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Zulkefli NJ, Teh CSJ, Mariappan V, Ngoi ST, Vadivelu J, Ponnampalavanar S, Chai LC, Chong CW, Yap IKS, Vellasamy KM. Genomic comparison and phenotypic profiling of small colony variants of Burkholderia pseudomallei. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261382. [PMID: 34910764 PMCID: PMC8673655 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia pseudomallei (B. pseudomallei) is an intracellular pathogen that causes melioidosis, a life-threatening infection in humans. The bacterium is able to form small colony variants (SCVs) as part of the adaptive features in response to environmental stress. In this study, we characterize the genomic characteristics, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and metabolic phenotypes of B. pseudomallei SCV and wild type (WT) strains. Whole-genome sequence analysis was performed to characterize the genomic features of two SCVs (CS and OS) and their respective parental WT strains (CB and OB). Phylogenetic relationship between the four draft genomes in this study and 19 publicly available genomes from various countries was determined. The four draft genomes showed a close phylogenetic relationship with other genomes from Southeast Asia. Broth microdilution and phenotype microarray were conducted to determine the AMR profiles and metabolic features (carbon utilization, osmolytes sensitivity, and pH conditions) of all strains. The SCV strains exhibited identical AMR phenotype with their parental WT strains. A limited number of AMR-conferring genes were identified in the B. pseudomallei genomes. The SCVs and their respective parental WT strains generally shared similar carbon-utilization profiles, except for D,L-carnitine (CS), g-hydroxybutyric acid (OS), and succinamic acid (OS) which were utilized by the SCVs only. No difference was observed in the osmolytes sensitivity of all strains. In comparison, WT strains were more resistant to alkaline condition, while SCVs showed variable growth responses at higher acidity. Overall, the genomes of the colony morphology variants of B. pseudomallei were largely identical, and the phenotypic variations observed among the different morphotypes were strain-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noorfatin Jihan Zulkefli
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Cindy Shuan Ju Teh
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- * E-mail: (CSJT); (KMV)
| | - Vanitha Mariappan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre of Toxicology and Health Risk Studies (CORE), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Soo Tein Ngoi
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jamuna Vadivelu
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Lay Ching Chai
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chun Wie Chong
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
- Institute for Research, Development & Innovation, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ivan Kok Seng Yap
- Sarawak Research and Development Council, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Kumutha Malar Vellasamy
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- * E-mail: (CSJT); (KMV)
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Ghazali AK, Eng SA, Khoo JS, Teoh S, Hoh CC, Nathan S. Whole-genome comparative analysis of Malaysian Burkholderia pseudomallei clinical isolates. Microb Genom 2021; 7. [PMID: 33565959 PMCID: PMC8208702 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia pseudomallei, a soil-dwelling Gram-negative bacterium, is the causative agent of the endemic tropical disease melioidosis. Clinical manifestations of B. pseudomallei infection range from acute or chronic localized infection in a single organ to fulminant septicaemia in multiple organs. The diverse clinical manifestations are attributed to various factors, including the genome plasticity across B. pseudomallei strains. We previously characterized B. pseudomallei strains isolated in Malaysia and noted different levels of virulence in model hosts. We hypothesized that the difference in virulence might be a result of variance at the genome level. In this study, we sequenced and assembled four Malaysian clinical B. pseudomallei isolates, UKMR15, UKMPMC2000, UKMD286 and UKMH10. Phylogenomic analysis showed that Malaysian subclades emerged from the Asian subclade, suggesting that the Malaysian strains originated from the Asian region. Interestingly, the low-virulence strain, UKMH10, was the most distantly related compared to the other Malaysian isolates. Genomic island (GI) prediction analysis identified a new island of 23 kb, GI9c, which is present in B. pseudomallei and Burkholderia mallei, but not Burkholderia thailandensis. Genes encoding known B. pseudomallei virulence factors were present across all four genomes, but comparative analysis of the total gene content across the Malaysian strains identified 104 genes that are absent in UKMH10. We propose that these genes may encode novel virulence factors, which may explain the reduced virulence of this strain. Further investigation on the identity and role of these 104 proteins may aid in understanding B. pseudomallei pathogenicity to guide the design of new therapeutics for treating melioidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad-Kamal Ghazali
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Su-Anne Eng
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Jia-Shiun Khoo
- Codon Genomics S/B, 26, Jalan Dutamas 7, Taman Dutamas Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Seddon Teoh
- Codon Genomics S/B, 26, Jalan Dutamas 7, Taman Dutamas Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Choong Hoh
- Codon Genomics S/B, 26, Jalan Dutamas 7, Taman Dutamas Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sheila Nathan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
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Chomkatekaew C, Boonklang P, Sangphukieo A, Chewapreecha C. An Evolutionary Arms Race Between Burkholderia pseudomallei and Host Immune System: What Do We Know? Front Microbiol 2021; 11:612568. [PMID: 33552023 PMCID: PMC7858667 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.612568] [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: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A better understanding of co-evolution between pathogens and hosts holds promise for better prevention and control strategies. This review will explore the interactions between Burkholderia pseudomallei, an environmental and opportunistic pathogen, and the human host immune system. B. pseudomallei causes "Melioidosis," a rapidly fatal tropical infectious disease predicted to affect 165,000 cases annually worldwide, of which 89,000 are fatal. Genetic heterogeneities were reported in both B. pseudomallei and human host population, some of which may, at least in part, contribute to inter-individual differences in disease susceptibility. Here, we review (i) a multi-host-pathogen characteristic of the interaction; (ii) selection pressures acting on B. pseudomallei and human genomes with the former being driven by bacterial adaptation across ranges of ecological niches while the latter are driven by human encounter of broad ranges of pathogens; (iii) the mechanisms that generate genetic diversity in bacterial and host population particularly in sequences encoding proteins functioning in host-pathogen interaction; (iv) reported genetic and structural variations of proteins or molecules observed in B. pseudomallei-human host interactions and their implications in infection outcomes. Together, these predict bacterial and host evolutionary trajectory which continues to generate genetic diversity in bacterium and operates host immune selection at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Apiwat Sangphukieo
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Bangkok, Thailand
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, School of Bioresource and Technology, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Claire Chewapreecha
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Bangkok, Thailand
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, School of Bioresource and Technology, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
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Abstract
The causative agent of melioidosis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, a tier 1 select agent, is endemic in Southeast Asia and northern Australia, with increased incidence associated with high levels of rainfall. Increasing reports of this condition have occurred worldwide, with estimates of up to 165,000 cases and 89,000 deaths per year. The ecological niche of the organism has yet to be clearly defined, although the organism is associated with soil and water. The culture of appropriate clinical material remains the mainstay of laboratory diagnosis. Identification is best done by phenotypic methods, although mass spectrometric methods have been described. Serology has a limited diagnostic role. Direct molecular and antigen detection methods have limited availability and sensitivity. Clinical presentations of melioidosis range from acute bacteremic pneumonia to disseminated visceral abscesses and localized infections. Transmission is by direct inoculation, inhalation, or ingestion. Risk factors for melioidosis include male sex, diabetes mellitus, alcohol abuse, and immunosuppression. The organism is well adapted to intracellular survival, with numerous virulence mechanisms. Immunity likely requires innate and adaptive responses. The principles of management of this condition are drainage and debridement of infected material and appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Global mortality rates vary between 9% and 70%. Research into vaccine development is ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Gassiep
- Pathology Queensland, Townsville Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - M Armstrong
- Pathology Queensland, Townsville Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - R Norton
- Pathology Queensland, Townsville Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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The Impact of Age and Sex on Mouse Models of Melioidosis. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9020113. [PMID: 32054106 PMCID: PMC7168040 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9020113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse models have been used to generate critical data for many infectious diseases. In the case of Burkholderia pseudomallei, mouse models have been invaluable for bacterial pathogenesis studies as well as for testing novel medical countermeasures including both vaccines and therapeutics. Mouse models of melioidosis have also provided a possible way forward to better understand the chronicity associated with this infection, as it appears that BALB/c mice develop an acute infection with B. pseudomallei, whereas the C57BL/6 model is potentially more suggestive of a chronic infection. Several unanswered questions, however, persist around this model. In particular, little attention has been paid to the effect of age or sex on the disease outcome in these animal models. In this report, we determined the LD50 of the B. pseudomallei K96243 strain in both female and male BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice in three distinct age groups. Our data demonstrated a modest increase in susceptibility associated with sex in this model, and we documented important histopathological differences associated with the reproductive systems of each sex. There was a statistically significant inverse correlation between age and susceptibility. The older mice, in most cases, were more susceptible to the infection. Additionally, our retrospective analyses suggested that the impact of animal supplier on disease outcome in mice may be minimal. These observations were consistent regardless of whether the mice were injected with bacteria intraperitoneally or if they were exposed to aerosolized bacteria. All of these factors should be considered when designing experiments using mouse models of melioidosis.
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Herbrík A, Corretto E, Chroňáková A, Langhansová H, Petrásková P, Hrdý J, Čihák M, Krištůfek V, Bobek J, Petříček M, Petříčková K. A Human Lung-Associated Streptomyces sp. TR1341 Produces Various Secondary Metabolites Responsible for Virulence, Cytotoxicity and Modulation of Immune Response. Front Microbiol 2020; 10:3028. [PMID: 32010093 PMCID: PMC6978741 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.03028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptomycetes, typical soil dwellers, can be detected as common colonizers of human bodies, especially the skin, the respiratory tract, the guts and the genital tract using molecular techniques. However, their clinical manifestations and isolations are rare. Recently they were discussed as possible "coaches" of the human immune system in connection with certain immune disorders and cancer. This work aimed for the characterization and evaluation of genetic adaptations of a human-associated strain Streptomyces sp. TR1341. The strain was isolated from sputum of a senior male patient with a history of lung and kidney TB, recurrent respiratory infections and COPD. It manifested remarkably broad biological activities (antibacterial, antifungal, beta-hemolytic, etc.). We found that, by producing specific secondary metabolites, it is able to modulate host immune responses and the niche itself, which increase its chances for long-term survival in the human tissue. The work shows possible adaptations or predispositions of formerly soil microorganism to survive in human tissue successfully. The strain produces two structural groups of cytotoxic compounds: 28-carbon cytolytic polyenes of the filipin type and actinomycin X2. Additionally, we summarize and present data about streptomycete-related human infections known so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrej Herbrík
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Erika Corretto
- Institute of Soil Biology, Biology Centre Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Alica Chroňáková
- Institute of Soil Biology, Biology Centre Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Helena Langhansová
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Petra Petrásková
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jiří Hrdý
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Matouš Čihák
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Václav Krištůfek
- Institute of Soil Biology, Biology Centre Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Jan Bobek
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czechia
| | - Miroslav Petříček
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Kateřina Petříčková
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
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Ledenyova ML, Tkachenko GA, Shpak IM. Imperfect and Compound Microsatellites in the Genomes of Burkholderia pseudomallei Strains. Mol Biol 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893319010084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Bochkareva OO, Moroz EV, Davydov II, Gelfand MS. Genome rearrangements and selection in multi-chromosome bacteria Burkholderia spp. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:965. [PMID: 30587126 PMCID: PMC6307245 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5245-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genus Burkholderia consists of species that occupy remarkably diverse ecological niches. Its best known members are important pathogens, B. mallei and B. pseudomallei, which cause glanders and melioidosis, respectively. Burkholderia genomes are unusual due to their multichromosomal organization, generally comprised of 2-3 chromosomes. RESULTS We performed integrated genomic analysis of 127 Burkholderia strains. The pan-genome is open with the saturation to be reached between 86,000 and 88,000 genes. The reconstructed rearrangements indicate a strong avoidance of intra-replichore inversions that is likely caused by selection against the transfer of large groups of genes between the leading and the lagging strands. Translocated genes also tend to retain their position in the leading or the lagging strand, and this selection is stronger for large syntenies. Integrated reconstruction of chromosome rearrangements in the context of strains phylogeny reveals parallel rearrangements that may indicate inversion-based phase variation and integration of new genomic islands. In particular, we detected parallel inversions in the second chromosomes of B. pseudomallei with breakpoints formed by genes encoding membrane components of multidrug resistance complex, that may be linked to a phase variation mechanism. Two genomic islands, spreading horizontally between chromosomes, were detected in the B. cepacia group. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the power of integrated analysis of pan-genomes, chromosome rearrangements, and selection regimes. Non-random inversion patterns indicate selective pressure, inversions are particularly frequent in a recent pathogen B. mallei, and, together with periods of positive selection at other branches, may indicate adaptation to new niches. One such adaptation could be a possible phase variation mechanism in B. pseudomallei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga O. Bochkareva
- Kharkevich Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Moscow, Russia
- Center of Life Sciences Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena V. Moroz
- Kharkevich Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Moscow, Russia
| | - Iakov I. Davydov
- Department of Ecology and Evolution & Department of Computational Biology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mikhail S. Gelfand
- Kharkevich Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Moscow, Russia
- Center of Life Sciences Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Computer Science, Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
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10
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Price EP, Sarovich DS, Webb JR, Hall CM, Jaramillo SA, Sahl JW, Kaestli M, Mayo M, Harrington G, Baker AL, Sidak-Loftis LC, Settles EW, Lummis M, Schupp JM, Gillece JD, Tuanyok A, Warner J, Busch JD, Keim P, Currie BJ, Wagner DM. Phylogeographic, genomic, and meropenem susceptibility analysis of Burkholderia ubonensis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005928. [PMID: 28910350 PMCID: PMC5614643 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The bacterium Burkholderia ubonensis is commonly co-isolated from environmental specimens harbouring the melioidosis pathogen, Burkholderia pseudomallei. B. ubonensis has been reported in northern Australia and Thailand but not North America, suggesting similar geographic distribution to B. pseudomallei. Unlike most other Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) species, B. ubonensis is considered non-pathogenic, although its virulence potential has not been tested. Antibiotic resistance in B. ubonensis, particularly towards drugs used to treat the most severe B. pseudomallei infections, has also been poorly characterised. This study examined the population biology of B. ubonensis, and includes the first reported isolates from the Caribbean. Phylogenomic analysis of 264 B. ubonensis genomes identified distinct clades that corresponded with geographic origin, similar to B. pseudomallei. A small proportion (4%) of strains lacked the 920kb chromosome III replicon, with discordance of presence/absence amongst genetically highly related strains, demonstrating that the third chromosome of B. ubonensis, like other Bcc species, probably encodes for a nonessential pC3 megaplasmid. Multilocus sequence typing using the B. pseudomallei scheme revealed that one-third of strains lack the "housekeeping" narK locus. In comparison, all strains could be genotyped using the Bcc scheme. Several strains possessed high-level meropenem resistance (≥32 μg/mL), a concern due to potential transmission of this phenotype to B. pseudomallei. In silico analysis uncovered a high degree of heterogeneity among the lipopolysaccharide O-antigen cluster loci, with at least 35 different variants identified. Finally, we show that Asian B. ubonensis isolate RF23-BP41 is avirulent in the BALB/c mouse model via a subcutaneous route of infection. Our results provide several new insights into the biology of this understudied species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin P. Price
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Derek S. Sarovich
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jessica R. Webb
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Carina M. Hall
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Sierra A. Jaramillo
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Jason W. Sahl
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Mirjam Kaestli
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Mark Mayo
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Glenda Harrington
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Anthony L. Baker
- Environmental and Public Health Microbiology Research Group, Microbiology and Immunology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Lindsay C. Sidak-Loftis
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Erik W. Settles
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Madeline Lummis
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - James M. Schupp
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - John D. Gillece
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Apichai Tuanyok
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Warner
- Environmental and Public Health Microbiology Research Group, Microbiology and Immunology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joseph D. Busch
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Paul Keim
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Bart J. Currie
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - David M. Wagner
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
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Morris JL, Fane A, Sarovich DS, Price EP, Rush CM, Govan BL, Parker E, Mayo M, Currie BJ, Ketheesan N. Increased Neurotropic Threat from Burkholderia pseudomallei Strains with a B. mallei-like Variation in the bimA Motility Gene, Australia. Emerg Infect Dis 2017; 23. [PMID: 28418830 PMCID: PMC5403032 DOI: 10.3201/eid2305.151417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
These strains have heightened pathogenic potential for rapid dissemination to multiple tissues, including the central nervous system. Neurologic melioidosis is a serious, potentially fatal form of Burkholderia pseudomallei infection. Recently, we reported that a subset of clinical isolates of B. pseudomallei from Australia have heightened virulence and potential for dissemination to the central nervous system. In this study, we demonstrate that this subset has a B. mallei–like sequence variation of the actin-based motility gene, bimA. Compared with B. pseudomallei isolates having typical bimA alleles, isolates that contain the B. mallei–like variation demonstrate increased persistence in phagocytic cells and increased virulence with rapid systemic dissemination and replication within multiple tissues, including the brain and spinal cord, in an experimental model. These findings highlight the implications of bimA variation on disease progression of B. pseudomallei infection and have considerable clinical and public health implications with respect to the degree of neurotropic threat posed to human health.
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Bearss JJ, Hunter M, Dankmeyer JL, Fritts KA, Klimko CP, Weaver CH, Shoe JL, Quirk AV, Toothman RG, Webster WM, Fetterer DP, Bozue JA, Worsham PL, Welkos SL, Amemiya K, Cote CK. Characterization of pathogenesis of and immune response to Burkholderia pseudomallei K96243 using both inhalational and intraperitoneal infection models in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172627. [PMID: 28235018 PMCID: PMC5325312 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia pseudomallei, the etiologic agent of melioidosis, is a Gram negative bacterium designated as a Tier 1 threat. This bacterium is known to be endemic in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia and can infect humans and animals by several routes. Inhalational melioidosis has been associated with monsoonal rains in endemic areas and is also a significant concern in the biodefense community. There are currently no effective vaccines for B. pseudomallei and antibiotic treatment can be hampered by non-specific symptomology and also the high rate of naturally occurring antibiotic resistant strains. Well-characterized animal models will be essential when selecting novel medical countermeasures for evaluation prior to human clinical trials. Here, we further characterize differences between the responses of BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice when challenged with low doses of a low-passage and well-defined stock of B. pseudomallei K96243 via either intraperitoneal or aerosol routes of exposure. Before challenge, mice were implanted with a transponder to collect body temperature readings, and daily body weights were also recorded. Mice were euthanized on select days for pathological analyses and determination of the bacterial burden in selected tissues (blood, lungs, liver, and spleen). Additionally, spleen homogenate and sera samples were analyzed to better characterize the host immune response after infection with aerosolized bacteria. These clinical, pathological, and immunological data highlighted and confirmed important similarities and differences between these murine models and exposure routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy J. Bearss
- Pathology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Melissa Hunter
- Bacteriology Division, USAMRIID, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L. Dankmeyer
- Bacteriology Division, USAMRIID, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Kristen A. Fritts
- Bacteriology Division, USAMRIID, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Christopher P. Klimko
- Bacteriology Division, USAMRIID, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Chris H. Weaver
- Bacteriology Division, USAMRIID, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L. Shoe
- Bacteriology Division, USAMRIID, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Avery V. Quirk
- Bacteriology Division, USAMRIID, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Ronald G. Toothman
- Bacteriology Division, USAMRIID, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Wendy M. Webster
- Bacteriology Division, USAMRIID, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - David P. Fetterer
- BioStatisitics Division, USAMRIID, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Joel A. Bozue
- Bacteriology Division, USAMRIID, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Patricia L. Worsham
- Bacteriology Division, USAMRIID, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Susan L. Welkos
- Bacteriology Division, USAMRIID, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Kei Amemiya
- Bacteriology Division, USAMRIID, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Christopher K. Cote
- Bacteriology Division, USAMRIID, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States of America
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Willcocks SJ, Denman CC, Atkins HS, Wren BW. Intracellular replication of the well-armed pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei. Curr Opin Microbiol 2016; 29:94-103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2015.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Pulmonary melioidosis presenting with pleural effusion: A case report and review of literature. Respir Med Case Rep 2015; 16:54-6. [PMID: 26744655 PMCID: PMC4681969 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2015.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Revised: 07/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Melioidosis is a serious infection, which can involve multiple systems. We report a case of pulmonary melioidosis with the initial presentation mimicking a partially treated pneumonia complicated by right-sided pleural effusion. The patient is a 49-year old man who did not respond to parenteral ceftriaxone and tazobactam/piperacillin therapy. However, upon culture and sensitivity results from blood and pleural samples isolated Burkholderia pseudomallei; antimicrobial therapy was de-escalated to parenteral ceftazidime. Within 72 h duration, his fever subsided and other respiratory symptoms improved tremendously. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of B. pseudomallei in pulmonary infection in order for prompt institution of appropriate antibiotics treatment; thus reducing morbidity and mortality.
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Amemiya K, Dankmeyer JL, Fetterer DP, Worsham PL, Welkos SL, Cote CK. Comparison of the early host immune response to two widely diverse virulent strains of Burkholderia pseudomallei that cause acute or chronic infections in BALB/c mice. Microb Pathog 2015; 86:53-63. [PMID: 26162294 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2015] [Revised: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Burkholderia pseudomallei is the etiologic agent of melioidosis, which is endemic in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. We previously found by the intraperitoneal (IP) route that we could discern differences in virulence in mice amongst different strains of B. pseudomallei. We report an early immune response study comparing two strains in our collection which represent the least, B. pseudomallei 1106a, and one of the most, HBPUB10134a, virulent strains in BALB/c mice. B. pseudomallei HBPUB10134a infected mouse spleens contained a 2-3 log higher bacterial burden than mice infected with B. pseudomallei 1106a 3 days post-infection (PI). More and higher amounts of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines were detected in sera and spleen extracts from B. pseudomallei HBPUB10134a than B. pseudomallei 1106a infected mice. The most prominent were IFNγ, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IP-10, and MIG. After 7 days PI, there was a decrease in bacterial burden in spleens from 1106a infected mice and a decrease in cytokines/chemokines in sera and spleen extracts from both sets of mice. By day 14 PI we saw an increase in monocytes/macrophages, NK cells, and granulocytes in spleens from both sets of mice. No B. pseudomallei HBPUB10134a infected mice survived after this time. In summary, B. pseudomallei HBPUB10134a was more virulent and induced host innate immune responses typical of a more acute-type infection than did B. pseudomallei 1106a which produced a more chronic infection in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Amemiya
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Bacteriology Division, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
| | - Jennifer L Dankmeyer
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Bacteriology Division, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - David P Fetterer
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Bacteriology Division, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Patricia L Worsham
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Bacteriology Division, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Susan L Welkos
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Bacteriology Division, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Christopher K Cote
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Bacteriology Division, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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16
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Welkos SL, Klimko CP, Kern SJ, Bearss JJ, Bozue JA, Bernhards RC, Trevino SR, Waag DM, Amemiya K, Worsham PL, Cote CK. Characterization of Burkholderia pseudomallei Strains Using a Murine Intraperitoneal Infection Model and In Vitro Macrophage Assays. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124667. [PMID: 25909629 PMCID: PMC4409376 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia pseudomallei, the etiologic agent of melioidosis, is a gram-negative facultative intracellular bacterium. This bacterium is endemic in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia and can infect humans and animals by several routes. It has also been estimated to present a considerable risk as a potential biothreat agent. There are currently no effective vaccines for B. pseudomallei, and antibiotic treatment can be hampered by nonspecific symptomology, the high incidence of naturally occurring antibiotic resistant strains, and disease chronicity. Accordingly, there is a concerted effort to better characterize B. pseudomallei and its associated disease. Before novel vaccines and therapeutics can be tested in vivo, a well characterized animal model is essential. Previous work has indicated that mice may be a useful animal model. In order to develop standardized animal models of melioidosis, different strains of bacteria must be isolated, propagated, and characterized. Using a murine intraperitoneal (IP) infection model, we tested the virulence of 11 B. pseudomallei strains. The IP route offers a reproducible way to rank virulence that can be readily reproduced by other laboratories. This infection route is also useful in distinguishing significant differences in strain virulence that may be masked by the exquisite susceptibility associated with other routes of infection (e.g., inhalational). Additionally, there were several pathologic lesions observed in mice following IP infection. These included varisized abscesses in the spleen, liver, and haired skin. This model indicated that commonly used laboratory strains of B. pseudomallei (i.e., K96243 and 1026b) were significantly less virulent as compared to more recently acquired clinical isolates. Additionally, we characterized in vitro strain-associated differences in virulence for macrophages and described a potential inverse relationship between virulence in the IP mouse model of some strains and in the macrophage phagocytosis assay. Strains which were more virulent for mice (e.g., HBPU10304a) were often less virulent in the macrophage assays, as determined by several parameters such as intracellular bacterial replication and host cell cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L. Welkos
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Christopher P. Klimko
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Steven J. Kern
- Biostatisitics Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jeremy J. Bearss
- Veterinary Pathology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Joel A. Bozue
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Robert C. Bernhards
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sylvia R. Trevino
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - David M. Waag
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kei Amemiya
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Patricia L. Worsham
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Christopher K. Cote
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Correction: interrogation of the Burkholderia pseudomallei genome to address differential virulence among isolates. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0122178. [PMID: 25806507 PMCID: PMC4373829 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115951.].
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