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Dos Santos Moreira LM, Marinho LS, Neves RCS, Harakava R, Bessa LA, Vitorino LC. Assessment of the Entomopathogenic Potential of Fungal and Bacterial Isolates from Fall Armyworm Cadavers Against Spodoptera frugiperda Caterpillars and the Adult Boll Weevil, Anthonomus grandis. NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s13744-024-01159-0. [PMID: 38714593 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-024-01159-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024]
Abstract
Increased attention is being focused on the biological control of agricultural pests using microorganisms, owing to their potential as a viable substitute for chemical control methods. Insect cadavers constitute a potential source of entomopathogenic microorganisms. We tested whether bacteria and fungi isolated from Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) cadavers could affect its survival, development, egg-laying pattern, and hatchability, as well as induce mortality in Anthonomus grandis Boheman adults. We isolated the bacteria Enterobacter hormaechei and Serratia marcescens and the fungi Scopulariopsis sp. and Aspergillus nomiae from fall armyworm cadavers and the pest insects were subjected to an artificial diet enriched with bacteria cells or fungal spores to be tested, in the case of S. frugiperda, and only fungal spores in the case of A. grandis. Enterobacter hormaechei and A. nomiae were pathogenic to S. frugiperda, affecting the survival of adults and pupae. The fungus Scopulariopsis sp. does not affect the survival of S. frugiperda caterpillars and pupae; however, due to late action, moths and eggs may be affected. Aspergillus nomiae also increased mortality of A. grandis adults, as well as the development of S. frugiperda in the early stages of exposure to the diet, as indicated by the vertical spore transfer to offspring and low hatchability. Enterobacter hormaechei and A. nomiae are potential biocontrol agents for these pests, and warrant further investigation from a toxicological point of view and subsequently in field tests involving formulations that could improve agricultural sustainability practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidiane Maria Dos Santos Moreira
- Instituto Goiano de Agricultura (IGA), Montividiu, GO, Brazil
- Lab of Agricultural Microbiology, Instituto Federal Goiano, Rio Verde Campus, Rio Verde, GO, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Layara Alexandre Bessa
- Lab of Biodiversity Metabolism and Genetics, Instituto Federal Goiano, Rio Verde Campus, Rio Verde, GO, Brazil
- Simple Agro Corporation, Rio Verde, GO, Brazil
| | - Luciana Cristina Vitorino
- Simple Agro Corporation, Rio Verde, GO, Brazil.
- Lab of Agricultural Microbiology, Instituto Federal Goiano, Rio Verde Campus, Rio Verde, GO, Brazil.
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2
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Habich A, Unterweger D. Investigating Secretion Systems and Effectors on Galleria mellonella. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2715:601-608. [PMID: 37930555 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3445-5_38] [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: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Infection experiments with Galleria mellonella enable the measurement of virulence that is mediated by secretion systems and their effector proteins in vivo. G. mellonella has an innate immune system and shares similarities with the complex host environment of mammals. Unlike other invertebrate model systems, experiments can be performed at mammalian body temperature. Here, we describe the systemic infection of G. mellonella with Pseudomonas aeruginosa with and without functional secretion systems. A Kaplan-Meier curve is constructed showing the percent survival of animals over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Habich
- Institute for Experimental Medicine, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Daniel Unterweger
- Institute for Experimental Medicine, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany.
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3
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Hu C, Yang W. Alternatives to animal models to study bacterial infections. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2023; 68:703-739. [PMID: 37632640 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-023-01084-6] [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: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Animal testing has made a significant and unequalled contribution to important discoveries and advancements in the fields of research, medicine, vaccine development, and drug discovery. Each year, millions of animals are sacrificed for various experiments, and this is an ongoing process. However, the debate on the ethical and sensible usage of animals in in vivo experimentation is equally important. The need to explore and adopt newer alternatives to animals so as to comply with the goal of reduce, refine, and replace needs attention. Besides the ever-increasing debate on ethical issues, animal research has additional drawbacks (need of trained labour, requirement of breeding area, lengthy protocols, high expenses, transport barriers, difficulty to extrapolate data from animals to humans, etc.). With this scenario, the present review has been framed to give a comprehensive insight into the possible alternative options worth exploring in this direction especially targeting replacements for animal models of bacterial infections. There have been some excellent reviews discussing on the alternate methods for replacing and reducing animals in drug research. However, reviews that discuss the replacements in the field of medical bacteriology with emphasis on animal bacterial infection models are purely limited. The present review discusses on the use of (a) non-mammalian models and (b) alternative systems such as microfluidic chip-based models and microdosing aiming to give a detailed insight into the prospects of these alternative platforms to reduce the number of animals being used in infection studies. This would enlighten the scientific community working in this direction to be well acquainted with the available new approaches and alternatives so that the 3R strategy can be successfully implemented in the field of antibacterial drug research and testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengming Hu
- Queen Mary College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wenlong Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
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Peng Q, Tang X, Dong W, Zhi Z, Zhong T, Lin S, Ye J, Qian X, Chen F, Yuan W. Carvacrol inhibits bacterial polysaccharide intracellular adhesin synthesis and biofilm formation of mucoid Staphylococcus aureus: an in vitro and in vivo study. RSC Adv 2023; 13:28743-28752. [PMID: 37807974 PMCID: PMC10552078 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra02711b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the important human pathogens and causes both superficial and systemic infections. More importantly, the formation of S. aureus biofilms, a main cause of its pathogenicity and drug resistance, has been a critical challenge in clinical treatment. Carvacrol, a plant-based natural product, has gained great interest for therapeutic purposes due to its effective biological activity with low cytotoxicity. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of carvacrol on anti-biofilm activity. Growth curve analysis showed that applying a sub-inhibitory concentration of carvacrol (4 μg mL-1) was not lethal to S. aureus SYN; however, the inhibition rate of biofilm formation was as high as 63.6%, and the clearance rate of mature biofilms was as high as 30.7%. In addition, carvacrol effectively reduced the production of biofilm-associated extracellular polysaccharides and showed no effect on eDNA release. Furthermore, qPCR analysis revealed that carvacrol significantly down-regulated the expression of icaA, icaB, icaC, agrA, and sarA (P < 0.05). The in vivo efficacy of carvacrol against biofilm infection was further verified with a biological model of G. mellonella larvae. The results showed that carvacrol was non-toxic to the larvae and can effectively increase the survival rate of the larvae infected with S. aureus strain SYN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Peng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, King Med School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou 510180 PR China
| | - Xiaohua Tang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, King Med School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou 510180 PR China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou 510150 PR China
| | - Wanyang Dong
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, King Med School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou 510180 PR China
| | - Ziling Zhi
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, King Med School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou 510180 PR China
| | - Tian Zhong
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, King Med School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou 510180 PR China
| | - Shunan Lin
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, King Med School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou 510180 PR China
| | - Jingyi Ye
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, King Med School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou 510180 PR China
| | - Xiping Qian
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, King Med School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou 510180 PR China
| | - Fu Chen
- Panyu District Health Management Center Guangzhou 511450 PR China
| | - Wenchang Yuan
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, King Med School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou 510180 PR China
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Monfardini MV, Souza RT, Rojas TCG, Guerrieri CG, Orikaza C, Scaletsky ICA. Transposon mutagenesis of atypical enteroaggregative Escherichia coli reveals a hemagglutinin-associated protein that mediates cell adhesion and contributes to the Galleria mellonella virulence. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1166158. [PMID: 37424788 PMCID: PMC10327481 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1166158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Twenty-two atypical enteroaggregative Escherichia coli isolates from a previous epidemiological study harboring EAEC virulence genes were examined for their adhesion properties. Nine strains showed a typical aggregative adherence (AA) pattern, while 13 strains showed variant AA, such as AA with lined up cells characteristic of the chain-like adhesion (CLA) and AA mainly to HeLa cells characteristic of the diffuse adherence (DA). The aggregative forming pilus (AFP) genes afpA2 and afpR were detected only in strain Q015B, which exhibited an AA/DA pattern. Using Tn5-based transposon mutagenesis on Q015B strain, we identified a 5517-bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a predicted 1838-amino-acid polypeptide that is genetically related to a putative filamentous hemagglutinin identified in E. coli strain 7-233-03_S3_C2. Therefore, the ORF was named orfHA. The regions flanking orfHA were sequenced and two ORFs were found; upstream, an ORF that encodes a 603-amino-acid polypeptide with 99% identity to hemolysin secretion/activation proteins of the ShlB/FhaC/HecB family, and downstream, another ORF, which encodes a 632-amino-acid polypeptide with 72% identity to the glycosyltransferase EtpC. An orfHA mutant (Q015BΔorfHA) was constructed from strain Q015B. Q015BΔorfHA strain did not adhere to HeLa cells, whereas Q015BΔ orfHA transformed with a pACYC184 plasmid carrying orfHA restored the AA/DA phenotype of strain Q015B. Furthermore, the Q015ΔorfHA mutant had a marked effect on the ability of strain Q015B to kill the larvae of Galleria mellonella. Our results suggest that the AA/DA pattern of strain Q015B is mediated by a hemagglutinin-associated protein which also contributes to its virulence in the G. mellonella model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariane V. Monfardini
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata T. Souza
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thais C. G. Rojas
- Departamento de Genética, Evolução e Bioagentes, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Caroline G. Guerrieri
- Departamento de Patologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Cristina Orikaza
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabel C. A. Scaletsky
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, Brazil
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Leal JT, Primon-Barros M, de Carvalho Robaina A, Pizzutti K, Mott MP, Trentin DS, Dias CAG. Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 19A from carriers and invasive disease: virulence gene profile and pathogenicity in a Galleria mellonella model. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 42:399-411. [PMID: 36790530 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-023-04560-6] [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: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate and compare the presence of genes related to surface proteins between isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae from healthy carriers (HC) and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) with a particular focus on serotype 19A. METHODS The presence of these genes was identified by real-time PCR. Subsequently, we employed the Galleria mellonella larval infection model to study their effect on pathogenicity in vivo. RESULTS The percentage of selected virulence genes was similar between the HC and IPD groups (p > 0.05), and the genes lytA, nanB, pavA, pcpA, phtA, phtB, phtE, rrgA, and sipA were all present in both groups. However, the virulence profile of the isolates differed individually between HC and IPD groups. The highest lethality in G. mellonella was for IPD isolates (p < 0.01), even when the virulence profile was the same as compared to the HC isolates or when the nanA, pspA, pspA-fam1, and pspC genes were not present. CONCLUSIONS The occurrence of the investigated virulence genes was similar between HC and IPD S. pneumoniae serotype 19A groups. However, the IPD isolates showed a higher lethality in the alternative G. mellonella model than the HC isolates, regardless of the virulence gene composition, indicating that other virulence factors may play a decisive role in virulence. Currently, this is the first report using the in vivo G. mellonella model to study the virulence of clinical isolates of S. pneumoniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josiane Trevisol Leal
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brasil
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia & Modelos Experimentais Alternativos, Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências (PPGBIO), Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Muriel Primon-Barros
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brasil
| | - Amanda de Carvalho Robaina
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brasil
| | - Kauana Pizzutti
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brasil
| | - Mariana Preussler Mott
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brasil
| | - Danielle Silva Trentin
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia & Modelos Experimentais Alternativos, Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências (PPGBIO), Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil.
| | - Cícero Armídio Gomes Dias
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brasil
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7
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Experimental Methods for the Biological Evaluation of Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Risks. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020612. [PMID: 36839932 PMCID: PMC9959606 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Many novel medical therapies use nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, including nanomaterials through drug delivery systems, diagnostics, or physiologically active medicinal products. The approval of nanoparticles with advanced therapeutic and diagnostic potentials for applications in medication and immunization depends strongly on their synthesizing procedure, efficiency of functionalization, and biological safety and biocompatibility. Nanoparticle biodistribution, absorption, bioavailability, passage across biological barriers, and biodistribution are frequently assessed using bespoke and biological models. These methods largely rely on in vitro cell-based evaluations that cannot predict the complexity involved in preclinical and clinical studies. Therefore, assessing the nanoparticle risk has to involve pharmacokinetics, organ toxicity, and drug interactions manifested at multiple cellular levels. At the same time, there is a need for novel approaches to examine nanoparticle safety risks due to increased constraints on animal exploitation and the demand for high-throughput testing. We focus here on biological evaluation methodologies that provide access to nanoparticle interactions with the organism (positive or negative via toxicity). This work aimed to provide a perception regarding the risks associated with the utilization of nanoparticle-based formulations with a particular focus on assays applied to assess the cytotoxicity of nanomaterials.
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8
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Zhang B, Xu X, Song X, Wen Y, Zhu Z, Lv J, Xie X, Chen L, Tang YW, Du H. Emerging and re-emerging KPC-producing hypervirulent Pseudomonas aeruginosa ST697 and ST463 between 2010 and 2021. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:2735-2745. [DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2140609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Biying Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004 PR China
| | - Xun Xu
- Institute of Active Polymers and Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Kantstr.55, 14513 Teltow, Germany
| | - Xiaomei Song
- Department of Nursing, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004 PR China
| | - Yicheng Wen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004 PR China
| | - Zhichen Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004 PR China
| | - Jingnan Lv
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004 PR China
| | - Xiaofang Xie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004 PR China
| | - Liang Chen
- Hackensack Meridian Health Center for Discovery and Innovation, Nutley, NJ, USA
- Department of Medical Sciences, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA
| | - Yi-Wei Tang
- Department of Medical Affairs, Danaher Diagnostic Platform/Cepheid (China), New York, NY, USA
| | - Hong Du
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004 PR China
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Alhayek A, Abdelsamie AS, Schönauer E, Camberlein V, Hutterer E, Posselt G, Serwanja J, Blöchl C, Huber CG, Haupenthal J, Brandstetter H, Wessler S, Hirsch AKH. Discovery and Characterization of Synthesized and FDA-Approved Inhibitors of Clostridial and Bacillary Collagenases. J Med Chem 2022; 65:12933-12955. [PMID: 36154055 PMCID: PMC9574867 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
In view of the worldwide antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threat, new bacterial targets and anti-infective agents are needed. Since important roles in bacterial pathogenesis have been demonstrated for the collagenase H and G (ColH and ColG) from Clostridium histolyticum, collagenase Q1 and A (ColQ1 and ColA) from Bacillus cereus represent attractive antivirulence targets. Furthermore, repurposing FDA-approved drugs may assist to tackle the AMR crisis and was addressed in this work. Here, we report on the discovery of two potent and chemically stable bacterial collagenase inhibitors: synthesized and FDA-approved diphosphonates and hydroxamates. Both classes showed high in vitro activity against the clostridial and bacillary collagenases. The potent diphosphonates reduced B. cereus-mediated detachment and death of cells and Galleria mellonella larvae. The hydroxamates were also tested in a similar manner; they did not have an effect in infection models. This might be due to their fast binding kinetics to bacterial collagenases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Alhayek
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department
of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus Building C2. 3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Ahmed S. Abdelsamie
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department
of Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research, National
Research Centre, El-Buhouth
St., Dokki, 12622 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Esther Schönauer
- Department
of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University
of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Str. 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Virgyl Camberlein
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Evelyn Hutterer
- Department
of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University
of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Str. 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Gernot Posselt
- Department
of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University
of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Str. 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Jamil Serwanja
- Department
of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University
of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Str. 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Constantin Blöchl
- Department
of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University
of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Str. 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christian G. Huber
- Department
of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University
of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Str. 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Jörg Haupenthal
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Hans Brandstetter
- Department
of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University
of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Str. 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Silja Wessler
- Department
of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University
of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Str. 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Anna K. H. Hirsch
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department
of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus Building C2. 3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
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10
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Santos AL, van Venrooy A, Reed AK, Wyderka AM, García‐López V, Alemany LB, Oliver A, Tegos GP, Tour JM. Hemithioindigo-Based Visible Light-Activated Molecular Machines Kill Bacteria by Oxidative Damage. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2203242. [PMID: 36002317 PMCID: PMC9596824 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202203242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a growing health threat. There is an urgent and critical need to develop new antimicrobial modalities and therapies. Here, a set of hemithioindigo (HTI)-based molecular machines capable of specifically killing Gram-positive bacteria within minutes of activation with visible light (455 nm at 65 mW cm-2 ) that are safe for mammalian cells is described. Importantly, repeated exposure of bacteria to HTI does not result in detectable development of resistance. Visible light-activated HTI kill both exponentially growing bacterial cells and antibiotic-tolerant persister cells of various Gram-positive strains, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Visible light-activated HTI also eliminate biofilms of S. aureus and B. subtilis in as little as 1 h after light activation. Quantification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and protein carbonyls, as well as assays with various ROS scavengers, identifies oxidative damage as the underlying mechanism for the antibacterial activity of HTI. In addition to their direct antibacterial properties, HTI synergize with conventional antibiotics in vitro and in vivo, reducing the bacterial load and mortality associated with MRSA infection in an invertebrate burn wound model. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on the antimicrobial activity of HTI-based molecular machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L. Santos
- Department of ChemistryRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
- IdISBA – Fundación de Investigación Sanitaria de las Islas BalearesPalma07120Spain
| | | | - Anna K. Reed
- Department of ChemistryRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
| | | | | | - Lawrence B. Alemany
- Department of ChemistryRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
- Shared Equipment AuthorityRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
| | - Antonio Oliver
- IdISBA – Fundación de Investigación Sanitaria de las Islas BalearesPalma07120Spain
- Servicio de MicrobiologiaHospital Universitari Son EspasesPalma07120Spain
| | - George P. Tegos
- Office of ResearchReading HospitalTower Health420 S. Fifth AvenueWest ReadingPA19611USA
| | - James M. Tour
- Department of ChemistryRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
- Smalley‐Curl InstituteRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
- Department of Materials Science and NanoengineeringRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
- NanoCarbon Center and the Welch Institute for Advanced MaterialsRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
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11
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Larval gut microbiome of Pelidnota luridipes (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae): high bacterial diversity, different metabolic profiles on gut chambers and species with probiotic potential. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 38:210. [PMID: 36050590 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-022-03387-1] [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: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Pelidnota luridipes Blanchard (1850) is a tropical beetle of the family Scarabaeidae, whose larvae live on wood without parental care. Microbiota of mid- and hindgut of larvae was evaluated by culture-dependent and independent methods, and the results show a diverse microbiota, with most species of bacteria and fungi shared between midgut and hindgut. We isolated 272 bacterial and 29 yeast isolates, identified in 57 and 7 species, respectively, while using metabarcoding, we accessed 1,481 and 267 OTUs of bacteria and fungi, respectively. The composition and abundance of bacteria and fungi differed between mid- and hindgut, with a tendency for higher richness and diversity of yeasts in the midgut, and bacteria on the hindgut. Some taxa are abundant in the intestine of P. luridipes larvae, such as Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria; as well as Saccharomycetales and Trichosporonales yeasts. Mid- and hindgut metabolic profiles differ (e.g. biosynthesis of amino acids, cofactors, and lipopolysaccharides) with higher functional diversity in the hindgut. Isolates have different functional traits such as secretion of hydrolytic enzymes and antibiosis against pathogens. Apiotrichum siamense L29A and Bacillus sp. BL17B protected larvae of the moth Galleria mellonella, against infection by the pathogens Listeria monocytogenes ATCC19111 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027. This is the first work with the larval microbiome of a Rutelini beetle, demonstrating its diversity and potential in prospecting microbial products as probiotics. The functional role of microbiota for the nutrition and adaptability of P. luridipes larvae needs to be evaluated in the future.
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12
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Connections between Exoproteome Heterogeneity and Virulence in the Oral Pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. mSystems 2022; 7:e0025422. [PMID: 35695491 PMCID: PMC9239275 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00254-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is a Gram-negative bacterial pathogen associated with severe periodontitis and nonoral diseases. Clinical isolates of A. actinomycetemcomitans display a rough (R) colony phenotype with strong adherent properties. Upon prolonged culturing, nonadherent strains with a smooth (S) colony phenotype emerge. To date, most virulence studies on A. actinomycetemcomitans have been performed with S strains of A. actinomycetemcomitans, whereas the virulence of clinical R isolates has received relatively little attention. Since the extracellular proteome is the main bacterial reservoir of virulence factors, the present study was aimed at a comparative analysis of this subproteome fraction for a collection of R isolates and derivative S strains, in order to link particular proteins to the virulence of A. actinomycetemcomitans with serotype b. To assess the bacterial virulence, we applied different infection models based on larvae of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella, a human salivary gland-derived epithelial cell line, and freshly isolated neutrophils from healthy human volunteers. A total number of 351 extracellular A. actinomycetemcomitans proteins was identified by mass spectrometry, with the S strains consistently showing more extracellular proteins than their parental R isolates. A total of 50 known extracellular virulence factors was identified, of which 15 were expressed by all investigated bacteria. Importantly, the comparison of differences in exoproteome composition and virulence highlights critical roles of 10 extracellular proteins in the different infection models. Together, our findings provide novel clues for understanding the virulence of A. actinomycetemcomitans and for development of potential preventive or therapeutic avenues to neutralize this important oral pathogen. IMPORTANCE Periodontitis is one of the most common inflammatory diseases worldwide, causing high morbidity and decreasing the quality of life of millions of people. The bacterial pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is strongly associated with aggressive forms of periodontitis. Moreover, it has been implicated in serious nonoral infections, including endocarditis and brain abscesses. Therefore, it is important to investigate how A. actinomycetemcomitans can cause disease. In the present study, we applied a mass spectrometry approach to make an inventory of the virulence factors secreted by different clinical A. actinomycetemcomitans isolates and derivative strains that emerged upon culturing. We subsequently correlated the secreted virulence factors to the pathogenicity of the investigated bacteria in different infection models. The results show that a limited number of extracellular virulence factors of A. actinomycetemcomitans have central roles in pathogenesis, indicating that they could be druggable targets to prevent or treat oral disease.
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Alves MM, Batista C, Mil-Homens D, Grenho L, Fernandes MH, Santos CF. Enhanced antibacterial activity of Rosehip extract-functionalized Mg(OH) 2 nanoparticles: An in vitro and in vivo study. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2022; 217:112643. [PMID: 35759895 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.112643] [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: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The development of nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents against pathogenic bacteria has emerged as one of the leading global healthcare challenges. In this study, Mg(OH)2 NPs with controlled morphology and nanometric size, using two distinct counterions, chloride or nitrate, have been synthesized using Rosehip (RH) extract that has privileges beyond conventional chemical and physical methods. Various physicochemical techniques were used to characterize the RH-functionalized Mg-based NPs. They exhibited a spherical shape with a diameter of ~10 nm, low crystallinity compared to non-functionalized NPs, high polyphenol content, and negative zeta potential in three different media (H2O, TSB, and cell medium). The resulting RH-functionalized Mg-based NPs also exhibited an increased antibacterial activity against Gram-positive (S. Epidermis and S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. Coli) bacteria compared to those prepared in pure water (0 % RH), an effect that was well evident with low NPs contents (250 μg/mL). A preliminary attempt to elucidate their mechanism of action revealed that RH-functionalized Mg-based NPs could disrupt cellular structures (bacterial cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane) and damage the bacterial cell, as confirmed by TEM imaging. Noteworthy is that Mg-based NPs exhibited higher toxicity to bacteria than to eukaryotic cells. More significantly, was their enhanced in vivo efficacy in a Galleria mellonella invertebrate animal model, when infected with S. aureus bacteria. Overall, our findings indicate that well-engineered Rosehip magnesium-based nanoparticles can be used as a green non-cytotoxic polyphenolic source in different antibacterial applications for the biomedical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta M Alves
- Centro Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, Lisboa 1049-001, Portugal
| | - Catarina Batista
- EST Setúbal, CDP2T, Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, Campus IPS, Setúbal 2910, Portugal
| | - Dalila Mil-Homens
- iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences and i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, Lisboa 1049-001, Portugal
| | - Liliana Grenho
- Faculdade de Medicina Dentária, Laboratory for Bone Metabolism and Regeneration, Universidade do Porto, Porto 4200-393, Portugal; LAQV/REQUIMTE, U. Porto, Porto 4160-007, Portugal
| | - Maria H Fernandes
- Faculdade de Medicina Dentária, Laboratory for Bone Metabolism and Regeneration, Universidade do Porto, Porto 4200-393, Portugal; LAQV/REQUIMTE, U. Porto, Porto 4160-007, Portugal.
| | - Catarina F Santos
- Centro Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, Lisboa 1049-001, Portugal; EST Setúbal, CDP2T, Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, Campus IPS, Setúbal 2910, Portugal.
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14
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Vogel JGT, Wibowo JP, Fan H, Setroikromo R, Wang K, Dömling A, Dekker FJ, Quax WJ. Discovery of chromene compounds as inhibitors of PvdQ acylase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Microbes Infect 2022; 24:105017. [PMID: 35709935 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2022.105017] [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: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The acquisition of iron is a crucial mechanism for the survival of pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa in eukaryotic hosts. The key iron chelator in this organism is the siderophore pyoverdine, which was shown to be crucial for iron homeostasis. Pyoverdine is a non-ribosomal peptide with several maturation steps in the cytoplasm and others in the periplasmatic space. A key enzyme for its maturation is the acylase PvdQ. The inhibition of PvdQ stops the maturation of pyoverdine causing a significant imbalance in the iron homeostasis and hence can negatively influence the survival of P. aeruginosa. In this work, we successfully synthesized chromene-derived inhibitory molecules targeting PvdQ in a low micromolar range. In silico modeling as well as kinetic evaluations of the inhibitors suggest a competitive inhibition of the PvdQ function. Further, we evaluated the inhibitor in vivo on P. aeruginosa cells and report a dose-dependent reduction of pyoverdine formation. The compound also showed a protecting effect in a Galleria mellonella infection model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan G T Vogel
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713, AV, the Netherlands
| | - Joko P Wibowo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713, AV, the Netherlands; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Muhammadiyah Banjarmasin, Jl. Gubernur Syarkawi, Barito Kuala, 70582, Indonesia
| | - Hillina Fan
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713, AV, the Netherlands
| | - Rita Setroikromo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713, AV, the Netherlands
| | - Kan Wang
- Department of Drug Design, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713, AV, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander Dömling
- Department of Drug Design, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713, AV, the Netherlands
| | - Frank J Dekker
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713, AV, the Netherlands
| | - Wim J Quax
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713, AV, the Netherlands.
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15
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Santos AL, Liu D, Reed AK, Wyderka AM, van Venrooy A, Li JT, Li VD, Misiura M, Samoylova O, Beckham JL, Ayala-Orozco C, Kolomeisky AB, Alemany LB, Oliver A, Tegos GP, Tour JM. Light-activated molecular machines are fast-acting broad-spectrum antibacterials that target the membrane. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm2055. [PMID: 35648847 PMCID: PMC9159576 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm2055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The increasing occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the dwindling antibiotic research and development pipeline have created a pressing global health crisis. Here, we report the discovery of a distinctive antibacterial therapy that uses visible (405 nanometers) light-activated synthetic molecular machines (MMs) to kill Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, in minutes, vastly outpacing conventional antibiotics. MMs also rapidly eliminate persister cells and established bacterial biofilms. The antibacterial mode of action of MMs involves physical disruption of the membrane. In addition, by permeabilizing the membrane, MMs at sublethal doses potentiate the action of conventional antibiotics. Repeated exposure to antibacterial MMs is not accompanied by resistance development. Finally, therapeutic doses of MMs mitigate mortality associated with bacterial infection in an in vivo model of burn wound infection. Visible light-activated MMs represent an unconventional antibacterial mode of action by mechanical disruption at the molecular scale, not existent in nature and to which resistance development is unlikely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L. Santos
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- IdISBA–Fundación de Investigación Sanitaria de las Islas Baleares, Palma, Spain
| | - Dongdong Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Anna K. Reed
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Aaron M. Wyderka
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | | | - John T. Li
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Victor D. Li
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Mikita Misiura
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Olga Samoylova
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Jacob L. Beckham
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | | | | | - Lawrence B. Alemany
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Shared Equipment Authority, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Antonio Oliver
- IdISBA–Fundación de Investigación Sanitaria de las Islas Baleares, Palma, Spain
- Servicio de Microbiologia, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Palma, Spain
| | - George P. Tegos
- Office of Research, Reading Hospital, Tower Health, 420 S. Fifth Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611, USA
| | - James M. Tour
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Smalley-Curl Institute, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- NanoCarbon Center and the Welch Institute for Advanced Materials, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
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16
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Methods for Using the Galleria mellonella Invertebrate Model to Probe Enterococcus faecalis Pathogenicity. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2427:177-183. [PMID: 35619034 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1971-1_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The Enterococci, mainly Enterococcus faecalis and E. faecium, are ubiquitous members of the human gastrointestinal tract consortia but also a leading cause of opportunistic infections. The global rise in human-associated enterococcal infections, often caused by multidrug resistant strains, highlights an urgent need to identify the bacterial factors contributing to its pathogenicity such that new therapies can be devised. The use of the Galleria mellonella (greater wax moth) larvae, commonly known as wax worm, as a model to study host-pathogen interactions has allowed the identification and characterization of numerous bacterial factors that contribute to disease in humans, serving both as an alternative and complementary approach to mammalian models. Here, we describe the methods for using G. mellonella to characterize the virulence factors of E. faecalis.
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17
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Kayastha BB, Kubo A, Burch-Konda J, Dohmen RL, McCoy JL, Rogers RR, Mares S, Bevere J, Huckaby A, Witt W, Peng S, Chaudhary B, Mohanty S, Barbier M, Cook G, Deng J, Patrauchan MA. EF-hand protein, EfhP, specifically binds Ca 2+ and mediates Ca 2+ regulation of virulence in a human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8791. [PMID: 35614085 PMCID: PMC9132961 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12584-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+) is well known as a second messenger in eukaryotes, where Ca2+ signaling controls life-sustaining cellular processes. Although bacteria produce the components required for Ca2+ signaling, little is known about the mechanisms of bacterial Ca2+ signaling. Previously, we have identified a putative Ca2+-binding protein EfhP (PA4107) with two canonical EF-hand motifs and reported that EfhP mediates Ca2+ regulation of virulence factors production and infectivity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a human pathogen causing life-threatening infections. Here, we show that EfhP selectively binds Ca2+ with 13.7 µM affinity, and that mutations at the +X and -Z positions within each or both EF-hand motifs abolished Ca2+ binding. We also show that the hydrophobicity of EfhP increased in a Ca2+-dependent manner, however no such response was detected in the mutated proteins. 15 N-NMR showed Ca2+-dependent chemical shifts in EfhP confirming Ca2+-binding triggered structural rearrangements in the protein. Deletion of efhP impaired P. aeruginosa survival in macrophages and virulence in vivo. Disabling EfhP Ca2+ binding abolished Ca2+ induction of pyocyanin production in vitro. These data confirm that EfhP selectively binds Ca2+, which triggers its structural changes required for the Ca2+ regulation of P. aeruginosa virulence, thus establishing the role of EfhP as a Ca2+ sensor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biraj B Kayastha
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Aya Kubo
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Jacob Burch-Konda
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Rosalie L Dohmen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Jacee L McCoy
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Rendi R Rogers
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Sergio Mares
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Justin Bevere
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Annalisa Huckaby
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - William Witt
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Shuxia Peng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Bharat Chaudhary
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Smita Mohanty
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Mariette Barbier
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Gabriel Cook
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Junpeng Deng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Marianna A Patrauchan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA.
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18
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Calvigioni M, Cara A, Celandroni F, Mazzantini D, Panattoni A, Tirloni E, Bernardi C, Pinotti L, Stella S, Ghelardi E. Characterization of a Bacillus cereus strain associated with a large feed-related outbreak of severe infection in pigs. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 133:1078-1088. [PMID: 35611609 PMCID: PMC9543730 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Aims Bacillus cereus is often responsible for foodborne diseases and both local and systemic infections in humans. Cases of infection in other mammals are rather rare. In this study, we report a B. cereus feed‐related outbreak that caused the death of 6234 pigs in Italy. Methods and Results Massive doses of a Gram‐positive, spore‐forming bacterium were recovered from the animal feed, faeces of survived pigs and intestinal content of dead ones. The B. cereus MM1 strain was identified by MALDI‐TOF MS and typified by RAPD‐PCR. The isolate was tested for the production of PC‐PLC, proteases, hemolysins and biofilm, for motility, as well as for the presence of genes encoding tissue‐degrading enzymes and toxins. Antimicrobial resistance and pathogenicity in Galleria mellonella larvae were also investigated. Our results show that the isolated B. cereus strain is swimming‐proficient, produces PC‐PLC, proteases, hemolysins, biofilm and carries many virulence genes. The strain shows high pathogenicity in G. mellonella larvae. Conclusions The isolated B. cereus strain demonstrates an aggressive profile of pathogenicity and virulence, being able to produce a wide range of determinants potentially hazardous to pigs' health. Significance and Impact of Study This study highlights the proficiency of B. cereus to behave as a devastating pathogen in swine if ingested at high doses and underlines that more stringent quality controls are needed for livestock feeds and supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Calvigioni
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Alice Cara
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Celandroni
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Diletta Mazzantini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Adelaide Panattoni
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Erica Tirloni
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Cristian Bernardi
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Luciano Pinotti
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Stella
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Emilia Ghelardi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy.,Research Center Nutraceuticals and Food for Health-Nutrafood, University of Pisa, Italy
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19
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Fraga-Silva TFDC, Munhoz-Alves N, Mimura LAN, de Oliveira LRC, Figueiredo-Godoi LMA, Garcia MT, Oliveira ES, Ishikawa LLW, Zorzella-Pezavento SFG, Bonato VLD, Junqueira JC, Bagagli E, Sartori A. Systemic Infection by Non-albicans Candida Species Affects the Development of a Murine Model of Multiple Sclerosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8040386. [PMID: 35448617 PMCID: PMC9032036 DOI: 10.3390/jof8040386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Candidiasis may affect the central nervous system (CNS), and although Candida albicans is predominant, non-albicans Candida species can also be associated with CNS infections. Some studies have suggested that Candida infections could increase the odds of multiple sclerosis (MS) development. In this context, we investigated whether systemic infection by non-albicans Candida species would affect, clinically or immunologically, the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), which is an animal model used to study MS. For this, a strain of C. glabrata, C. krusei, and C. parapsilosis was selected and characterized using different in vitro and in vivo models. In these analysis, all the strains exhibited the ability to form biofilms, produce proteolytic enzymes, and cause systemic infections in Galleria mellonella, with C. glabrata being the most virulent species. Next, C57BL/6 mice were infected with strains of C. glabrata, C. krusei, or C. parapsilosis, and 3 days later were immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein to develop EAE. Mice from EAE groups previously infected with C. glabrata and C. krusei developed more severe and more prevalent paralysis, while mice from the EAE group infected with C. parapsilosis developed a disease comparable to non-infected EAE mice. Disease aggravation by C. glabrata and C. krusei strains was concomitant to increased IL-17 and IFN-γ production by splenic cells stimulated with fungi-derived antigens and with increased percentage of T lymphocytes and myeloid cells in the CNS. Analysis of interaction with BV-2 microglial cell line also revealed differences among these strains, in which C. krusei was the strongest activator of microglia concerning the expression of MHC II and CD40 and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Altogether, these results indicated that the three non-albicans Candida strains were similarly able to reach the CNS but distinct in terms of their effect over EAE development. Whereas C. glabrata and C. Krusei aggravated the development of EAE, C. parapsilosis did not affect its severity. Disease worsening was partially associated to virulence factors in C. glabrata and to a strong activation of microglia in C. krusei infection. In conclusion, systemic infections by non-albicans Candida strains exerted influence on the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in both immunological and clinical aspects, emphasizing their possible relevance in MS development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Fernanda de Campos Fraga-Silva
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (N.M.-A.); (L.A.N.M.); (E.S.O.); (L.L.W.I.); (S.F.G.Z.-P.); (E.B.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Natália Munhoz-Alves
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (N.M.-A.); (L.A.N.M.); (E.S.O.); (L.L.W.I.); (S.F.G.Z.-P.); (E.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Luiza Ayumi Nishiyama Mimura
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (N.M.-A.); (L.A.N.M.); (E.S.O.); (L.L.W.I.); (S.F.G.Z.-P.); (E.B.); (A.S.)
| | | | - Lívia Mara Alves Figueiredo-Godoi
- Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Jose dos Campos 12245-000, Brazil; (L.M.A.F.-G.); (M.T.G.); (J.C.J.)
| | - Maíra Terra Garcia
- Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Jose dos Campos 12245-000, Brazil; (L.M.A.F.-G.); (M.T.G.); (J.C.J.)
| | - Evelyn Silva Oliveira
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (N.M.-A.); (L.A.N.M.); (E.S.O.); (L.L.W.I.); (S.F.G.Z.-P.); (E.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Larissa Lumi Watanabe Ishikawa
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (N.M.-A.); (L.A.N.M.); (E.S.O.); (L.L.W.I.); (S.F.G.Z.-P.); (E.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Sofia Fernanda Gonçalves Zorzella-Pezavento
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (N.M.-A.); (L.A.N.M.); (E.S.O.); (L.L.W.I.); (S.F.G.Z.-P.); (E.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Vânia Luiza Deperon Bonato
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Ribeirao Preto 14049-900, Brazil;
| | - Juliana Campos Junqueira
- Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Jose dos Campos 12245-000, Brazil; (L.M.A.F.-G.); (M.T.G.); (J.C.J.)
| | - Eduardo Bagagli
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (N.M.-A.); (L.A.N.M.); (E.S.O.); (L.L.W.I.); (S.F.G.Z.-P.); (E.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Alexandrina Sartori
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (N.M.-A.); (L.A.N.M.); (E.S.O.); (L.L.W.I.); (S.F.G.Z.-P.); (E.B.); (A.S.)
- Postgraduate Program in Tropical Disease, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil;
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A Biomimetic Porcine Urothelial Model for Assessing Escherichia coli Pathogenicity. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10040783. [PMID: 35456833 PMCID: PMC9029248 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10040783] [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: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections can be severe, sometimes fatal, diseases whose etiological pathogens are predominantly uropathogenic strains of E. coli (UPEC). To investigate the UPEC pathogenesis, several models have already been established with minor or major disadvantages. The aim was to develop a simple, fast, and inexpensive biomimetic in vitro model based on normal porcine urothelial (NPU) cells that are genetically and physiologically similar to human bladder urothelium and to perform basic studies of E. coli pathogenicity. Initially, the model was tested using a set of control E. coli strains and, subsequently, with human E. coli strains isolated either from patients with urinary infections or from the feces of healthy individuals. A drop in viability of NPU cells was used as a measure of the pathogenicity of the individual strain tested. To visualize the subcellular events, transmission and scanning electron microscopy was performed. The strains were tested for the presence of different virulence-associated genes, phylogroup, type of core lipid, O-serotype, and type of lipopolysaccharide and a statistical analysis of possible correlations between strains’ characteristics and the effect on the model was performed. Results showed that our model has the discriminatory power to distinguish pathogenic from non-pathogenic E. coli strains, and to identify new, potentially pathogenic strains.
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Vogel J, Jansen L, Setroikromo R, Cavallo FM, van Dijl JM, Quax WJ. Fighting Acinetobacter baumannii infections with the acylase PvdQ. Microbes Infect 2022; 24:104951. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2022.104951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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22
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Anjum M, Laitila A, Ouwehand AC, Forssten SD. Current Perspectives on Gastrointestinal Models to Assess Probiotic-Pathogen Interactions. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:831455. [PMID: 35173703 PMCID: PMC8841803 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.831455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There are different models available that mimic the human intestinal epithelium and are thus available for studying probiotic and pathogen interactions in the gastrointestinal tract. Although, in vivo models make it possible to study the overall effects of a probiotic on a living subject, they cannot always be conducted and there is a general commitment to reduce the use of animal models. Hence, in vitro methods provide a more rapid tool for studying the interaction between probiotics and pathogens; as well as being ethically superior, faster, and less expensive. The in vitro models are represented by less complex traditional models, standard 2D models compromised of culture plates as well as Transwell inserts, and newer 3D models like organoids, enteroids, as well as organ-on-a-chip. The optimal model selected depends on the research question. Properly designed in vitro and/or in vivo studies are needed to examine the mechanism(s) of action of probiotics on pathogens to obtain physiologically relevant results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sofia D. Forssten
- International Flavors and Fragrances, Health and Biosciences, Danisco Sweeteners Oy, Kantvik, Finland
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23
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RNase R, a New Virulence Determinant of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020317. [PMID: 35208772 PMCID: PMC8875335 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020317] [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: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumococcal infections have increasingly high mortality rates despite the availability of vaccines and antibiotics. Therefore, the identification of new virulence determinants and the understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind pathogenesis have become of paramount importance in the search of new targets for drug development. The exoribonuclease RNase R has been involved in virulence in a growing number of pathogens. In this work, we used Galleria mellonella as an infection model to demonstrate that the presence of RNase R increases the pneumococcus virulence. Larvae infected with the RNase R mutant show an increased expression level of antimicrobial peptides. Furthermore, they have a lower bacterial load in the hemolymph in the later stages of infection, leading to a higher survival rate of the larvae. Interestingly, pneumococci expressing RNase R show a sudden drop in bacterial numbers immediately after infection, resembling the eclipse phase observed after intravenous inoculation in mice. Concomitantly, we observed a lower number of mutant bacteria inside larval hemocytes and a higher susceptibility to oxidative stress when compared to the wild type. Together, our results indicate that RNase R is involved in the ability of pneumococci to evade the host immune response, probably by interfering with internalization and/or replication inside the larval hemocytes.
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Ménard G, Rouillon A, Cattoir V, Donnio PY. Galleria mellonella as a Suitable Model of Bacterial Infection: Past, Present and Future. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:782733. [PMID: 35004350 PMCID: PMC8727906 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.782733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing interest for Galleria mellonella larvae as an infection model is evidenced by the number of papers reporting its use, which increases exponentially since the early 2010s. This popularity was initially linked to limitation of conventional animal models due to financial, technical and ethical aspects. In comparison, alternative models (e.g. models using Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster or G. mellonella) were cheap, simple to use and not limited by ethical regulation. Since then, similar results have been established with G. mellonella model comparatively to vertebrates, and it is more and more often used as a robust model per se, not only as an alternative to the murine model. This review attempts to summarize the current knowledge supporting the development of this model, both on immunological and microbiological aspects. For that, we focus on investigation of virulence and new therapies for the most important pathogenic bacteria. We also discuss points out directions for standardization, as well as recent advances and new perspectives for monitoring host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Ménard
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, INSERM, Bacterial Regulatory RNAs and Medicine (BRM), service de Bactériologie Hygiène-Hospitalière (SB2H), UMR_S 1230, Rennes, France
| | - Astrid Rouillon
- Univ Rennes, INSERM, Bacterial Regulatory RNAs and Medicine (BRM), UMR_S 1230, Rennes, France
| | - Vincent Cattoir
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, INSERM, Bacterial Regulatory RNAs and Medicine (BRM), service de Bactériologie Hygiène-Hospitalière (SB2H), UMR_S 1230, Rennes, France
| | - Pierre-Yves Donnio
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, INSERM, Bacterial Regulatory RNAs and Medicine (BRM), service de Bactériologie Hygiène-Hospitalière (SB2H), UMR_S 1230, Rennes, France
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25
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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: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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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26
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Prakoso D, Zhu X, Rajeev S. Galleria mellonella infection model to evaluate pathogenic and nonpathogenic Leptospira strains. Vet Microbiol 2022; 264:109295. [PMID: 34875420 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2021.109295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The Galleria mellonella larvae infection model is emerging as a valuable tool for studying various characteristics of infectious agents and host-pathogen interaction. This system has been widely recognized as a high throughput, ethical, and cost-effective invertebrate infection model to study the virulence and pathogenesis of various bacterial pathogens. In this study, we compared the effect of Leptospira infection in G. mellonella larvae infected with Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni (pathogenic) or Leptospira biflexa serovar Patoc (saprophytic) strains. We observed significant pathologic changes such as decreased activity, complete melanization, and lower survival rate in the G. mellonella larvae infected with a pathogenic strain L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni compared to those infected with a nonpathogenic strain L. biflexa serovar Patoc. Our study demonstrates the feasibility and the potential of using G. mellonella larvae as an alternative model to study virulence mechanisms and pathogenesis of Leptospira strains. Once optimized, the G. mellonella infection model can be a potential substitute for hamsters to explore various host and pathogen-related mechanistic events in Leptospira infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhani Prakoso
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, 2407 River Drive, 37996, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Xiaojuan Zhu
- Office of Information Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Sreekumari Rajeev
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, 2407 River Drive, 37996, Knoxville, TN, United States.
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Collins E, Martin C, Blomquist T, Phillips K, Cantlay S, Fisher N, Horzempa J. The utilization of Blaptica dubia cockroaches as an in vivo model to test antibiotic efficacy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:24004. [PMID: 34907348 PMCID: PMC8671488 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03486-3] [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: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects are now well recognized as biologically relevant alternative hosts for dozens of mammalian pathogens and they are routinely used in microbial pathogenesis studies. Unfortunately, these models have yet to be incorporated into the drug development pipeline. The purpose of this work was to begin to evaluate the utility of orange spotted (Blaptica dubia) cockroaches in early antibiotic characterization. To determine whether these model hosts could exhibit mortality when infected with bacteria that are pathogenic to humans, we subjected B. dubia roaches to a range of infectious doses of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Acinetobacter baumannii to identify the medial lethal dose. These results showed that lethal disease did not develop following infection of high doses of S. aureus, and A. baumannii. However, cockroaches infected with E. coli and K. pneumoniae succumbed to infection (LD50s of 5.82 × 106 and 2.58 × 106 respectively) suggesting that this model may have limitations based on pathogen specificity. However, because these cockroaches were susceptible to infection from E. coli and K. pneumoniae, we used these bacterial strains for subsequent antibiotic characterization studies. These studies suggested that β-lactam antibiotic persistence and dose was associated with reduction of hemolymph bacterial burden. Moreover, our data indicated that the reduction of bacterial CFU was directly due to the drug activity. Altogether, this work suggests that the orange-spotted cockroach infection model provides an alternative in vivo setting from which antibiotic efficacy can be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot Collins
- Department of Biological Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Caleb Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Tyler Blomquist
- Department of Biological Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Katherine Phillips
- Department of Biological Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Stuart Cantlay
- Department of Biological Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, USA
| | | | - Joseph Horzempa
- Department of Biological Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, USA.
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Tao Y, Duma L, Rossez Y. Galleria mellonella as a Good Model to Study Acinetobacter baumannii Pathogenesis. Pathogens 2021; 10:1483. [PMID: 34832638 PMCID: PMC8623143 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The invertebrate model, Galleria mellonella, has been widely used to study host-pathogen interactions due to its cheapness, ease of handling, and similar mammalian innate immune system. G. mellonella larvae have been proven to be useful and a reliable model for analyzing pathogenesis mechanisms of multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, an opportunistic pathogen difficult to kill. This review describes the detailed experimental design of G. mellonella/A. baumannii models, and provides a comprehensive comparison of various virulence factors and therapy strategies using the G. mellonella host. These investigations highlight the importance of this host-pathogen model for in vivo pathogen virulence studies. On the long term, further development of the G. mellonella/A. baumannii model will offer promising insights for clinical treatments of A. baumannii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Tao
- Université de Technologie de Compiègne, UPJV, UMR CNRS 7025, Enzyme and Cell Engineering, Centre de Recherche Royallieu–CS 60 319 , 60203 Compiègne, France; (Y.T.); (L.D.)
| | - Luminita Duma
- Université de Technologie de Compiègne, UPJV, UMR CNRS 7025, Enzyme and Cell Engineering, Centre de Recherche Royallieu–CS 60 319 , 60203 Compiègne, France; (Y.T.); (L.D.)
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, CNRS, ICMR UMR 7312, 51097 Reims, France
| | - Yannick Rossez
- Université Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576-UGSF-Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, F-59000 Lille, France
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Kaczorowska J, Casey E, Lugli GA, Ventura M, Clarke DJ, van Sinderen D, Mahony J. In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment of the Potential of Escherichia coli Phages to Treat Infections and Survive Gastric Conditions. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9091869. [PMID: 34576765 PMCID: PMC8472732 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9091869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and Shigella ssp. infections are associated with high rates of mortality, especially in infants in developing countries. Due to increasing levels of global antibiotic resistance exhibited by many pathogenic organisms, alternative strategies to combat such infections are urgently required. In this study, we evaluated the stability of five coliphages (four Myoviridae and one Siphoviridae phage) over a range of pH conditions and in simulated gastric conditions. The Myoviridae phages were stable across the range of pH 2 to 7, while the Siphoviridae phage, JK16, exhibited higher sensitivity to low pH. A composite mixture of these five phages was tested in vivo in a Galleria mellonella model. The obtained data clearly shows potential in treating E. coli infections prophylactically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kaczorowska
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland; (J.K.); (E.C.); (D.J.C.)
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland
| | - Eoghan Casey
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland; (J.K.); (E.C.); (D.J.C.)
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland
| | - Gabriele A. Lugli
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy; (G.A.L.); (M.V.)
| | - Marco Ventura
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy; (G.A.L.); (M.V.)
| | - David J. Clarke
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland; (J.K.); (E.C.); (D.J.C.)
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland; (J.K.); (E.C.); (D.J.C.)
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland
- Correspondence: (D.v.S.); (J.M.); Tel.: +353-21-4901365 (D.v.S.); +353-21-4902730 (J.M.)
| | - Jennifer Mahony
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland; (J.K.); (E.C.); (D.J.C.)
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland
- Correspondence: (D.v.S.); (J.M.); Tel.: +353-21-4901365 (D.v.S.); +353-21-4902730 (J.M.)
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Consentino L, Rejasse A, Crapart N, Bevilacqua C, Nielsen-LeRoux C. Laser capture microdissection to study Bacillus cereus iron homeostasis gene expression during Galleria mellonella in vivo gut colonization. Virulence 2021; 12:2104-2121. [PMID: 34374318 PMCID: PMC8366545 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1959790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus cereus is a Gram-positive opportunistic pathogen closely related to the entomopathogen, Bacillus thuringiensis, both of which are involved in intestinal infections. Iron is an essential micronutrient for full growth and virulence of pathogens during infection. However, little is known about iron homeostasis during gut infection. Therefore, we aimed to assess the expression of B. cereus genes related to bacterial iron homeostasis, virulence and oxidative stress. The hypothesis is that the expression of such genes would vary between early and later stage colonization in correlation to gut cell damage. To perform the study, a germ-free Galleria mellonella model was set up in order to adapt the use of Laser-capture microdissection (LCM), to select precise areas in the gut lumen from frozen whole larval cryo-sections. Analyses were performed from alive larvae and the expression of targeted genes was assessed byspecific pre-amplification of mRNA followed by quantitative PCR. Firstly, the results reinforce the reliability of LCM, despite a low amount of bacterial RNA recovered. Secondly, bacterial genes involved in iron homeostasis are expressed in the lumen at both 3 and 16 hours post force-feeding. Thirdly, iron gene expression is slightly modulated during gut infection, and lastly, the mRNA of G. mellonella encoding for ferritin and transferrin iron storage and transport are recovered too. Therefore, iron homeostasis should play a role in B. cereus gut colonization. Furthermore, we demonstrate for the first time the value of using LCM for specific in situ gene expression analysis of extracellular bacteria in a whole animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Consentino
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Agnès Rejasse
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Nicolas Crapart
- Université Paris Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, UMR GABI, Abridge, Jouy En Josas, France.,Exilone, Elancourt, France
| | - Claudia Bevilacqua
- Université Paris Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, UMR GABI, Abridge, Jouy En Josas, France
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Lin Y, Liu S, Xi X, Ma C, Wang L, Chen X, Shi Z, Chen T, Shaw C, Zhou M. Study on the Structure-Activity Relationship of an Antimicrobial Peptide, Brevinin-2GUb, from the Skin Secretion of Hylarana guentheri. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10080895. [PMID: 34438945 PMCID: PMC8388802 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10080895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered potential alternatives to antibiotics due to their advantages in solving antibiotic resistance. Brevinin-2GUb, which was extracted from the skin secretion of Hylarana guentheri, is a peptide with modest antimicrobial activity. Several analogues were designed to explore the structure–activity relationship and enhance its activity. In general, the Rana box is not an indispensable motif for the bioactivity of Brevinin-2GUb, and the first to the 19th amino acids at the N-terminal end are active fragments, such that shortening the peptide while maintaining its bioactivity is a promising strategy for the optimisation of peptides. Keeping a complete hydrophobic face and increasing the net charges are key factors for antimicrobial activity. With the increase of cationic charges, α-helical proportion, and amphipathicity, the activity of t-Brevinin-2GUb-6K (tB2U-6K), in combatting bacteria, drastically improved, especially against Gram-negative bacteria, and the peptide attained the capacity to kill clinical isolates and fungi as well, which made it possible to address some aspects of antibiotic resistance. Thus, peptide tB2U-6K, with potent antimicrobial activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the capacity to inhibit the growth of biofilm, and low toxicity against normal cells, is of value to be further developed into an antimicrobial agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxian Lin
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.L.); (S.L.); (C.M.); (X.C.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Siyan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.L.); (S.L.); (C.M.); (X.C.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Xinping Xi
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.L.); (S.L.); (C.M.); (X.C.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
- Correspondence: (X.X.); (L.W.)
| | - Chengbang Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.L.); (S.L.); (C.M.); (X.C.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.L.); (S.L.); (C.M.); (X.C.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
- Correspondence: (X.X.); (L.W.)
| | - Xiaoling Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.L.); (S.L.); (C.M.); (X.C.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Zhanzhong Shi
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London NW4 4BT, UK;
| | - Tianbao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.L.); (S.L.); (C.M.); (X.C.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Chris Shaw
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.L.); (S.L.); (C.M.); (X.C.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Mei Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.L.); (S.L.); (C.M.); (X.C.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
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Wellham PAD, Hafeez A, Gregori A, Brock M, Kim DH, Chandler D, de Moor CH. Culture Degeneration Reduces Sex-Related Gene Expression, Alters Metabolite Production and Reduces Insect Pathogenic Response in Cordyceps militaris. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081559. [PMID: 34442638 PMCID: PMC8400478 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cordyceps militaris is an entomopathogenic ascomycete, known primarily for infecting lepidopteran larval (caterpillars) and pupal hosts. Cordycepin, a secondary metabolite produced by this fungus has anti-inflammatory properties and other pharmacological activities. However, little is known about the biological role of this adenosine derivate and its stabilising compound pentostatin in the context of insect infection the life cycle of C. militaris. During repeated subcultivation under laboratory conditions a degeneration of C. militaris marked by decreasing levels of cordycepin production can occur. Here, using degenerated and parental control strains of an isolate of C. militaris, we found that lower cordycepin production coincides with the decline in the production of various other metabolites as well as the reduced expression of genes related to sexual development. Additionally, infection of Galleria mellonella (greater wax moth) caterpillars indicated that cordycepin inhibits the immune response in host haemocytes. Accordingly, the pathogenic response to the degenerated strain was reduced. These data indicate that there are simultaneous changes in sexual reproduction, secondary metabolite production, insect immunity and infection by C. militaris. This study may have implications for biological control of insect crop pests by fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A. D. Wellham
- Gene Regulation and RNA Biology Laboratory, Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University Park Campus, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (P.A.D.W.); (A.H.)
- Centre for Analytical Bioscience, Advanced Materials and Healthcare Technologies Division, School of Pharmacy, University Park Campus, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
- Fungal Genetics and Biology Group, School of Life Sciences, University Park Campus, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - Abdul Hafeez
- Gene Regulation and RNA Biology Laboratory, Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University Park Campus, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (P.A.D.W.); (A.H.)
- Centre for Analytical Bioscience, Advanced Materials and Healthcare Technologies Division, School of Pharmacy, University Park Campus, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - Andrej Gregori
- Mycomedica d.o.o., Podkoren 72, 4280 Kranjska Gora, Slovenia;
| | - Matthias Brock
- Fungal Genetics and Biology Group, School of Life Sciences, University Park Campus, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - Dong-Hyun Kim
- Centre for Analytical Bioscience, Advanced Materials and Healthcare Technologies Division, School of Pharmacy, University Park Campus, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - David Chandler
- Warwick Crop Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Warwick CV35 9EF, UK;
| | - Cornelia H. de Moor
- Gene Regulation and RNA Biology Laboratory, Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University Park Campus, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (P.A.D.W.); (A.H.)
- Correspondence:
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Li M, Carpenter CE, Broadbent JR. Organic Acid Exposure Enhances Virulence in Some Listeria monocytogenes Strains Using the Galleria mellonella Infection Model. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:675241. [PMID: 34295317 PMCID: PMC8290484 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.675241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Prior research has suggested that the use of organic acids in the food industry may unintentionally enhance pathogenicity of Listeria monocytogenes strain N1-227 and R2-499. This study explored the connection between habituation to L-lactic acid or acetic acid and virulence in L. monocytogenes strains N1-227 and R2-499 using selected gene expression analysis and the in vivo Galleria mellonella wax worm model for infection. Expression of transcription factors (sigB and prfA) and genes related to acid resistance (gadD2, gadD3, and arcA) and bile resistance (bsh and bilE) or to virulence (inlA, inlB, hly, plcA, plcB, uhpT, and actA) was investigated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), while in vivo virulence was assessed by following the lethal time to 50% population mortality (LT50) of G. mellonella larvae after injection of untreated and habituated L. monocytogenes. Twenty minutes of habituation to the organic acids at pH 6.0 significantly increased expression of key acid and bile stress response genes in both strains, while expression of virulence genes was strain-dependent. The expression of transcription factor sigB was strain-dependent and there was no significant change in the expression of transcription factor prfA in both strains. Habituation to acid increased virulence of both strains as evidenced by decreased LT50 of G. mellonella larvae injected with Listeria habituated to either acid. In summary, habituation of both L. monocytogenes strains to organic acids up-regulated expression of several stress and virulence genes and concurrently increased virulence as measured using the G. mellonella model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghao Li
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
| | - Charles E Carpenter
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
| | - Jeff R Broadbent
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
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Type VI Secretion System and Its Effectors PdpC, PdpD, and OpiA Contribute to Francisella Virulence in Galleria mellonella Larvae. Infect Immun 2021; 89:e0057920. [PMID: 33875476 PMCID: PMC8208517 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00579-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis causes the deadly zoonotic disease tularemia in humans and is able to infect a broad range of organisms including arthropods, which are thought to play a major role in Francisella transmission. However, while mammalian in vitro and in vivo infection models are widely used to investigate Francisella pathogenicity, a detailed characterization of the major Francisella virulence factor, a noncanonical type VI secretion system (T6SS), in an arthropod in vivo infection model is missing. Here, we use Galleria mellonella larvae to analyze the role of the Francisella T6SS and its corresponding effectors in F. tularensis subsp. novicida virulence. We report that G. mellonella larvae killing depends on the functional T6SS and infectious dose. In contrast to other mammalian in vivo infection models, even one of the T6SS effectors PdpC, PdpD, or OpiA is sufficient to kill G. mellonella larvae, while sheath recycling by ClpB is dispensable. We further demonstrate that treatment by polyethylene glycol (PEG) activates Francisella T6SS in liquid culture and that this is independent of the response regulator PmrA. PEG-activated IglC secretion is dependent on T6SS structural component PdpB but independent of putative effectors PdpC, PdpD, AnmK, OpiB1, OpiB2, and OpiB3. The results of larvae infection and secretion assay suggest that AnmK, a putative T6SS component with unknown function, interferes with OpiA-mediated toxicity but not with general T6SS activity. We establish that the easy-to-use G. mellonella larvae infection model provides new insights into the function of T6SS and pathogenesis of Francisella.
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35
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Thomsen K, Kobayashi O, Kishi K, Shirai R, Østrup Jensen P, Heydorn A, Hentzer M, Calum H, Christophersen L, Høiby N, Moser C. Animal models of chronic and recurrent Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection: significance of macrolide treatment. APMIS 2021; 130:458-476. [PMID: 34117660 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13161] [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: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Animal models of human diseases are invaluable and inevitable elements in identifying and testing novel treatments for serious diseases, including severe infections. Planning and conducting investigator-initiated human trials are generally accepted as being enormously challenging. In contrast, it is often underestimated how much planning, including background and modifying experiments, is needed to establish a relevant infectious disease animal model. However, representative animal infectious models, well designed to test generated hypotheses, are useful to improve our understanding of pathogenesis, virulence factors and host response and to identify novel treatment candidates and therapeutic strategies. Such results can subsequently proceed to clinical testing if suitable. The present review aims at presenting all the pulmonary Pseudomonas aeruginosa infectious models we have knowledge of and the detailed descriptions of established animal models in our laboratory focusing on macrolide therapy are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Thomsen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Osamu Kobayashi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Kishi
- Oitaken Kouseiren Tsurumi Hospital, Tsurumi, Beppu City, Japan
| | - Ryo Shirai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School, General Medical Center, Okayama, Japan
| | - Peter Østrup Jensen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Costerton Biofilm Center, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Arne Heydorn
- Department of Endocrinology and Nephrology, Nordsjaellands Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark
| | - Morten Hentzer
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, H. Lundbeck A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Calum
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Christophersen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Høiby
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Costerton Biofilm Center, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claus Moser
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Costerton Biofilm Center, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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36
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New Quinone Antibiotics against Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10060614. [PMID: 34063846 PMCID: PMC8224091 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10060614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need for the development of new antibiotics. Here, we describe the inhibitory activity of new quinone compounds against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC® 43300), methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (ATCC® 29213), and two clinical isolates from Chile (ISP-213 and ISP-214). We observed 99.9% reduction in viability within 2 h of exposure without the cultures exhibiting any post-antibiotic effect, which was twice the kinetics to that observed with vancomycin. These clinical isolates did not acquire resistance to these quinone derivatives during the course of our study. We found that these compounds protected larvae of the greater wax moth, sp. Galleria mellonella, from infection by these MRSA clinical strains as effectively as vancomycin. These quinone derivatives are potential drug candidates worth further development.
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Rigotto Caruso G, Tonani L, Marcato PD, von Zeska Kress MR. Phenothiazinium Photosensitizers Associated with Silver Nanoparticles in Enhancement of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:569. [PMID: 34066032 PMCID: PMC8150796 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10050569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are known as promising alternatives for the control of microorganisms. This study aims to evaluate the antifungal activity of APDT, particularly by using the association of low concentrations of phenothiazinium photosensitizers (PS) methylene blue (MB), new methylene blue N (NMBN), and new methylene blue N Zinc (NMBN-Zn) in association with biosynthesized AgNPs. The AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy, and the dynamic light scattering method. The minimum inhibitory concentration of compounds in APDT against Candida albicans and Fusarium keratoplasticum was obtained and the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index determined the antifungal effect. The toxicity of compounds and associations in APDT were evaluated in Galleria mellonella. The AgNPs presented a surface plasmon band peak at 420 nm, hydrodynamic diameter of 86.72 nm, and zeta potential of -28.6 mV. AgNPs-PS showed a wider and displaced plasmon band peak due to PS ligands on the surface and decreased zeta potential. AgNPs-NMBN and AgNPs-NMBN-Zn associations presented synergistic effect in APDT with 15 J cm-2 against both fungi and did not show toxicity to G. mellonella. Hence, the enhancement of antifungal activity with low concentrations of compounds and absence of toxicity makes APDT with AgNPs-PS a promising therapeutic alternative for fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glaucia Rigotto Caruso
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 15040-903, SP, Brazil; (G.R.C.); (L.T.)
| | - Ludmilla Tonani
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 15040-903, SP, Brazil; (G.R.C.); (L.T.)
| | - Priscyla Daniely Marcato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 15040-903, SP, Brazil;
| | - Marcia Regina von Zeska Kress
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 15040-903, SP, Brazil; (G.R.C.); (L.T.)
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38
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King M, Kubo A, Kafer L, Braga R, McLeod D, Khanam S, Conway T, Patrauchan MA. Calcium-Regulated Protein CarP Responds to Multiple Host Signals and Mediates Regulation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Virulence by Calcium. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e00061-21. [PMID: 33674436 PMCID: PMC8117776 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00061-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen causing life-threatening infections. Previously, we showed that elevated calcium (Ca2+) levels increase the production of virulence factors in P. aeruginosa In an effort to characterize the Ca2+ regulatory network, we identified a Ca2+-regulated β-propeller protein, CarP, and showed that expression of the encoding gene is controlled by the Ca2+-regulated two-component system CarSR. Here, by using a Galleria melonella model, we showed that CarP plays a role in regulating P. aeruginosa virulence. By using transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq), reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR), and promoter fusions, we determined that carP is transcribed into at least two transcripts and regulated by several bacterial and host factors. The transcription of carP is elevated in response to Ca2+ in P. aeruginosa cystic fibrosis isolates and PAO1 laboratory strain. Elevated Fe2+ also induces carP The simultaneous addition of Ca2+ and Fe2+ increased the carP promoter activity synergistically, which requires the presence of CarR. In silico analysis of the intergenic sequence upstream of carP predicted recognition sites of RhlR/LasR, OxyR, and LexA, suggesting regulation by quorum sensing (QS) and oxidative stress. In agreement, the carP promoter was activated in response to stationary-phase PAO1 supernatant and required the presence of elevated Ca2+ and CarR but remained silent in the triple mutant lacking rhlI, lasI, and pqsA synthases. We also showed that carP transcription is regulated by oxidative stress and that CarP contributes to P. aeruginosa Ca2+-dependent H2O2 tolerance. The multifactorial regulation of carP suggests that CarP plays an important role in P. aeruginosa adaptations to host environments.IMPORTANCEP. aeruginosa is a human pathogen causing life-threatening infections. It is particularly notorious for its ability to adapt to diverse environments within the host. Understanding the signals and the signaling pathways enabling P. aeruginosa adaptation is imperative for developing effective therapies to treat infections caused by this organism. One host signal of particular importance is calcium. Previously, we identified a component of the P. aeruginosa calcium-signaling network, CarP, whose expression is induced by elevated levels of calcium. Here, we show that carP plays an important role in P. aeruginosa virulence and is upregulated in P. aeruginosa strains isolated from sputa of patients with cystic fibrosis. We also identified several bacterial and host factors that regulate the transcription of carP Such multifactorial regulation highlights the interconnectedness between regulatory circuits and, together with the pleotropic effect of CarP on virulence, suggests the importance of this protein in P. aeruginosa adaptations to the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle King
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Aya Kubo
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Leah Kafer
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Reygan Braga
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Daniel McLeod
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Sharmily Khanam
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Tyrrell Conway
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Marianna A Patrauchan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
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Ménard G, Rouillon A, Ghukasyan G, Emily M, Felden B, Donnio PY. Galleria mellonella Larvae as an Infection Model to Investigate sRNA-Mediated Pathogenesis in Staphylococcus aureus. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:631710. [PMID: 33954118 PMCID: PMC8089379 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.631710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) are key players in bacterial regulatory networks. Monitoring their expression inside living colonized or infected organisms is essential for identifying sRNA functions, but few studies have looked at sRNA expression during host infection with bacterial pathogens. Insufficient in vivo studies monitoring sRNA expression attest to the difficulties in collecting such data, we therefore developed a non-mammalian infection model using larval Galleria mellonella to analyze the roles of Staphylococcus aureus sRNAs during larval infection and to quickly determine possible sRNA involvement in staphylococcal virulence before proceeding to more complicated animal testing. We began by using the model to test infected larvae for immunohistochemical evidence of infection as well as host inflammatory responses over time. To monitor sRNA expression during infection, total RNAs were extracted from the larvae and invading bacteria at different time points. The expression profiles of the tested sRNAs were distinct and they fluctuated over time, with expression of both sprD and sprC increased during infection and associated with mortality, while rnaIII expression remained barely detectable over time. A strong correlation was observed between sprD expression and the mortality. To confirm these results, we used sRNA-knockout mutants to investigate sRNA involvement in Staphylococcus aureus pathogenesis, finding that the decrease in death rates is delayed when either sprD or sprC was lacking. These results demonstrate the relevance of this G. mellonella model for investigating the role of sRNAs as transcriptional regulators involved in staphylococcal virulence. This insect model provides a fast and easy method for monitoring sRNA (and mRNA) participation in S. aureus pathogenesis, and can also be used for other human bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Ménard
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, INSERM, BRM [Bacterial Regulatory RNAs and Medicine], SB2H (service de Bactériologie Hygiène-Hospitalière), UMR_S 1230, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Astrid Rouillon
- Univ Rennes, INSERM, BRM (Bacterial Regulatory RNAs and Medicine), UMR_S 1230, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Gevorg Ghukasyan
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, INSERM, BIOSIT (Biologie, Santé, Innovation Technologique de Rennes), UMS 3480, US_S018, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Mathieu Emily
- Institut Agro, CNRS, Univ Rennes, IRMAR (Institut de recherche Mathématique de Rennes), UMR 6625, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Brice Felden
- Univ Rennes, INSERM, BRM (Bacterial Regulatory RNAs and Medicine), UMR_S 1230, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Pierre-Yves Donnio
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, INSERM, BRM [Bacterial Regulatory RNAs and Medicine], SB2H (service de Bactériologie Hygiène-Hospitalière), UMR_S 1230, F-35000, Rennes, France
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40
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Santos LDO, de Lanna CA, Arcanjo ACDC, Bisch PM, von Krüger WMA. Genotypic Diversity and Pathogenic Potential of Clinical and Environmental Vibrio parahaemolyticus Isolates From Brazil. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:602653. [PMID: 33776949 PMCID: PMC7994283 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.602653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains recovered from human diarrheal stools (one in 1975 and two in 2001) and environmental sources (four, between 2008 and 2010) were investigated for the presence of virulence genes (trh, tdh, and vpadF), pandemic markers (orf8, toxRSnew), and with respect to their pathogenic potential in two systemic infection models. Based only on the presence or absence of these genetic markers, they were classified as follows: the environmental strains were non-pathogenic, whereas among the clinical strains, the one isolated in 1975 was pathogenic (non-pandemic), and the other two were pathogenic (pandemic). The pathogenic potential of the strains was evaluated in mice and Galleria mellonella larvae infection models, and except for the clinical (pathogenic, non-pandemic) isolate, the others produced lethal infection in both organisms, regardless of their source, serotype, and genotype (tdh, orf8, toxRSnew, and vpadF). Based on mice and larval mortality rates, the strains were then grouped according to virulence (high, intermediate, and avirulent), and remarkably similar results were obtained by using these models: The clinical strain (pathogenic and non-pandemic) was classified as avirulent, and other strains (four non-pathogenic and two pandemic) were considered of high or intermediate virulence. In summary, these findings demonstrate that G. mellonella larvae can indeed be used as an alternative model to study the pathogenicity of V. parahaemolyticus. Moreover, they raise doubts about the use of traditional virulence markers to predict pathogenesis of the species and show that reliable models are indispensable to determine the pathogenic potential of environmental isolates considered non-pathogenic, based on the absence of the long-standing virulence indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro de O Santos
- Laboratório de Física Biológica, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristóvão A de Lanna
- Laboratório de Física Biológica, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Anna Carolina da C Arcanjo
- Laboratório de Física Biológica, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paulo M Bisch
- Laboratório de Física Biológica, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wanda M A von Krüger
- Laboratório de Física Biológica, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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41
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Durieux MF, Melloul É, Jemel S, Roisin L, Dardé ML, Guillot J, Dannaoui É, Botterel F. Galleria mellonella as a screening tool to study virulence factors of Aspergillus fumigatus. Virulence 2021; 12:818-834. [PMID: 33682618 PMCID: PMC7946008 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1893945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The invertebrate Galleria mellonella has increasingly and widely been used in the last few years to study complex host–microbe interactions. Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the most pathogenic fungi causing life-threatening diseases in humans and animals. Galleria mellonella larvae has been proven as a reliable model for the analysis of pathogenesis and virulence factors, enable to screen a large number of A. fumigatus strains. This review describes the different uses of G. mellonella to study A. fumigatus and provides a comparison of the different protocols to trace fungal pathogenicity. The review also includes a summary of the diverse mutants tested in G. mellonella, and their respective contribution to A. fumigatus virulence. Previous investigations indicated that G. mellonella should be considered as an interesting tool even though a mammalian model may be required to complete and verify initial data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Fleur Durieux
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie - Mycologie, CHU de Limoges, Limoges, France.,EA 7380 Dynamic, Université Paris Est Créteil, EnvA, USC ANSES, Créteil, France
| | - Élise Melloul
- EA 7380 Dynamic, Université Paris Est Créteil, EnvA, USC ANSES, Créteil, France
| | - Sana Jemel
- EA 7380 Dynamic, Université Paris Est Créteil, EnvA, USC ANSES, Créteil, France
| | - Lolita Roisin
- EA 7380 Dynamic, Université Paris Est Créteil, EnvA, USC ANSES, Créteil, France
| | - Marie-Laure Dardé
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie - Mycologie, CHU de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Jacques Guillot
- EA 7380 Dynamic, Université Paris Est Créteil, EnvA, USC ANSES, Créteil, France.,École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Éric Dannaoui
- EA 7380 Dynamic, Université Paris Est Créteil, EnvA, USC ANSES, Créteil, France.,Unité de Parasitologie-mycologie, Service de Microbiologie, Université Paris Descartes, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Françoise Botterel
- EA 7380 Dynamic, Université Paris Est Créteil, EnvA, USC ANSES, Créteil, France.,Unité de Mycologie, Département de Prévention, Diagnostic Et Traitement Des Infections, Groupe Hospitalier Henri Mondor - Albert Chenevier, APHP, France
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42
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Moya-Andérico L, Vukomanovic M, Cendra MDM, Segura-Feliu M, Gil V, Del Río JA, Torrents E. Utility of Galleria mellonella larvae for evaluating nanoparticle toxicology. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 266:129235. [PMID: 33316472 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The use of nanoparticles in consumer products is currently on the rise, so it is important to have reliable methods to predict any associated toxicity effects. Traditional in vitro assays fail to mimic true physiological responses of living organisms against nanoparticles whereas murine in vivo models are costly and ethically controversial. For these reasons, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Galleria mellonella as an alternative, non-rodent in vivo model for examining nanoparticle toxicity. Silver, selenium, and functionalized gold nanoparticles were synthesized, and their toxicity was assessed in G. mellonella larvae. The degree of acute toxicity effects caused by each type of NP was efficiently detected by an array of indicators within the larvae: LD50 calculation, hemocyte proliferation, NP distribution, behavioral changes, and histological alterations. G. mellonella larvae are proposed as a nanotoxicological model that can be used as a bridge between in vitro and in vivo murine assays in order to obtain better predictions of NP toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Moya-Andérico
- Bacterial Infections: Antimicrobial Therapies group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marija Vukomanovic
- Advanced Materials Department, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maria Del Mar Cendra
- Bacterial Infections: Antimicrobial Therapies group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miriam Segura-Feliu
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vanessa Gil
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José A Del Río
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Torrents
- Bacterial Infections: Antimicrobial Therapies group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain; Microbiology Section, Department of Genetics, Microbiology, and Statistics, Biology Faculty, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Nale JY, Vinner GK, Lopez VC, Thanki AM, Phothaworn P, Thiennimitr P, Garcia A, AbuOun M, Anjum MF, Korbsrisate S, Galyov EE, Malik DJ, Clokie MRJ. An Optimized Bacteriophage Cocktail Can Effectively Control Salmonella in vitro and in Galleria mellonella. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:609955. [PMID: 33552020 PMCID: PMC7858669 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.609955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Salmonella spp. is a leading cause of gastrointestinal enteritis in humans where it is largely contracted via contaminated poultry and pork. Phages can be used to control Salmonella infection in the animals, which could break the cycle of infection before the products are accessible for consumption. Here, the potential of 21 myoviruses and a siphovirus to eliminate Salmonella in vitro and in vivo was examined with the aim of developing a biocontrol strategy to curtail the infection in poultry and swine. Together, the phages targeted the twenty-three poultry and ten swine prevalent Salmonella serotype isolates tested. Although individual phages significantly reduced bacterial growth of representative isolates within 6 h post-infection, bacterial regrowth occurred 1 h later, indicating proliferation of resistant strains. To curtail bacteriophage resistance, a novel three-phage cocktail was developed in vitro, and further investigated in an optimized Galleria mellonella larva Salmonella infection model colonized with representative swine, chicken and laboratory strains. For all the strains examined, G. mellonella larvae given phages 2 h prior to bacterial exposure (prophylactic regimen) survived and Salmonella was undetectable 24 h post-phage treatment and throughout the experimental time (72 h). Administering phages with bacteria (co-infection), or 2 h post-bacterial exposure (remedial regimen) also improved survival (73-100% and 15-88%, respectively), but was less effective than prophylaxis application. These pre-livestock data support the future application of this cocktail for further development to effectively treat Salmonella infection in poultry and pigs. Future work will focus on cocktail formulation to ensure stability and incorporation into feeds and used to treat the infection in target animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Y Nale
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Gurinder K Vinner
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Viviana C Lopez
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Anisha M Thanki
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Preeda Phothaworn
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Parameth Thiennimitr
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Angela Garcia
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, United Kingdom
| | - Manal AbuOun
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, United Kingdom
| | - Muna F Anjum
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sunee Korbsrisate
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Edouard E Galyov
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Danish J Malik
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Martha R J Clokie
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
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Attieh Z, Mouawad C, Rejasse A, Jehanno I, Perchat S, Hegna IK, Økstad OA, Kallassy Awad M, Sanchis-Borja V, El Chamy L. The fliK Gene Is Required for the Resistance of Bacillus thuringiensis to Antimicrobial Peptides and Virulence in Drosophila melanogaster. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:611220. [PMID: 33391240 PMCID: PMC7775485 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.611220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are essential effectors of the host innate immune system and they represent promising molecules for the treatment of multidrug resistant microbes. A better understanding of microbial resistance to these defense peptides is thus prerequisite for the control of infectious diseases. Here, using a random mutagenesis approach, we identify the fliK gene, encoding an internal molecular ruler that controls flagella hook length, as an essential element for Bacillus thuringiensis resistance to AMPs in Drosophila. Unlike its parental strain, that is highly virulent to both wild-type and AMPs deficient mutant flies, the fliK deletion mutant is only lethal to the latter's. In agreement with its conserved function, the fliK mutant is non-flagellated and exhibits highly compromised motility. However, comparative analysis of the fliK mutant phenotype to that of a fla mutant, in which the genes encoding flagella proteins are interrupted, indicate that B. thuringiensis FliK-dependent resistance to AMPs is independent of flagella assembly. As a whole, our results identify FliK as an essential determinant for B. thuringiensis virulence in Drosophila and provide new insights on the mechanisms underlying bacteria resistance to AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaynoun Attieh
- UR-EGP, Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Beirut, Lebanon
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Carine Mouawad
- UR-EGP, Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Agnès Rejasse
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Isabelle Jehanno
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Stéphane Perchat
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Ida K. Hegna
- Department of Pharmacy, Centre for Integrative Microbial Evolution (CIME), Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole A. Økstad
- Department of Pharmacy, Centre for Integrative Microbial Evolution (CIME), Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Vincent Sanchis-Borja
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Laure El Chamy
- UR-EGP, Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Beirut, Lebanon
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Phenotypic and Transcriptomic Analyses of Seven Clinical Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Isolates Identify a Small Set of Shared and Commonly Regulated Genes Involved in the Biofilm Lifestyle. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:AEM.02038-20. [PMID: 33097507 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02038-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is one of the most frequently isolated multidrug-resistant nosocomial opportunistic pathogens. It contributes to disease progression in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and is frequently isolated from wounds, infected tissues, and catheter surfaces. On these diverse surfaces S. maltophilia lives in single-species or multispecies biofilms. Since very little is known about common processes in biofilms of different S. maltophilia isolates, we analyzed the biofilm profiles of 300 clinical and environmental isolates from Europe of the recently identified main lineages Sgn3, Sgn4, and Sm2 to Sm18. The analysis of the biofilm architecture of 40 clinical isolates revealed the presence of multicellular structures and high phenotypic variability at a strain-specific level. Further, transcriptome analyses of biofilm cells of seven clinical isolates identified a set of 106 shared strongly expressed genes and 33 strain-specifically expressed genes. Surprisingly, the transcriptome profiles of biofilm versus planktonic cells revealed that just 9.43% ± 1.36% of all genes were differentially regulated. This implies that just a small set of shared and commonly regulated genes is involved in the biofilm lifestyle. Strikingly, iron uptake appears to be a key factor involved in this metabolic shift. Further, metabolic analyses implied that S. maltophilia employs a mostly fermentative growth mode under biofilm conditions. The transcriptome data of this study together with the phenotypic and metabolic analyses represent so far the largest data set on S. maltophilia biofilm versus planktonic cells. This study will lay the foundation for the identification of strategies for fighting S. maltophilia biofilms in clinical and industrial settings.IMPORTANCE Microorganisms living in a biofilm are much more tolerant to antibiotics and antimicrobial substances than planktonic cells are. Thus, the treatment of infections caused by microorganisms living in biofilms is extremely difficult. Nosocomial infections (among others) caused by S. maltophilia, particularly lung infection among CF patients, have increased in prevalence in recent years. The intrinsic multidrug resistance of S. maltophilia and the increased tolerance to antimicrobial agents of its biofilm cells make the treatment of S. maltophilia infection difficult. The significance of our research is based on understanding the common mechanisms involved in biofilm formation of different S. maltophilia isolates, understanding the diversity of biofilm architectures among strains of this species, and identifying the differently regulated processes in biofilm versus planktonic cells. These results will lay the foundation for the treatment of S. maltophilia biofilms.
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Wojda I, Staniec B, Sułek M, Kordaczuk J. The greater wax moth Galleria mellonella: biology and use in immune studies. Pathog Dis 2020; 78:ftaa057. [PMID: 32970818 PMCID: PMC7683414 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftaa057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The greater wax moth Galleria mellonella is an invertebrate that is increasingly being used in scientific research. Its ease of reproduction, numerous offspring, short development cycle, and finally, its known genome and immune-related transcriptome provide a convenient research model for investigation of insect immunity at biochemical and molecular levels. Galleria immunity, consisting of only innate mechanisms, shows adaptive plasticity, which has recently become the subject of intensive scientific research. This insect serves as a mini host in studies of the pathogenicity of microorganisms and in vivo tests of the effectiveness of single virulence factors as well as new antimicrobial compounds. Certainly, the Galleria mellonella species deserves our attention and appreciation for its contribution to the development of research on innate immune mechanisms. In this review article, we describe the biology of the greater wax moth, summarise the main advantages of using it as a model organism and present some of the main techniques facilitating work with this insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Wojda
- Maria Curie Sklodowska University, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Immunobiology, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Bernard Staniec
- Maria Curie Sklodowska University, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Zoology and Nature Protection, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Michał Sułek
- Maria Curie Sklodowska University, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Immunobiology, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jakub Kordaczuk
- Maria Curie Sklodowska University, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Immunobiology, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
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Westmeier D, Siemer S, Vallet C, Steinmann J, Docter D, Buer J, Knauer SK, Stauber RH. Boosting nanotoxicity to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria in pathophysiological environments. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2020; 2:5428-5440. [PMID: 36132026 PMCID: PMC9419095 DOI: 10.1039/d0na00644k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nanomaterials are promising novel antibiotics, but often ineffective. We found that nanomaterial-bacteria complex formation occurred with various nanomaterials. The bactericidal activity of NMs strongly depends on their physical binding to (multidrug-resistant) bacteria. Nanomaterials' binding and antibiotic effect was reduced by various pathophysiological biomolecule coronas strongly inhibiting their antibiotic effects. We show from analytical to in vitro to in vivo that nanomaterial-based killing could be restored by acidic pH treatments. Here, complex formation of negatively-charged, plasma corona-covered, nanomaterials with bacteria was electrostatically enhanced by reducing bacteria's negative surface charge. Employing in vivo skin infection models, acidic pH-induced complex formation was critical to counteract Staphylococcus aureus infections by silver nanomaterials. We explain why nano-antibiotics show reduced activity and provide a clinically practical solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Westmeier
- ENT Department, University Medical Center Mainz Langenbeckstrasse 1 55131 Mainz Germany
| | - Svenja Siemer
- ENT Department, University Medical Center Mainz Langenbeckstrasse 1 55131 Mainz Germany
| | - Cecilia Vallet
- Department of Molecular Biology II, Center for Medical Biotechnology/Nanointegration (ZMB/CENIDE), University Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstrasse 5 45117 Essen Germany
| | - Jörg Steinmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen Hufelandstrasse 55 45112 Essen Germany
| | - Dominic Docter
- ENT Department, University Medical Center Mainz Langenbeckstrasse 1 55131 Mainz Germany
| | - Jan Buer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen Hufelandstrasse 55 45112 Essen Germany
| | - Shirley K Knauer
- Department of Molecular Biology II, Center for Medical Biotechnology/Nanointegration (ZMB/CENIDE), University Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstrasse 5 45117 Essen Germany
| | - Roland H Stauber
- ENT Department, University Medical Center Mainz Langenbeckstrasse 1 55131 Mainz Germany
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Jin Y, Yu X, Zhang S, Kong X, Chen W, Luo Q, Zheng B, Xiao Y. Comparative Analysis of Virulence and Toxin Expression of Vancomycin-Intermediate and Vancomycin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus Strains. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:596942. [PMID: 33193280 PMCID: PMC7661696 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.596942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies on vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) have mainly focused on drug resistance, the evolution of differences in virulence between VISA and vancomycin-sensitive S. aureus (VSSA) requires further investigation. To address this issue, in this study, we compared the virulence and toxin profiles of pair groups of VISA and VSSA strains, including a series of vancomycin-resistant induced S. aureus strains—SA0534, SA0534-V8, and SA0534-V16. We established a mouse skin infection model to evaluate the invasive capacity of VISA strains, and found that although mice infected with VISA had smaller-sized abscesses than those infected with VSSA, the abscesses persisted for a longer period (up to 9 days). Infection with VISA strains was associated with a lower mortality rate in Galleria mellonella larvae compared to infection with VSSA strains (≥ 40% vs. ≤ 3% survival at 28 h). Additionally, VISA were more effective in colonizing the nasal passage of mice than VSSA, and in vitro experiments showed that while VISA strains were less virulent they showed enhanced intracellular survival compared to VSSA strains. RNA sequencing of VISA strains revealed significant differences in the expression levels of the agr, hla, cap, spa, clfB, and sbi genes and suggested that platelet activation is only weakly induced by VISA. Collectively, our findings indicate that VISA is less virulent than VSSA but has a greater capacity to colonize human hosts and evade destruction by the host innate immune system, resulting in persistent and chronic S. aureus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Jin
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shuntian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyang Kong
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qixia Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Beiwen Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yonghong Xiao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Aubourg M, Dhalluin A, Gravey F, Pottier M, Thomy N, Bernay B, Goux D, Martineau M, Giard JC. Phenotypic and proteomic approaches of the response to iron-limited condition in Staphylococcus lugdunensis. BMC Microbiol 2020; 20:328. [PMID: 33115407 PMCID: PMC7594282 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-020-02016-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Staphylococcus lugdunensis is a coagulase-negative Staphylococcus part of the commensal skin flora but emerge as an important opportunistic pathogen. Because iron limitation is a crucial stress during infectious process, we performed phenotypic study and compared proteomic profiles of this species incubated in absence and in presence of the iron chelator 2,2′-dipyridyl (DIP). Results No modification of cell morphology nor cell wall thickness were observed in presence of DIP. However iron-limitation condition promoted biofilm formation and reduced the ability to cope with oxidative stress (1 mM H2O2). In addition, S. lugdunensis N920143 cultured with DIP was significantly less virulent in the larvae of Galleria mellonella model of infection than that grown under standard conditions. We verified that these phenotypes were due to an iron limitation by complementation experiments with FeSO4. By mass spectrometry after trypsin digestion, we characterized the first iron-limitation stress proteome in S. lugdunensis. Among 1426 proteins identified, 349 polypeptides were differentially expressed. 222 were more and 127 less abundant in S. lugdunensis incubated in iron-limitation condition, and by RT-qPCR, some of the corresponding genes have been shown to be transcriptionally regulated. Our data revealed that proteins involved in iron metabolism and carriers were over-expressed, as well as several ABC transporters and polypeptides linked to cell wall metabolism. Conversely, enzymes playing a role in the oxidative stress response (especially catalase) were repressed. Conclusions This phenotypic and global proteomic study allowed characterization of the response of S. lugdunensis to iron-limitation. We showed that iron-limitation promoted biofilm formation, but decrease the oxidative stress resistance that may, at least in part, explained the reduced virulence of S. lugdunensis observed under low iron condition. Supplementary information Supplementary information accompanies this paper at 10.1186/s12866-020-02016-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Aubourg
- Université de Caen Normandie, EA4655 U2RM (équipe «Antibio-résistance»), CHU de Caen, Caen, France
| | - Anne Dhalluin
- Université de Caen Normandie, EA4655 U2RM (équipe «Antibio-résistance»), CHU de Caen, Caen, France
| | - François Gravey
- Université de Caen Normandie, GRAM 2.0, CHU de Caen, Service de Microbiologie, Caen, France
| | - Marine Pottier
- Université de Caen Normandie, EA4655 U2RM (équipe «Antibio-résistance»), CHU de Caen, Caen, France.,Université de Caen Normandie, GRAM 2.0, CHU de Caen, Service de Microbiologie, Caen, France
| | - Nicolas Thomy
- Université de Caen Normandie, EA4655 U2RM (équipe «Antibio-résistance»), CHU de Caen, Caen, France
| | - Benoit Bernay
- Plateforme Proteogen SFR ICORE 4206, Université de Caen Normandie, Caen, France
| | - Didier Goux
- Centre de Microscopie Appliquée à la Biologie, Université de Caen Normandie IFR ICORE, Caen, France
| | - Matthieu Martineau
- Université de Caen Normandie, EA4655 U2RM (équipe «Antibio-résistance»), CHU de Caen, Caen, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Giard
- Université de Caen Normandie, EA4655 U2RM (équipe «Antibio-résistance»), CHU de Caen, Caen, France.
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Abstract
Streptococcus parasanguinis is a dominant isolate of dental plaque and an opportunistic pathogen associated with subacute endocarditis. As the expression of collagen binding proteins (CBPs) could promote the establishment of S. parasanguinis in the host, the functions of three putative CBP-encoding loci, Spaf_0420, Spaf_1570, and Spaf_1573, were analyzed using isogenic mutant strains. It was revealed that S. parasanguinis FW213 bound effectively to fibronectin and type I collagen, but the strain's affinity for laminin and type IV collagen was quite low. By using various deletion derivatives, it was found that these three loci mediated the binding of S. parasanguinis to multiple extracellular matrix molecules, with type I collagen as the common substrate. Derivative strains with a deletion in any of the three loci expressed reduced binding to trypsin-treated swine heart valves. The deletion of these loci also reduced the viable count of S. parasanguinis bacteria within macrophages, especially the loss of Spaf_0420, but only strains with deletions in Spaf_0420 and Spaf_1570 expressed reduced virulence in the Galleria mellonella larva model. The deletion of Spaf_1570 and Spaf_1573 affected mainly the structure, but not the overall mass, of biofilm cultures in a flow cell system. Thus, CBPs are likely to be more critical for the initial colonization of S. parasanguinis on host tissues during the development of endocarditis.IMPORTANCE Bacteria generally can utilize multiple adhesins to establish themselves in the host. We found that Streptococcus parasanguinis, a dominant oral commensal and an opportunistic pathogen for subacute endocarditis, possesses at least three collagen-binding proteins that enable S. parasanguinis to successfully colonize damaged heart tissues and escape innate immune clearance. The binding specificities of these three proteins for extracellular matrix molecules differ, although all three proteins participate in biofilm formation by S. parasanguinis The "multiligand for multisubstrate" feature of these adhesins may explain the high adaptability of this microbe to different tissue sites.
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