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Liu Y, Yao Z, Mao Z, Tang M, Chen H, Qian C, Zeng W, Zhou T, Wu Q. Quorum sensing gene lasR promotes phage vB_Pae_PLY infection in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:207. [PMID: 38858621 PMCID: PMC11163716 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03349-7] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell density-based intercellular communication system that controls virulence gene expression and biofilm formation. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), the LasR system sits at the top of the QS hierarchy and coordinates the expression of a series of important traits. However, the role of lasR in phage infection remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the role of lasR QS in phage infection. METHODS The P. aeruginosa phage was isolated from sewage, and its biological characteristics and whole genome were analyzed. The adsorption receptor was identified via a phage adsorption assay. Following lasR gene knockout, the adsorption rate and bactericidal activity of phage were analyzed. Finally, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was conducted to explore how lasR promoting phage infection. RESULTS The lytic phage vB_Pae_PLY was isolated and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was identified as its adsorption receptor. The adsorption rate and bactericidal activity of vB_Pae_PLY were reduced after lasR knockout. RT-qPCR results showed that the expression of galU, a key gene involved in LPS synthesis, was down-regulated, and several genes related to type IV pili (T4P) were also down-regulated in the lasR mutant PaΔlasR. CONCLUSIONS The study showed that QS lasR may promote phage vB_Pae_PLY infection by involving in the synthesis of LPS and T4P. This study provides an example of QS in promoting phage infection and deepens the understanding of phage-bacteria interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Zhuocheng Yao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Zhenzhi Mao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Miran Tang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Huanchang Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Changrui Qian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Weiliang Zeng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Tieli Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
| | - Qing Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
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2
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Chen Q, Zhang F, Bai J, Che Q, Xiang L, Zhang Z, Wang Y, Sjöling Å, Martín-Rodríguez AJ, Zhu B, Fu L, Zhou Y. Bacteriophage-resistant carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae shows reduced antibiotic resistance and virulence. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2024; 64:107221. [PMID: 38810938 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2024.107221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Phage therapy has shown great promise in the treatment of bacterial infections. However, the effectiveness of phage therapy is compromised by the inevitable emergence of phage-resistant strains. In this study, a phage-resistant carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strain SWKP1711R, derived from parental carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae strain SWKP1711 was identified. The mechanism of bacteriophage resistance in SWKP1711R was investigated and the molecular determinants causing altered growth characteristics, antibiotic resistance, and virulence of SWKP1711R were tested. Compared to SWKP1711, SWKP1711R showed slower growth, smaller colonies, filamentous cells visible under the microscope, reduced production of capsular polysaccharide (CPS) and lipopolysaccharide, and reduced resistance to various antibiotics accompanied by reduced virulence. Adsorption experiments showed that phage vB_kpnM_17-11 lost the ability to adsorb onto SWKP1711R, and the adsorption receptor was identified to be bacterial surface polysaccharides. Genetic variation analysis revealed that, compared to the parental strain, SWKP1711R had only one thymine deletion at position 78 of the open reading frame of the lpcA gene, resulting in a frameshift mutation that caused alteration of the bacterial surface polysaccharide and inhibition of phage adsorption, ultimately leading to phage resistance. Transcriptome analysis and quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR revealed that genes encoding lipopolysaccharide synthesis, ompK35, blaTEM-1, and type II and Hha-TomB toxin-antitoxin systems, were all downregulated in SWKP1711R. Taken together, the evidence presented here indicates that the phenotypic alterations and phage resistance displayed by the mutant may be related to the frameshift mutation of lpcA and altered gene expression. While evolution of phage resistance remains an issue, our study suggests that the reduced antibiotic resistance and virulence of phage-resistant strain derivatives might be beneficial in alleviating the burden caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Chen
- Department of Pathogeic Biology, School of Basic Medical, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Feiyang Zhang
- Department of Pathogeic Biology, School of Basic Medical, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Jiawei Bai
- Department of Pathogeic Biology, School of Basic Medical, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Qian Che
- Sichuan Center For Disease Control And Prevention, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Li Xiang
- Department of Pathogeic Biology, School of Basic Medical, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Zhikun Zhang
- Department of Pathogeic Biology, School of Basic Medical, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Pathogeic Biology, School of Basic Medical, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Åsa Sjöling
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17165, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alberto J Martín-Rodríguez
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17165, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Baoli Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Fu
- The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
| | - Yingshun Zhou
- Department of Pathogeic Biology, School of Basic Medical, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China; Public Center of Experimental Technology of Pathogen Biology Technology Platform, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
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3
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Wang B, Du L, Dong B, Kou E, Wang L, Zhu Y. Current Knowledge and Perspectives of Phage Therapy for Combating Refractory Wound Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5465. [PMID: 38791502 PMCID: PMC11122179 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105465] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Wound infection is one of the most important factors affecting wound healing, so its effective control is critical to promote the process of wound healing. However, with the increasing prevalence of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacterial strains, the prevention and treatment of wound infections are now more challenging, imposing heavy medical and financial burdens on patients. Furthermore, the diminishing effectiveness of conventional antimicrobials and the declining research on new antibiotics necessitate the urgent exploration of alternative treatments for wound infections. Recently, phage therapy has been revitalized as a promising strategy to address the challenges posed by bacterial infections in the era of antibiotic resistance. The use of phage therapy in treating infectious diseases has demonstrated positive results. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms, characteristics, and delivery methods of phage therapy for combating pathogenic bacteria. Then, we focus on the clinical application of various phage therapies in managing refractory wound infections, such as diabetic foot infections, as well as traumatic, surgical, and burn wound infections. Additionally, an analysis of the potential obstacles and challenges of phage therapy in clinical practice is presented, along with corresponding strategies for addressing these issues. This review serves to enhance our understanding of phage therapy and provides innovative avenues for addressing refractory infections in wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Naval Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Lin Du
- Department of Dermatology, Naval Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Baiping Dong
- Department of Dermatology, Naval Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Erwen Kou
- Department of Dermatology, Naval Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Liangzhe Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Naval Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Yuanjie Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Naval Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200052, China
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4
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Abed S, Sholeh M, Khazani Asforooshani M, Shafiei M, Hashemi Shahraki A, Nasr S. Insights into the novel Enterococcus faecalis phage: A comprehensive genome analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301292. [PMID: 38743671 PMCID: PMC11093359 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis, a Gram-positive bacterium, poses a significant clinical challenge owing to its intrinsic resistance to a broad spectrum of antibiotics, warranting urgent exploration of innovative therapeutic strategies. This study investigated the viability of phage therapy as an alternative intervention for antibiotic-resistant E. faecalis, with a specific emphasis on the comprehensive genomic analysis of bacteriophage SAM-E.f 12. The investigation involved whole-genome sequencing of SAM-E.f 12 using Illumina technology, resulting in a robust dataset for detailed genomic characterization. Bioinformatics analyses were employed to predict genes and assign functional annotations. The bacteriophage SAM-E.f 12, which belongs to the Siphoviridae family, exhibited substantial potential, with a burst size of 5.7 PFU/infected cells and a latent period of 20 min. Host range determination experiments demonstrated its effectiveness against clinical E. faecalis strains, positioning SAM-E.f 12 as a precise therapeutic agent. Stability assays underscore resilience across diverse environmental conditions. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of SAM-E.f 12 genomic composition, lytic lifecycle parameters, and practical applications, particularly its efficacy in murine wound models. These results emphasize the promising role of phage therapy, specifically its targeted approach against antibiotic-resistant E. faecalis strains. The nuanced insights derived from this research will contribute to the ongoing pursuit of efficacious phage therapies and offer valuable implications for addressing the clinical challenges associated with E. faecalis infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Abed
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Advanced Technologies in Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sholeh
- Department of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Morvarid Shafiei
- Department of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolrazagh Hashemi Shahraki
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep, College of Medicine-Jacksonville, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Shaghayegh Nasr
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Advanced Technologies in Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
- Microorganisms Bank, Iranian Biological Resource Center (IBRC), ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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5
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Olszak T, Augustyniak D, García-Romero I, Markwitz P, Gula G, Molinaro A, Valvano MA, Drulis-Kawa Z. Phage treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa yields a phage-resistant population with different susceptibility to innate immune responses and mild effects on metabolic profiles. Microbiol Res 2024; 282:127609. [PMID: 38428337 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we have investigated innate immune activation capacity and metabolic features of a population of P. aeruginosa PAO1 phage-resistant mutants with diverse genetic modification (large genomic deletions and point mutations) arising after exposure to phages targetting lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or Type-4 pili (T4P). Deletions led to the loss of genes involved in LPS synthesis, cell envelope permeability, efflux systems, biofilm production, oxidative stress tolerance, and DNA repair. Loss of LPS O antigen resulted in bacterial sensitivity to serum complement and stimulation of inflammatory cascades but did not cause increased phagocytosis, while T4P phage-resistant mutants were more effectively phagocytized than LPS-defective mutants. Changes in the utilization of different carbon, nitrogen, sulphur, and phosphorus sources were identified, especially in mutants where the two phage DNA persisted in the bacterial population (pseudolysogeny). However, the metabolic changes did not directly correlate with single-gene mutations or the large gene deletions, suggesting they reflect adaptive changes to the gene modifications that arise during the selection of resistant mutants. In contrast, phage-resistant mutants were susceptible to humoral innate immune responses, suggesting that phage resistance may be a beneficial outcome of phage therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Olszak
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Daria Augustyniak
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Inmaculada García-Romero
- Wellcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Pawel Markwitz
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Gula
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Antonio Molinaro
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant'Angelo, Naples, Italy
| | - Miguel A Valvano
- Wellcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Zuzanna Drulis-Kawa
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wroclaw, Poland.
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6
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Kameswaran S, Gujjala S, Zhang S, Kondeti S, Mahalingam S, Bangeppagari M, Bellemkonda R. Quenching and quorum sensing in bacterial bio-films. Res Microbiol 2024; 175:104085. [PMID: 37268165 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2023.104085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is the ability of bacteria to monitor their population density and adjust gene expression accordingly. QS-regulated processes include host-microbe interactions, horizontal gene transfer, and multicellular behaviours (such as the growth and development of biofilm). The creation, transfer, and perception of bacterial chemicals known as autoinducers or QS signals are necessary for QS signalling (e.g. N-acylhomoserine lactones). Quorum quenching (QQ), another name for the disruption of QS signalling, comprises a wide range of events and mechanisms that are described and analysed in this study. In order to better comprehend the targets of the QQ phenomena that organisms have naturally developed and are currently being actively researched from practical perspectives, we first surveyed the diversity of QS-signals and QS-associated responses. Next, the mechanisms, molecular players, and targets related to QS interference are discussed, with a focus on natural QQ enzymes and compounds that function as QS inhibitors. To illustrate the processes and biological functions of QS inhibition in microbe-microbe and host-microbe interactions, a few QQ paradigms are described in detail. Finally, certain QQ techniques are offered as potential instruments in a variety of industries, including agriculture, medical, aquaculture, crop production, and anti-biofouling areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivasan Kameswaran
- Department of Botany, Vikrama Simhapuri University College, Kavali, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Sudhakara Gujjala
- Department of Biochemistry, Sri Krishnadevaray a University, Ananthapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Shaoqing Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Civil Engineering, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan, 512005, PR China
| | - Suresh Kondeti
- Multi-Disciplinary Research Unit, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, 500082, India
| | - Sundararajan Mahalingam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Manjunatha Bangeppagari
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics, Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to Be University), Tamaka, Kolar, 563103, Karnataka, India
| | - Ramesh Bellemkonda
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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7
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Akturk E, Melo LD, Oliveira H, Crabbé A, Coenye T, Azeredo J. Combining phages and antibiotic to enhance antibiofilm efficacy against an in vitro dual species wound biofilm. Biofilm 2023; 6:100147. [PMID: 37662851 PMCID: PMC10474582 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2023.100147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic wound management is extremely challenging because of the persistence of biofilm-forming pathogens, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, which are the prevailing bacterial species that co-infect chronic wounds. Phage therapy has gained an increased interest to treat biofilm-associated infections, namely when combined with antibiotics. Here, we tested the effect of gentamicin as a co-adjuvant of phages in a dual species-biofilm wound model formed on artificial dermis. The biofilm-killing capacity of the tested treatments was significantly increased when phages were combined with gentamicin and applied multiple times as multiple dose (three doses, every 8 h). Our results suggest that gentamycin is an effective adjuvant of phage therapy particularly when applied simultaneously with phages and in three consecutive doses. The multiple and simultaneous dose treatment seems to be essential to avoid bacterial resistance development to each of the antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ergun Akturk
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS – Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Luís D.R. Melo
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS – Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
- ESCMID Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), Switzerland
| | - Hugo Oliveira
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS – Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
- ESCMID Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), Switzerland
| | - Aurélie Crabbé
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology (LPM), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Coenye
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology (LPM), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- ESCMID Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), Switzerland
| | - Joana Azeredo
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS – Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
- ESCMID Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), Switzerland
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8
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Xu Z, Ding Z, Shi L, Xie Y, Zhang Y, Wang Z, Liu Q. Coevolution between marine Aeromonas and phages reveals temporal trade-off patterns of phage resistance and host population fitness. THE ISME JOURNAL 2023; 17:2200-2209. [PMID: 37814126 PMCID: PMC10689771 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-023-01529-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Coevolution of bacteria and phages is an important host and parasite dynamic in marine ecosystems, contributing to the understanding of bacterial community diversity. On the time scale, questions remain concerning what is the difference between phage resistance patterns in marine bacteria and how advantageous mutations gradually accumulate during coevolution. In this study, marine Aeromonas was co-cultured with its phage for 180 days and their genetic and phenotypic dynamics were measured every 30 days. We identified 11 phage resistance genes and classified them into three categories: lipopolysaccharide (LPS), outer membrane protein (OMP), and two-component system (TCS). LPS shortening and OMP mutations are two distinct modes of complete phage resistance, while TCS mutants mediate incomplete resistance by repressing the transcription of phage genes. The co-mutation of LPS and OMP was a major mode for bacterial resistance at a low cost. The mutations led to significant reductions in the growth and virulence of bacterial populations during the first 60 days of coevolution, with subsequent leveling off. Our findings reveal the marine bacterial community dynamics and evolutionary trade-offs of phage resistance during coevolution, thus granting further understanding of the interaction of marine microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhe Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Zihan Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Lijia Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yuzhen Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yuanxing Zhang
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), 519000, Zhuhai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Maricultured Animal Vaccines, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Zhuang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Maricultured Animal Vaccines, Shanghai, 200237, China.
| | - Qin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Maricultured Animal Vaccines, Shanghai, 200237, China.
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9
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Meneses L, Brandão AC, Coenye T, Braga AC, Pires DP, Azeredo J. A systematic review of the use of bacteriophages for in vitro biofilm control. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2023:10.1007/s10096-023-04638-1. [PMID: 37407800 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-023-04638-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) are very promising biological agents for the prevention and control of bacterial biofilms. However, little is known about the parameters that can influence the efficacy of phages on biofilms. This systematic review provides a summary and analysis of the published data about the use of phages to control pre-formed biofilms in vitro, suggesting recommendations for future experiments in this area. A total of 68 articles, containing data on 605 experiments addressing the efficacy of phages to control biofilms in vitro were included, after a search conducted in Web of Science, Embase, and Medline (PubMed). The data collected from each experiment included information about biofilm growth conditions, phage characteristics, treatment conditions and biofilm reduction. In most cases, biofilms were formed in the surface of microtiter plates (82.5%); the median time for biofilm formation was 24 h, as is the median treatment duration. Quantification of biofilm biomass (52.6%), viable cells (25.5%) and metabolic activity (17.9%) were the most common biofilm assessment methods. Correlation analysis revealed that some phage parameters can influence the treatment outcome: higher phage concentrations were strongly associated with improved biofilm control, leading to higher levels of biofilm reduction, and phages with higher burst sizes and shorter latent periods seem to be the best candidates to control biofilms in vitro. However, the great variability of the methodologies used prompts the need for the development of standardized in vitro methodologies to characterize phage/biofilm interactions and to assess the efficacy of phages to control biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Meneses
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ana Catarina Brandão
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ESCMID Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tom Coenye
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- ESCMID Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Diana Priscila Pires
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
- ESCMID Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), Basel, Switzerland.
- LABBELS -Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Joana Azeredo
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
- ESCMID Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), Basel, Switzerland.
- LABBELS -Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.
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10
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Jia HJ, Jia PP, Yin S, Bu LK, Yang G, Pei DS. Engineering bacteriophages for enhanced host range and efficacy: insights from bacteriophage-bacteria interactions. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1172635. [PMID: 37323893 PMCID: PMC10264812 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1172635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages, the most abundant organisms on earth, have the potential to address the rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria resulting from the overuse of antibiotics. However, their high specificity and limited host range can hinder their effectiveness. Phage engineering, through the use of gene editing techniques, offers a means to enhance the host range of bacteria, improve phage efficacy, and facilitate efficient cell-free production of phage drugs. To engineer phages effectively, it is necessary to understand the interaction between phages and host bacteria. Understanding the interaction between the receptor recognition protein of bacteriophages and host receptors can serve as a valuable guide for modifying or replacing these proteins, thereby altering the receptor range of the bacteriophage. Research and development focused on the CRISPR-Cas bacterial immune system against bacteriophage nucleic acids can provide the necessary tools to promote recombination and counter-selection in engineered bacteriophage programs. Additionally, studying the transcription and assembly functions of bacteriophages in host bacteria can facilitate the engineered assembly of bacteriophage genomes in non-host environments. This review highlights a comprehensive summary of phage engineering methods, including in-host and out-of-host engineering, and the use of high-throughput methods to understand their role. The main aim of these techniques is to harness the intricate interactions between bacteriophages and hosts to inform and guide the engineering of bacteriophages, particularly in the context of studying and manipulating the host range of bacteriophages. By employing advanced high-throughput methods to identify specific bacteriophage receptor recognition genes, and subsequently introducing modifications or performing gene swapping through in-host recombination or out-of-host synthesis, it becomes possible to strategically alter the host range of bacteriophages. This capability holds immense significance for leveraging bacteriophages as a promising therapeutic approach against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huang-Jie Jia
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - Pan-Pan Jia
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Supei Yin
- Urinary Nephropathy Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling-Kang Bu
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Guan Yang
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - De-Sheng Pei
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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11
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Mirzaei A, Wagemans J, Nasr Esfahani B, Lavigne R, Moghim S. A Phage Cocktail To Control Surface Colonization by Proteus mirabilis in Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0209222. [PMID: 36194151 PMCID: PMC9602741 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02092-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis is a biofilm-forming bacterium and one of the most common causes of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). The rapid spread of multidrug-resistant P. mirabilis represents a severe threat to management of nosocomial infections. This study aimed to isolate a potent phage cocktail and assess its potential to control urinary tract infections caused by biofilm-forming P. mirabilis. Two lytic phages, Isf-Pm1 and Isf-Pm2, were isolated and characterized by proteome analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and whole-genome sequencing. The host range and effect of the phage cocktail to reduce the biofilm formation were assessed by a cell adhesion assay in Vero cells and a phantom bladder model. The samples treated with the phage cocktail showed a significant reduction (65%) in the biofilm mass. Anti-quorum sensing and quantitative real-time PCR assays were also used to assess the amounts of transcription of genes involved in quorum sensing and biofilm formation. Furthermore, the phage-treated samples showed a downregulation of genes involved in the biofilm formation. In conclusion, these results highlight the efficacy of two isolated phages to control the biofilms produced by P. mirabilis CAUTIs. IMPORTANCE The rapid spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) bacterial strains and biofilm formation of bacteria have severely restricted the use of antibiotics and become a challenging issue in hospitals. Therefore, there is a necessity for alternative or complementary treatment measures, such as the use of virulent bacteriophages (phages), as effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arezoo Mirzaei
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Bahram Nasr Esfahani
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Rob Lavigne
- Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sharareh Moghim
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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12
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Wannasrichan W, Htoo HH, Suwansaeng R, Pogliano J, Nonejuie P, Chaikeeratisak V. Phage-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa against a novel lytic phage JJ01 exhibits hypersensitivity to colistin and reduces biofilm production. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1004733. [PMID: 36274728 PMCID: PMC9583000 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1004733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a major cause of nosocomial infections, has been categorized by World Health Organization as a critical pathogen urgently in need of effective therapies. Bacteriophages or phages, which are viruses that specifically kill bacteria, have been considered as alternative agents for the treatment of bacterial infections. Here, we discovered a lytic phage targeting P. aeruginosa, designated as JJ01, which was classified as a member of the Myoviridae family due to the presence of an icosahedral capsid and a contractile tail under TEM. Phage JJ01 requires at least 10 min for 90% of its particles to be adsorbed to the host cells and has a latent period of 30 min inside the host cell for its replication. JJ01 has a relatively large burst size, which releases approximately 109 particles/cell at the end of its lytic life cycle. The phage can withstand a wide range of pH values (3–10) and temperatures (4–60°C). Genome analysis showed that JJ01 possesses a complete genome of 66,346 base pairs with 55.7% of GC content, phylogenetically belonging to the genus Pbunavirus. Genome annotation further revealed that the genome encodes 92 open reading frames (ORFs) with 38 functionally predictable genes, and it contains neither tRNA nor toxin genes, such as drug-resistant or lysogenic-associated genes. Phage JJ01 is highly effective in suppressing bacterial cell growth for 12 h and eradicating biofilms established by the bacteria. Even though JJ01-resistant bacteria have emerged, the ability of phage resistance comes with the expense of the bacterial fitness cost. Some resistant strains were found to produce less biofilm and grow slower than the wild-type strain. Among the resistant isolates, the resistant strain W10 which notably loses its physiological fitness becomes eight times more susceptible to colistin and has its cell membrane compromised, compared to the wild type. Altogether, our data revealed the potential of phage JJ01 as a candidate for phage therapy against P. aeruginosa and further supports that even though the use of phages would subsequently lead to the emergence of phage-resistant bacteria, an evolutionary trade-off would make them more sensitive to antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wichanan Wannasrichan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Htut Htut Htoo
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Rubsadej Suwansaeng
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Joe Pogliano
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Poochit Nonejuie
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Vorrapon Chaikeeratisak
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- *Correspondence: Vorrapon Chaikeeratisak,
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13
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Increased Innate Immune Susceptibility in Hyperpigmented Bacteriophage-Resistant Mutants of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0023922. [PMID: 35862755 PMCID: PMC9380547 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00239-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophage (phage) therapy is an alternative to traditional antibiotic treatments that is particularly important for multidrug-resistant pathogens, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Unfortunately, phage resistance commonly arises during treatment as bacteria evolve to survive phage predation. During in vitro phage treatment of a P. aeruginosa-type strain, we observed the emergence of phage-resistant mutants with brown pigmentation that was indicative of pyomelanin. As increased pyomelanin (due to hmgA gene mutation) was recently associated with enhanced resistance to hydrogen peroxide and persistence in experimental lung infection, we questioned if therapeutic phage applications could inadvertently select for hypervirulent populations. Pyomelanogenic phage-resistant mutants of P. aeruginosa PAO1 were selected for upon treatment with three distinct phages. Phage-resistant pyomelanogenic mutants did not possess increased survival of pyomelanogenic ΔhmgA in hydrogen peroxide. At the genomic level, large (~300 kb) deletions in the phage-resistant mutants resulted in the loss of ≥227 genes, many of which had roles in survival, virulence, and antibiotic resistance. Phage-resistant pyomelanogenic mutants were hypersusceptible to cationic peptides LL-37 and colistin and were more easily cleared in human whole blood, serum, and a murine infection model. Our findings suggest that hyperpigmented phage-resistant mutants that may arise during phage therapy are markedly less virulent than their predecessors due to large genomic deletions. Thus, their existence does not present a contraindication to using anti-pseudomonal phage therapy, especially considering that these mutants develop drug susceptibility to the familiar FDA-approved antibiotic, colistin.
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14
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The resurgence of phage-based therapy in the era of increasing antibiotic resistance: from research progress to challenges and prospects. Microbiol Res 2022; 264:127155. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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15
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Visnapuu A, Van der Gucht M, Wagemans J, Lavigne R. Deconstructing the Phage-Bacterial Biofilm Interaction as a Basis to Establish New Antibiofilm Strategies. Viruses 2022; 14:v14051057. [PMID: 35632801 PMCID: PMC9145820 DOI: 10.3390/v14051057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterial biofilm constitutes a complex environment that endows the bacterial community within with an ability to cope with biotic and abiotic stresses. Considering the interaction with bacterial viruses, these biofilms contain intrinsic defense mechanisms that protect against phage predation; these mechanisms are driven by physical, structural, and metabolic properties or governed by environment-induced mutations and bacterial diversity. In this regard, horizontal gene transfer can also be a driver of biofilm diversity and some (pro)phages can function as temporary allies in biofilm development. Conversely, as bacterial predators, phages have developed counter mechanisms to overcome the biofilm barrier. We highlight how these natural systems have previously inspired new antibiofilm design strategies, e.g., by utilizing exopolysaccharide degrading enzymes and peptidoglycan hydrolases. Next, we propose new potential approaches including phage-encoded DNases to target extracellular DNA, as well as phage-mediated inhibitors of cellular communication; these examples illustrate the relevance and importance of research aiming to elucidate novel antibiofilm mechanisms contained within the vast set of unknown ORFs from phages.
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16
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Sillankorva S, Pires L, Pastrana LM, Bañobre-López M. Antibiofilm Efficacy of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pbunavirus vB_PaeM-SMS29 Loaded onto Dissolving Polyvinyl Alcohol Microneedles. Viruses 2022; 14:v14050964. [PMID: 35632706 PMCID: PMC9143888 DOI: 10.3390/v14050964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistant bacteria prevail in most chronic skin wounds and other biofilm-related topical skin infections. Bacteriophages (phages) have proven their antimicrobial effectiveness for treating different antibiotic-resistant and multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, but not all phages are effective against biofilms. Phages possessing depolymerases can reach different biofilm layers; however, those that do not have depolymerase activity struggle to penetrate and navigate in the intricate 3D biofilm structure and mainly infect bacteria lodged in the outer biofilm layers. To address this, Pseudomonas aeruginosa phage vB_PaeM-SMS29, a phage with poor antibiofilm properties, was incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, Mowiol 4:88) supplemented with 0.1% (v/v) of glycerol, and cast onto two different microneedle arrays varying in geometry. The dissolving microneedles were thoroughly characterized by microscopy, force-displacement, swelling, phage release and stability. Furthermore, 48 h-old biofilms were formed using the colony biofilm procedure (absence of broth), and the antibiofilm efficacy of the phage-loaded microneedles was evaluated by viable cell counts and microscopy and compared to free phages. The phages in microneedles were fairly stable for six months when stored at 4 °C, with minor decreases in phage titers observed. The geometry of the microneedles influenced the penetration and force-displacement characteristics but not the antimicrobial efficacy against biofilms. The two PVA microneedles loaded with phages reduced P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms by 2.44 to 2.76 log10 CFU·cm-2 at 24 h. These values are significantly higher than the result obtained after the treatment with the free phage (1.09 log10 CFU·cm-2). Overall, this study shows that the distribution of phages caused by the mechanical disruption of biofilms using dissolving microneedles can be an effective delivery method against topical biofilm-related skin infections.
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17
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DePalma BJ, Nandi S, Chaudhry W, Lee M, Johnson AJ, Doub JB. Assessment of Staphylococcal Clinical Isolates from Periprosthetic Joint Infections for Potential Bacteriophage Therapy. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2022; 104:693-699. [PMID: 35167506 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.21.00958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacteriophage therapy is a potential adjunctive treatment for periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) given the capabilities of bacteriophages to degrade biofilms, self-replicate, and lyse bacteria. However, many aspects of this therapeutic are ill-defined, and the narrow spectrum of bacteriophage activity along with limited available bacteriophage strains curb potential use for specific bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus at the present time. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of using bacteriophages for PJI by (1) categorizing the causative organisms in hip and knee PJI at a tertiary academic center and (2) evaluating in vitro activity of a group of bacteriophages against clinical S. aureus PJI isolates. METHODS Patients with chronic hip or knee PJI after undergoing the first stage of a 2-stage revision protocol from 2017 to 2020 were identified retrospectively by a query of the hospital billing database. The causative pathogens in 129 cases were reviewed and categorized. From this cohort, preserved S. aureus isolates were tested against a library of 15 staphylococcal bacteriophages to evaluate for bacterial growth inhibition over 48 hours. RESULTS S. aureus was the most common pathogen causing PJI (26% [33] of 129 cases). Of 29 S. aureus samples that were analyzed for bacteriophage activity, 97% showed adequate growth inhibition of the predominant planktonic colonies by at least 1 bacteriophage strain. However, 24% of the 29 samples demonstrated additional smaller, slower-growing S. aureus colonies, none of which had adequate growth inhibition by any of the initial 14 bacteriophages. Of 5 secondary colonies that underwent subsequent testing with another bacteriophage with enhanced biofilm activity, 4 showed adequate growth inhibition. CONCLUSIONS Effective bacteriophage therapeutics are potentially available for S. aureus PJI isolates. The differences in bacteriophage activity against the presumed small-colony variants compared with the planktonic isolates have important clinical implications. This finding suggests that bacteriophage attachment receptors differ between the different bacterial morphologic states, and supports future in vitro testing of bacteriophage therapeutics against both planktonic and stationary states of PJI clinical isolates to ensure activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J DePalma
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sumon Nandi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Martin Lee
- Adaptive Phage Therapeutics, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Aaron J Johnson
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - James B Doub
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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18
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Pires DP, Meneses L, Brandão AC, Azeredo J. An overview of the current state of phage therapy for the treatment of biofilm-related infections. Curr Opin Virol 2022; 53:101209. [PMID: 35240424 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2022.101209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms are involved in many chronic and difficult-to-treat infections. Phage therapy against infectious biofilms is becoming a promising strategy, as suggested by the increasing number of publications demonstrating the efficacy of phages against in vitro formed biofilms. However, the translation between in vitro results to in vivo phage therapy outcome is not straightforward due to the complexity of phage-biofilm interactions in clinical contexts. Here, we provide a critical overview of the in vitro studies of phages for biofilm control of clinical pathogens, followed by the major outcomes and lessons learned from the recently reported case studies (between 2018 and 2021) of phage therapy against biofilm-related infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana P Pires
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; LABBELS - Associate Laboratory, Braga, 4800-122 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Luciana Meneses
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; LABBELS - Associate Laboratory, Braga, 4800-122 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ana C Brandão
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; LABBELS - Associate Laboratory, Braga, 4800-122 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Joana Azeredo
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; LABBELS - Associate Laboratory, Braga, 4800-122 Guimarães, Portugal.
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19
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Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is used to coordinate social behaviors, such as virulence and biofilm formation, across bacterial populations. However, the role of QS in regulating phage-bacterium interactions remains unclear. Preventing phage recognition and adsorption are the first steps of bacterial defense against phages; however, both phage recognition and adsorption are a prerequisite for the successful application of phage therapy. In the present study, we report that QS upregulated the expression of phage receptors, thus increasing phage adsorption and infection rates in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In P. aeruginosa PAO1, we found that las QS, instead of rhl QS, upregulated the expression of galU for lipopolysaccharide synthesis. Lipopolysaccharides act as the receptor of the phage vB_Pae_QDWS. This las QS-mediated phage susceptibility is a dynamic process, depending on host cell density. Our data suggest that inhibiting QS may reduce the therapeutic efficacy of phages. IMPORTANCE Phage resistance is a major limitation of phage therapy, and understanding the mechanisms by which bacteria block phage infection is critical for the successful application of phage therapy. In the present study, we found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 uses las QS to promote phage infection by upregulating the expression of galU, which is necessary for the synthesis of phage receptor lipopolysaccharides. In contrast to the results of previous reports, we showed that QS increases the efficacy of phage-mediated bacterial killing. Since QS upregulates the expression of virulence factors and promotes biofilm development, which are positively correlated with lipopolysaccharide production in P. aeruginosa, increased phage susceptibility is a novel QS-mediated trade-off. QS inhibition may increase the efficacy of antibiotic treatment, but it will reduce the effectiveness of phage therapy.
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20
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Melo LDR, Monteiro R, Pires DP, Azeredo J. Phage-Host Interaction Analysis by Flow Cytometry Allows for Rapid and Efficient Screening of Phages. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11020164. [PMID: 35203767 PMCID: PMC8868278 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11020164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, phages have become popular as an alternative to antibiotics. This increased demand for phage therapy needs rapid and efficient methods to screen phages infecting specific hosts. Existing methods are time-consuming, and for clinical purposes, novel, quick, and reliable screening methods are highly needed. Flow cytometry (FC) allows a quick differentiation and enumeration of bacterial cell populations and has been used to assess in vitro the activity of antimicrobial compounds. In this work, we propose FC as a rapid and reliable method to assess the susceptibility of a bacterial population to phage infection. For that, the interaction of phages vB_PaeM_CEB_DP1 and vB_PaeP_PE3 with Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 was characterized by FC. Synchronous infection assays were performed, and samples were collected at different time points and stained with SYTO BC and PI before analysis. Part of the collected samples was used to characterize the expression of early, middle, and late genes by qPCR. Both FC and qPCR results were correlated with phage propagation assays. Results showed that SYTO BC median fluorescence intensity (MFI) values increased in the first 25 min of PE3 and DP1 infection. The increase of fluorescence is due to the expression of phage genes observed by qPCR. Since SYTO BC MFI values increase with gene expression, it allows the determination of host susceptibility to a phage in a short period of time, avoiding false positives caused by lysis from without. In conclusion, this method may allow for a quick and high-throughput real-time screening of different phages to a specific host, which can be crucial for a quick phage selection in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís D. R. Melo
- LIBRO—Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, Centre of Biological Engineering, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4700-057 Braga, Portugal; (R.M.); (D.P.P.)
- LABBELS—Associate Laboratory, Braga, 4800-122 Guimarães, Portugal
- Correspondence: (L.D.R.M.); (J.A.); Tel.: +351-253-601-989 (L.D.R.M.); +351-253-604-414 (J.A.)
| | - Rodrigo Monteiro
- LIBRO—Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, Centre of Biological Engineering, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4700-057 Braga, Portugal; (R.M.); (D.P.P.)
- LABBELS—Associate Laboratory, Braga, 4800-122 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Diana P. Pires
- LIBRO—Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, Centre of Biological Engineering, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4700-057 Braga, Portugal; (R.M.); (D.P.P.)
- LABBELS—Associate Laboratory, Braga, 4800-122 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Joana Azeredo
- LIBRO—Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, Centre of Biological Engineering, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4700-057 Braga, Portugal; (R.M.); (D.P.P.)
- LABBELS—Associate Laboratory, Braga, 4800-122 Guimarães, Portugal
- Correspondence: (L.D.R.M.); (J.A.); Tel.: +351-253-601-989 (L.D.R.M.); +351-253-604-414 (J.A.)
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21
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«Development of an anti- Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm phage cocktail: Genomic Adaptation to the Host». Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0192321. [PMID: 35041503 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01923-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The need for alternatives to antibiotic therapy due to the emergence of multidrug resistant bacteria (MDR), such as the nosocomial pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii, has led to the recovery of phage therapy. In addition, phages can be combined in cocktails to increase the host range. In this study, the evolutionary mechanism of adaptation was utilized in order to develop a phage adapted to A. baumannii, named phage Ab105-2phiΔCI404ad, from a mutant lytic phage, Ab105-2phiΔCI, previously developed by our group. The whole genome sequence of phage Ab105-2phiΔCI404ad was determined, showing that four genomic rearrangements events occurred in the tail morphogenesis module affecting the ORFs encoding the host receptor binding sites. As a consequence of the genomic rearrangements, 10 ORFs were lost and four new ORFs were obtained, all encoding tail proteins; two inverted regions were also derived from these events. The adaptation process increased the host range of the adapted phage by almost three folds. In addition, a depolymerase-expressing phenotype, indicated by formation of a halo, which was not observed in the ancestral phage, was obtained in 81% of the infected strains. A phage cocktail was formed by combining this phage with the A. baumannii phage vB_AbaP_B3, known to express a depolymerase. Both the individual phages and the phage cocktail showed strong antimicrobial activity against 5 clinical strains and 1 reference strain of A. baumannii tested. However, in all cases resistance to the bacterial strains was also observed. The antibiofilm activity of the individual phages and the cocktail was assayed. The phage cocktail displayed strong antibiofilm activity.
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22
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Genome-driven elucidation of phage-host interplay and impact of phage resistance evolution on bacterial fitness. ISME JOURNAL 2021; 16:533-542. [PMID: 34465897 PMCID: PMC8776877 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-021-01096-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
When considering the interactions between bacteriophages and their host, the issue of phage-resistance emergence is a key element in understanding the ecological impact of phages on the bacterial population. It is also an essential parameter for the implementation of phage therapy to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens. This study investigates the phenotypic and genetic responses of five Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains (PAO1, A5803, AA43, CHA, and PAK) to the infection by seven phages with distinct evolutionary backgrounds and recognised receptors (LPS/T4P). Emerging phage-insensitivity was generally accompanied by self and cross-resistance mechanisms. Significant differences were observed between the reference PAO1 responses compared to other clinical representatives. LPS-dependent phage infections in clinical strains selected for mutations in the "global regulatory" and "other" genes, rather than in the LPS-synthesis clusters detected in PAO1 clones. Reduced fitness, as proxied by the growth rate, was correlated with large deletion (20-500 kbp) and phage carrier state. Multi-phage resistance was significantly correlated with a reduced growth rate but only in the PAO1 population. In addition, we observed that the presence of prophages decreased the lytic phage maintenance seemingly protecting the host against carrier state and occasional lytic phage propagation, thus preventing a significant reduction in bacterial growth rate.
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Markwitz P, Olszak T, Gula G, Kowalska M, Arabski M, Drulis-Kawa Z. Emerging Phage Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 Is Accompanied by an Enhanced Heterogeneity and Reduced Virulence. Viruses 2021; 13:1332. [PMID: 34372538 PMCID: PMC8310095 DOI: 10.3390/v13071332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial surface structures of a proteinic nature and glycoconjugates contribute to biofilm formation and provide shields to host defense mechanisms (e.g., the complement system and phagocytosis). A loss or alteration of these molecules, leading to phage resistance, could result in fewer virulent bacteria. In this study, we evaluate the biology and phenotype changes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 phage-resistant clones, which emerge in phage-treated biofilms. We characterize these clones for phage-typing patterns, antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, pathogenicity, and interactions with the innate immune system. Another important question that we address is whether phage-resistant mutants are also generated incidentally, despite the phage treatment-selective pressure, as the natural adaptation of the living biofilm population. It is found that the application of different phages targeting a particular receptor selects similar phage resistance patterns. Nevertheless, this results in a dramatic increase in the population heterogeneity, giving over a dozen phage-typing patterns, compared to one of the untreated PAO1 sessile forms. We also confirm the hypothesis that "phage-resistant bacteria are more susceptible to antibiotics and host-clearance mechanisms by the immune system". These findings support phage application in therapy, although the overall statement that phage treatment selects the less virulent bacterial population should be further verified using a bigger collection of clinical strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Markwitz
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, University of Wroclaw, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.M.); (T.O.); (G.G.)
| | - Tomasz Olszak
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, University of Wroclaw, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.M.); (T.O.); (G.G.)
| | - Grzegorz Gula
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, University of Wroclaw, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.M.); (T.O.); (G.G.)
| | - Magdalena Kowalska
- Division of Medical Biology, Institute of Biology, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-406 Kielce, Poland; (M.K.); (M.A.)
| | - Michal Arabski
- Division of Medical Biology, Institute of Biology, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-406 Kielce, Poland; (M.K.); (M.A.)
| | - Zuzanna Drulis-Kawa
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, University of Wroclaw, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.M.); (T.O.); (G.G.)
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Abstract
Bacteriophages and bacterial biofilms are widely present in natural environments, a fact that has accelerated the evolution of phages and their bacterial hosts in these particular niches. Phage-host interactions in biofilm communities are rather complex, where phages are not always merely predators but also can establish symbiotic relationships that induce and strengthen biofilms. In this review we provide an overview of the main features affecting phage-biofilm interactions as well as the currently available methods of studying these interactions. In addition, we address the applications of phages for biofilm control in different contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana P Pires
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal;
| | - Luís D R Melo
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal;
| | - Joana Azeredo
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal;
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25
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Pires DP, Costa AR, Pinto G, Meneses L, Azeredo J. Current challenges and future opportunities of phage therapy. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 44:684-700. [PMID: 32472938 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a major public health challenge worldwide, whose implications for global health might be devastating if novel antibacterial strategies are not quickly developed. As natural predators of bacteria, (bacterio)phages may play an essential role in escaping such a dreadful future. The rising problem of antibiotic resistance has revived the interest in phage therapy and important developments have been achieved over the last years. But where do we stand today and what can we expect from phage therapy in the future? This is the question we set to answer in this review. Here, we scour the outcomes of human phage therapy clinical trials and case reports, and address the major barriers that stand in the way of using phages in clinical settings. We particularly address the potential of phage resistance to hinder phage therapy and discuss future avenues to explore the full capacity of phage therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana P Pires
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Costa
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Graça Pinto
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Luciana Meneses
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Joana Azeredo
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
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26
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa Resistance to Bacteriophages and Its Prevention by Strategic Therapeutic Cocktail Formulation. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10020145. [PMID: 33540528 PMCID: PMC7912912 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10020145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to modern healthcare as it limits treatment options for bacterial infections, particularly impacting those with chronic conditions such as cystic fibrosis (CF). Viscous mucus accumulation in the lungs of individuals genetically predisposed to CF leads to recurrent bacterial infections, necessitating prolonged antimicrobial chemotherapy. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are the predominant driver of CF lung disease, and airway isolates are frequently resistant to multiple antimicrobials. Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria and are a promising alternative to antimicrobials for CF P. aeruginosa infections. However, the narrow host range of P. aeruginosa-targeting phages and the rapid evolution of phage resistance could limit the clinical efficacy of phage therapy. A promising approach to overcome these issues is the strategic development of mixtures of phages (cocktails). The aim is to combine phages with broad host ranges and target multiple distinct bacterial receptors to prevent the evolution of phage resistance. However, further research is required to identify and characterize phage resistance mechanisms in CF-derived P. aeruginosa, which differ from their non-CF counterparts. In this review, we consider the mechanisms of P. aeruginosa phage resistance and how these could be overcome by an effective future phage therapy formulation.
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27
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Pires DP, Monteiro R, Mil-Homens D, Fialho A, Lu TK, Azeredo J. Designing P. aeruginosa synthetic phages with reduced genomes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2164. [PMID: 33495501 PMCID: PMC7835345 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81580-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the era where antibiotic resistance is considered one of the major worldwide concerns, bacteriophages have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach to deal with this problem. Genetically engineered bacteriophages can enable enhanced anti-bacterial functionalities, but require cloning additional genes into the phage genomes, which might be challenging due to the DNA encapsulation capacity of a phage. To tackle this issue, we designed and assembled for the first time synthetic phages with smaller genomes by knocking out up to 48% of the genes encoding hypothetical proteins from the genome of the newly isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa phage vB_PaeP_PE3. The antibacterial efficacy of the wild-type and the synthetic phages was assessed in vitro as well as in vivo using a Galleria mellonella infection model. Overall, both in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that the knock-outs made in phage genome do not impair the antibacterial properties of the synthetic phages, indicating that this could be a good strategy to clear space from phage genomes in order to enable the introduction of other genes of interest that can potentiate the future treatment of P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana P Pires
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, Universidade Do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal.
| | - Rodrigo Monteiro
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, Universidade Do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
| | - Dalila Mil-Homens
- Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (iBB), Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Arsénio Fialho
- Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (iBB), Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisboa, Portugal
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Timothy K Lu
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Department of Biological Engineering, Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Joana Azeredo
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, Universidade Do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal.
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28
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Tian F, Li J, Nazir A, Tong Y. Bacteriophage - A Promising Alternative Measure for Bacterial Biofilm Control. Infect Drug Resist 2021; 14:205-217. [PMID: 33505163 PMCID: PMC7829120 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s290093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms can enhance bacteria's viability by providing resistance against antibiotics and conventional disinfectants. The existence of biofilm is a serious threat to human health, causing incalculable loss. Therefore, new strategies to deal with bacterial biofilms are needed. Bacteriophages are unique due to their activity on bacteria and do not pose a threat to humans. Consequently, they are considered safe alternatives to drugs for the treatment of bacterial diseases. They can effectively obliterate bacterial biofilms and have great potential in medical treatment, the food industry, and pollution control. There are intricate mechanisms of interaction between phages and biofilms. Biofilms may prevent the invasion of phages, and phages can kill bacteria for biofilm control purposes or influence the formation of biofilms. At present, there are various measures for the prevention and control of biofilms through phages, including the combined use of drugs and the application of phage cocktails. This article mainly reviews the function and formation process of bacterial biofilms, summarizes the different mechanisms between phages and biofilms, briefly explains the phage usage for the control of bacterial biofilms, and promotes phage application maintenance human health and the protection of the natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengjuan Tian
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Amina Nazir
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yigang Tong
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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29
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Manoharadas S, Altaf M, Alrefaei AF, Devasia RM, Badjah Hadj AYM, Abuhasil MSA. Concerted dispersion of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm by bacteriophage and 'green synthesized' silver nanoparticles. RSC Adv 2021; 11:1420-1429. [PMID: 35424119 PMCID: PMC8693614 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra09725j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcal biofilms predominantly cause persistent nosocomial infections. The widespread antibiotic resistance followed by its ability to form biofilm in biological and inert surfaces often contributes to major complications in patients and veterinary animals. Strategic importance of bacteriophage therapy against critical staphylococcal infections had been predicted ever since the advent of antibiotic resistant staphylococcal strains. The significance of metal nanoparticles in quenching biofilm associated bacteria was previously reported. In this study, we demonstrate a concerted action of ‘green synthesized’ silver nanoparticles and bacteriophages in removing pre-formed Staphylococcus aureus biofilms from an inert glass surface in a time dependent manner. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, the rapid co-operative dispersion of the bacterial biofilm. In addition, the synergistic activity of the nanoparticles and bacteriophages causes the loss of viability of the biofilm entrapped bacterial cells thus preventing establishment of a new infection and subsequent colonization. This work further opens up a platform for the combinational therapeutic approach with a variety of nanoparticles and bacteriophages against mono or poly bacterial biofilm in environmental, industrial or clinical settings. Formation of biofilm by Staphylococcus aureus ‘Rumba’ on untreated glass surface and a concerted disruption of the biofilm by silver nanoparticle and phage ϕ44AHJD.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Salim Manoharadas
- King Saud University, Department of Botany and Microbiology, Central Laboratory RM 55A College of Science Building 5, P.O. Box. 2454 Riyadh 11451 Saudi Arabia +966-14699665 +966-114689170
| | - Mohammad Altaf
- King Saud University, Department of Botany and Microbiology, Central Laboratory RM 55A College of Science Building 5, P.O. Box. 2454 Riyadh 11451 Saudi Arabia +966-14699665 +966-114689170.,King Saud University, Department of Chemistry, College of Science P.O. Box. 2454 Riyadh 11451 Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulwahed Fahad Alrefaei
- King Saud University, Department of Zoology, College of Science P.O. Box. 2454 Riyadh 11451 Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ahmed Yacine M Badjah Hadj
- King Saud University, Department of Chemistry, College of Science P.O. Box. 2454 Riyadh 11451 Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Saeed Ali Abuhasil
- King Saud University, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Food Science P.O. Box. 2454 Riyadh 11451 Saudi Arabia
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30
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Azeredo J, Pirnay JP, Pires DP, Kutateladze M, Dabrowska K, Lavigne R, Blasdel B. Phage Therapy. WIKIJOURNAL OF MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.15347/wjm/2021.004] [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
Phage therapy refers to the use of bacteriophages (phages - bacterial viruses) as therapeutic agents against infectious bacterial diseases. This therapeutic approach emerged in the beginning of the 20th century but was progressively replaced by the use of antibiotics in most parts of the world after the second world war. More recently however, the alarming rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria and the consequent need for antibiotic alternatives has renewed interest in phages as antimicrobial agents. Several scientific, technological and regulatory advances have supported the credibility of a second revolution in phage therapy. Nevertheless, phage therapy still faces many challenges that include: i) the need to increase phage collections from reference phage banks; ii) the development of efficient phage screening methods for the fast identification of the therapeutic phage(s); iii) the establishment of efficient phage therapy strategies to tackle infectious biofilms; iv) the validation of feasible phage production protocols that assure quality and safety of phage preparations; and (v) the guarantee of stability of phage preparations during manufacturing, storage and transport. Moreover, current maladapted regulatory structures represent a significant hurdle for potential commercialization of phage therapeutics. This article describes the past and current status of phage therapy and presents the most recent advances in this domain.
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31
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Korf IHE, Kittler S, Bierbrodt A, Mengden R, Rohde C, Rohde M, Kroj A, Lehnherr T, Fruth A, Flieger A, Lehnherr H, Wittmann J. In Vitro Evaluation of a Phage Cocktail Controlling Infections with Escherichia coli. Viruses 2020; 12:v12121470. [PMID: 33352791 PMCID: PMC7768485 DOI: 10.3390/v12121470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, poultry industry suffers from infections caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli. Therapeutic failure due to resistant bacteria is of increasing concern and poses a threat to human and animal health. This causes a high demand to find alternatives to fight bacterial infections in animal farming. Bacteriophages are being especially considered for the control of multi-drug resistant bacteria due to their high specificity and lack of serious side effects. Therefore, the study aimed on characterizing phages and composing a phage cocktail suitable for the prevention of infections with E. coli. Six phages were isolated or selected from our collections and characterized individually and in combination with regard to host range, stability, reproduction, and efficacy in vitro. The cocktail consisting of six phages was able to inhibit formation of biofilms by some E. coli strains but not by all. Phage-resistant variants arose when bacterial cells were challenged with a single phage but not when challenged by a combination of four or six phages. Resistant variants arising showed changes in carbon metabolism and/or motility. Genomic comparison of wild type and phage-resistant mutant E28.G28R3 revealed a deletion of several genes putatively involved in phage adsorption and infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imke H. E. Korf
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ—German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Inhoffenstraße 7B, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (C.R.); (J.W.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Sophie Kittler
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany;
| | | | - Ruth Mengden
- Food Inspection, Animal Welfare and Veterinary Service of the Land of Bremen, Border Control Post Bremerhaven, Senator-Borttscheller-Straße 8, 27568 Bremerhaven, Germany;
| | - Christine Rohde
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ—German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Inhoffenstraße 7B, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (C.R.); (J.W.)
| | - Manfred Rohde
- Central Facility for Microscopy, Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany;
| | - Andrea Kroj
- PTC Phage Technology Center GmbH, Siemensstraße 42, 59199 Bönen, Germany; (A.K.); (T.L.); (H.L.)
| | - Tatiana Lehnherr
- PTC Phage Technology Center GmbH, Siemensstraße 42, 59199 Bönen, Germany; (A.K.); (T.L.); (H.L.)
| | - Angelika Fruth
- Robert Koch Institute, Burgstraße 37, 38855 Wernigerode, Germany; (A.F.); (A.F.)
| | - Antje Flieger
- Robert Koch Institute, Burgstraße 37, 38855 Wernigerode, Germany; (A.F.); (A.F.)
| | - Hansjörg Lehnherr
- PTC Phage Technology Center GmbH, Siemensstraße 42, 59199 Bönen, Germany; (A.K.); (T.L.); (H.L.)
| | - Johannes Wittmann
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ—German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Inhoffenstraße 7B, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (C.R.); (J.W.)
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32
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The Protective Effect of Staphylococcus epidermidis Biofilm Matrix against Phage Predation. Viruses 2020; 12:v12101076. [PMID: 32992766 PMCID: PMC7601396 DOI: 10.3390/v12101076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidis is a major causative agent of nosocomial infections, mainly associated with the use of indwelling devices, on which this bacterium forms structures known as biofilms. Due to biofilms’ high tolerance to antibiotics, virulent bacteriophages were previously tested as novel therapeutic agents. However, several staphylococcal bacteriophages were shown to be inefficient against biofilms. In this study, the previously characterized S. epidermidis-specific Sepunavirus phiIBB-SEP1 (SEP1), which has a broad spectrum and high activity against planktonic cells, was evaluated concerning its efficacy against S. epidermidis biofilms. The in vitro biofilm killing assays demonstrated a reduced activity of the phage. To understand the underlying factors impairing SEP1 inefficacy against biofilms, this phage was tested against distinct planktonic and biofilm-derived bacterial populations. Interestingly, SEP1 was able to lyse planktonic cells in different physiological states, suggesting that the inefficacy for biofilm control resulted from the biofilm 3D structure and the protective effect of the matrix. To assess the impact of the biofilm architecture on phage predation, SEP1 was tested in disrupted biofilms resulting in a 2 orders-of-magnitude reduction in the number of viable cells after 6 h of infection. The interaction between SEP1 and the biofilm matrix was further assessed by the addition of matrix to phage particles. Results showed that the matrix did not inactivate phages nor affected phage adsorption. Moreover, confocal laser scanning microscopy data demonstrated that phage infected cells were less predominant in the biofilm regions where the matrix was more abundant. Our results provide compelling evidence indicating that the biofilm matrix can work as a barrier, allowing the bacteria to be hindered from phage infection.
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33
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Abstract
To formulate the optimal strategy of combatting bacterial biofilms, in this review we update current knowledge on the growing problem of biofilm formation and its resistance to antibiotics which has spurred the search for new strategies to deal with this complication. Based on recent findings, the role of bacteriophages in the prevention and elimination of biofilm-related infections has been emphasized. In vitro, ex vivo and in vivo biofilm treatment models with single bacteriophages or phage cocktails have been compared. A combined use of bacteriophages with antibiotics in vitro or in vivo confirms earlier reports of the synergistic effect of these agents in improving biofilm removal. Furthermore, studies on the application of phage-derived lysins in vitro, ex vivo or in vivo against biofilm-related infections are encouraging. The strategy of combined use of phage and antibiotics seems to be different from using lysins and antibiotics. These findings suggest that phages and lysins alone or in combination with antibiotics may be an efficient weapon against biofilm formation in vivo and ex vivo, which could be useful in formulating novel strategies to combat bacterial infections. Those findings proved to be relevant in the prevention and destruction of biofilms occurring during urinary tract infections, orthopedic implant-related infections, periodontal and peri-implant infections. In conclusion, it appears that most efficient strategy of eliminating biofilms involves phages or lysins in combination with antibiotics, but the optimal scheme of their administration requires further studies.
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Wright RCT, Friman VP, Smith MCM, Brockhurst MA. Resistance Evolution against Phage Combinations Depends on the Timing and Order of Exposure. mBio 2019; 10:e01652-19. [PMID: 31551330 PMCID: PMC6759759 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01652-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Phage therapy is a promising alternative to chemotherapeutic antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial infections. However, despite recent clinical uses of combinations of phages to treat multidrug-resistant infections, a mechanistic understanding of how bacteria evolve resistance against multiple phages is lacking, limiting our ability to deploy phage combinations optimally. Here, we show, using Pseudomonas aeruginosa and pairs of phages targeting shared or distinct surface receptors, that the timing and order of phage exposure determine the strength, cost, and mutational basis of resistance. Whereas sequential exposure allowed bacteria to acquire multiple resistance mutations effective against both phages, this evolutionary trajectory was prevented by simultaneous exposure, resulting in quantitatively weaker resistance. The order of phage exposure determined the fitness costs of sequential resistance, such that certain sequential orders imposed much higher fitness costs than the same phage pair in the reverse order. Together, these data suggest that phage combinations can be optimized to limit the strength of evolved resistances while maximizing their associated fitness costs to promote the long-term efficacy of phage therapy.IMPORTANCE Globally rising rates of antibiotic resistance have renewed interest in phage therapy where combinations of phages have been successfully used to treat multidrug-resistant infections. To optimize phage therapy, we first need to understand how bacteria evolve resistance against combinations of multiple phages. Here, we use simple laboratory experiments and genome sequencing to show that the timing and order of phage exposure determine the strength, cost, and mutational basis of resistance evolution in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa These findings suggest that phage combinations can be optimized to limit the emergence and persistence of resistance, thereby promoting the long-term usefulness of phage therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna C T Wright
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Michael A Brockhurst
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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35
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Synergistic Action of Phage and Antibiotics: Parameters to Enhance the Killing Efficacy Against Mono and Dual-Species Biofilms. Antibiotics (Basel) 2019; 8:antibiotics8030103. [PMID: 31349628 PMCID: PMC6783858 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics8030103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are opportunistic pathogens and are commonly found in polymicrobial biofilm-associated diseases, namely chronic wounds. Their co-existence in a biofilm contributes to an increased tolerance of the biofilm to antibiotics. Combined treatments of bacteriophages and antibiotics have shown a promising antibiofilm activity, due to the profound differences in their mechanisms of action. In this study, 48 h old mono and dual-species biofilms were treated with a newly isolated P. aeruginosa infecting phage (EPA1) and seven different antibiotics (gentamicin, kanamycin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, and meropenem), alone and in simultaneous or sequential combinations. The therapeutic efficacy of the tested antimicrobials was determined. Phage or antibiotics alone had a modest effect in reducing biofilm bacteria. However, when applied simultaneously, a profound improvement in the killing effect was observed. Moreover, an impressive biofilm reduction (below the detection limit) was observed when gentamicin or ciprofloxacin were added sequentially after 6 h of phage treatment. The effect observed does not depend on the type of antibiotic but is influenced by its concentration. Moreover, in dual-species biofilms it was necessary to increase gentamicin concentration to obtain a similar killing effect as occurs in mono-species. Overall, combining phages with antibiotics can be synergistic in reducing the bacterial density in biofilms. However, the concentration of antibiotic and the time of antibiotic application are essential factors that need to be considered in the combined treatments.
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36
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Zhang F, Zhao Q, Tian J, Chang YF, Wen X, Huang X, Wu R, Wen Y, Yan Q, Huang Y, Ma X, Han X, Miao C, Cao S. Effective Pro-Inflammatory Induced Activity of GALT, a Conserved Antigen in A. Pleuropneumoniae, Improves the Cytokines Secretion of Macrophage via p38, ERK1/2 and JNK MAPKs Signal Pathway. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:337. [PMID: 30319993 PMCID: PMC6167544 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
GALT is a highly conserved antigen in gram-negative bacteria, and has been shown to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of many zoonoses. Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) is a widespread respiratory system pathogen belonging to the Pasteuriaceae family. The functional mechanisms of GALT in the process of infection remain unclear. The aim of this study is to analyze roles of GALT in the pathogenesis of APP infection. Recombinant GALT was expressed in E. coli, purified, and was used to treat a Raw 264.7 macrophage line. Stimulation of Raw 264.7 macrophages with recombinant GALT protein induced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6). Compared with negative control, GALT led to increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in treated cells. Furthermore, specific inhibitors of the extracellular signal-regulated P38 and JNK MAPKs pathways significantly decreased GALT-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and a western blot assay showed that GALT stimulation induced the activation of the MAPKs pathway. This process included cell-signaling pathways like P38, ERK1/2 and JNK MAPKs, and NF-κB. Both TLR2 and TLR4 were receptors of GALT antigens, whereas they played negative and positive roles (respectively) in the process of induction and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Taken together, our data indicate that GALT is a novel pro-inflammatory mediator and induces TLR2 and TLR4-dependent pro-inflammatory activity in Raw 264.7 macrophages through P38, ERK1/2, and JNK MAPKs pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Center of Swine Disease, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Qin Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Center of Swine Disease, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,National Teaching and Experimental Center of Animal, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Tian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Center of Swine Disease, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yung-Fu Chang
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Xintian Wen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Center of Swine Disease, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Sichuan Science-Observation Experimental Station of Veterinary Drugs and Veterinary Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaobo Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Center of Swine Disease, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Sichuan Science-Observation Experimental Station of Veterinary Drugs and Veterinary Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Center of Swine Disease, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Sichuan Science-Observation Experimental Station of Veterinary Drugs and Veterinary Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiping Wen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Center of Swine Disease, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Sichuan Science-Observation Experimental Station of Veterinary Drugs and Veterinary Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Chengdu, China
| | - Qigui Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Center of Swine Disease, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,National Teaching and Experimental Center of Animal, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Center of Swine Disease, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,National Teaching and Experimental Center of Animal, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoping Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Center of Swine Disease, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,National Teaching and Experimental Center of Animal, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinfeng Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Center of Swine Disease, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,National Teaching and Experimental Center of Animal, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chang Miao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Center of Swine Disease, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sanjie Cao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Center of Swine Disease, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,National Teaching and Experimental Center of Animal, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Sichuan Science-Observation Experimental Station of Veterinary Drugs and Veterinary Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Chengdu, China
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37
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Milho C, Silva MD, Melo L, Santos S, Azeredo J, Sillankorva S. Control of Salmonella Enteritidis on food contact surfaces with bacteriophage PVP-SE2. BIOFOULING 2018; 34:753-768. [PMID: 30270665 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2018.1501475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Salmonella is one of the worldwide leading foodborne pathogens responsible for illnesses and hospitalizations, and its capacity to form biofilms is one of its many virulence factors. This work evaluated (bacterio)phage control of adhered and biofilm cells of Salmonella Enteritidis on three different substrata at refrigerated and room temperatures, and also a preventive approach in poultry skin. PVP-SE2 phage was efficient in reducing both 24- and 48-h old Salmonella biofilms from polystyrene and stainless steel causing 2 to 5 log CFU cm-2 reductions with a higher killing efficiency at room temperature. PVP-SE2 phage application on poultry skins reduced levels of Salmonella. Freezing phage-pretreated poultry skin samples had no influence on the viability of phage PVP-SE2 and their in vitro contamination with S. Enteritidis provided evidence that phages prevented their further growth. Although not all conditions favor phage treatment, this study endorses their use to prevent and control foodborne pathogen colonization of surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Milho
- a Centre of Biological Engineering , LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho , Braga , Portugal
| | - Maria Daniela Silva
- a Centre of Biological Engineering , LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho , Braga , Portugal
| | - Luís Melo
- a Centre of Biological Engineering , LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho , Braga , Portugal
| | - Sílvio Santos
- a Centre of Biological Engineering , LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho , Braga , Portugal
| | - Joana Azeredo
- a Centre of Biological Engineering , LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho , Braga , Portugal
| | - Sanna Sillankorva
- a Centre of Biological Engineering , LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho , Braga , Portugal
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38
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Oliveira A, Sousa JC, Silva AC, Melo LDR, Sillankorva S. Chestnut Honey and Bacteriophage Application to Control Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli Biofilms: Evaluation in an ex vivo Wound Model. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1725. [PMID: 30108574 PMCID: PMC6080586 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic skin wounds represent a major burn both economically and socially. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli are among the most common colonizers of infected wounds and are prolific biofilm formers. Biofilms are a major problem in infections due to their increasingly difficult control and eradication, and tolerance to multiple prescribed drugs. As so, alternative methods are necessary. Bacteriophages (phages) and honey are both seen as a promising approach for biofilm related infections. Phages have specificity toward a bacterial genus, species or even strain, self-replicating nature, and avoid dysbiosis. Honey has gained acknowledgment due to its antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. In this work, the effect of E. coli and P. aeruginosa phages vB_EcoS_CEB_EC3a and vB_PaeP_PAO1-D and chestnut honey, alone and combined, were tested using in vitro (polystyrene) and ex vivo (porcine skin) models and against mono and dual-species biofilms of these bacteria. In general, colonization was higher in the porcine skins and the presence of a second microorganism in a consortium of species did not affect the effectiveness of the treatments. The antibacterial effect of combined therapy against dual-species biofilms led to bacterial reductions that were greater for biofilms formed on polystyrene than on skin. Monospecies biofilms of E. coli were better destroyed with phages and honey than P. aeruginosa monospecies biofilms. Overall, the combined phage-honey formulations resulted in higher efficacies possibly due to honey's capacity to damage the bacterial cell membrane and also to its ability to penetrate the biofilm matrix, promoting and enhancing the subsequent phage infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sanna Sillankorva
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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39
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Galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GalT), an in vivo-induced antigen of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serovar 5b strain L20, provided immunoprotection against serovar 1 strain MS71. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198207. [PMID: 29856812 PMCID: PMC5983418 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
GALT is an important antigen of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP), which was shown to provide partial protection against APP infection in a previous study in our lab. The main purpose of the present study is to investigate GALT induced cross-protection between different APP serotypes and elucidate key mechanisms of the immune response to GALT antigenic stimulation. Bioinformatic analysis demonstrated that galT is a highly conserved gene in APP, widely distributed across multiple pathogenic strains. Homologies between any two strains ranges from 78.9% to 100% regarding the galT locus. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) confirmed that GALT specific antibodies could not be induced by inactivated APP L20 or MS71 whole cell bacterin preparations. A recombinant fusion GALT protein derived from APP L20, however has proven to be an effective cross-protective antigen against APP sevorar 1 MS71 (50%, 4/8) and APP sevorar 5b L20 (75%, 6/8). Histopathological examinations have confirmed that recombinant GALT vaccinated animals showed less severe pathological signs in lung tissues than negative controls after APP challenge. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis indicated that the infiltration of neutrophils in the negative group is significantly increased compared with that in the normal control (P<0.001) and that in surviving animals is decreased compared to the negative group. Anti-GALT antibodies were shown to mediate phagocytosis of neutrophils. After interaction with anti-GALT antibodies, survival rate of APP challenged vaccinated animals was significantly reduced (P<0.001). This study demonstrated that GALT is an effective cross-protective antigen, which could be used as a potential vaccine candidate against multiple APP serotypes.
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40
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Abedon ST. Bacteriophage-Mediated Biocontrol of Wound Infections, and Ecological Exploitation of Biofilms by Phages. BIOFILM, PILONIDAL CYSTS AND SINUSES 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/15695_2018_110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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41
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Pires DP, Melo L, Vilas Boas D, Sillankorva S, Azeredo J. Phage therapy as an alternative or complementary strategy to prevent and control biofilm-related infections. Curr Opin Microbiol 2017; 39:48-56. [PMID: 28964986 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The complex heterogeneous structure of biofilms confers to bacteria an important survival strategy. Biofilms are frequently involved in many chronic infections in consequence of their low susceptibility to antibiotics as well as resistance to host defences. The increasing need of novel and effective treatments to target these complex structures has led to a growing interest on bacteriophages (phages) as a strategy for biofilm control and prevention. Phages can be used alone, as a cocktail to broaden the spectra of activity, or in combination with other antimicrobials to improve their efficacy. Here, we summarize the studies involving the use of phages for the treatment or prevention of bacterial biofilms, highlighting the biofilm features that can be tackled with phages or combined therapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P Pires
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Ldr Melo
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - D Vilas Boas
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - S Sillankorva
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - J Azeredo
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
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