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He Y, Xiao Y, Feng Y, Wu S, Wei L, Zong Z. Two novel Enterobacter species, Enterobacter chinensis sp. nov. and Enterobacter rongchengensis sp. nov., recovered from clinical samples carrying multiple virulence factors. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0029224. [PMID: 38916331 PMCID: PMC11302248 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00292-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Two Enterobacter strains 170198T and 170250T were isolated from clinical blood samples from distinct patients in a hospital in Chengdu, China, in 2022. These isolates were subjected to whole-genome sequencing. A phylogenomic tree based on 2,096 concatenated core genes showed that the two strains were clustered within the genus Enterobacter. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (isDDH) values between each of the two strains and type strains of all currently known Enterobacter species were determined. The two strains belonged to two novel species as the highest ANI and isDDH values with type strains of all currently known Enterobacter species below the cutoff for species demarcation (96% for ANI and 70% for isDDH). Then the physiological and biochemical studies demonstrated that biochemical features and the profile of whole fatty acids of strains 170198T and 170250T were largely consistent with those known Enterobacter species. Nevertheless, the two novel species can be differentiated from all other Enterobacter species by certain biochemical characteristics. In conclusion, 170198T and 170250T represent two novel species of the genus Enterobacter, for which we propose Enterobacter chinensis sp. nov. and Enterobacter rongchengensis sp. nov., as the species names. The type strains of Enterobacter chinensis sp. nov., and Enterobacter rongchengensis sp. nov. are 170198T (=GDMCC 1.3549T=JCM 35826T) and 170250T (=GDMCC 1.3670T=JCM 36189T), respectively. The two novel species have clinical significance with the ability to cause bloodstream infections.IMPORTANCEEnterobacter is a group of bacteria comprising several common opportunistic pathogens and has a complicated taxonomy. Here, we reported two novel Enterobacter species. We demonstrated that the two novel species can be differentiated from other Enterobacter species by certain phenotypic characteristics and therefore provide information for designing tests for identification. We also showed that strains of the two novel species are able to cause human bloodstream infections and carry multiple virulence factors and therefore are of clinical significance. We highlight that the virulence of Enterobacter is less studied and warrants further exploration. We believe that the findings here are valuable for enhancing the appreciation toward Enterobacter, an important pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanling He
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
- Center for Pathogen Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuling Xiao
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Feng
- Center for Pathogen Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shikai Wu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
- Center for Pathogen Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Wei
- Department of Infection Control, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhiyong Zong
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
- Center for Pathogen Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Genomic landscape of bla GES-5- and bla GES-24-harboring Gram-negative bacteria from hospital wastewater: emergence of class 3 integron-associated bla GES-24 genes. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2022; 31:196-206. [PMID: 36180037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to characterize Gram negative bacteria carrying blaGES carbapenemase genes detected in wastewater from a hospital with no history of detection of clinical isolates producing GES carbapenemases. METHODS Six hospital effluent samples were screened for carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO) using CHROMagar mSuperCARBA and MacConkey agar with 1 µg/mL imipenem. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing of carbapenemase genes, multilocus sequence typing, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and whole-genome sequencing were performed. RESULTS Among 21 CPO isolates, 11 Klebsiella spp. and 5 Enterobacter kobei isolates carried blaGES-24, and 4 E. roggenkampii and 1 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates carried blaGES-5. Genomic analysis of 8 representative isolates comprising 6 blaGES-24-positive and 2 blaGES-5-positive revealed that class 3 integrons with complete or defective Tn402-like transposition modules were predominantly associated with two tandem copies of blaGES-24. Furthermore, a total of 5 new class 3 integrons, In3-18 to In3-22, were identified among 5 blaGES-24 and 1 blaGES-5 plasmids. One strain each of K. pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae and K. quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae harboring blaGES-24 plasmids also carried a rare blaVEB-1-positive class 1 integron on a non-typeable plasmid, where these blaVEB-1 plasmids had high sequence similarity. Virulence gene profiles differed between Klebsiella spp. and Enterobacter spp.; the former harbored type III fimbriae cluster, salmochelin, and T6SS type i2 gene clusters, while the latter had curli pili operon, aerobactin, T2SS gene clusters, and T6SS type i3 gene clusters. CONCLUSION Our findings confirmed the linkage of blaGES-24 with rare Tn402-like class 3 integrons and the structural diversity of their gene cassette arrays.
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Molecular Epidemiology of Plasmid-Mediated Types 1 and 3 Fimbriae Associated with Biofilm Formation in Multidrug Resistant Escherichia coli from Diseased Food Animals in Guangdong, China. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0250321. [PMID: 35969065 PMCID: PMC9603762 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02503-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Types 1 and 3 fimbriae in Enterobacteriaceae play versatile roles in bacterial physiology including attachment, invasion, cell motility as well as with biofilm formation and urinary tract infections. Herein, we investigated the prevalence and transmission of plasmid-mediated types 1 and 3 fimbriae from 1753 non-duplicate Enterobacteriaceae from diseased food Animals. We identified 123 (7.01%) strong biofilm producers and all was identified as E. coli. WGS analysis of 43 selected strong biofilm producers revealed that they harbored multiple ARGs, including ESBLs, PMQR and mcr-1. The gene clusters mrkABCDF and fimACDH encoding types 1 and 3 fimbriae, respectively, were identified among 43 (34.96%) and 7 (5.7%) of 123 strong biofilm isolates, respectively. These two operons were able to confer strong biofilm-forming ability to an E. coli weak-biofilm forming laboratory strain. Plasmid analysis revealed that mrk and fim operons were found to co-exist with ARGs and were primarily located on IncX1 and IncFII plasmids with similar backbones, respectively. mrkABCDF operons was present in all of 9457 Klebsiella pneumoniae using archived WGS data, and shared high homology to those on plasmids of 8 replicon types and chromosomes from 6 Enterobacteriaceae species from various origins and countries. In contrast, fimACDH operons was present in most of Enterobacter cloacae (62.15%), and shared high homology to those with only a small group of plasmids and Enterobacteriaceae species. This is the first comprehensive report of the prevalence, transmission and homology of plasmid-encoded type 1 and 3 fimbriae among the Enterobacteriaceae. Our findings indicated that plasmid-encoded mrkABCDF and fimACDH were major contributors to enhanced biofilm formation among E. coli and these two operons, in particular mrk could be as a potential anti-biofilm target. IMPORTANCE Biofilms allow bacteria to tolerate disinfectants and antimicrobials, as well as mammalian host defenses, and are therefore difficult to treat clinically. Most research concerning biofilm-related infections is typically focused on chromosomal biofilm-associated factors, including types 1 and 3 fimbriae of biofilm-forming Enterobacterium. However, the transmission and homology of the mobile types 1 and 3 fimbriae among Enterobacteriaceae is largely unknown. The findings revealed that the plasmid-encoded type 3 fimbriae encoded by mrkABCDF and type 1 fimbriae encoded by fimACDH were major contributors to enhancing biofilm formation among strong biofilm E. coli from diseased food producing animals. Additionally, mrk operon with high homology at an amino acid sequence was present both on plasmids of various replicon types and on chromosomes from diverse Enterobacteriaceae species from numerous origins and countries. These findings provide important information on the transmission of the mobile types 1 and 3 fimbriae among Enterobacteriaceae, indicating a potential antibiofilm target.
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Wang Q, Olesen AK, Maccario L, Madsen JS. An easily modifiable conjugative plasmid for studying horizontal gene transfer. Plasmid 2022; 123-124:102649. [PMID: 36100085 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2022.102649] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer is an important mechanism in bacterial evolution and can occur at striking frequencies when mediated by mobile genetic elements. Conjugative plasmids are mobile genetic elements that are main drivers of horizontal transfer and a major facilitator in the spread of antibiotic resistance genes. However, conjugative plasmid models that readily can be genetically modified with the aim to study horizontal transfer are not currently available. The aim of this study was to develop a conjugative plasmid model where the insertion of gene cassettes such as reporter genes (e.g., fluorescent proteins) or antibiotic resistance genes would be efficient and convenient. Here, we introduced a single attTn7 site into the conjugative broad-host-range IncP-1 plasmid pKJK5 in a non-disruptive manner. Furthermore, a version with lower transfer rate and a non-conjugative version of pKJK5-attTn7 were also constructed. The advantage of having the attTn7 sites is that genes of interest can be introduced in a single step with very high success rate using the Tn7 transposition system. In addition, larger genetic fragments can be inserted. To illustrate the efficacy of the constructed pKJK5 plasmids, they were complemented with sfGFP (a gene encoding superfolder green fluorescent protein) in addition to seven different β-lactamase genes representing the four known classes of β-lactamases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinqin Wang
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Asmus Kalckar Olesen
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lorrie Maccario
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonas Stenløkke Madsen
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Dimitriu T. Evolution of horizontal transmission in antimicrobial resistance plasmids. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2022; 168. [PMID: 35849537 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) are one of the main vectors for the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across bacteria, due to their ability to move horizontally between bacterial lineages. Horizontal transmission of AMR can increase AMR prevalence at multiple scales, from increasing the prevalence of infections by resistant bacteria to pathogen epidemics and worldwide spread of AMR across species. Among MGEs, conjugative plasmids are the main contributors to the spread of AMR. This review discusses the selective pressures acting on MGEs and their hosts to promote or limit the horizontal transmission of MGEs, the mechanisms by which transmission rates can evolve, and their implications for limiting the spread of AMR, with a focus on AMR plasmids.
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Pong CH, Hall RM. An X1α plasmid from a Salmonella enterica serovar Ohio isolate carrying a novel IS26-bounded tet(C) pseudo-compound transposon. Plasmid 2021; 114:102561. [PMID: 33485833 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2021.102561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The sequence of a conjugative plasmid, pSRC22-2, found in a multiply antibiotic resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Ohio isolate SRC22 originally cultured from swine in 1999, was determined. Plasmid pSRC22-2 has a copy number of approximately 40 and transfers tetracycline resistance at very high frequency. It was typed as IncX1 using the three typing schemes proposed for X-type plasmids, which utilize the replication region, iteron region and taxC conjugation gene and pSRC22-2 belongs to the X1α subgroup. The plasmid backbone, derived by removing mobile elements, is shared with pOLA52, which was the first fully sequenced IncX1 plasmid, and five other X1α plasmids. The pSRC22-2 backbone is interrupted by a complete copy of an IS903 isoform, partial copies of IS1 and IS903 on either side of a 5930 bp IS26-bounded pseudo-compound transposon (PCT), and a novel 256 bp miniature inverted repeat transposable element (MITE). The MITE belongs to the Tn3 family and was named MITESen1. The PCT, which carries a tet(C) tetracycline resistance determinant, is bounded by copies of a novel IS26 variant, IS26-v4, and was designated PTn6184. Comparison of PTn6184 with other tet(C)-carrying PCTs revealed that it can be derived from the largest, PTntet(C), via a two-step process that re-orders the central fragment and involves both an IS26-mediated event and homologous recombination. IS26-v4, which encodes a variant transposase, Tnp26 G184D, has appeared in only 46 entries in the GenBank non-redundant database.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol H Pong
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ruth M Hall
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Abozahra R, Abdelhamid SM, Wen MM, Abdelwahab I, Baraka K. A Nanoparticles based Microbiological Study on the Effect of Rosemary and Ginger Essential Oils against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Open Microbiol J 2020. [DOI: 10.2174/1874285802014010205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a nosocomial pathogen in outbreaks of hospital infections. It is one of the major factors for morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients especially those infected with colistin-resistant pathogens. Many plant essential oils have antimicrobial activities and have been investigated as natural sources to combat multiple antibiotic resistances. Moreover, recent advances in phytonanotechnology have created exciting opportunities for the management of many infections.
Objective:
This study aims at investigating the antimicrobial and antibiofilm effect of rosemary and ginger essential oil-based nano-sized formulations on colistin resistant K. pneumonia clinical isolates.
Methods:
Isolation and identification of 30 K. pneumonia isolates from different human samples were done followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing and detection of biofilm gene (mrkD). Examination of the activity of the tested essential oils and their chitosan nanoparticle formulations against the selected isolates was made by determination of their MICs using broth microdilution method followed by biofilm inhibition test and quantitative real-time PCR for the expression of mrkD gene in the presence of the oils and nanoparticles formulations compared to untreated bacterial isolates.
Results:
Our results showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration of rosemary and ginger oils was 1250 μg/ml, that of nanostructured lipid carrier-rosemary oil and nanostructured lipid carrier-ginger oil was 625 μg/ml and rosemary oil loaded chitosan nanoparticles and ginger oil loaded chitosan nanoparticles possessed minimum inhibitory concentration of 156 μg/ml. Results also revealed complete (100%) inhibition for mrkD gene expression when compared to untreated K. pneumonia.
Conclusion:
Oil loaded chitosan nanoparticles showed the highest antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity.
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Pinilla-Redondo R, Mayo-Muñoz D, Russel J, Garrett RA, Randau L, Sørensen SJ, Shah SA. Type IV CRISPR-Cas systems are highly diverse and involved in competition between plasmids. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:2000-2012. [PMID: 31879772 PMCID: PMC7038947 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz1197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas systems provide prokaryotes with adaptive immune functions against viruses and other genetic parasites. In contrast to all other types of CRISPR-Cas systems, type IV has remained largely overlooked. Here, we describe a previously uncharted diversity of type IV gene cassettes, primarily encoded by plasmid-like elements from diverse prokaryotic taxa. Remarkably, via a comprehensive analysis of their CRISPR spacer content, these systems were found to exhibit a strong bias towards the targeting of other plasmids. Our data indicate that the functions of type IV systems have diverged from those of other host-related CRISPR-Cas immune systems to adopt a role in mediating conflicts between plasmids. Furthermore, we find evidence for cross-talk between certain type IV and type I CRISPR-Cas systems that co-exist intracellularly, thus providing a simple answer to the enigmatic absence of type IV adaptation modules. Collectively, our results lead to the expansion and reclassification of type IV systems and provide novel insights into the biological function and evolution of these elusive systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Pinilla-Redondo
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Technological Educations, University College Copenhagen, Sigurdsgade 26, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David Mayo-Muñoz
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Russel
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Roger A Garrett
- Danish Archaea Centre, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lennart Randau
- Philipps-Universität Marburg, Faculty of Biology, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Søren J Sørensen
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Shiraz A Shah
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC), Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Ledreborg Alle 34, 2820 Gentofte, Denmark
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Big Impact of the Tiny: Bacteriophage-Bacteria Interactions in Biofilms. Trends Microbiol 2019; 27:739-752. [PMID: 31128928 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) have been shaping bacterial ecology and evolution for millions of years, for example, by selecting for defence strategies. Evidence supports that bacterial biofilm formation is one such strategy and that biofilm-mediated protection against phage infection depends on maturation and composition of the extracellular matrix. Interestingly, studies have revealed that phages can induce and strengthen biofilms. Here we review interactions between bacteria and phages in biofilms, discuss the underlying mechanisms, the potential of phage therapy for biofilm control, and emphasize the importance of considering biofilms in future phage research. This is especially relevant as biofilms are associated with increased tolerance towards antibiotics and are implicated in the majority of chronic infections.
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How Microbial Aggregates Protect against Nanoparticle Toxicity. Trends Biotechnol 2018; 36:1171-1182. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Pinilla-Redondo R, Cyriaque V, Jacquiod S, Sørensen SJ, Riber L. Monitoring plasmid-mediated horizontal gene transfer in microbiomes: recent advances and future perspectives. Plasmid 2018; 99:56-67. [PMID: 30086339 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria constitutes an increasing global health concern. Although it is well recognized that the cornerstone underlying this phenomenon is the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance via plasmids and other mobile genetic elements, the antimicrobial resistance transfer routes remain largely uncharted. In this review, we describe different methods for assessing the transfer frequency and host ranges of plasmids within complex microbiomes. The discussion is centered around the critical evaluation of recent advances for monitoring the fate of fluorescently tagged plasmids in bacterial communities through the coupling of fluorescence activated cell sorting and next generation sequencing techniques. We argue that this approach constitutes an exceptional tool for obtaining quantitative data regarding the extent of plasmid transfer, key disseminating taxa, and possible propagation routes. The integration of this information will provide valuable insights on how to develop alternative avenues for fighting the rise of antimicrobial resistant pathogens, as well as the means for constructing more comprehensive risk assessment models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valentine Cyriaque
- Proteomics and Microbiology Lab, Research Institute for Biosciences, UMONS, Mons, Belgium
| | | | - Søren J Sørensen
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Leise Riber
- Section for Functional Genomics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Madsen JS, Hylling O, Jacquiod S, Pécastaings S, Hansen LH, Riber L, Vestergaard G, Sørensen SJ. An intriguing relationship between the cyclic diguanylate signaling system and horizontal gene transfer. ISME JOURNAL 2018; 12:2330-2334. [PMID: 29899518 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-018-0183-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The second messenger cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) is ubiquitously used by bacteria to modulate and shift between different phenotypes including motility, biofilm formation and virulence. Here we show that c-di-GMP-associated genes are widespread on plasmids and that enzymes that synthesize or degrade c-di-GMP are preferentially encoded on transmissible plasmids. Additionally, expression of enzymes that synthesize c-di-GMP was found to increase both biofilm formation and, interestingly, conjugative plasmid transfer rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas S Madsen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ole Hylling
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Environment Sciences, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Samuel Jacquiod
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sophia Pécastaings
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique UMR 5503, BioSym Department, Université Paul Sabatier, Université de Toulouse, 35 chemin des Maraîchers, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Lars H Hansen
- Department of Environment Sciences, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Leise Riber
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gisle Vestergaard
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren J Sørensen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Arias-Andres M, Klümper U, Rojas-Jimenez K, Grossart HP. Microplastic pollution increases gene exchange in aquatic ecosystems. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 237:253-261. [PMID: 29494919 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.02.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 292] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Pollution by microplastics in aquatic ecosystems is accumulating at an unprecedented scale, emerging as a new surface for biofilm formation and gene exchange. In this study, we determined the permissiveness of aquatic bacteria towards a model antibiotic resistance plasmid, comparing communities that form biofilms on microplastics vs. those that are free-living. We used an exogenous and red-fluorescent E. coli donor strain to introduce the green-fluorescent broad-host-range plasmid pKJK5 which encodes for trimethoprim resistance. We demonstrate an increased frequency of plasmid transfer in bacteria associated with microplastics compared to bacteria that are free-living or in natural aggregates. Moreover, comparison of communities grown on polycarbonate filters showed that increased gene exchange occurs in a broad range of phylogenetically-diverse bacteria. Our results indicate horizontal gene transfer in this habitat could distinctly affect the ecology of aquatic microbial communities on a global scale. The spread of antibiotic resistance through microplastics could also have profound consequences for the evolution of aquatic bacteria and poses a neglected hazard for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Arias-Andres
- Department of Experimental Limnology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Alte Fischerhuette 2, 16775 Stechlin, Germany; Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Potsdam University, Maulbeerallee 2, D-14469 Potsdam, Germany; Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances, Universidad Nacional, Campus Omar Dengo, P.O. Box 86-3000, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Uli Klümper
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter, Medical School, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, United Kingdom; ESI & CEC, Biosciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, United Kingdom
| | - Keilor Rojas-Jimenez
- Department of Experimental Limnology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Alte Fischerhuette 2, 16775 Stechlin, Germany; Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, Campus San Pedro, Apdo. 10138-1000, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Hans-Peter Grossart
- Department of Experimental Limnology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Alte Fischerhuette 2, 16775 Stechlin, Germany; Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Potsdam University, Maulbeerallee 2, D-14469 Potsdam, Germany; Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research - BBIB, Freie Universität Berlin, Altensteinstr. 34, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
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