed reduced level of virulence enzymes such as lipase and protease productions compared to the infected and vehicle controls. Further, the infected and vehicle controls showed increasing level of inflammatory markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) productions. In contrast, the phytol treatment showed decreasing level of inflammatory markers. In histopathology, the uninfected animal showed normal kidney and bladder structure, wherein, the infected animals showed extensive infiltration of neutrophils in kidney and bladder tissues. In contrast, the phytol treatment showed normal kidney and bladder tissues. Additionally, the toxic effect of phytol (200 mg/kg) was assessed by single dose toxicity analysis. No changes were observed in hematological, biochemical profiles and histopathological analysis of vital organs in phytol treated animals compared to the untreated controls. Hence, this study suggested the potential use of phytol for its anti-QS, antibiofilm and anti-inflammatory properties against S. marcescens infections and their associated inflammation reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ramar Mohankumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, National Facility for Drug Development for Academia, Pharmaceutical and Allied Industries, Bharathidasan Institute of Technology, Anna University, Tiruchirappalli, India
| | | | | | - Govindaraju Archunan
- Department of Animal Science, Centre for Pheromone Technology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India
| | | | - Kandasamy Ruckmani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, National Facility for Drug Development for Academia, Pharmaceutical and Allied Industries, Bharathidasan Institute of Technology, Anna University, Tiruchirappalli, India
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A Transcriptional Regulatory Mechanism Finely Tunes the Firing of Type VI Secretion System in Response to Bacterial Enemies. mBio 2017; 8:mBio.00559-17. [PMID: 28830939 PMCID: PMC5565961 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00559-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to detect and measure danger from an environmental signal is paramount for bacteria to respond accordingly, deploying strategies that halt or counteract potential cellular injury and maximize survival chances. Type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) are complex bacterial contractile nanomachines able to target toxic effectors into neighboring bacteria competing for the same colonization niche. Previous studies support the concept that either T6SSs are constitutively active or they fire effectors in response to various stimuli, such as high bacterial density, cell-cell contact, nutrient depletion, or components from dead sibling cells. For Serratia marcescens, it has been proposed that its T6SS is stochastically expressed, with no distinction between harmless or aggressive competitors. In contrast, we demonstrate that the Rcs regulatory system is responsible for finely tuning Serratia T6SS expression levels, behaving as a transcriptional rheostat. When confronted with harmless bacteria, basal T6SS expression levels suffice for Serratia to eliminate the competitor. A moderate T6SS upregulation is triggered when, according to the aggressor-prey ratio, an unbalanced interplay between homologous and heterologous effectors and immunity proteins takes place. Higher T6SS expression levels are achieved when Serratia is challenged by a contender like Acinetobacter, which indiscriminately fires heterologous effectors able to exert lethal cellular harm, threatening the survival of the Serratia population. We also demonstrate that Serratia’s RcsB-dependent T6SS regulatory mechanism responds not to general stress signals but to the action of specific effectors from competitors, displaying an exquisite strategy to weigh risks and keep the balance between energy expenditure and fitness costs. Serratia marcescens is among the health-threatening pathogens categorized by the WHO as research priorities to develop alternative antimicrobial strategies, and it was also recently identified as one major component of the gut microbiome in familial Crohn disease dysbiosis. Type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) stand among the array of survival strategies that Serratia displays. They are contractile multiprotein complexes able to deliver toxic effectors directed to kill bacterial species sharing the same niche and, thus, competing for vital resources. Here, we show that Serratia is able to detect and measure the extent of damage generated through T6SS-delivered toxins from neighboring bacteria and responds by transcriptionally adjusting the expression level of its own T6SS machinery to counterattack the rival. This strategy allows Serratia to finely tune the production of costly T6SS devices to maximize the chances of successfully fighting against enemies and minimize energy investment. The knowledge of this novel mechanism provides insight to better understand bacterial interactions and design alternative treatments for polymicrobial infections.
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Anderson MT, Mitchell LA, Mobley HLT. Cysteine Biosynthesis Controls Serratia marcescens Phospholipase Activity. J Bacteriol 2017; 199:e00159-17. [PMID: 28559296 PMCID: PMC5527384 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00159-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Serratia marcescens causes health care-associated opportunistic infections that can be difficult to treat due to a high incidence of antibiotic resistance. One of the many secreted proteins of S. marcescens is the PhlA phospholipase enzyme. Genes involved in the production and secretion of PhlA were identified by screening a transposon insertion library for phospholipase-deficient mutants on phosphatidylcholine-containing medium. Mutations were identified in four genes (cyaA, crp, fliJ, and fliP) that are involved in the flagellum-dependent PhlA secretion pathway. An additional phospholipase-deficient isolate harbored a transposon insertion in the cysE gene encoding a predicted serine O-acetyltransferase required for cysteine biosynthesis. The cysE requirement for extracellular phospholipase activity was confirmed using a fluorogenic phospholipase substrate. Phospholipase activity was restored to the cysE mutant by the addition of exogenous l-cysteine or O-acetylserine to the culture medium and by genetic complementation. Additionally, phlA transcript levels were decreased 6-fold in bacteria lacking cysE and were restored with added cysteine, indicating a role for cysteine-dependent transcriptional regulation of S. marcescens phospholipase activity. S. marcescenscysE mutants also exhibited a defect in swarming motility that was correlated with reduced levels of flhD and fliA flagellar regulator gene transcription. Together, these findings suggest a model in which cysteine is required for the regulation of both extracellular phospholipase activity and surface motility in S. marcescensIMPORTANCESerratia marcescens is known to secrete multiple extracellular enzymes, but PhlA is unusual in that this protein is thought to be exported by the flagellar transport apparatus. In this study, we demonstrate that both extracellular phospholipase activity and flagellar function are dependent on the cysteine biosynthesis pathway. Furthermore, a disruption of cysteine biosynthesis results in decreased phlA and flagellar gene transcription, which can be restored by supplying bacteria with exogenous cysteine. These results identify a previously unrecognized role for CysE and cysteine in the secretion of S. marcescens phospholipase and in bacterial motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark T Anderson
- University of Michigan Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lindsay A Mitchell
- University of Michigan Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Harry L T Mobley
- University of Michigan Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Recent independent emergence of multiple multidrug-resistant Serratia marcescens clones within the United Kingdom and Ireland. Genome Res 2016; 26:1101-9. [PMID: 27432456 PMCID: PMC4971767 DOI: 10.1101/gr.205245.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Serratia marcescens, a member of the Enterobacteriaceae family, is a Gram-negative bacterium responsible for a wide range of nosocomial infections. The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains is an increasing danger to public health. To design effective means to control the dissemination of S. marcescens, an in-depth analysis of the population structure and variation is required. Utilizing whole-genome sequencing, we characterized the population structure and variation, as well as the antimicrobial resistance determinants, of a systematic collection of antimicrobial-resistant S. marcescens associated with bloodstream infections in hospitals across the United Kingdom and Ireland between 2001 and 2011. Our results show that S. marcescens is a diverse species with a high level of genomic variation. However, the collection was largely composed of a limited number of clones that emerged from this diverse background within the past few decades. We identified potential recent transmissions of these clones, within and between hospitals, and showed that they have acquired antimicrobial resistance determinants for different beta-lactams, ciprofloxacin, and tetracyclines on multiple occasions. The expansion of these multidrug-resistant clones suggests that the treatment of S. marcescens infections will become increasingly difficult in the future.
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Necrotizing soft tissue infection caused by Serratia marcescens: A case report and literature review. J Infect Chemother 2016; 22:335-8. [PMID: 26778253 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2015.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A 64-year-old man with advanced liver cirrhosis was transferred to an emergency center due to septic shock and markedly inflamed left leg. Under a clinical diagnosis of necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI), the patient undertook intensive therapy but died 25 h after arrival. The pathogenic organism, Serratia marcescens, was later isolated from blood and soft tissue cultures. NSTI is very rarely associated with S. marcescens. A literature review showed that only 16 such cases, including our case, have been reported to date. Our case is the first evidence of an S. marcescens NSTI in a patient with liver cirrhosis. S. marcescens NSTI has an extremely high mortality rate; total mortality and mortality in cases involving the extremities were 75% (12 of 16 cases) and 83.3% (10 of 12 cases), respectively. Physicians need to be aware that S. marcescens can induce fatal infections in community patients.
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Seo J, Shin D, Oh SH, Lee JH, Chung KY, Lee MG, Kim DS. CutaneousSerratia marcescensinfections in Korea: A retrospective analysis of 13 patients. J Dermatol 2015; 43:149-55. [DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.13059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jimyung Seo
- Department of Dermatology; Severance Hospital; Cutaneous Biology Research Institute; Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
| | - Dongyun Shin
- Department of Dermatology; Severance Hospital; Cutaneous Biology Research Institute; Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
| | - Sang Ho Oh
- Department of Dermatology; Severance Hospital; Cutaneous Biology Research Institute; Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
| | - Ju Hee Lee
- Department of Dermatology; Severance Hospital; Cutaneous Biology Research Institute; Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
| | - Kee Yang Chung
- Department of Dermatology; Severance Hospital; Cutaneous Biology Research Institute; Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
| | - Min-Geol Lee
- Department of Dermatology; Severance Hospital; Cutaneous Biology Research Institute; Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
| | - Dae Suk Kim
- Department of Dermatology; Severance Hospital; Cutaneous Biology Research Institute; Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
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Abstract
Infection associated with ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt implantation can be a significant problem. VP shunt infection with Serratia marcescens, a gram-negative anaerobic rod, usually is related to underlying abdominal disease. This article describes treatment of two patients suffering from a VP shunt infection with S. marcescens without underlying abdominal disease.
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Piechota H, Kramer A. [Nosocomial infections in urology]. Urologe A 2015; 53:1458-67. [PMID: 25292308 DOI: 10.1007/s00120-014-3561-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Nosocomial infections (NI) may be a serious and mostly avoidable consequence of medical procedures and often cause a significant aggravation of the patients underlying disease. Following surgical site infections, urinary tract infections (UTI) represent the second most common fraction of NIs (22.4%) in Germany and contribute to approximately 155,000 nosocomial UTIs (nUTI) every year.Prevention of NI is of utmost individual as well as socioeconomic importance especially regarding the continuing worldwide increase in antibiotic resistance. National legislature has responded to this challenge by amending the German Law on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (IfSG) and other measures. Their practical importance for various clinical settings in urology is outlined in this overview.The correct use of urinary catheters has the greatest impact for prevention and control as nUTIs are associated with urinary catheters in most of the cases (80%). The recently updated guidelines of the Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention of the Robert Koch Institute (KRINKO) and the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF) provide detailed recommendations in an evidence-based and practice-oriented manner as summarized in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Piechota
- Klinik für Urologie, Kinderurologie und Urologische Onkologie, Johannes Wesling Klinikum Minden, Hans-Nolte-Straße 1, 32429, Minden, Deutschland,
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Requirement for Serratia marcescens cytolysin in a murine model of hemorrhagic pneumonia. Infect Immun 2014; 83:614-24. [PMID: 25422267 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01822-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Serratia marcescens, a member of the carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, is an important emerging pathogen that causes a wide variety of nosocomial infections, spreads rapidly within hospitals, and has a systemic mortality rate of ≤41%. Despite multiple clinical descriptions of S. marcescens nosocomial pneumonia, little is known regarding the mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis and the host immune response. To address this gap, we developed an oropharyngeal aspiration model of lethal and sublethal S. marcescens pneumonia in BALB/c mice and extensively characterized the latter. Lethal challenge (>4.0 × 10(6) CFU) was characterized by fulminate hemorrhagic pneumonia with rapid loss of lung function and death. Mice challenged with a sublethal dose (<2.0 × 10(6) CFU) rapidly lost weight, had diminished lung compliance, experienced lung hemorrhage, and responded to the infection with extensive neutrophil infiltration and histopathological changes in tissue architecture. Neutrophil extracellular trap formation and the expression of inflammatory cytokines occurred early after infection. Mice depleted of neutrophils were exquisitely susceptible to an otherwise nonlethal inoculum, thereby demonstrating the requirement for neutrophils in host protection. Mutation of the genes encoding the cytolysin ShlA and its transporter ShlB resulted in attenuated S. marcescens strains that failed to cause profound weight loss, extended illness, hemorrhage, and prolonged lung pathology in mice. This study describes a model of S. marcescens pneumonia that mimics known clinical features of human illness, identifies neutrophils and the toxin ShlA as a key factors important for defense and infection, respectively, and provides a solid foundation for future studies of novel therapeutics for this important opportunistic pathogen.
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Iguchi A, Nagaya Y, Pradel E, Ooka T, Ogura Y, Katsura K, Kurokawa K, Oshima K, Hattori M, Parkhill J, Sebaihia M, Coulthurst SJ, Gotoh N, Thomson NR, Ewbank JJ, Hayashi T. Genome evolution and plasticity of Serratia marcescens, an important multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen. Genome Biol Evol 2014; 6:2096-110. [PMID: 25070509 PMCID: PMC4231636 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evu160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Serratia marcescens is an important nosocomial pathogen that can cause an array of infections, most notably of the urinary tract and bloodstream. Naturally, it is found in many environmental niches, and is capable of infecting plants and animals. The emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant strains producing extended-spectrum or metallo beta-lactamases now pose a threat to public health worldwide. Here we report the complete genome sequences of two carefully selected S. marcescens strains, a multidrug-resistant clinical isolate (strain SM39) and an insect isolate (strain Db11). Our comparative analyses reveal the core genome of S. marcescens and define the potential metabolic capacity, virulence, and multidrug resistance of this species. We show a remarkable intraspecies genetic diversity, both at the sequence level and with regards genome flexibility, which may reflect the diversity of niches inhabited by members of this species. A broader analysis with other Serratia species identifies a set of approximately 3,000 genes that characterize the genus. Within this apparent genetic diversity, we identified many genes implicated in the high virulence potential and antibiotic resistance of SM39, including the metallo beta-lactamase and multiple other drug resistance determinants carried on plasmid pSMC1. We further show that pSMC1 is most closely related to plasmids circulating in Pseudomonas species. Our data will provide a valuable basis for future studies on S. marcescens and new insights into the genetic mechanisms that underlie the emergence of pathogens highly resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Iguchi
- Interdisciplinary Research Organization, University of Miyazaki, JapanPresent address: Department of Animal and Grassland Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Yutaka Nagaya
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control Science, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, JapanPresent address: Kashima ONC QC, Oncology DCU, Eisai Demand Chain Systems, Eisai Co., Ltd., Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Elizabeth Pradel
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, UM2 Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, FranceINSERM, U1104, Marseille, FranceCNRS, UMR7280, Marseille, FrancePresent address: CIIL-Inserm U1019, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Tadasuke Ooka
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Yoshitoshi Ogura
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, JapanDepartment of Genomics and Bioenvironmental Science, Frontier Science Research Center, University of Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Keisuke Katsura
- Department of Genomics and Bioenvironmental Science, Frontier Science Research Center, University of Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Ken Kurokawa
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kenshiro Oshima
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masahira Hattori
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Julian Parkhill
- Pathogen Genomics, The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mohamed Sebaihia
- Pathogen Genomics, The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah J Coulthurst
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Naomasa Gotoh
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control Science, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Japan
| | - Nicholas R Thomson
- Pathogen Genomics, The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Cambridge, United KingdomDepartment of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan J Ewbank
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, UM2 Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, FranceINSERM, U1104, Marseille, FranceCNRS, UMR7280, Marseille, France
| | - Tetsuya Hayashi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, JapanDepartment of Genomics and Bioenvironmental Science, Frontier Science Research Center, University of Miyazaki, Japan
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Cleto S, Van der Auwera G, Almeida C, Vieira MJ, Vlamakis H, Kolter R. Genome Sequence of Serratia plymuthica V4. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2014; 2:e00340-14. [PMID: 24831138 PMCID: PMC4022802 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.00340-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Serratia spp. are gammaproteobacteria and members of the family Enterobacteriaceae. Here, we announce the genome sequence of Serratia plymuthica strain V4, which produces the siderophore serratiochelin and antimicrobial compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - G Van der Auwera
- Genome Sequencing and Analysis Group, Medical and Population Genetics Platform, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - C Almeida
- University of Minho, Department of Biological Engineering, Braga, Portugal
| | - M J Vieira
- University of Minho, Department of Biological Engineering, Braga, Portugal
| | - H Vlamakis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - R Kolter
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Answer to December 2013 Photo Quiz. J Clin Microbiol 2013. [DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02106-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Outbreak of Serratia marcescens postsurgical bloodstream infection due to contaminated intravenous pain control fluids. Int J Infect Dis 2013; 17:e718-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2013.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Revised: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Huang PY, Hung MH, Shie SS, Su LH, Chen KY, Ye JJ, Chiang PC, Leu HS, Huang CT. Molecular concordance of concurrent Candida albicans candidemia and candiduria. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2013; 76:382-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2013.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2012] [Revised: 03/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Identification of a hidden outbreak due to the spread of a VIM-3-producing, extensive drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (XDRPA) clone at a regional hospital in Taiwan. Epidemiol Infect 2012; 141:1713-6. [PMID: 23137516 DOI: 10.1017/s095026881200204x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A review of the annual prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa at a regional hospital in Taiwan revealed a significant increase in the incidence of extensive drug-resistant P. aeruginosa (XDRPA) from 2∙1% in 2003 to 5∙8% in 2007. The first XDRPA isolate was recovered in 2001 from the emergency ward. The widespread dissemination of XDRPA isolates to more than 10 other wards was discovered the following year. Six pulsotypes of 67 XDRPA isolates from 2006 onwards were identified and 91% were a single strain, suggesting the existence of a hidden outbreak. Prior to the recognition of the outbreak, the majority of cases were not considered to be healthcare-associated infections until molecular evidence was provided. A cohort measure was launched by the infection control practitioners that effectively controlled the outbreak. Patients with XDRPA were mostly referred from neighbouring long-term care facilities, which may have been the reservoir of the XDRPA clone.
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Abstract
Serratia marcescens is a species of Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium of the family Enterobacteriaceae. S. marcescens can cause nosocomial infections, particularly catheter-associated bacteremia, urinary tract infections, and wound infections. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of Serratia marcescens strain LCT-SM213, which was isolated from CGMCC 1.1857.
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Cheng MS, Ho JS, Tan CH, Wong JPS, Ng LC, Toh CS. Development of an electrochemical membrane-based nanobiosensor for ultrasensitive detection of dengue virus. Anal Chim Acta 2012; 725:74-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2012.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2011] [Revised: 03/07/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Abstract
Serratia species, in particular Serratia marcescens, are significant human pathogens. S. marcescens has a long and interesting taxonomic, medical experimentation, military experimentation, and human clinical infection history. The organisms in this genus, particularly S. marcescens, were long thought to be nonpathogenic. Because S. marcescens was thought to be a nonpathogen and is usually red pigmented, the U.S. military conducted experiments that attempted to ascertain the spread of this organism released over large areas. In the process, members of both the public and the military were exposed to S. marcescens, and this was uncovered by the press in the 1970s, leading to U.S. congressional hearings. S. marcescens was found to be a certain human pathogen by the mid-1960s. S. marcescens and S. liquefaciens have been isolated as causative agents of numerous outbreaks and opportunistic infections, and the association of these organisms with point sources such as medical devices and various solutions given to hospitalized patients is striking. Serratia species appear to be common environmental organisms, and this helps to explain the large number of nosocomial infections due to these bacteria. Since many nosocomial infections are caused by multiply antibiotic-resistant strains of S. marcescens, this increases the danger to hospitalized patients, and hospital personnel should be vigilant in preventing nosocomial outbreaks due to this organism. S. marcescens, and probably other species in the genus, carries several antibiotic resistance determinants and is also capable of acquiring resistance genes. S. marcescens and S. liquefaciens are usually identified well in the clinical laboratory, but the other species are rare enough that laboratory technologists may not recognize them. 16S rRNA gene sequencing may enable better identification of some of the less common Serratia species.
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Hatta M, Sultan AR, Pastoor R, Smits HL. New flagellin gene for Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi from the East Indonesian archipelago. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2011; 84:429-34. [PMID: 21363982 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2011.10-0605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Phase variation is a property unique of some Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi strains from Indonesia. Salmonella Typhi isolates from Indonesia have been described that in addition to the phase 1 Hd flagellin gene contain a second flagellin gene named z66. S. Typhi isolates from Indonesia with a mutant Hd gene named Hj have also been described. Here, we have identified another flagellin gene of S. Typhi, named Ind, showing a closest homology with the flagellin gene of Serratia marcescens. The Ind gene was detected in 21.8% of the S. Typhi isolates from the East Indonesian archipelago, all of which contained the Hd gene. The Hj gene was not detected. The z66 gene was present in 15.4% of the isolates. The presence of these "foreign" flagellin genes could be associated with an increased risk for developing severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mochammad Hatta
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Immunology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South-Sulawesi, Indonesia.
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Perez C, Fujii Y, Fauls M, Hummel J, Breitschwerdt E. Fatal aortic endocarditis associated with community-acquired Serratia marcescens infection in a dog. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2011; 47:133-7. [PMID: 21311076 DOI: 10.5326/jaaha-ms-5616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A 12 yr old Dalmatian was referred for evaluation of acute lethargy, fever, neurologic signs, and a recently ausculted heart murmur. Echocardiography in combination with blood cultures resulted in a diagnosis of nonhospital-acquired Serratia marcescens bacteremia and aortic valve endocarditis. Despite early diagnosis and aggressive therapy, the dog failed to respond to antimicrobials and died within 6 hr after admission. Necropsy findings included aortic valve endocarditis, septicemia, and diffuse thromboembolic disease. There was no history of pre-existing underlying disease or immunosuppressive therapy, and the dog had not been hospitalized before referral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Perez
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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Increasing resistance in community-acquired urinary tract infections in Latin America, five years after the implementation of national therapeutic guidelines. Int J Infect Dis 2010; 14:e770-4. [PMID: 20637675 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2010.02.2264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2009] [Accepted: 02/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The worldwide increasing resistance to antibiotics has complicated antimicrobial treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially in Latin America. This study aimed to report the present etiology and antimicrobial susceptibility of UTIs, and the effects of the national guidelines for UTIs introduced in 2003. METHODS Urine samples were collected from 304 patients with a clinical suspicion of UTI at the university hospital and primary health centers of León, Nicaragua. When bacterial growth was reported, antimicrobial susceptibility tests for nine frequently used antibiotics were performed. RESULTS Ninety-one (29.9%) patients had a positive urine culture. The most frequently isolated microorganisms were Escherichia coli (n=44), Serratia spp (n=11), and Escherichia fergusonii (n=10). High resistance rates were observed in E. coli to ampicillin (61.4%), cefalothin (45.5%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (38.6%), ciprofloxacin (31.8%), and ceftriaxone (20.5%). Amikacin and nitrofurantoin were the only drugs to which >90% of E. coli were susceptible. E. fergusonii and Serratia spp showed comparable high resistance patterns. Thirteen strains (29.5%) of E. coli were suspected to produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL). CONCLUSIONS Resistance rates in community-acquired UTIs in Nicaragua are increasing. The introduction of therapeutic guidelines with ceftriaxone recommended for upper UTIs and nitrofurantoin for lower UTIs, has led to increasing resistance against both antibiotics. The emergence of ESBL-producing E. coli is worrisome, along with the appearance of Serratia spp in the population.
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Dessì A, Puddu M, Testa M, Marcialis MA, Pintus MC, Fanos V. Serratia marcescens infections and outbreaks in neonatal intensive care units. J Chemother 2010; 21:493-9. [PMID: 19933039 DOI: 10.1179/joc.2009.21.5.493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Serratia marcescens is an important cause of hospital-acquired infections, especially in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). This review analyzes clinical signs, risk factors, biotyping and sources of infection in newborns exhibited by this bacteria as well as the therapy which is commonly used and management. This review examines the reported cases of outbreaks of S. marcescens in NICUs published in pubmed over the last 10 years (key words: Serratia marcescens infections, outbreaks, Neonatal intensive Care Units). This report highlights the different prevention and control strategies employed in order to eradicate Serratia outbreaks in NICUs, including all healthcare procedures such as hand washing, introduction of alcohol-based antiseptic gel, enhanced cleaning and disinfection of medical equipment and wards, use of single-patient medical instruments, cohorting of colonized and infected infants, periodic screening cultures, earliest discharge of the infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dessì
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Azienda Mista Ospedaliero Universitaria, Italy
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de Boer MGJ, Brunsveld-Reinders AH, Salomons EMA, Dijkshoorn L, Bernards AT, van den Berg PCM, van den Broek PJ. Multifactorial origin of high incidence of Serratia marcescens in a cardio-thoracic ICU: analysis of risk factors and epidemiological characteristics. J Infect 2008; 56:446-53. [PMID: 18511122 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2008.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2007] [Revised: 04/07/2008] [Accepted: 04/08/2008] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A four-fold increase in the incidence of Serratia marcescens occurred in a cardio-thoracic ICU within a 13-month period. Clinical, epidemiological and molecular characteristics were analysed to elucidate the outbreak's origin. METHODS Epidemiological data were analysed by mapping clustered cases; isolates were genotyped by AFLP analysis. A case-control study was performed to identify risk factors for the acquisition of S. marcescens. Data were obtained from files and electronic databases of the ICU and Department of Medical Microbiology. The adherence to hygiene protocols on the ICU was reviewed by a medical audit. RESULTS Genotyping showed 16 distinct S. marcescens strains. Twenty-one cases and 39 controls were enrolled in the case-control study. Significant differences found by univariate analysis included the duration of surgery, APACHE-II-score on ICU admission, length of ICU stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, tube feeding and the sum of the number of days per invasive device. In a multivariate logistic regression model, the length of ICU stay and tube feeding were independent risk factors. Outbreak strains were not more frequently resistant to gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, meropenem or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole as compared to a reference group. Hygiene protocols, including hand washing, were insufficiently practiced by the ICU's medical staff. CONCLUSIONS The heterogeneity of the strains points to transmission from various sources. This outbreak of S. marcescens was most probably caused by reduced hand washing and other breaks in infection prevention protocols in combination with the presence of the identified risk factors, which act by affecting the number and intensity of potential transmission events.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G J de Boer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Yu WL, Ko WC, Cheng KC, Chen HE, Lee CC, Chuang YC. Institutional spread of clonally related Serratia marcescens isolates with a novel AmpC cephalosporinase (S4): a 4-year experience in Taiwan. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2008; 61:460-7. [PMID: 18455901 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2008.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2007] [Revised: 02/28/2008] [Accepted: 03/11/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Resistance of Serratia marcescens, a nosocomial pathogen of Enterobacteriaceae, to the extended-spectrum beta-lactams is usually mediated by an overproduced AmpC cephalosporinase. We aimed to characterize the molecular epidemiology and AmpC of S. marcescens isolates recovered from 1 medical center in southern Taiwan. AmpC-encoding genes for SRT families were investigated by polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing. From August 1999 through July 2003, 69 nonrepetitive bloodstream isolates were enrolled. Excluding 11 isolates, which also produced an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase, 58 isolates carried an AmpC-encoding gene, including a novel S4 gene with 98% identity to SRT-1 gene (n = 50), SRT-2 gene (n = 3), SST-1 gene (n = 1), and others (n = 4). Isolates with S4 exhibited a phenotype of resistance to cefotaxime (CTX) but not ceftazidime. Genotype analysis by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed that 45 (90%) of the isolates carrying S4 gene belonged to 2 major epidemic clones, including types A (n = 28) and B (n = 17). In conclusion, the AmpC-like S4 beta-lactamase may confer CTX resistance of the S. marcescens population. Strains carrying the S4 gene with prolonged dissemination were closely related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Liang Yu
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan 71004, Taiwan
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João AM, Serrano PN, Cachão MP, Bártolo EA, Brandão FM. Recurrent Serratia marcescens cutaneous infection manifesting as painful nodules and ulcers. J Am Acad Dermatol 2008; 58:S55-7. [PMID: 18191713 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2006.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2006] [Revised: 04/19/2006] [Accepted: 05/24/2006] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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