1
|
Wnorowska U, Łysik D, Piktel E, Zakrzewska M, Okła S, Lesiak A, Spałek J, Mystkowska J, Savage PB, Janmey P, Fiedoruk K, Bucki R. Ceragenin-mediated disruption of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298112. [PMID: 38346040 PMCID: PMC10861078 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microbial biofilms, as a hallmark of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease and other chronic infections, remain a desirable target for antimicrobial therapy. These biopolymer-based viscoelastic structures protect pathogenic organisms from immune responses and antibiotics. Consequently, treatments directed at disrupting biofilms represent a promising strategy for combating biofilm-associated infections. In CF patients, the viscoelasticity of biofilms is determined mainly by their polymicrobial nature and species-specific traits, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa filamentous (Pf) bacteriophages. Therefore, we examined the impact of microbicidal ceragenins (CSAs) supported by mucolytic agents-DNase I and poly-aspartic acid (pASP), on the viability and viscoelasticity of mono- and bispecies biofilms formed by Pf-positive and Pf-negative P. aeruginosa strains co-cultured with Staphylococcus aureus or Candida albicans. METHODS The in vitro antimicrobial activity of ceragenins against P. aeruginosa in mono- and dual-species cultures was assessed by determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC). Inhibition of P. aeruginosa mono- and dual-species biofilms formation by ceragenins alone and in combination with DNase I or poly-aspartic acid (pASP) was estimated by the crystal violet assay. Additionally, the viability of the biofilms was measured by colony-forming unit (CFU) counting. Finally, the biofilms' viscoelastic properties characterized by shear storage (G') and loss moduli (G"), were analyzed with a rotational rheometer. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that ceragenin CSA-13 inhibits biofilm formation and increases its fluidity regardless of the Pf-profile and species composition; however, the Pf-positive biofilms are characterized by elevated viscosity and elasticity parameters. CONCLUSION Due to its microbicidal and viscoelasticity-modifying properties, CSA-13 displays therapeutic potential in biofilm-associated infections, especially when combined with mucolytic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Wnorowska
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Dawid Łysik
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Bialystok University of Technology, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Ewelina Piktel
- Independent Laboratory of Nanomedicine, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Magdalena Zakrzewska
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Sławomir Okła
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce, Kielce, Poland
| | - Agata Lesiak
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce, Kielce, Poland
| | - Jakub Spałek
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce, Kielce, Poland
| | - Joanna Mystkowska
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Bialystok University of Technology, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Paul B. Savage
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Paul Janmey
- Department of Physiology and Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Krzysztof Fiedoruk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Robert Bucki
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sarkar S, Barnaby R, Nymon AB, Taatjes DJ, Kelley TJ, Stanton BA. Extracellular vesicles secreted by primary human bronchial epithelial cells reduce Pseudomonas aeruginosa burden and inflammation in cystic fibrosis mouse lung. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2024; 326:L164-L174. [PMID: 38084406 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00253.2023] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) results in a reduction in the volume of airway surface liquid, increased accumulation of viscous mucus, persistent antibiotic-resistant lung infections that cause chronic inflammation, and a decline in lung function. More than 50% of adults with CF are chronically colonized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), the primary reason for morbidity and mortality in people with CF (pwCF). Although highly effective modulator therapy (HEMT) is an important part of disease management in CF, HEMT does not eliminate P. aeruginosa or lung inflammation. Thus, new treatments are required to reduce lung infection and inflammation in CF. In a previous in vitro study, we demonstrated that primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) that block the ability of P. aeruginosa to form biofilms by reducing the abundance of several proteins necessary for biofilm formation as well as enhancing the sensitivity of P. aeruginosa to β-lactam antibiotics. In this study, using a CF mouse model of P. aeruginosa infection, we demonstrate that intratracheal administration of EVs secreted by HBEC reduced P. aeruginosa lung burden and several proinflammatory cytokines including IFN-γ, TNF-α, and MIP-1β in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), even in the absence of antibiotics. Moreover, EVs decreased neutrophils in BALF. Thus, EVs secreted by HBEC reduce the lung burden of P. aeruginosa, decrease inflammation, and reduce neutrophils in a CF mouse model. These results suggest that HBEC via the secretion of EVs may play an important role in the immune response to P. aeruginosa lung infection.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our findings show that extracellular vesicles secreted by primary human bronchial epithelial cells significantly reduce Pseudomonas aeruginosa burden, inflammation, and weight loss in a cystic fibrosis mouse model of infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharanya Sarkar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States
| | - Roxanna Barnaby
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States
| | - Amanda B Nymon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States
| | - Douglas J Taatjes
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Biomedical Shared Resources, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States
| | - Thomas J Kelley
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Bruce A Stanton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Neff SL, Hampton TH, Koeppen K, Sarkar S, Latario CJ, Ross BD, Stanton BA. Rocket-miR, a translational launchpad for miRNA-based antimicrobial drug development. mSystems 2023; 8:e0065323. [PMID: 37975659 PMCID: PMC10734502 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00653-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Antimicrobial-resistant infections contribute to millions of deaths worldwide every year. In particular, the group of bacteria collectively known as ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter sp.) pathogens are of considerable medical concern due to their virulence and exceptional ability to develop antibiotic resistance. New kinds of antimicrobial therapies are urgently needed to treat patients for whom existing antibiotics are ineffective. The Rocket-miR application predicts targets of human miRNAs in bacterial and fungal pathogens, rapidly identifying candidate miRNA-based antimicrobials. The application's target audience are microbiologists that have the laboratory resources to test the application's predictions. The Rocket-miR application currently supports 24 recognized human pathogens that are relevant to numerous diseases including cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), urinary tract infections, and pneumonia. Furthermore, the application code was designed to be easily extendible to other human pathogens that commonly cause hospital-acquired infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel L. Neff
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Thomas H. Hampton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Katja Koeppen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Sharanya Sarkar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Casey J. Latario
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Benjamin D. Ross
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Bruce A. Stanton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Alio I, Moll R, Hoffmann T, Mamat U, Schaible UE, Pappenfort K, Alawi M, Schie M, Thünauer R, Stamm J, Rohde H, Streit WR. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia affects the gene expression profiles of the major pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus in an in vitro multispecies biofilm model. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0085923. [PMID: 37819084 PMCID: PMC10714729 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00859-23] [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: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE In the past, studies have focused on bacterial pathogenicity in mono-species infections, in part ignoring the clinical relevance of diseases caused by more than one pathogen (i.e., polymicrobial infections). However, it is now common knowledge that multiple bacteria species are often involved in the course of an infection. For treatment of such infections, it is absolutely important to understand the dynamics of species interactions at possible infection sites and the molecular mechanisms behind these interactions. Here, we studied the impact of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia on its commensals Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus in multispecies biofilms. We analyzed the 3D structural architectures of dual- and triple-species biofilms, niche formation within the biofilms, and the interspecies interactions on a molecular level. RNAseq data identified key genes involved in multispecies biofilm formation and interaction as potential drug targets for the clinical combat of multispecies infection with these major pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ifey Alio
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Raphael Moll
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tim Hoffmann
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Uwe Mamat
- Cellular Microbiology, Priority Research Area Infections, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center,Leibniz Research Alliance Infection , Borstel Gemany, Borstel, Germany
| | - Ulrich E. Schaible
- Cellular Microbiology, Priority Research Area Infections, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center,Leibniz Research Alliance Infection , Borstel Gemany, Borstel, Germany
| | - Kai Pappenfort
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Malik Alawi
- Bioinformatics Core, UKE Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marcel Schie
- LIV, Leibniz Institute of Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Roland Thünauer
- LIV, Leibniz Institute of Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johanna Stamm
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, UKE, Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Holger Rohde
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, UKE, Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang R. Streit
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Silva E, Teixeira JA, Pereira MO, Rocha CMR, Sousa AM. Evolving biofilm inhibition and eradication in clinical settings through plant-based antibiofilm agents. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 119:154973. [PMID: 37499434 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND After almost 100 years since evidence of biofilm mode of growth and decades of intensive investigation about their formation, regulatory pathways and mechanisms of antimicrobial tolerance, nowadays there are still no therapeutic solutions to eradicate bacterial biofilms and their biomedical related issues. PURPOSE This review intends to provide a comprehensive summary of the recent and most relevant published studies on plant-based products, or their isolated compounds with antibiofilm activity mechanisms of action or identified molecular targets against bacterial biofilms. The objective is to offer a new perspective of most recent data for clinical researchers aiming to prevent or eliminate biofilm-associated infections caused by bacterial pathogens. METHODS The search was performed considering original research articles published on PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus from 2015 to April 2023, using keywords such as "antibiofilm", "antivirulence", "phytochemicals" and "plant extracts". RESULTS Over 180 articles were considered for this review with a focus on the priority human pathogens listed by World Health Organization, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. Inhibition and detachment or dismantling of biofilms formed by these pathogens were found using plant-based extract/products or derivative compounds. Although combination of plant-based products and antibiotics were recorded and discussed, this topic is currently poorly explored and only for a reduced number of bacterial species. CONCLUSIONS This review clearly demonstrates that plant-based products or derivative compounds may be a promising therapeutic strategy to eliminate bacterial biofilms and their associated infections. After thoroughly reviewing the vast amount of research carried out over years, it was concluded that plant-based products are mostly able to prevent biofilm formation through inhibition of quorum sensing signals, but also to disrupt mature biofilms developed by multidrug resistant bacteria targeting the biofilm extracellular polymeric substance. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds seemed the most effective against bacterial biofilms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduarda Silva
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga 4710-057, Portugal
| | - José A Teixeira
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga 4710-057, Portugal; LABBELS - Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Braga, Portugal
| | - Maria Olivia Pereira
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga 4710-057, Portugal; LABBELS - Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Braga, Portugal
| | - Cristina M R Rocha
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga 4710-057, Portugal; LABBELS - Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Margarida Sousa
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga 4710-057, Portugal; LABBELS - Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Braga, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pérez-Cobas AE, Rodríguez-Beltrán J, Baquero F, Coque TM. Ecology of the respiratory tract microbiome. Trends Microbiol 2023; 31:972-984. [PMID: 37173205 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
A thriving multi-kingdom microbial ecosystem inhabits the respiratory tract: the respiratory tract microbiome (RTM). In recent years, the contribution of the RTM to human health has become a crucial research aspect. However, research into the key ecological processes, such as robustness, resilience, and microbial interaction networks, has only recently started. This review leans on an ecological framework to interpret the human RTM and determine how the ecosystem functions and assembles. Specifically, the review illustrates the ecological RTM models and discusses microbiome establishment, community structure, diversity stability, and critical microbial interactions. Lastly, the review outlines the RTM responses to ecological disturbances, as well as the promising approaches for restoring ecological balance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Elena Pérez-Cobas
- Department of Microbiology, Ramón y Cajal Institute for Health Research (IRYCIS), Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain; CIBER in Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Jerónimo Rodríguez-Beltrán
- Department of Microbiology, Ramón y Cajal Institute for Health Research (IRYCIS), Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain; CIBER in Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Baquero
- Department of Microbiology, Ramón y Cajal Institute for Health Research (IRYCIS), Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain; CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa M Coque
- Department of Microbiology, Ramón y Cajal Institute for Health Research (IRYCIS), Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain; CIBER in Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ho PM, Nazeer RR, Welch M. Therapeutic interventions alter ecological interactions among cystic fibrosis airway microbiota. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1178131. [PMID: 37323900 PMCID: PMC10265647 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1178131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The airways of people with cystic fibrosis (CF) often harbor a diverse microbiota and in recent years, much effort has been invested in cataloguing these. In spite of providing a wealth of insight, this cataloguing tells us little about how the organisms interact with one another in the CF airways. However, such relationships can be inferred using the theoretical framework of the Lotka-Volterra (LV) model. In the current work, we use a generalized Lotka-Volterra model to interrogate the nationwide data collected and curated by the UK CF Registry. This longitudinal dataset (covering the period 2008-2020) contains annual depositions that record the presence/absence of microbial taxa in each patient, their medication, and their CF genotype. Specifically, we wanted to identify trends in ecological relationships between the CF microbiota at a nationwide level, and whether these are potentially affected by medication. Our results show that some medications have a distinct influence on the microbial interactome, especially those that potentially influence the "gut-lung axis" or mucus viscosity. In particular, we found that patients treated with a combination of antimicrobial agents (targeting the airway microbiota), digestive enzymes (assisting in the assimilation of dietary fats and carbohydrates), and DNase (to reduce mucus viscosity) displayed a distinctly different airway interactome compared with patients treated separately with these medications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martin Welch
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Law JP, Wood AJ, Friman VP. The Effects of Antibiotic Combination Treatments on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Tolerance Evolution and Coexistence with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0184222. [PMID: 36453898 PMCID: PMC9769631 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01842-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium is a common pathogen of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients due to its ability to evolve resistance to antibiotics during treatments. While P. aeruginosa resistance evolution is well-characterized in monocultures, it is less well-understood in polymicrobial CF infections. Here, we investigated how exposure to ciprofloxacin, colistin, or tobramycin antibiotics, administered at sub-minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) doses, both alone and in combination, shaped the tolerance evolution of P. aeruginosa (PAO1 lab and clinical CF LESB58 strains) in the absence and presence of a commonly co-occurring species, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The increases in antibiotic tolerances were primarily driven by the presence of that antibiotic in the treatment. We observed a reciprocal cross-tolerance between ciprofloxacin and tobramycin, and, when combined, the selected antibiotics increased the MICs for all of the antibiotics. Though the presence of S. maltophilia did not affect the tolerance or the MIC evolution, it drove P. aeruginosa into extinction more frequently in the presence of tobramycin due to its relatively greater innate tobramycin tolerance. In contrast, P. aeruginosa dominated and drove S. maltophilia extinct in most other treatments. Together, our findings suggest that besides driving high-level antibiotic tolerance evolution, sub-MIC antibiotic exposure can alter competitive bacterial interactions, leading to target pathogen extinctions in multispecies communities. IMPORTANCE Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition that results in thick mucus secretions in the lungs that are susceptible to chronic bacterial infections. The bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is often associated with morbidity in CF and is difficult to treat due to its high resistance to antibiotics. The resistance evolution of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is poorly understood in polymicrobial infections that are typical of CF. To study this, we exposed P. aeruginosa to sublethal concentrations of ciprofloxacin, colistin, or tobramycin antibiotics in the absence and presence of a commonly co-occurring CF species, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. We found that low-level antibiotic concentrations selected for high-level antibiotic resistance. While P. aeruginosa dominated in most antibiotic treatments, S. maltophilia drove it into extinction in the presence of tobramycin due to an innately higher tobramycin resistance. Our findings suggest that, besides driving high-level antibiotic tolerance evolution, sublethal antibiotic exposure can magnify competition in bacterial communities, which can lead to target pathogen extinctions in multispecies communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack P. Law
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - A. Jamie Wood
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
- Department of Mathematics, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rosca AS, Castro J, França Â, Vaneechoutte M, Cerca N. Gardnerella Vaginalis Dominates Multi-Species Biofilms in both Pre-Conditioned and Competitive In Vitro Biofilm Formation Models. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2022; 84:1278-1287. [PMID: 34741647 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01917-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common bacterial vaginal infections worldwide. Despite its high prevalence, BV etiology is still unknown. Nevertheless, a hallmark of BV is the presence of a highly structured polymicrobial biofilm on the vaginal epithelium, formed primarily by Gardnerella spp. and other anaerobic species, of which co-colonization with Fannyhessea vaginae is considered an important diagnostic marker. We previously developed an in vitro biofilm model wherein Gardnerella was first allowed to establish an early biofilm that served as a scaffold for other species to adhere to. To better understand ecological interactions between BV-associated bacteria, we compared triple-species biofilms formed using two distinct models: a pre-conditioned (wherein Gardnerella vaginalis formed the early biofilm) model and a competitive (wherein all three bacteria were co-incubated together) model. Interestingly, synergistic growth interactions were more significant in the competitive model. Furthermore, the biofilm structure and species-specific distribution, as assessed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and using peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization method, revealed two very different triple-species morphotypes, suggesting that different interactions occur in the different models. Interestingly, independent of the model or triple-species consortium tested, we observed that G. vaginalis represented most of the biofilm bacterial composition, further highlighting the relevance of this taxon in BV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aliona S Rosca
- Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Rua da Universidade, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- Laboratory Bacteriology Research (LBR), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joana Castro
- Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Rua da Universidade, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Ângela França
- Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Rua da Universidade, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Mario Vaneechoutte
- Laboratory Bacteriology Research (LBR), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nuno Cerca
- Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Rua da Universidade, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Magalhães AP, França A, Pereira MO, Cerca N. Unveiling Co-Infection in Cystic Fibrosis Airways: Transcriptomic Analysis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus Dual-Species Biofilms. Front Genet 2022; 13:883199. [PMID: 35873457 PMCID: PMC9298864 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.883199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Patrícia Magalhães
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal.,LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Angela França
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal.,LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Maria Olívia Pereira
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal.,LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno Cerca
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal.,LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
O'Brien TJ, Figueroa W, Welch M. Decreased efficacy of antimicrobial agents in a polymicrobial environment. THE ISME JOURNAL 2022; 16:1694-1704. [PMID: 35304578 PMCID: PMC9213441 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-022-01218-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The airways of people with cystic fibrosis (CF) often harbour diverse polymicrobial communities. These airway infections can be impossible to resolve through antibiotic intervention, even though isolates of the individual species present are susceptible to the treatment when tested in vitro. In this work, we investigate how polymicrobial cultures comprised of key CF-associated pathogens respond to challenge with species-specific antimicrobial agents; colistin (targets Pseudomonas aeruginosa), fusidic acid (targets Staphylococcus aureus), and fluconazole (targets Candida albicans). We found that growth in a polymicrobial environment protects the target microorganism (sometimes by several orders of magnitude) from the effect(s) of the antimicrobial agent. This decreased antimicrobial efficacy was found to have both non-heritable (physiological) and heritable (genetic) components. Whole-genome sequencing of the colistin-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates revealed single nucleotide polymorphisms and indels in genes encoding lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis and/or pilus biogenesis, indicating that a previously undescribed colistin resistance mechanism was in operation. This was subsequently confirmed through further genetic analyses. Our findings indicate that the polymicrobial nature of the CF airways is likely to have a significant impact on the clinical response to antimicrobial therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Wendy Figueroa
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Welch
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Di Ciccio P, Rubiola S, Panebianco F, Lomonaco S, Allard M, Bianchi DM, Civera T, Chiesa F. Biofilm formation and genomic features of Listeria monocytogenes strains isolated from meat and dairy industries located in Piedmont (Italy). Int J Food Microbiol 2022; 378:109784. [PMID: 35749910 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2022.109784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is considered a major challenge for the food industry as it can persist for long periods in food processing plants by forming biofilms. The aims of this study were: i) to assess the biofilm producing ability of 57 Listeria monocytogenes isolates previously subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS); ii) to compare the levels of biofilm formation with the presence or absence of biofilm associated genes. To determine the presence or absence of a known set of biofilm associated genes, a comparative genomic analysis was performed on each strain. Among Listeria monocytogenes isolates, 58 %, 38.5 % and 3.5 % exhibited weak, moderate or strong biofilm production, respectively. No difference in biofilm production was observed between food and environmental isolates. The percentage of Listeria monocytogenes strains isolated from meat products (57 %) classified as moderate or strong biofilm producers was higher than the percentage obtained for strains isolated from dairy products (28 %). The presence of the Stress Survival Islet 1, the arsD stress gene and the truncated inlA protein was significantly associated with increased levels of biofilm. Combining biofilm phenotype with molecular and genotyping data may provide the opportunity to better understand the relationship between genes linked to biofilm formation in Listeria monocytogenes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Di Ciccio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095 Turin, Italy
| | - Selene Rubiola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095 Turin, Italy
| | - Felice Panebianco
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095 Turin, Italy.
| | - Sara Lomonaco
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Marc Allard
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Daniela Manila Bianchi
- S.C. Sicurezza e Qualità degli Alimenti, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Tiziana Civera
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095 Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Chiesa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095 Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
|
14
|
OUP accepted manuscript. J Antimicrob Chemother 2022; 77:2183-2190. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkac155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
|
15
|
Thees AV, Pietrosimone KM, Melchiorre CK, Marden JN, Graf J, Lynes MA, Maltz-Matyschsyk M. PmtA Regulates Pyocyanin Expression and Biofilm Formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:789765. [PMID: 34867928 PMCID: PMC8636135 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.789765] [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: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa expresses a small molecular weight, cysteine-rich protein (PmtA), identified as a metallothionein (MT) protein family member. The MT family proteins have been well-characterized in eukaryotes as essential for zinc and copper homeostasis, protection against oxidative stress, and the ability to modify a variety of immune activities. Bacterial MTs share sequence homology, antioxidant chemistry, and heavy metal-binding capacity with eukaryotic MTs, however, the impact of bacterial MTs on virulence and infection have not been well-studied. In the present study, we investigated the role of PmtA in P. aeruginosa PAO1 using a PmtA-deficient strain (ΔpmtA). Here we demonstrated the virulence factor, pyocyanin, relies on the expression of PmtA. We showed that PmtA may be protective against oxidative stress, as an alternative antioxidant, glutathione, can rescue pyocyanin expression. Furthermore, the expression of phzM, which encodes a pyocyanin precursor enzyme, was decreased in the ΔpmtA mutant during early stationary phase. Upregulated pmtA expression was previously detected in confluent biofilms, which are essential for chronic infection, and we observed that the ΔpmtA mutant was disrupted for biofilm formation. As biofilms also modulate antibiotic susceptibility, we examined the ΔpmtA mutant susceptibility to antibiotics and found that the ΔpmtA mutant is more susceptible to cefepime and ciprofloxacin than the wild-type strain. Finally, we observed that the deletion of pmtA results in decreased virulence in a waxworm model. Taken together, our results support the conclusion that PmtA is necessary for the full virulence of P. aeruginosa and may represent a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy V Thees
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| | - Kathryn M Pietrosimone
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| | - Clare K Melchiorre
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| | - Jeremiah N Marden
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| | - Joerg Graf
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| | - Michael A Lynes
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| | - Michele Maltz-Matyschsyk
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae infection impedes Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization and persistence in mouse respiratory tract. Infect Immun 2021; 90:e0056821. [PMID: 34780275 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00568-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) experience lifelong respiratory infections which are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. These infections are polymicrobial in nature, and the predominant bacterial species undergo a predictable series of changes as patients age. Young patients have populations dominated by opportunists that are typically found within the microbiome of the human nasopharynx, such as nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi); these are eventually supplanted and the population within the CF lung is later dominated by pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa). In this study, we investigated how initial colonization with NTHi impacts colonization and persistence of Pa in the respiratory tract. Analysis of polymicrobial biofilms in vitro by confocal microscopy revealed that NTHi promoted greater levels of Pa biofilm volume and diffusion. However, sequential respiratory infection of mice with NTHi followed by Pa resulted in significantly lower Pa as compared to infection with Pa alone. Coinfected mice also had reduced airway tissue damage and lower levels of inflammatory cytokines as compared with Pa infected mice. Similar results were observed after instillation of heat-inactivated NTHi bacteria or purified NTHi lipooligosaccharide (LOS) endotoxin prior to Pa introduction. Based on these results, we conclude that NTHi significantly reduces susceptibility to subsequent Pa infection, most likely due to priming of host innate immunity rather than a direct competitive interaction between species. These findings have potential significance with regard to therapeutic management of early life infections in patients with CF.
Collapse
|
17
|
Kasza K, Gurnani P, Hardie KR, Cámara M, Alexander C. Challenges and solutions in polymer drug delivery for bacterial biofilm treatment: A tissue-by-tissue account. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 178:113973. [PMID: 34530014 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
To tackle the emerging antibiotic resistance crisis, novel antimicrobial approaches are urgently needed. Bacterial communities (biofilms) are a particular concern in this context. Biofilms are responsible for most human infections and are inherently less susceptible to antibiotic treatments. Biofilms have been linked with several challenging chronic diseases, including implant-associated osteomyelitis and chronic wounds. The specific local environments present in the infected tissues further contribute to the rise in antibiotic resistance by limiting the efficacy of systemic antibiotic therapies and reducing drug concentrations at the infection site, which can lead to reoccurring infections. To overcome the shortcomings of systemic drug delivery, encapsulation within polymeric carriers has been shown to enhance antimicrobial efficacy, permeation and retention at the infection site. In this Review, we present an overview of current strategies for antimicrobial encapsulation within polymeric carriers, comparing challenges and solutions on a tissue-by-tissue basis. We compare challenges and proposed drug delivery solutions from the perspective of the local environments for biofilms found in oral, wound, gastric, urinary tract, bone, pulmonary, vaginal, ocular and middle/inner ear tissues. We will also discuss future challenges and barriers to clinical translation for these therapeutics. The following Review demonstrates there is a significant imbalance between the research focus being placed on different tissue types, with some targets (oral and wound biofims) being extensively more studied than others (vaginal and otitis media biofilms and endocarditis). Furthermore, the importance of the local tissue environment when selecting target therapies is demonstrated, with some materials being optimal choices for certain sites of bacterial infection, while having limited applicability in others.
Collapse
|
18
|
Van den Bossche S, De Broe E, Coenye T, Van Braeckel E, Crabbé A. The cystic fibrosis lung microenvironment alters antibiotic activity: causes and effects. Eur Respir Rev 2021; 30:30/161/210055. [PMID: 34526313 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0055-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic airway colonisation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a hallmark of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and despite aggressive antibiotic treatment, P. aeruginosa is able to persist in CF airways. In vitro antibiotic susceptibility assays are poor predictors of antibiotic efficacy to treat respiratory tract infections in the CF patient population and the selection of the antibiotic(s) is often made on an empirical base. In the current review, we discuss the factors that are responsible for the discrepancies between antibiotic activity in vitro and clinical efficacy in vivo We describe how the CF lung microenvironment, shaped by host factors (such as iron, mucus, immune mediators and oxygen availability) and the microbiota, influences antibiotic activity and varies widely between patients. A better understanding of the CF microenvironment and population diversity may thus help improve in vitro antibiotic susceptibility testing and clinical decision making, in turn increasing the success rate of antibiotic treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma De Broe
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Coenye
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eva Van Braeckel
- Dept of Respiratory Medicine, Cystic Fibrosis Reference Centre, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Dept of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Aurélie Crabbé
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Magalhães AP, Grainha T, Sousa AM, França Â, Cerca N, Pereira MO. Viable but non-cultivable state: a strategy for Staphylococcus aureus survivable in dual-species biofilms with Pseudomonas aeruginosa? Environ Microbiol 2021; 23:5639-5649. [PMID: 34423890 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are two of the most prevalent respiratory pathogens in cystic fibrosis patients. Both organisms often cause chronic and recalcitrant infections, in large part due to their ability to form biofilms, being these mixed-species infections correlated with poor clinical outcomes. In this study, the hypothesis that S. aureus adopts phenotypes allowing its coexistence with P. aeruginosa during biofilm growth was put forward. We noticed that S. aureus undergoes a viable but non-cultivable (VBNC) state in the dominated P. aeruginosa dual-species consortia, whatsoever the strains used to form the biofilms. Moreover, an increased expression of genes associated with S. aureus virulence was detected suggesting that the phenotypic switching to VBNC state might account for S. aureus pathogenicity and, in turn, influence the clinical outcome of the mixed-species infection. Thus, P. aeruginosa seems to induce both phenotypic and transcriptomic changes in S. aureus, helping its survival and coexistence in the dual-species biofilms. Overall, our findings illustrate how interspecies interactions can modulate bacterial virulence in vitro, contributing to a better understanding of the behaviour of P. aeruginosa-S. aureus dual-species biofilms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Patrícia Magalhães
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal
| | - Tânia Grainha
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal
| | - Ana Margarida Sousa
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal
| | - Ângela França
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal
| | - Nuno Cerca
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal
| | - Maria Olívia Pereira
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Sandri A, Haagensen JAJ, Veschetti L, Johansen HK, Molin S, Malerba G, Signoretto C, Boaretti M, Lleo MM. Adaptive Interactions of Achromobacter spp. with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Cystic Fibrosis Chronic Lung Co-Infection. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10080978. [PMID: 34451442 PMCID: PMC8400197 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), the main pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is often co-isolated with other microbes, likely engaging in inter-species interactions. In the case of chronic co-infections, this cohabitation can last for a long time and evolve over time, potentially contributing to the clinical outcome. Interactions involving the emerging pathogens Achromobacter spp. have only rarely been studied, reporting inhibition of P. aeruginosa biofilm formation. To evaluate the possible evolution of such interplay, we assessed the ability of Achromobacter spp. isolates to affect the biofilm formation of co-isolated P. aeruginosa strains during long-term chronic co-infections. We observed both competition and cohabitation. An Achromobacter sp. isolate secreted exoproducts interfering with the adhesion ability of a co-isolated P. aeruginosa strain and affected its biofilm formation. Conversely, a clonal Achromobacter sp. strain later isolated from the same patient, as well as two longitudinal strains from another patient, did not show similar competitive behavior against its P. aeruginosa co-isolates. Genetic variants supporting the higher virulence of the competitive Achromobacter sp. isolate were found in its genome. Our results confirm that both inter-species competition and cohabitation are represented during chronic co-infections in CF airways, and evolution of these interplays can happen even at the late stages of chronic infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Sandri
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Microbiology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.S.); (C.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Janus Anders Juul Haagensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark; (J.A.J.H.); (S.M.)
| | - Laura Veschetti
- Laboratory of Computational Genomics, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (L.V.); (G.M.)
| | - Helle Krogh Johansen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Molin
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark; (J.A.J.H.); (S.M.)
| | - Giovanni Malerba
- Laboratory of Computational Genomics, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (L.V.); (G.M.)
| | - Caterina Signoretto
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Microbiology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.S.); (C.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Marzia Boaretti
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Microbiology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.S.); (C.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Maria M. Lleo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Microbiology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.S.); (C.S.); (M.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-045-802-7194
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Consumption of Airway Metabolites Promotes Lung Infection. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10080957. [PMID: 34451421 PMCID: PMC8401524 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080957] [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: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevailing dogma indicates that the lung of cystic fibrosis (CF) individuals is infected by multiple pathogens due to the abundant accumulation of mucus, which traps most of inhaled organisms. However, this hypothesis does not explain how specific opportunists, like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are selected in the CF lung to cause chronic disease. This strongly suggests that other factors than mucus are accrued in the human airway and might predispose to bacterial disease, especially by P. aeruginosa. In this review we discuss the role of macrophage metabolites, like succinate and itaconate, in P. aeruginosa pneumonia. We analyze how dysfunction of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) favors release of these metabolites into the infected airway, and how P. aeruginosa exploits these elements to induce transcriptomic and metabolic changes that increase its capacity to cause intractable disease. We describe the host and pathogen pathways associated with succinate and itaconate catabolism, mechanisms of bacterial adaptation to these determinants, and suggest how both experimental settings and future therapies should consider macrophage metabolites abundance to better study P. aeruginosa pathogenesis.
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic pathogen of significant concern to susceptible patient populations. This pathogen can cause nosocomial and community-acquired respiratory and bloodstream infections and various other infections in humans. Sources include water, plant rhizospheres, animals, and foods. Studies of the genetic heterogeneity of S. maltophilia strains have identified several new genogroups and suggested adaptation of this pathogen to its habitats. The mechanisms used by S. maltophilia during pathogenesis continue to be uncovered and explored. S. maltophilia virulence factors include use of motility, biofilm formation, iron acquisition mechanisms, outer membrane components, protein secretion systems, extracellular enzymes, and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. S. maltophilia is intrinsically drug resistant to an array of different antibiotics and uses a broad arsenal to protect itself against antimicrobials. Surveillance studies have recorded increases in drug resistance for S. maltophilia, prompting new strategies to be developed against this opportunist. The interactions of this environmental bacterium with other microorganisms are being elucidated. S. maltophilia and its products have applications in biotechnology, including agriculture, biocontrol, and bioremediation.
Collapse
|
23
|
Biological and clinical significance of quorum sensing alkylquinolones: current analytical and bioanalytical methods for their quantification. Anal Bioanal Chem 2021; 413:4599-4618. [PMID: 33959788 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03356-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a sophisticated bacterial communication system which plays a key role in the virulence and biofilm formation of many pathogens. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa QS network consists of four sets of connected systems (las, rlh, pqs and iqs) hierarchically organized. The pqs system involves characteristic autoinducers (AI), most of them sharing an alkylquinolone (AQ) structure, and is able to carry out several relevant biological functions besides its main signalling activity. Their role in bacterial physiology and pathogenicity has been widely studied. Indeed, the presence of these metabolites in several body fluids and infected tissues has pointed to their potential value as biomarkers of infection. In this review, we summarize the most recent findings about the biological implications and the clinical significance of the main P. aeruginosa AQs. These findings have encouraged the development of analytical and bioanalytical techniques addressed to assess the role of these metabolites in bacterial growth and survival, during pathogenesis or as biomarkers of infections. The availability of highly sensitive reliable analytical methods suitable for clinical analysis would allow getting knowledge about pathogenesis and disease prognosis or progression, supporting clinicians on the decision-making process for the management of these infections and guiding them on the application of more effective and appropriate treatments. The benefits from the implementation of the point-of-care (PoC)-type testing in infectious disease diagnostics, which are seen to improve patient outcomes by promoting earlier therapeutic interventions, are also discussed.
Collapse
|
24
|
Menetrey Q, Sorlin P, Jumas-Bilak E, Chiron R, Dupont C, Marchandin H. Achromobacter xylosoxidans and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: Emerging Pathogens Well-Armed for Life in the Cystic Fibrosis Patients' Lung. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050610. [PMID: 33919046 PMCID: PMC8142972 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), the lung is a remarkable ecological niche in which the microbiome is subjected to important selective pressures. An inexorable colonization by bacteria of both endogenous and environmental origin is observed in most patients, leading to a vicious cycle of infection–inflammation. In this context, long-term colonization together with competitive interactions among bacteria can lead to over-inflammation. While Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, the two pathogens most frequently identified in CF, have been largely studied for adaptation to the CF lung, in the last few years, there has been a growing interest in emerging pathogens of environmental origin, namely Achromobacter xylosoxidans and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The aim of this review is to gather all the current knowledge on the major pathophysiological traits, their supporting mechanisms, regulation and evolutionary modifications involved in colonization, virulence, and competitive interactions with other members of the lung microbiota for these emerging pathogens, with all these mechanisms being major drivers of persistence in the CF lung. Currently available research on A. xylosoxidans complex and S. maltophilia shows that these emerging pathogens share important pathophysiological features with well-known CF pathogens, making them important members of the complex bacterial community living in the CF lung.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Menetrey
- HydroSciences Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Univ Montpellier, 34093 Montpellier, France; (Q.M.); (P.S.)
| | - Pauline Sorlin
- HydroSciences Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Univ Montpellier, 34093 Montpellier, France; (Q.M.); (P.S.)
| | - Estelle Jumas-Bilak
- HydroSciences Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Univ Montpellier, Department d’Hygiène Hospitalière, CHU Montpellier, 34093 Montpellier, France; (E.J.-B.); (C.D.)
| | - Raphaël Chiron
- HydroSciences Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Centre de Ressources et de Compétences de la Mucoviscidose, CHU de Montpellier, 34093 Montpellier, France;
| | - Chloé Dupont
- HydroSciences Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Univ Montpellier, Department d’Hygiène Hospitalière, CHU Montpellier, 34093 Montpellier, France; (E.J.-B.); (C.D.)
| | - Hélène Marchandin
- HydroSciences Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Univ Montpellier, Service de Microbiologie et Hygiène Hospitalière, CHU Nîmes, 34093 Nîmes, France
- UMR 5151 HydroSciences Montpellier, Equipe Pathogènes Hydriques Santé Environnements, U.F.R. des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université de Montpellier, 15, Avenue Charles Flahault, BP 14491, CEDEX 5, 34093 Montpellier, France
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kranjec C, Morales Angeles D, Torrissen Mårli M, Fernández L, García P, Kjos M, Diep DB. Staphylococcal Biofilms: Challenges and Novel Therapeutic Perspectives. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:131. [PMID: 33573022 PMCID: PMC7911828 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10020131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococci, like Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis, are common colonizers of the human microbiota. While being harmless in many cases, many virulence factors result in them being opportunistic pathogens and one of the major causes of hospital-acquired infections worldwide. One of these virulence factors is the ability to form biofilms-three-dimensional communities of microorganisms embedded in an extracellular polymeric matrix (EPS). The EPS is composed of polysaccharides, proteins and extracellular DNA, and is finely regulated in response to environmental conditions. This structured environment protects the embedded bacteria from the human immune system and decreases their susceptibility to antimicrobials, making infections caused by staphylococci particularly difficult to treat. With the rise of antibiotic-resistant staphylococci, together with difficulty in removing biofilms, there is a great need for new treatment strategies. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of our current knowledge of the stages of biofilm development and what difficulties may arise when trying to eradicate staphylococcal biofilms. Furthermore, we look into promising targets and therapeutic methods, including bacteriocins and phage-derived antibiofilm approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Kranjec
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 Ås, Norway; (C.K.); (D.M.A.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Danae Morales Angeles
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 Ås, Norway; (C.K.); (D.M.A.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Marita Torrissen Mårli
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 Ås, Norway; (C.K.); (D.M.A.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Lucía Fernández
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Dairy Products, Dairy Research Institute of Asturias (IPLA-CSIC), 33300 Villaviciosa, Spain; (L.F.); (P.G.)
- DairySafe Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Pilar García
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Dairy Products, Dairy Research Institute of Asturias (IPLA-CSIC), 33300 Villaviciosa, Spain; (L.F.); (P.G.)
- DairySafe Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Morten Kjos
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 Ås, Norway; (C.K.); (D.M.A.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Dzung B. Diep
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 Ås, Norway; (C.K.); (D.M.A.); (M.T.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Harrington NE, Sweeney E, Harrison F. Building a better biofilm - Formation of in vivo-like biofilm structures by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a porcine model of cystic fibrosis lung infection. Biofilm 2020; 2:100024. [PMID: 33381751 PMCID: PMC7762787 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2020.100024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm infections in the cystic fibrosis (CF) lung are highly resistant to current antimicrobial treatments and are associated with increased mortality rates. The existing models for such infections are not able to reliably mimic the clinical biofilms observed. We aimed to further optimise an ex vivo pig lung (EVPL) model for P. aeruginosa CF lung infection that can be used to increase understanding of chronic CF biofilm infection. The EVPL model will facilitate discovery of novel infection prevention methods and treatments, and enhanced exploration of biofilm architecture. We investigated purine metabolism and biofilm formation in the model using transposon insertion mutants in P. aeruginosa PA14 for key genes: purD, gacA and pelA. Our results demonstrate that EVPL recapitulates a key aspect of in vivo P. aeruginosa infection metabolism, and that the pathogen forms a biofilm with a clinically realistic structure not seen in other in vitro studies. Two pathways known to be required for in vivo biofilm infection - the Gac regulatory pathway and production of the Pel exopolysaccharide - are essential to the formation of this mature, structured biofilm on EVPL tissue. We propose the high-throughput EVPL model as a validated biofilm platform to bridge the gap between in vitro work and CF lung infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niamh E. Harrington
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, The University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Esther Sweeney
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, The University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Freya Harrison
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, The University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Menetrey Q, Dupont C, Chiron R, Jumas-Bilak E, Marchandin H. High Occurrence of Bacterial Competition Among Clinically Documented Opportunistic Pathogens Including Achromobacter xylosoxidans in Cystic Fibrosis. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:558160. [PMID: 33013789 PMCID: PMC7513574 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.558160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) airways favor abnormal microbial development. Infections are considered as polymicrobial and competition can be observed between microorganisms. The current literature on bacterial competition in CF mostly consists of studies with limited numbers of strains, mainly focused on the major pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) and Staphylococcus aureus (Sa) and does not give a comprehensive overview of the overall importance of bacterial interactions or the behavior of less often encountered emerging bacteria such as Achromobacter. In this context, we screened a panel of 39 strains from six CF patients, of either clinical or domestic environmental origin, distinguished according to genotype and belonging to four opportunistic pathogens, Pa (n = 15), Sa (n = 3), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (Sm, n = 10) and Achromobacter xylosoxidans (Ax, n = 11). We investigated their capacity to compete in terms of growth, motility, and pigment production on agar media through 203 crossing experiments. Eleven strains selected via the initial screening results were further studied for competitive growth in liquid medium and biofilm formation. Competition was noted for 33% (67/203) of the pairs of strains with 85 modifications observed between monocultures and co-cultures, impacting growth (23.6%), motility (13.8%), and/or pigment production (6.1%). Under all conditions of the study (clinical, environmental strains; intra-, inter-patients; intra-, inter-species levels), competition was significantly more frequent among pairs of strains with at least one clinical strain. While Pa mainly outcompeted other species, in one patient with chronic colonization by Ax and sporadic colonization by Pa, we showed that some Ax inhibited the growth and pigmentation of Pa whereas biofilm formation was drastically reduced. Enlarging the panel of strains tested in competition assays gave new perspectives on the complex interactions taking place among the CF airway community. Indeed, the frequent occurrence of varied, strain-dependent interactions is revealed here. We report the first results of competition assays for Ax with the ability of certain strains to outcompete Pa. Our results are linked to the patient’s colonization history and question the importance of bacterial competitiveness in the colonization pattern of CF airways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Menetrey
- HydroSciences Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Chloé Dupont
- HydroSciences Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France.,HydroSciences Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Laboratoire d'Ecologie Microbienne Hospitalière, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Raphaël Chiron
- HydroSciences Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France.,HydroSciences Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Centre de Ressources et de Compétences de la Mucoviscidose, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Estelle Jumas-Bilak
- HydroSciences Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France.,HydroSciences Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Laboratoire d'Ecologie Microbienne Hospitalière, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Hélène Marchandin
- HydroSciences Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France.,HydroSciences Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Département de Microbiologie, CHU Nîmes, Nîmes, France
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Silva E, Monteiro R, Grainha T, Alves D, Pereira MO, Sousa AM. Fostering Innovation in the Treatment of Chronic Polymicrobial Cystic Fibrosis-Associated Infections Exploring Aspartic Acid and Succinic Acid as Ciprofloxacin Adjuvants. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:441. [PMID: 32974221 PMCID: PMC7481398 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) disease provokes the accumulation of thick and viscous sputum in the lungs, favoring the development of chronic and polymicrobial infections. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the main bacterium responsible for these chronic infections, and much of the difficulty involved in eradicating it is due to biofilm formation. However, this could be mitigated using adjuvant compounds that help or potentiate the antibiotic action. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to search for substances that function as adjuvants and also as biofilm-controlling compounds, preventing or dismantling P. aeruginosa biofilms formed in an in vitro CF airway environment. Dual combinations of compounds with subinhibitory (1 and 2 mg/L) and inhibitory concentrations (4 mg/L) of ciprofloxacin were tested to inhibit the bacterial growth and biofilm formation (prophylactic approach) and to eradicate 24-h-old P. aeruginosa populations, including planktonic cells and biofilms (treatment approach). Our results revealed that aspartic acid (Asp) and succinic acid (Suc) restored ciprofloxacin action against P. aeruginosa. Suc combined with 2 mg/L of ciprofloxacin (Suc-Cip) was able to eradicate bacteria, and Asp combined with 4 mg/L of ciprofloxacin (Asp–Cip) seemed to eradicate the whole 24-h-old populations, including planktonic cells and biofilms. Based on biomass depletion data, we noted that Asp induced cell death and Suc seemed somehow to block or reduce the expression of ciprofloxacin resistance. As far as we know, this kind of action had not been reported up till now. The presence of Staphylococcus aureus and Burkholderia cenocepacia did not affect the efficacy of the Asp–Cip and Suc–Cip therapies against P. aeruginosa and, also important, P. aeruginosa depletion from polymicrobial communities did not create a window of opportunity for these species to thrive. Rather the contrary, Asp and Suc also improved ciprofloxacin action against B. cenocepacia. Further studies on the cytotoxicity using lung epithelial cells indicated toxicity of Suc–Cip caused by the Suc. In conclusion, we provided evidences that Asp and Suc could be potential ciprofloxacin adjuvants to eradicate P. aeruginosa living within polymicrobial communities. Asp–Cip and Suc–Cip could be promising therapeutic options to cope with CF treatment failures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduarda Silva
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Rosana Monteiro
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Tânia Grainha
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Diana Alves
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Maria Olivia Pereira
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Margarida Sousa
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Ballén V, Ratia C, Cepas V, Soto SM. Enterococcus faecalis inhibits Klebsiella pneumoniae growth in polymicrobial biofilms in a glucose-enriched medium. BIOFOULING 2020; 36:846-861. [PMID: 32972252 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2020.1824272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Catheter-related urinary tract infections are one of the most common biofilm-associated diseases. Within biofilms, bacteria cooperate, compete, or have neutral interactions. This study aimed to investigate the interactions in polymicrobial biofilms of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus faecalis, two of the most common uropathogens. Although K. pneumoniae was the most adherent strain, it could not maintain dominance in the polymicrobial biofilm due to the lactic acid produced by E. faecalis in a glucose-enriched medium. This result was supported by the use of E. faecalis V583 ldh-1/ldh-2 double mutant (non-producer of lactic acid), which did not inhibit the growth of K. pneumoniae. Lyophilized cell-free supernatants obtained from E. faecalis biofilms also showed antimicrobial/anti-biofilm activity against K. pneumoniae. Conversely, there were no significant differences in planktonic polymicrobial cultures. In summary, E. faecalis modifies the pH by lactic acid production in polymicrobial biofilms, which impairs the growth of K. pneumoniae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Ballén
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Center for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clinic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Ratia
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Center for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clinic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Virginio Cepas
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Center for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clinic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara M Soto
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Center for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clinic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Vandeplassche E, Sass A, Ostyn L, Burmølle M, Kragh KN, Bjarnsholt T, Coenye T, Crabbé A. Antibiotic susceptibility of cystic fibrosis lung microbiome members in a multispecies biofilm. Biofilm 2020; 2:100031. [PMID: 33447816 PMCID: PMC7798459 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2020.100031] [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: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are often chronically colonized by multiple microbial species that can form biofilms, including the major CF pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Herewith, lower microbial diversity in CF airways is typically associated with worse health outcomes. In an attempt to treat CF lung infections patients are frequently exposed to antibiotics, which may affect microbial diversity. This study aimed at understanding if common antibiotics that target P. aeruginosa influence microbial diversity. To this end, a microaerophilic multispecies biofilm model of frequently co-isolated members of the CF lung microbiome (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus anginosus, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, Rothia mucilaginosa, and Gemella haemolysans) was exposed to antipseudomonal antibiotics. We found that antibiotics that affected several dominant species (i.e. ceftazidime, tobramycin) resulted in higher species evenness compared to colistin, which is only active against P. aeruginosa. Furthermore, susceptibility of individual species in the multispecies biofilm following antibiotic treatment was compared to that of the respective single-species biofilms, showing no differences. Adding three anaerobic species (Prevotella melaninogenica, Veillonella parvula, and Fusobacterium nucleatum) to the multispecies biofilm did not influence antibiotic susceptibility. In conclusion, our study demonstrates antibiotic-dependent effects on microbial community diversity of multispecies biofilms comprised of CF microbiome members.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Vandeplassche
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Andrea Sass
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Lisa Ostyn
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Mette Burmølle
- Department of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper Nørskov Kragh
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Bjarnsholt
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Tom Coenye
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Aurélie Crabbé
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Jorge P, Magalhães AP, Grainha T, Alves D, Sousa AM, Lopes SP, Pereira MO. Antimicrobial resistance three ways: healthcare crisis, major concepts and the relevance of biofilms. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2020; 95:5532357. [PMID: 31305896 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiz115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, infections are resuming their role as highly effective killing diseases, as current treatments are failing to respond to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The social and economic burden of AMR seems ever rising, with health- and research-related organizations rushing to collaborate on a worldwide scale to find effective solutions. Resistant bacteria are spreading even in first-world nations, being found not only in healthcare-related settings, but also in food and in the environment. In this minireview, the impact of AMR in healthcare systems and the major bacteria behind it are highlighted. Ecological aspects of AMR evolution and the complexity of its molecular mechanisms are explained. Major concepts, such as intrinsic, acquired and adaptive resistance, as well as tolerance and heteroresistance, are also clarified. More importantly, the problematic of biofilms and their role in AMR, namely their main resistance and tolerance mechanisms, are elucidated. Finally, some of the most promising anti-biofilm strategies being investigated are reviewed. Much is still to be done regarding the study of AMR and the discovery of new anti-biofilm strategies. Gladly, considerable research on this topic is generated every day and increasingly concerted actions are being engaged globally to try and tackle this problem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Jorge
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Andreia Patrícia Magalhães
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Tânia Grainha
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Diana Alves
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Margarida Sousa
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Susana Patrícia Lopes
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Maria Olívia Pereira
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Welp AL, Bomberger JM. Bacterial Community Interactions During Chronic Respiratory Disease. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:213. [PMID: 32477966 PMCID: PMC7240048 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic respiratory diseases including chronic rhinosinusitis, otitis media, asthma, cystic fibrosis, non-CF bronchiectasis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are a major public health burden. Patients suffering from chronic respiratory disease are prone to persistent, debilitating respiratory infections due to the decreased ability to clear pathogens from the respiratory tract. Such infections often develop into chronic, life-long complications that are difficult to treat with antibiotics due to the formation of recalcitrant biofilms. The microbial communities present in the upper and lower respiratory tracts change as these respiratory diseases progress, often becoming less diverse and dysbiotic, correlating with worsening patient morbidity. Those with chronic respiratory disease are commonly infected with a shared group of respiratory pathogens including Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Moraxella catarrhalis, among others. In order to understand the microbial landscape of the respiratory tract during chronic disease, we review the known inter-species interactions among these organisms and other common respiratory flora. We consider both the balance between cooperative and competitive interactions in relation to microbial community structure. By reviewing the major causes of chronic respiratory disease, we identify common features across disease states and signals that might contribute to community shifts. As microbiome shifts have been associated with respiratory disease progression, worsening morbidity, and increased mortality, these underlying community interactions likely have an impact on respiratory disease state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allison L Welp
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Graduate Program in Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jennifer M Bomberger
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Karner L, Drechsler S, Metzger M, Hacobian A, Schädl B, Slezak P, Grillari J, Dungel P. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy fighting polymicrobial infections – a journey from in vitro to in vivo. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2020; 19:1332-1343. [DOI: 10.1039/d0pp00108b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The batericidal effects of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), using methylene blue as a photosensitizer and pulsed red LED light for activation, were tested in various environments in vitro and in a wound model in mice infected with a fecal bacterial suspension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Karner
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology in the AUVA Research Center
- Vienna
- Austria
| | - Susanne Drechsler
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology in the AUVA Research Center
- Vienna
- Austria
| | - Magdalena Metzger
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology in the AUVA Research Center
- Vienna
- Austria
| | - Ara Hacobian
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology in the AUVA Research Center
- Vienna
- Austria
| | - Barbara Schädl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology in the AUVA Research Center
- Vienna
- Austria
- University Clinic of Dentistry
- Medical University of Vienna
| | - Paul Slezak
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology in the AUVA Research Center
- Vienna
- Austria
| | - Johannes Grillari
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology in the AUVA Research Center
- Vienna
- Austria
| | - Peter Dungel
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology in the AUVA Research Center
- Vienna
- Austria
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
O’Brien TJ, Welch M. A Continuous-Flow Model for in vitro Cultivation of Mixed Microbial Populations Associated With Cystic Fibrosis Airway Infections. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2713. [PMID: 31824471 PMCID: PMC6883238 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The airways of people with cystic fibrosis (CF) provide a nutrient-rich environment which favours colonisation by a variety of bacteria and fungi. Although the dominant pathogen associated with CF airway infections is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, it is becoming increasingly clear that inter-species interactions between P. aeruginosa and other colonists in the airways may have a large impact on microbial physiology and virulence. However, there are currently no suitable experimental models that permit long-term co-culture of P. aeruginosa with other CF-associated pathogens. Here, we redress this problem by describing a "3R's-compliant" continuous-flow in vitro culture model which enables long-term co-culture of three representative CF-associated microbes: P. aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Although these species rapidly out-compete one another when grown together or in pairs in batch culture, we show that in a continuously-fed setup, they can be maintained in a very stable, steady-state community. We use our system to show that even numerically (0.1%) minor species can have a major impact on intercellular signalling by P. aeruginosa. Importantly, we also show that co-culturing does not appear to influence species mutation rates, further reinforcing the notion that the system favours stability rather than divergence. The model is experimentally tractable and offers an inexpensive yet robust means of investigating inter-species interactions between CF pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin Welch
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
RNA-based qPCR as a tool to quantify and to characterize dual-species biofilms. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13639. [PMID: 31541147 PMCID: PMC6754382 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50094-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
While considerable research has focused on studying individual-species, we now face the challenge of determining how interspecies interactions alter bacterial behaviours and pathogenesis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are often found to co-infect cystic-fibrosis patients. Curiously, their interaction is reported as competitive under laboratory conditions. Selecting appropriate methodologies is therefore critical to analyse multi-species communities. Herein, we demonstrated the major biases associated with qPCR quantification of bacterial populations and optimized a RNA-based qPCR able not only to quantify but also to characterize microbial interactions within dual-species biofilms composed by P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, as assessed by gene expression quantification. qPCR quantification was compared with flow-cytometry and culture-based quantification. Discrepancies between culture independent and culture dependent methods could be the result of the presence of viable but not-cultivable bacteria within the biofilm. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed this. A higher sensitivity to detect viable cells further highlights the potentialities of qPCR approach to quantify biofilm communities. By using bacterial RNA and an exogenous mRNA control, it was also possible to characterize bacterial transcriptomic profile, being this a major advantage of this method.
Collapse
|
36
|
Selective pressures during chronic infection drive microbial competition and cooperation. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2019; 5:16. [PMID: 31263568 PMCID: PMC6555799 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-019-0089-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic infections often contain complex mixtures of pathogenic and commensal microorganisms ranging from aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to fungi and viruses. The microbial communities present in infected tissues are not passively co-existing but rather actively interacting with each other via a spectrum of competitive and/or cooperative mechanisms. Competition versus cooperation in these microbial interactions can be driven by both the composition of the microbial community as well as the presence of host defense strategies. These interactions are typically mediated via the production of secreted molecules. In this review, we will explore the possibility that microorganisms competing for nutrients at the host–pathogen interface can evolve seemingly cooperative mechanisms by controlling the production of subsets of secreted virulence factors. We will also address interspecies versus intraspecies utilization of community resources and discuss the impact that this phenomenon might have on co-evolution at the host–pathogen interface.
Collapse
|
37
|
Xu Z, Xie J, Soteyome T, Peters BM, Shirtliff ME, Liu J, Harro JM. Polymicrobial interaction and biofilms between Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa: an underestimated concern in food safety. Curr Opin Food Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cofs.2019.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
38
|
Sadowska B, Wójcik U, Krzyżanowska-Kowalczyk J, Kowalczyk M, Stochmal A, Rywaniak J, Burzyńska J, Różalska B. The Pros and Cons of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Patient Use of Herbal Supplements Containing Pulmonaria officinalis L. Extract: the Evidence from an In Vitro Study on Staphylococcus aureus CF Clinical Isolates. Molecules 2019; 24:E1151. [PMID: 30909529 PMCID: PMC6471470 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24061151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The justification for the use of herbal supplements with Pulmonaria officinalis L. extract (POE) in the case of staphylococcal lung colonization/infections characteristic for cystic fibrosis (CF), was examined in vitro. The impact of POE phenolic-rich fraction on the virulence attributes of CF-associated Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) clinical strains has been assessed, including pathogen adhesion, biofilm formation on native and protein-conditioned surfaces (mucin, elastin), mature biofilm eradication, staphylococcal protein A expression, α-toxin release, and S. a. adhesion to A549 cells. Cytotoxicity of the extract to lung epithelial cells was also investigated. It was found that POE has bacteriostatic effects at MIC 1⁻2 mg/mL, recognized as of limited efficacy, but at MIC/subMICs it targeted virulence not viability. It usually decreased S. aureus adhesion and less frequently inhibited biofilm formation on native and protein-conditioned surfaces. Observed effect seems to be related to significant reduction by POE of sortase A activity. However, in some cases POE favored the creation of biofilm by staphylococci and S. aureus adhesion to the lung epithelium was not limited. On the other side POE caused significant decrease of S. a. α-toxin synthesis and slightly weakened the expression of SpA. When used at supraMICs POE eradicated mature biofilm, but in some cases with unsatisfying outcomes. Promisingly, POE has been recognized as a safe product, with no cytotoxicity up to 4 mg/mL. These results reflect the positive, negative or neutral anti-staphylococcal properties of POE. It seems that POE may be beneficial as a prophylactic, but not as a therapeutic or supportive agent in the area of CF-integrative medicine. However, introduction the official recommendations needs further in vivo studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beata Sadowska
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Urszula Wójcik
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Justyna Krzyżanowska-Kowalczyk
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation, State Research Institute, Czartoryskich 8, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland.
| | - Mariusz Kowalczyk
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation, State Research Institute, Czartoryskich 8, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland.
| | - Anna Stochmal
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation, State Research Institute, Czartoryskich 8, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland.
| | - Joanna Rywaniak
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Julia Burzyńska
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Barbara Różalska
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Vandeplassche E, Coenye T, Crabbé A. Developing selective media for quantification of multispecies biofilms following antibiotic treatment. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187540. [PMID: 29121069 PMCID: PMC5679531 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187540] [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: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are chronically colonized by a polymicrobial biofilm community, leading to difficult-to-treat infections. To combat these infections, CF patients are commonly treated with a variety of antibiotics. Understanding the dynamics of polymicrobial community composition in response to antibiotic therapy is essential in the search for novel therapies. Culture-dependent quantification of individual bacteria from defined multispecies biofilms is frequently carried out by plating on selective media. However, the influence of the selective agents in these media on quantitative recovery before or after antibiotic treatment is often unknown. In the present study we developed selective media for six bacterial species that are frequently co-isolated from the CF lung, i.e. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus anginosus, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, Rothia mucilaginosa, and Gemella haemolysans. We show that certain supplementations to selective media strongly influence quantitative recovery of (un)treated biofilms. Hence, the developed media were optimized for selectivity and quantitative recovery before or after treatment with antibiotics of four major classes, i.e. ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, colistin, or tobramycin. Finally, in a proof of concept experiment the novel selective media were applied to determine the community composition of multispecies biofilms before and after treatment with tobramycin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Vandeplassche
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Coenye
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Aurélie Crabbé
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|