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Tajer L, Paillart JC, Dib H, Sabatier JM, Fajloun Z, Abi Khattar Z. Molecular Mechanisms of Bacterial Resistance to Antimicrobial Peptides in the Modern Era: An Updated Review. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1259. [PMID: 39065030 PMCID: PMC11279074 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a serious global health concern, resulting in a significant number of deaths annually due to infections that are resistant to treatment. Amidst this crisis, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics (ATBs). These cationic peptides, naturally produced by all kingdoms of life, play a crucial role in the innate immune system of multicellular organisms and in bacterial interspecies competition by exhibiting broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. AMPs target bacterial pathogens through multiple mechanisms, most importantly by disrupting their membranes, leading to cell lysis. However, bacterial resistance to host AMPs has emerged due to a slow co-evolutionary process between microorganisms and their hosts. Alarmingly, the development of resistance to last-resort AMPs in the treatment of MDR infections, such as colistin, is attributed to the misuse of this peptide and the high rate of horizontal genetic transfer of the corresponding resistance genes. AMP-resistant bacteria employ diverse mechanisms, including but not limited to proteolytic degradation, extracellular trapping and inactivation, active efflux, as well as complex modifications in bacterial cell wall and membrane structures. This review comprehensively examines all constitutive and inducible molecular resistance mechanisms to AMPs supported by experimental evidence described to date in bacterial pathogens. We also explore the specificity of these mechanisms toward structurally diverse AMPs to broaden and enhance their potential in developing and applying them as therapeutics for MDR bacteria. Additionally, we provide insights into the significance of AMP resistance within the context of host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Tajer
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, Department of Cell Culture, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (L.T.); (Z.F.)
| | - Jean-Christophe Paillart
- CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN, UPR 9002, Université de Strasbourg, 2 Allée Konrad Roentgen, F-67000 Strasbourg, France;
| | - Hanna Dib
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait;
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- CNRS, INP, Inst Neurophysiopathol, Aix-Marseille Université, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Ziad Fajloun
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, Department of Cell Culture, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (L.T.); (Z.F.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences 3, Lebanese University, Campus Michel Slayman Ras Maska, Tripoli 1352, Lebanon
| | - Ziad Abi Khattar
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat, P.O. Box 100, Tripoli, Lebanon
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Sun B, Lin S, Zheng M, Zheng B, Mao L, Gu Y, Cai J, Dai Y, Zheng M, Lou Y. Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C can decrease Müller cell viability and suppress its phagocytic activity by modulating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Can J Microbiol 2023; 69:501-511. [PMID: 37672795 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2023-0044] [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] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus cereus endophthalmitis is a devastating eye infection that causes rapid blindness through the release of extracellular tissue-destructive exotoxins. The phagocytic and antibacterial functions of ocular cells are the keys to limiting ocular bacterial infections. In a previous study, we identified a new virulence gene, plcA-2 (different from the original plcA-1 gene), that was strongly associated with the plcA gene of Listeria monocytogenes. This plcA gene had been confirmed to play an important role in phagocytosis. However, how the Bc-phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) proteins encoded by the plcA-1/2 genes affect phagocytes remains unclear in B. cereus endophthalmitis. Here, we found that the enzymatic activity of Bc-PI-PLC-A2 was approximately twofold higher than that of Bc-PI-PLC-A1, and both proteins inhibited the viability of Müller cells. In addition, PI-PLC proteins reduced phagocytosis of Müller cells by decreasing the phosphorylation levels of key proteins in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In conclusion, we showed that PI-PLC proteins contribute to inhibit the viability of and suppress the phagocytosis of Müller cells, providing new insights into the pathogenic mechanism of B. cereus endophthalmitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianjin Sun
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Shudan Lin
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center For Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengmeng Zheng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Beijia Zheng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou, China
| | - Liping Mao
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Yunfeng Gu
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Jiabei Cai
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Yiran Dai
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Meiqin Zheng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Yongliang Lou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Sokolov S, Brovko F, Solonin A, Nikanova D, Fursova K, Artyemieva O, Kolodina E, Sorokin A, Shchannikova M, Dzhelyadin T, Ermakov A, Boziev K, Zinovieva N. Genomic analysis and assessment of pathogenic (toxicogenic) potential of Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Bacillus paranthracis consortia isolated from bovine mastitis in Russia. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18646. [PMID: 37903798 PMCID: PMC10616132 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45643-w] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Three stable microbial consortia, each composed of Bacillus paranthracis and Staphylococcus haemolyticus strains, were isolated from milk of cows diagnosed with mastitis in three geographically remote regions of Russia. The composition of these consortia remained stable following multiple passages on culture media. Apparently, this stability is due to the structure of the microbial biofilms formed by the communities. The virulence of the consortia depended on the B. paranthracis strains. It seems plausible that the ability of the consortia to cause mastitis in cattle was affected by mutations of the cytK gene of B. paranthracis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei Sokolov
- Laboratory of Microbiology, L.K. Ernst Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry, Dubrovitsy, 142132, Russia.
- Laboratory of Plasmid Biology, Federal Research Center "Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Researches", G.K. Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry & Physiology of Microorganisms of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, 142290, Russia.
| | - Fedor Brovko
- Laboratory of Microbiology, L.K. Ernst Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry, Dubrovitsy, 142132, Russia
- Laboratory of Immunochemistry, Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, 142290, Russia
| | - Alexander Solonin
- Laboratory of Plasmid Biology, Federal Research Center "Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Researches", G.K. Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry & Physiology of Microorganisms of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, 142290, Russia
| | - Daria Nikanova
- Laboratory of Microbiology, L.K. Ernst Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry, Dubrovitsy, 142132, Russia
| | - Ksenia Fursova
- Laboratory of Immunochemistry, Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, 142290, Russia
| | - Olga Artyemieva
- Laboratory of Microbiology, L.K. Ernst Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry, Dubrovitsy, 142132, Russia
| | - Evgenia Kolodina
- Laboratory of Microbiology, L.K. Ernst Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry, Dubrovitsy, 142132, Russia
| | - Anatoly Sorokin
- Laboratory of Cell Genome Functioning Mechanisms, Federal Research Center "Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Researches", Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, 142290, Russia
| | - Margarita Shchannikova
- Laboratory of Immunochemistry, Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, 142290, Russia
| | - Timur Dzhelyadin
- Laboratory of Cell Genome Functioning Mechanisms, Federal Research Center "Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Researches", Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, 142290, Russia
| | - Artem Ermakov
- Laboratory of Cell Genome Functioning Mechanisms, Federal Research Center "Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Researches", Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, 142290, Russia
| | - Khanafy Boziev
- Laboratory of Immunochemistry, Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, 142290, Russia
| | - Natalia Zinovieva
- Laboratory of Microbiology, L.K. Ernst Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry, Dubrovitsy, 142132, Russia
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Taylor-Joyce G, Manoharan S, Brooker TA, Hernández-Rodríguez CS, Baillie L, Oyston PCF, Hapeshi A, Waterfield NR. The influence of extrachromosomal elements in the anthrax "cross-over" strain Bacillus cereus G9241. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1113642. [PMID: 37213513 PMCID: PMC10196113 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1113642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus cereus G9241 was isolated from a welder who survived a pulmonary anthrax-like disease. Strain G9241 carries two virulence plasmids, pBCX01 and pBC210, as well as an extrachromosomal prophage, pBFH_1. pBCX01 has 99.6% sequence identity to pXO1 carried by Bacillus anthracis and encodes the tripartite anthrax toxin genes and atxA, a mammalian virulence transcriptional regulator. This work looks at how the presence of pBCX01 and temperature may affect the lifestyle of B. cereus G9241 using a transcriptomic analysis and by studying spore formation, an important part of the B. anthracis lifecycle. Here we report that pBCX01 has a stronger effect on gene transcription at the mammalian infection relevant temperature of 37°C in comparison to 25°C. At 37°C, the presence of pBCX01 appears to have a negative effect on genes involved in cell metabolism, including biosynthesis of amino acids, whilst positively affecting the transcription of many transmembrane proteins. The study of spore formation showed B. cereus G9241 sporulated rapidly in comparison to the B. cereus sensu stricto type strain ATCC 14579, particularly at 37°C. The carriage of pBCX01 did not affect this phenotype suggesting that other genetic elements were driving rapid sporulation. An unexpected finding of this study was that pBFH_1 is highly expressed at 37°C in comparison to 25°C and pBFH_1 expression leads to the production of Siphoviridae-like phage particles in the supernatant of B. cereus G9241. This study provides an insight on how the extrachromosomal genetic elements in B. cereus G9241 has an influence in bacterial phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Taylor-Joyce
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Shathviga Manoharan
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas A. Brooker
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | | | - Les Baillie
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alexia Hapeshi
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas R. Waterfield
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Nicholas R. Waterfield,
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Regulation of Enterotoxins Associated with Bacillus cereus Sensu Lato Toxicoinfection. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0040522. [PMID: 35730937 PMCID: PMC9275247 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00405-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus cereus sensu lato (s.l.) includes foodborne pathogens, as well as beneficial microorganisms, such as bioinsecticides. Some of the beneficial and commercially used B. cereus s.l. strains have been shown to carry enterotoxin genes, the products of which can cause toxicoinfection in humans. Furthermore, recent epidemiological reports indicated that some bioinsecticidal strains have been linked with foodborne illness outbreaks. This demonstrates the need for improved surveillance of B. cereus s.l., which includes characterization of isolates' virulence capacity. However, the prediction of virulence capacity of B. cereus s.l. strains is challenging. Genetic screening for enterotoxin gene presence has proven to be insufficient for accurate discrimination between virulent and avirulent strains, given that nearly all B. cereus s.l. strains carry at least one enterotoxin gene. Furthermore, complex regulatory networks governing the expression of enterotoxins, and potential synergistic interactions between enterotoxins and other virulence factors make the prediction of toxicoinfection based on isolates' genome sequences challenging. In this review, we summarize and synthesize the current understanding of the regulation of enterotoxins associated with the B. cereus s.l. toxicoinfection and identify gaps in the knowledge that need to be addressed to facilitate identification of genetic markers predictive of cytotoxicity and toxicoinfection.
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Dervyn R, Kavanaugh DW, Cormontagne D, Glasset B, Ramarao N. Identification of a New Pathogenicity Island Within the Large pAH187_270 Plasmid Involved in Bacillus cereus Virulence. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:788757. [PMID: 35127556 PMCID: PMC8811155 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.788757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Bacillus cereus is responsible for food poisoning and rare but severe clinical infections. The pathogenicity of B. cereus strains varies from harmless to lethal strains. The objective of this study was to characterize three B. cereus isolates isolated from the same patient and identify their virulence potentials. Methods Three isolates of B. cereus were isolated from various blood samples from a patient who developed sepsis following a central venous catheter infection. The three isolates were compared by WGS, genotyping and SNP analysis. Furthermore, the isolates were compared by phenotypical analysis including bacterial growth, morphology, germination efficacy, toxin production, antibiotic susceptibility and virulence in an insect model of infection. Results According to WGS and genotyping, the 3 isolates were shown to be identical strains. However, the last recovered strain had lost the mega pAH187_270 plasmid. This last strain showed different phenotypes compared to the first isolated strain, such as germination delay, different antibiotic susceptibility and a decreased virulence capacity towards insects. A 50- kbp region of pAH187_270 plasmid was involved in the virulence potential and could thus be defined as a new pathogenicity island of B. cereus. Conclusions These new findings help in the understanding of B. cereus pathogenic potential and complexity and provide further hints into the role of large plasmids in the virulence of B. cereus strains. This may provide tools for a better assessment of the risks associated with B. cereus hospital contamination to improve hygiene procedure and patient health.
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Kavanaugh DW, Porrini C, Dervyn R, Ramarao N. The pathogenic biomarker alcohol dehydrogenase protein is involved in Bacillus cereus virulence and survival against host innate defence. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0259386. [PMID: 34982789 PMCID: PMC8726459 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus cereus is a spore forming bacteria recognized among the leading agents responsible for foodborne outbreaks in Europe. B. cereus is also gaining notoriety as an opportunistic human pathogen inducing local and systemic infections. The real incidence of such infection is likely underestimated and information on genetic and phenotypic characteristics of the incriminated strains is generally scarce. We have recently analyzed a large strain collection of varying pathogenic potential. Screening for biomarkers to differentiate among clinical and non-clinical strains, a gene encoding an alcohol dehydrogenase-like protein was identified among the leading candidates. This family of proteins has been demonstrated to be involved in the virulence of several bacterial species. The relevant gene was knocked out to elucidate its function with regards to resistance to host innate immune response, both in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrate that the adhB gene plays a significant role in resistance to nitric oxide and oxidative stress in vitro, as well as its pathogenic ability with regards to in vivo toxicity. These properties may explain the pathogenic potential of strains carrying this newly identified virulence factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon W. Kavanaugh
- Micalis Institute, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Constance Porrini
- Micalis Institute, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Rozenn Dervyn
- Micalis Institute, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Nalini Ramarao
- Micalis Institute, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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Jovanovic J, Ornelis VFM, Madder A, Rajkovic A. Bacillus cereus food intoxication and toxicoinfection. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2021; 20:3719-3761. [PMID: 34160120 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Bacillus cereus is one of the leading etiological agents of toxin-induced foodborne diseases. Its omnipresence in different environments, spore formation, and its ability to adapt to varying conditions and produce harmful toxins make this pathogen a health hazard that should not be underestimated. Food poisoning by B. cereus can manifest itself as an emetic or diarrheal syndrome. The former is caused by the release of the potent peptide toxin cereulide, whereas the latter is the result of proteinaceous enterotoxins (e.g., hemolysin BL, nonhemolytic enterotoxin, and cytotoxin K). The final harmful effect is not only toxin and strain dependent, but is also affected by the stress responses, accessory virulence factors, and phenotypic properties under extrinsic, intrinsic, and explicit food conditions and host-related environment. Infamous portrait of B. cereus as a foodborne pathogen, as well as a causative agent of nongastrointestinal infections and even nosocomial complications, has inspired vast volumes of multidisciplinary research in food and clinical domains. As a result, extensive original data became available asking for a new, both broad and deep, multifaceted look into the current state-of-the art regarding the role of B. cereus in food safety. In this review, we first provide an overview of the latest knowledge on B. cereus toxins and accessory virulence factors. Second, we describe the novel taxonomy and some of the most pertinent phenotypic characteristics of B. cereus related to food safety. We link these aspects to toxin production, overall pathogenesis, and interactions with its human host. Then we reflect on the prevalence of different toxinotypes in foods opening the scene for epidemiological aspects of B. cereus foodborne diseases and methods available to prevent food poisoning including overview of the different available methods to detect B. cereus and its toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Jovanovic
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Vincent F M Ornelis
- Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annemieke Madder
- Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Andreja Rajkovic
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Kavanaugh DW, Glasset B, Dervyn R, Guérin C, Plancade S, Herbin S, Brisabois A, Nicolas P, Ramarao N. New genetic biomarkers to differentiate non-pathogenic from clinically relevant Bacillus cereus strains. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 28:137.e1-137.e8. [PMID: 34111580 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Bacillus cereus is responsible for food poisoning and rare but severe clinical infections. The pathogenicity of strains varies from harmless to lethal strains. However, there are currently no markers, either alone or in combination, to differentiate pathogenic from non-pathogenic strains. The objective of the study was to identify new genetic biomarkers to differentiate non-pathogenic from clinically relevant B. cereus strains. METHODS A first set of 15 B. cereus strains were compared by RNAseq. A logistic regression model with lasso penalty was applied to define combination of genes whose expression was associated with strain pathogenicity. The identified markers were checked for their presence/absence in a collection of 95 B. cereus strains with varying pathogenic potential (food-borne outbreaks, clinical and non-pathogenic). Receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) analysis was used to determine the combination of biomarkers, which best differentiate between the "disease" versus "non-disease" groups. RESULTS Seven genes were identified during the RNAseq analysis with a prediction to differentiate between pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains. The validation of the presence/absence of these genes in a larger collection of strains coupled with AUC prediction showed that a combination of four biomarkers was sufficient to accurately discern clinical strains from harmless strains, with an AUC of 0.955, sensitivity of 0.9 and specificity of 0.86. CONCLUSIONS These new findings help in the understanding of B. cereus pathogenic potential and complexity and may provide tools for a better assessment of the risks associated with B. cereus contamination to improve patient health and food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rozenn Dervyn
- INRAE, Micalis, University Paris-Sacly, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Cyprien Guérin
- INRAE, MaIAGE, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Sandra Plancade
- INRAE, MaIAGE, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Sabine Herbin
- ANSES, Universtité Paris-Est, Laboratory of Food Safety, Maisons-Alfrot, France
| | - Anne Brisabois
- ANSES, Universtité Paris-Est, Laboratory of Food Safety, Maisons-Alfrot, France
| | - Pierre Nicolas
- INRAE, MaIAGE, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Nalini Ramarao
- INRAE, Micalis, University Paris-Sacly, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
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Immune Inhibitor A Metalloproteases Contribute to Virulence in Bacillus Endophthalmitis. Infect Immun 2021; 89:e0020121. [PMID: 34097460 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00201-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Endophthalmitis is a devastating infection that can cause blindness. Over half of Bacillus endophthalmitis cases result in significant loss of useful vision. Bacillus produces many virulence factors that may contribute to retinal damage and robust inflammation. We analyzed Bacillus immune inhibitor A (InhA) metalloproteases in the context of this disease, hypothesizing that InhAs contribute to Bacillus intraocular virulence and inflammation. We analyzed phenotypes and infectivity of wild type (WT), InhA1-deficient (ΔinhA1), InhA2-deficient (ΔinhA2), or InhA1, A2, and A3-deficient (ΔinhA1-3) Bacillus thuringiensis. In vitro analysis of growth, proteolysis, and cytotoxicity were compared. WT and InhA mutants were similarly cytotoxic to retinal cells. Mutants ΔinhA1 and ΔinhA2 entered log phase growth earlier than WT. Proteolysis by the ΔinhA1-3 mutant was decreased, but this strain grew similar to WT in vitro. Experimental endophthalmitis was initiated by intravitreally infecting C57BL/6J mice with 200 CFU of B. thuringiensis WT or InhA mutants. Eyes were analyzed for intraocular Bacillus and myeloperoxidase concentrations, retinal function loss, and gross histological changes. Eyes infected with ΔinhA1 or ΔinhA2 strains contained greater numbers of bacteria than eyes infected with WT throughout the infection course. Eyes infected with single mutants had inflammation and retinal function loss similar to eyes infected with WT strain. Eyes infected with ΔinhA1-3 cleared the infection. RT-PCR results suggested that there may be compensatory expression of the other InhAs in the single InhA mutant. These results indicate that together, the InhA metalloproteases contribute to the severity of infection and inflammation in Bacillus endophthalmitis.
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Porrini C, Guérin C, Tran SL, Dervyn R, Nicolas P, Ramarao N. Implication of a Key Region of Six Bacillus cereus Genes Involved in Siroheme Synthesis, Nitrite Reductase Production and Iron Cluster Repair in the Bacterial Response to Nitric Oxide Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105079. [PMID: 34064887 PMCID: PMC8151001 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial response to nitric oxide (NO) is of major importance for bacterial survival. NO stress is a main actor of the eukaryotic immune response and several pathogenic bacteria have developed means for detoxification and repair of the damages caused by NO. However, bacterial mechanisms of NO resistance by Gram-positive bacteria are poorly described. In the opportunistic foodborne pathogen Bacillus cereus, genome sequence analyses did not identify homologs to known NO reductases and transcriptional regulators, such as NsrR, which orchestrate the response to NO of other pathogenic or non-pathogenic bacteria. Using a transcriptomic approach, we investigated the adaptation of B. cereus to NO stress. A cluster of 6 genes was identified to be strongly up-regulated in the early phase of the response. This cluster contains an iron-sulfur cluster repair enzyme, a nitrite reductase and three enzymes involved in siroheme biosynthesis. The expression pattern and close genetic localization suggest a functional link between these genes, which may play a pivotal role in the resistance of B. cereus to NO stress during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance Porrini
- Micalis Institute, AgroParisTech, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (C.P.); (S.-L.T.); (R.D.)
| | - Cyprien Guérin
- MaIAGE, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (C.G.); (P.N.)
| | - Seav-Ly Tran
- Micalis Institute, AgroParisTech, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (C.P.); (S.-L.T.); (R.D.)
| | - Rozenn Dervyn
- Micalis Institute, AgroParisTech, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (C.P.); (S.-L.T.); (R.D.)
| | - Pierre Nicolas
- MaIAGE, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (C.G.); (P.N.)
| | - Nalini Ramarao
- Micalis Institute, AgroParisTech, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (C.P.); (S.-L.T.); (R.D.)
- Correspondence:
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12
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Cormontagne D, Rigourd V, Vidic J, Rizzotto F, Bille E, Ramarao N. Bacillus cereus Induces Severe Infections in Preterm Neonates: Implication at the Hospital and Human Milk Bank Level. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:123. [PMID: 33562185 PMCID: PMC7915446 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human breast milk (HBM) is a source of essential nutrients for infants and is particularly recommended for preterm neonates when their own mother's milk is not available. It provides protection against infections and decreases necrotizing enterocolitis and cardiovascular diseases. Nevertheless, HBM spoilage can occur due to contamination by pathogens, and the risk of a shortage of HBM is very often present. B. cereus is the most frequent ubiquitous bacteria responsible for HBM being discarded. It can contaminate HBM at all stages, from its collect point to the storage and delivery. B. cereus can induce severe infection in newborns with very low birth weight, with sometimes fatal outcomes. Although the source of contamination is rarely identified, in some cases, HBM was suspected as a potential source. Even if the risk is low, as infection due to B. cereus in preterm infants should not be overlooked, human milk banks follow strict procedures to avoid contamination, to accurately identify remaining bacteria following pasteurization and to discard non-compliant milk samples. In this review, we present a literature overview of B. cereus infections reported in neonates and the suspected sources of contamination. We highlight the procedures followed by the human milk banks from the collection of the milk to its microbiological characterization in Europe. We also present improved detection and decontamination methods that might help to decrease the risk and to preserve the public's confidence in this vital biological product for infants whose mothers cannot breastfeed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Cormontagne
- Micalis Institute, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (D.C.); (J.V.); (F.R.)
| | - Virginie Rigourd
- Région Île-de-France Human Milk Bank, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75015 Paris, France;
| | - Jasmina Vidic
- Micalis Institute, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (D.C.); (J.V.); (F.R.)
| | - Francesco Rizzotto
- Micalis Institute, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (D.C.); (J.V.); (F.R.)
| | - Emmanuelle Bille
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Necker Enfants-Malades Hospital, AP-HP, 75015 Paris, France;
- INSERM U1151-CNRS UMR 8253, Institut Necker-Enfants Malades, Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Nalini Ramarao
- Micalis Institute, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (D.C.); (J.V.); (F.R.)
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13
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The Food Poisoning Toxins of Bacillus cereus. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13020098. [PMID: 33525722 PMCID: PMC7911051 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus cereus is a ubiquitous soil bacterium responsible for two types of food-associated gastrointestinal diseases. While the emetic type, a food intoxication, manifests in nausea and vomiting, food infections with enteropathogenic strains cause diarrhea and abdominal pain. Causative toxins are the cyclic dodecadepsipeptide cereulide, and the proteinaceous enterotoxins hemolysin BL (Hbl), nonhemolytic enterotoxin (Nhe) and cytotoxin K (CytK), respectively. This review covers the current knowledge on distribution and genetic organization of the toxin genes, as well as mechanisms of enterotoxin gene regulation and toxin secretion. In this context, the exceptionally high variability of toxin production between single strains is highlighted. In addition, the mode of action of the pore-forming enterotoxins and their effect on target cells is described in detail. The main focus of this review are the two tripartite enterotoxin complexes Hbl and Nhe, but the latest findings on cereulide and CytK are also presented, as well as methods for toxin detection, and the contribution of further putative virulence factors to the diarrheal disease.
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14
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Tran SL, Cormontagne D, Vidic J, André-Leroux G, Ramarao N. Structural Modeling of Cell Wall Peptidase CwpFM (EntFM) Reveals Distinct Intrinsically Disordered Extensions Specific to Pathogenic Bacillus cereus Strains. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12090593. [PMID: 32937845 PMCID: PMC7551459 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12090593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of B. cereus as an opportunistic food-borne pathogen has intensified the need to distinguish strains of public health concern. The heterogeneity of the diseases associated with B. cereus infections emphasizes the versatility of these bacteria strains to colonize their host. Nevertheless, the molecular basis of these differences remains unclear. Several toxins are involved in virulence, particularly in gastrointestinal disorders, but there are currently no biological markers able to differentiate pathogenic from harmless strains. We have previously shown that CwpFM is a cell wall peptidase involved in B. cereus virulence. Here, we report a sequence/structure/function characterization of 39 CwpFM sequences, chosen from a collection of B. cereus with diverse virulence phenotypes, from harmless to highly pathogenic strains. CwpFM is homology-modeled in silico as an exported papain-like endopeptidase, with an N-terminal end composed of three successive bacterial Src Homology 3 domains (SH3b1–3) likely to control protein–protein interactions in signaling pathways, and a C-terminal end that contains a catalytic NLPC_P60 domain primed to form a competent active site. We confirmed in vitro that CwpFM is an endopeptidase with a moderate peptidoglycan hydrolase activity. Remarkably, CwpFMs from pathogenic strains harbor a specific stretch of twenty residues intrinsically disordered, inserted between the SH3b3 and the catalytic NLPC_P60 domain. This strongly suggests this linker as a marker of differentiation between B. cereus strains. We believe that our findings improve our understanding of the pathogenicity of B. cereus while advancing both clinical diagnosis and food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seav-Ly Tran
- Micalis Institute, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (S.-L.T.); (D.C.); (J.V.)
| | - Delphine Cormontagne
- Micalis Institute, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (S.-L.T.); (D.C.); (J.V.)
| | - Jasmina Vidic
- Micalis Institute, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (S.-L.T.); (D.C.); (J.V.)
| | - Gwenaëlle André-Leroux
- MaIAGE, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Correspondence: (G.A.-L.); (N.R.)
| | - Nalini Ramarao
- Micalis Institute, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (S.-L.T.); (D.C.); (J.V.)
- Correspondence: (G.A.-L.); (N.R.)
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15
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Ramarao N, Tran SL, Marin M, Vidic J. Advanced Methods for Detection of Bacillus cereus and Its Pathogenic Factors. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 20:E2667. [PMID: 32392794 PMCID: PMC7273213 DOI: 10.3390/s20092667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Bacillus cereus is an opportunistic foodborne pathogen causing food intoxication and infectious diseases. Different toxins and pathogenic factors are responsible for diarrheal syndrome, like nonhemolytic enterotoxin Nhe, hemolytic enterotoxin Hbl, enterotoxin FM and cytotoxin K, while emetic syndrome is caused by the depsipeptide cereulide toxin. The traditional method of B. cereus detection is based on the bacterial culturing onto selective agars and cells enumeration. In addition, molecular and chemical methods are proposed for toxin gene profiling, toxin quantification and strain screening for defined virulence factors. Finally, some advanced biosensors such as phage-based, cell-based, immunosensors and DNA biosensors have been elaborated to enable affordable, sensitive, user-friendly and rapid detection of specific B. cereus strains. This review intends to both illustrate the state of the B. cereus diagnostic field and to highlight additional research that is still at the development level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalini Ramarao
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (S.-L.T.); (M.M.)
| | | | | | - Jasmina Vidic
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (S.-L.T.); (M.M.)
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16
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Molecular Signatures Related to the Virulence of Bacillus cereus Sensu Lato, a Leading Cause of Devastating Endophthalmitis. mSystems 2019; 4:4/6/e00745-19. [PMID: 31796569 PMCID: PMC6890933 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00745-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus endophthalmitis is a devastating eye infection that causes rapid blindness through extracellular tissue-destructive exotoxins. Despite its importance, knowledge of the phylogenetic relationships and population structure of intraocular Bacillus spp. is lacking. In this study, we sequenced the whole genomes of eight Bacillus intraocular pathogens independently isolated from 8/52 patients with posttraumatic Bacillus endophthalmitis infections in the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between January 2010 and December 2018. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the pathogenic intraocular isolates belonged to Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus toyonensis To determine the virulence of the ocular isolates, three representative strains were injected into mouse models, and severe endophthalmitis leading to blindness was observed. Through incorporating publicly available genomes for Bacillus spp., we found that the intraocular pathogens could be isolated independently but displayed a similar genetic context. In addition, our data provide genome-wide support for intraocular and gastrointestinal sources of Bacillus spp. belonging to different lineages. Importantly, we identified five molecular signatures of virulence and motility genes associated with intraocular infection, namely, plcA-2, InhA-3, InhA-4, hblA-5, and fliD using pangenome-wide association studies. The characterization of overrepresented genes in the intraocular isolates holds value to predict bacterial evolution and for the design of future intervention strategies in patients with endophthalmitis.IMPORTANCE In this study, we provided a detailed and comprehensive clinicopathological and pathogenic report of Bacillus endophthalmitis over the 8 years of the study period. We first reported the whole-genome sequence of Bacillus spp. causing devastating endophthalmitis and found that Bacillus toyonensis is able to cause endophthalmitis. Finally, we revealed significant endophthalmitis-associated virulence genes involved in hemolysis, immunity inhibition, and pathogenesis. Overall, as more sequencing data sets become available, these data will facilitate comparative research and will reveal the emergence of pathogenic "ocular bacteria."
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Cui Y, Märtlbauer E, Dietrich R, Luo H, Ding S, Zhu K. Multifaceted toxin profile, an approach toward a better understanding of probiotic Bacillus cereus. Crit Rev Toxicol 2019; 49:342-356. [PMID: 31116061 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2019.1609410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Strains of the Bacillus cereus group have been widely used as probiotics for human beings, food animals, plants, and environmental remediation. Paradoxically, B. cereus is responsible for both gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal syndromes and represents an important opportunistic food-borne pathogen. Toxicity assessment is a fundamental issue to evaluate safety of probiotics. Here, we summarize the state of our current knowledge about the toxins of B. cereus sensu lato to be considered for safety assessment of probiotic candidates. Surfactin-like emetic toxin (cereulide) and various enterotoxins including nonhemolytic enterotoxin, hemolysin BL, and cytotoxin K are responsible for food poisoning outbreaks characterized by emesis and diarrhea. In addition, other factors, such as hemolysin II, Certhrax, immune inhibitor A1, and sphingomyelinase, contribute to toxicity and overall virulence of B. cereus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifang Cui
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University , Beijing , China.,State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University , Beijing , China
| | - Erwin Märtlbauer
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich , Oberschleißheim , Germany
| | - Richard Dietrich
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich , Oberschleißheim , Germany
| | - Hailing Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University , Beijing , China
| | - Shuangyang Ding
- National Center for Veterinary Drug Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University , Beijing , China
| | - Kui Zhu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University , Beijing , China.,National Center for Veterinary Drug Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University , Beijing , China
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