The role of the qacA gene in mediating resistance to quaternary ammonium compounds. - Related Documents




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361801.0000The role of the qacA gene in mediating resistance to quaternary ammonium compounds. Conditions facilitating resistance to quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) were investigated in Staphylococcus aureus SK982 exposed to benzalkonium chloride (BAC; a member of QACs) under various circumstances. S. aureus SK982 carrying the qacA gene encoding for resistance to QACs was grown in the presence of stable or gradually increasing concentrations of BAC, or it was exposed to this antiseptic in the exponential phase of growth. Bacteria cultivated in the highest BAC concentrations that did not retard their growth comparing to the untreated control were subjected to real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis for relative expression of the efflux genes qacA and norA. Under such conditions, S. aureus SK982 tolerated a relatively low stable concentration of BAC (1.22 mg/L) when compared with a gradually increasing antiseptic concentration (tolerance of 4.88 mg/L). However, in both cases, qacA expression was not significant. The culture exposed in the exponential phase of growth tolerated the highest concentration of BAC (9.76 mg/L) as also accompanied by significant overexpression of qacA. Expression of norA was relatively low regardless of the conditions tested. It seems that under the short-term conditions, the phase of bacterial growth is more important for the expression of BAC resistance than the capability to adapt to this antiseptic. This study provides a deeper insight into the relevance of the qac genes in conferring resistance to QACs.201323256651
675410.9997Real-time PCR based analysis of metal resistance genes in metal resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain J007. A uranium (U)-resistant and -accumulating Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain was characterized to assess the response of toxic metals toward its growth and expression of metal resistance determinants. The bacterium showed MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) values of 6, 3, and 2 mM for Zn, Cu, and Cd, respectively; with resistance phenotype conferred by periplasmic Cu sequestering copA and RND type heavy metal efflux czcA genes. Real-time PCR-based expression analysis revealed significant upregulation of both these genes upon exposure to low concentrations of metals for short duration, whereas the global stress response gene sodA encoding superoxide dismutase enzyme was upregulated only at higher metal concentrations or longer exposure time. It could also be inferred that copA and czcA are involved in providing resistance only at low metal concentrations, whereas involvement of "global stress response" phenomenon (expression of sodA) at higher metal concentration or increased exposure was evident. This study provides significant understanding of the adaptive response of bacteria surviving in metal and radionuclide contaminated environments along with the development of real-time PCR-based quantification method of using metal resistance genes as biomarker for monitoring relevant bacteria in such habitats.201626662317
629120.9997Adaptive Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to Cefquinome Sulfate in an In Vitro Pharmacokinetic Model with Transcriptomic Insights. Cefquinome sulfate has a strong killing effect against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), but bacterial resistance has become increasingly widespread. Experiments were conducted to investigate the pattern of adaptive resistance of S. aureus to cefquinome sulfate under different dosage regimens by using pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamics (PK-PD) modeling, and the adaptive-resistant bacteria in different states were screened and subjected to transcriptomic sequencing. The results showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration of Staphylococcus aureus under the action of cefquinome sulfate was 0.5 μg/mL, the anti-mutation concentration was 1.6 μg/mL, and the mutation selection window range was 0.5~1.6 μg/mL. In the in vitro pharmacokinetic model to simulate different dosing regimens in the animal body, there are certain rules for the emergence of adaptive drug-resistant bacteria: the intensity of bacterial resistance gradually increased with culture time, and the order of emergence was tolerant bacteria (TO) followed by persistent bacteria (PE) and finally resistant bacteria (RE). The sequence reflected the evolution of adaptive drug resistance. Transcriptome Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes were involved in cellular respiration, energy derivation by oxidation of organic compounds, and oxidation-reduction processes. The differentially expressed genes identified functioned in the synthesis of cell membranes, cytoplasm, and intracellular parts. A Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis found that 65 genes were differentially expressed after cefquinome sulfate treatment, of which 35 genes were significantly upregulated and 30 genes were significantly downregulated. Five genes, sdhB, sdhA, pdhA, lpdA, and sucC, may be involved in network regulation. This study revealed the cross-regulation of multiple metabolic pathway networks and the targets of network regulation of S. aureus to produce adaptive drug resistance. The results will provide guidance for clinical drug use in animals infected with S. aureus.202540005696
629430.9997Comparison of Gene Expression Profiles of Uropathogenic Escherichia Coli CFT073 after Prolonged Exposure to Subinhibitory Concentrations of Different Biocides. Biocides are chemical compounds widely used for sterilization and disinfection. The aim of this study was to examine whether exposure to subinhibitory biocide concentrations influenced transcriptional expression of genes that could improve a pathogen's drug resistance or fitness. We used DNA microarrays to investigate the transcriptome of the uropathogenic Escherichia coli strain CFT073 in response to prolonged exposure to subinhibitory concentrations of four biocides: benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide and triclosan. Transcription of a gene involved in polymyxin resistance, arnT, was increased after treatment with benzalkonium chloride. However, pretreatment of the bacteria with this biocide did not result in cross-resistance to polymyxin in vitro. Genes encoding products related to transport formed the functional group that was most affected by biocides, as 110 out of 884 genes in this category displayed altered transcription. Transcripts of genes involved in cysteine uptake, sulfate assimilation, dipeptide transport, as well as cryptic phage genes were also more abundant in response to several biocides. Additionally, we identified groups of genes with transcription changes unique to single biocides that might include potential targets for the biocides. The biocides did not increase the resistance potential of the pathogen to other antimicrobials.201931569631
629740.9997Combined effect of bacteriophage and antibiotic on the inhibition of the development of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella typhimurium. This study was designed to evaluate the combined effects of bacteriophage and antibiotic on the reduction of the development of antibiotic-resistance in Salmonella typhimurium LT2. The susceptibilities of S. typhimurium to ciprofloxacin and erythromycin were increased when treated with bacteriophages, showing more than 10% increase in clear zone sizes and greater than twofold decrease in minimum inhibitory concentration values. The growth of S. typhimurium was effectively inhibited by the combination of bacteriophage P22 and ciprofloxacin. The combination treatment effectively reduced the development of antibiotic resistance in S. typhimurium. The relative expression levels of efflux pump-related genes (acrA, acrB, and tolC) and outer membrane-related genes (ompC, ompD, and ompF) were decreased at all treatments. This study provides useful information for designing new antibiotic therapy to control antibiotic-resistant bacteria.201830263855
576250.9996Evolution of antimicrobial resistance in E. coli biofilm treated with high doses of ciprofloxacin. The evolution of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has mainly been studied in planktonic bacteria exposed to sub-inhibitory antimicrobial (AM) concentrations. However, in a number of infections that are treated with AMs the bacteria are located in biofilms where they tolerate high doses of AM. In the present study, we continuously exposed biofilm residing E. coli at body temperature to high ciprofloxacin (CIP) concentrations increasing from 4 to 130 times the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), i.e., from 0.06 to 2.0 mg/L. After 1 week, the biofilms were full of CIP resistant bacteria. The evolutionary trajectory observed was the same as described in the literature for planktonic bacteria, i.e., starting with a single mutation in the target gene gyrA followed by mutations in parC, gyrB, and parE, as well as in genes for regulation of multidrug efflux pump systems and outer membrane porins. Strains with higher numbers of these mutations also displayed higher MIC values. Furthermore, the evolution of CIP resistance was more rapid, and resulted in strains with higher MIC values, when the bacteria were biofilm residing than when they were in a planktonic suspension. These results may indicate that extensive clinical AM treatment of biofilm-residing bacteria may not only fail to eradicate the infection but also pose an increased risk of AMR development.202337731931
440460.9996Adaptation to Biocides Cetrimide and Chlorhexidine in Bacteria from Organic Foods: Association with Tolerance to Other Antimicrobials and Physical Stresses. Chlorhexidine (CH) and quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC), such as cetrimide (CE), are widely used as disinfectants because of their broad antimicrobial spectrum. However, their frequent use for disinfection in different settings may promote bacterial drug resistance against both biocides and clinically relevant antibiotics. This study analyzes the effects of stepwise exposure to cetrimide (CE) and chlorhexidine (CH) of bacteria from organic foods and previously classified as biocide-sensitive. Gradual exposure of these strains to biocides resulted in mainly transient decreased antimicrobial susceptibility to other antibiotics and to biocides. Biocide-adapted bacteria also exhibit alterations in physiological characteristics, mainly decreased heat tolerance, or gastric acid tolerance in CE-adapted strains, while bile resistance does not seem to be influenced by biocide adaptation. Results from this study suggest that changes in membrane fluidity may be the main mechanism responsible for the acquisition of stable tolerance to biocides.201728177232
895570.9996Increasing resistance of planktonic and biofilm cultures of Burkholderia cepacia to ciprofloxacin and ceftazidime during exponential growth. The change in resistance of Burkholderia cepacia to ceftazidime and to ciprofloxacin during the exponential phase and up to the onset of stationary phase was assessed along the growth curve in batch culture. B. cepacia was grown in planktonic culture and in a biofilm on a membrane support. Resistance increased progressively during the exponential phase, being increased by ten-fold about every four generations. Bacteria grown in a biofilm were about 15 times more resistant than equivalent planktonic-grown bacteria. The growth rate was not the key factor for the development of resistance. The growth phase and the mode of growth have a fundamental impact on the susceptibility of B. cepacia towards antimicrobial agents. Bacteria growing at the same rate may differ greatly in their resistance to antimicrobial agents.19989738832
629580.9996Anaerobiosis and Mutations Can Reduce Susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to Tobramycin Without Reducing the Cellular Concentration of the Antibiotic. Chronic infections of Pseudomonas aeruginosa are commonly treated with tobramycin. During infections, the bacteria can exist under conditions of oxygen deprivation that render them less susceptible to this antibiotic. The aims of this research were to investigate the genetic basis of tobramycin resistance under anaerobic conditions, and to investigate the effects of anaerobiosis and mutations on the cellular concentration of tobramycin. Ten mutants with lowered susceptibility to tobramycin than wild-type bacteria were evolved from a laboratory reference strain under anaerobic conditions. Mutations were identified by genome sequencing. Mutations had arisen most frequently in the fusA1 gene that encodes elongation factor EF-G1A and in genes involved in twitching motility. Cellular concentrations of tobramycin were then measured. Mutations in fusA1 or absence of the MexXY efflux pump that is associated with tobramycin resistance did not alter the cellular tobramycin concentration under either anaerobic or aerobic conditions. Anaerobic growth reduced the cellular concentration of tobramycin, relative to aerobically grown bacteria, in some but not all of five tested P. aeruginosa isolates. Overall, our findings indicate that anaerobiosis and mutations that reduce aminoglycoside effectiveness do not lower the cellular concentration of antibiotic but instead reduce susceptibility through other mechanisms.202540005562
629890.9996Sublethal Sodium Hypochlorite Exposure: Impact on Resistance-Nodulation-Cell Division Efflux Pump Overexpression and Cross-Resistance to Imipenem. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is widely used in public healthcare facilities; this exposure can result in the development of bacterial tolerance to disinfectants, which has known links to antibiotic cross-resistance. However, the mechanism through which cross-resistance to antibiotics and disinfectants develops remains ambiguous. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the phenotypic and transcriptomic changes caused by disinfectant exposure in Gram-negative bacteria and determine the cause of cross-resistance to antibiotics. The results demonstrated that the misuse of disinfectants plays an important role in the emergence of disinfectant resistance and in the increase in antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance may occur from the exposure of Gram-negative bacteria to subminimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of NaOCl. Ten passages of Gram-negative bacteria in increasingly higher subMICs of the NaOCl disinfectant were sufficient to increase the MIC to >2500 µg/mL NaOCl, particularly in K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa. To determine the development of cross-resistance to antibiotics due to NaOCl exposure, the MICs for each antibiotic before and after the exposure of each strain to sublethal concentrations of NaOCl were compared. After overnight incubation with a sublethal concentration of NaOCl, a statistically significant increase in MIC was only observed for imipenem (p < 0.01). An investigation of the mechanism of cross-resistance by means of transcriptome analysis revealed that 1250 µg/mL of NaOCl-adapted K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa strains increased resistance to imipenem due to the increased expression of resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) efflux pumps, such as AcrAB-TolC and MexAB/XY-OprM. Therefore, we suggest that exposure to NaOCl can influence the expression of RND efflux pump genes, contributing to imipenem cross-resistance.202439335002
5757100.9996The expression regulation of recA gene and bacterial class 2 integron-associated genes induced by antibiotics. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of common antibiotics induction on the expression of class 2 integron integrase and variable region resistance genes in bacteria, as well as potential structural mutations. METHODS: Clinical isolates containing non-functional class 2 integrons and functional class 2 integrons were selected. Strains containing non-functional class 2 integrons or functional class 2 integrons were constructed using isolated DNA templates. These strains were subjected to continuous induction with drug concentrations of 1/2 MIC and 1/4 MIC (ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, and kanamycin) and a concentration of 0.2 μg/ml (mitomycin C) over 8 days. The relative expression levels of relevant genes were measured on days 1, 3, and 8. Drug resistance in the experimental strains was assessed before and after induction to identify any differences. Finally, the sequence of the non-functional class 2 integron integrase gene was analyzed for structural changes that occurred as a result of induction. RESULTS: All drugs selected in this study increased the relative expression levels of recA, intI2, dfrA1, sat2, and aadA1. Significant differences in inductive abilities were observed among the drugs. The 1/2 MIC concentrations were more effective than 1/4 MIC concentrations in increasing the relative expression levels of target genes and enhancing the resistance of the experimental strains. The relative expression levels of recA, intI2, and dfrA1 rose on day 1, peaked on day 3, and slightly declined by day 8. Induced strains exhibited increased resistance to the drugs, with the most significant changes observed in the clinical isolates, particularly concerning CIP resistance. Notably, clinical isolate 7b induced with 1/2 MIC KAN exhibited the loss of one base at position 12bp in the integrase sequence. However, none of the four drugs induced mutations at the 444 bp position of class 2 integrons. CONCLUSION: Sub-MIC concentrations of drugs have been shown to induce an increase in the relative expression level of the SOS response-related gene recA, as well as the integrase and resistance genes of class 2 integrons. Continuous induction leads to sustained upregulation of these genes, which stabilizes or slightly decreases upon reaching a plateau. However, the capacity of different drugs to induce expression varies significantly. Short-term antibiotic exposure did not result in critical mutations that convert class 2 integrons into functional forms.202540950603
4724110.9996Transcriptomic analysis of sub-MIC Eugenol exposition on antibiotic resistance profile in Multidrug Resistant Enterococcus faecalis E9.8. The spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria and their resistance genes along the food chain and the environment has become a global threat aggravated by incorrect disinfection strategies. This study analysed the effect of induction by sub-inhibitory concentrations of eugenol - a major ingredient in clove essential oil commonly used in disinfectant agents - on the phenotypic and genotypic response of MDR Enterococcus faecalis E9.8 strain, selected based on the phenotypic response of other enterococci. Eugenol treatment irreversibly reduced several antibiotics' minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), confirmed by kinetic studies for kanamycin, erythromycin, and tetracycline. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis indicated the reversion of antibiotic resistance through direct and indirect measures, such as down-regulation of genes coding for proteins involved in antibiotic resistance, toxin resistance and virulence factors. Regarding antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), ten differentially expressed genes (five down-regulated and five up-regulated genes) were related to the main transporter families, which present key targets in antibiotic resistance reversion. Our study thus highlights the importance of considering indirectly related genes as targets for antibiotic resistance reversion besides ARGs sensu stricto. These results allow us to propose using eugenol as an antibiotic resistance reversing agent to be included in disinfectant solutions as an excellent alternative to limit the spread of MDR bacteria and their ARGs in the food chain and the environment.202539827501
3617120.9996Resistance and Biodegradation of Triclosan and Propylparaben by Isolated Bacteria from Greywater. We investigated the relationship between antibiotic-resistance genes and the antimicrobial agents, triclosan (TCS) and propylparaben (PPB). The greywater microbiome was repeatedly exposed to triclosan and propylparaben and the effect was analyzed using a combination of PCR, Etest, Biolog, 16S rRNA sequencing, and liquid chromatography. The taxonomic identification points to very similar or even identical isolates, however, the phenotypic analysis suggests that their metabolic potential is different, likely due to genomic variation or differences in the expression of the substrate utilization pathways. For both triclosan and propylparaben, the antibiotic resistance levels among isolates remain consistent regardless of the exposure duration. This suggests that antibiotic-resistance genes are acquired rapidly and that their presence is not directly proportional to the level of micropollutant exposure. In a biodegradation test, TCS was reduced by 50% after 7 h, while PPB decreased only after 75 h. For TCS, the minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) ranged from 64 to above 256 mg/mL. Conversely, for PPB the MIC for the tested strains ranged between 512 and 800 mg/mL. This study highlights the complex interaction between household xenobiotics, greywater microorganisms, and the emergence of antibiotic resistance.202540278161
4510130.9996Environmental concentrations of antibiotics, biocides, and heavy metals fail to induce phenotypic antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli. Most anthropogenically affected environments contain mixtures of pollutants from different sources. The impact of these pollutants is usually the combined effect of the individual polluting constituents. However, how these stressors contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance in environmental microorganisms is poorly understood. Thus, a 30-day exposure experiment to environmental and sub-inhibitory concentrations of oxytetracycline, amoxicillin, zinc, copper, BAC (benzalkonium chloride) 10 and DADMAC (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) 12, was conducted using fully susceptible E. coli ATCC 25922 to ascertain any development of phenotypic or genotypic resistance. Furthermore, wild-type isolates were collected from the same aquatic environment as the stressors, analysed for phenotypic resistance using the disk diffusion method and genotypically through whole genome sequencing. Exposure to the various concentrations and combinations of the stressors did not trigger phenotypic resistance in the experimental bacteria. Furthermore, genotypic analysis of the WGS on the exposed isolates only found the macrolide resistance mdf(A) gene (also present in the control strain) and the disinfectant resistance gene sitABCD. With further analysis for single nucleotide variants (SNV), mutations were detected for 19 genes that encoded for oxidative stress, DNA repair, membrane proteins efflux systems, growth and persister formations except for the robA, a transcription protein subset of the ArcC/XylS family of proteins, which confer multidrug resistance in E. coli. This indicates that exposure to sub-inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics, heavy metals and biocide residues in the aquatic environmental concentrations of the stressors identified in the current study could not induce phenotypic or genotypic resistance but encoded for genes responsible for the development of persistence and tolerance in bacteria, which could be a precursor to the development of resistance in environmental bacteria.202337482346
4766140.9996Evaluation of ethanol and EDTA concentrations in the expression of biofilm-producing smf-1, rpfF genes in XDR clinical isolates of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. BACKGROUND: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is able to cause infections in immunocompromised patients, and the treatment of this opportunistic pathogen is complicated due to its virulence factors, antibiotic resistance, and the ability of the bacteria to produce biofilm. The main goals of this study were to assess the susceptibility of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) isolates to ethanol and EDTA, and evaluating the synergistic effect of these disinfectants, and also survey the effect of exposure to sub-inhibitory concentrations of ethanol and EDTA on the expression of biofilm-producing smf-1, rpfF genes. RESULTS: The results showed that EDTA significantly increased the effectiveness of the ethanol and have a synergistic effect. All of the 10 XDR isolates included in the current study harbored smf-1 and rpfF genes and produced biofilm. After exposure to MIC, sub-MIC, synergism, and sub-synergism of ethanol and EDTA, the expression of smf-1 and rpfF genes was repressed significantly. CONCLUSION: In the current study, it was indicated that the expression of biofilm-producing genes was repressed when bacteria are exposed to different concentrations of ethanol and EDTA. Future studies should include more complex microbial communities residing in the hospitals, and more disinfectants use in hospitals. Expression of other virulence genes in different conditions is suggested.202337775770
4582150.9996Selective pressure of various levels of erythromycin on the development of antibiotic resistance. This study evaluated microbial fitness under selective pressure of various erythromycin concentrations and the development of resistance genes in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis). Eight different concentrations of erythromycin were applied to the environment of erythromycin-resistant strains. The development of erythromycin resistance genes and gene expression were evaluated with plate counting method (PCM), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The results indicated that bacterial growth and adaptation were influenced by bacterial fitness in response to different levels of erythromycin concentrations. Furthermore, the concentration at one minimum inhibitory concentration (1x MIC) was the most effective concentration to select for antibiotic resistance for E.coli, while 4x MIC was the most effective concentration to select for antibiotic resistance for E. faecalis. Total cell densities, measured by qPCR, FISH, and PCM, decreased with increasing erythromycin concentrations. Conversely, resistant bacteria and erythromycin ribosome methylase (erm) gene abundance increased with sub-MIC erythromycin concentrations. Methylated 23S rRNA decreased with increasing erythromycin concentrations. In summary, erythromycin-resistant E. coli and E. faecalis strains adapted to the selective pressure of varying erythromycin concentrations by acquiring and proliferating antibiotic-resistant genes. These results indicate that the development of antibiotic resistance is closely linked to antibiotic concentrations and highlight the significance of selective windows in the emergence and persistence of antibiotic resistance under varying antibiotic concentrations.202539870133
4703160.9995Positive adaptive state: microarray evaluation of gene expression in Salmonella enterica Typhimurium exposed to nalidixic acid. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance among foodborne bacteria associated with food animal production is an important global issue. We hypothesised that antibiotics generate a positive adaptive state in Salmonella that actively contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance. This is opposed to common views that antimicrobials only act as a passive selective pressure. Microarray analysis was used to evaluate changes in gene expression that occur upon exposure of Salmonella enterica Typhimurium ATCC 14028 to 1.6 microg/mL of nalidixic acid. The results showed a significant (P < 0.02) difference (fold expression differences >2.0) in the expression of 226 genes. Comparatively repressed transcripts included Salmonella pathogenicity islands 1 and 2 (SPI1 and SPI2). Induced genes included efflux pumps representing all five families of multidrug-resistance efflux pumps, outer membrane lipoproteins, and genes involved in regulating lipopolysaccharide chain length. This profile suggests both enhanced antimicrobial export from the cell and membrane permeability adaptations to limit diffusion of nalidixic acid into the cell. Finally, increased expression of the error-prone DNA repair mechanisms were also observed. From these data we show a highly integrated genetic response to nalidixic acid that places Salmonella into a positive adaptive state that elicits mutations. Evaluation of gene expression profile changes that occur during exposure to antibiotics will continue to improve our understanding of the development of antibiotic resistance.200717600486
6290170.9995Transcriptomic profiling of ceftriaxone-tolerant phenotypes of Neisseria gonorrhoeae reveals downregulation of ribosomal genes - a pilot study. Antibiotic tolerance is associated with failure of antibiotic treatment and accelerates the development of antimicrobial resistance. The molecular mechanisms underlying antimicrobial tolerance remain poorly understood. Tolerant bacteria can slow metabolism by extending the lag phase without altering antimicrobial susceptibility. We recently induced ceftriaxone (CRO) tolerance in the Neisseria gonorrhoeae reference strain WHO P. In the current study, we characterized the transcriptomic profiles of these CRO-tolerant phenotypes. To induce tolerance, WHO P strains were grown under 3-h intermittent CRO exposure (10× the MIC), followed by overnight growth in gonococcal (GC) broth for seven consecutive days, with cultures maintained in sextuplicate. Two control cultures were maintained without CRO exposure. The tolerance and CRO susceptibility of the isolates were assessed using a modified tolerance disc (TD) test. Total RNA was isolated from tolerant isolates (n = 12) and control (n = 3) strains, followed by Ribo depletion, Illumina Library preparation, and sequencing. Transcriptomic analysis revealed no differentially expressed genes after 1 day of CRO exposure. However, after 3 days of CRO exposure, 13 genes were found to be significantly downregulated, including tRNA-Ser (C7S06_RS03100) and tRNA-Leu (C7S06_RS04945) and ribosomal RNA genes (16S and 23S rRNA). Following 7 days of exposure, 51 genes were differentially expressed, with most downregulated, such as SecB (Protein-export chaperone SecB) and tRNA-Ser (C7S06_RS01850) and the 16S and 23S ribosomal RNA genes. The development of CRO-tolerance in N. gonorrhoeae was associated with the downregulation of various ribosomal genes and associated genes, reflecting a potential mechanism for bacterial survival under antibiotic stress. IMPORTANCE: Antibiotic tolerance allows some bacteria to survive antibiotic treatment, contributing to treatment failure and creating conditions that promote resistance. In this study, we showed that Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria that causes gonorrhea, can become tolerant to ceftriaxone-the last-line treatment used. By repeatedly exposing the bacteria to high doses of ceftriaxone, we observed the development of tolerance over several days. Using transcriptomic analysis, we found that tolerant bacteria consistently reduced the activity of genes involved in protein synthesis, including ribosomal RNAs and transfer RNAs. This suggests that N. gonorrhoeae may survive antibiotic stress by entering a low-metabolic state that makes the antibiotic less effective. These findings highlight a survival mechanism that does not rely on genetic resistance. Understanding this tolerance response is vital for improving current treatment approaches and could inform the development of new strategies to prevent antibiotic failure in gonorrhea and other infections.202540622217
5761180.9995The Effects of Sub-inhibitory Antibiotic Concentrations on Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Reduced Susceptibility Due to Mutations. Pseudomonas aeruginosa chronically infects in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis and other forms of lung disease. Infections are treated with antibiotics, but over time, the bacteria acquire mutations that reduce their antibiotic susceptibility. The effects of inhibitory amounts of antibiotics in selecting for antibiotic-resistant mutants have been well studied. However, the concentrations of antibiotics that reach infecting bacteria can be sub-inhibitory and but may nonetheless promote emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Therefore, the aim of this research was to investigate the effects of sub-inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics on the antibiotic susceptibility of P. aeruginosa. Two P. aeruginosa reference strains, PAO1 and PA14, and six isolates from individuals with cystic fibrosis were studied. The bacteria were passaged in the presence of antibiotics (ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, meropenem or tobramycin) at sub-inhibitory amounts. Fifteen populations of bacteria (up to five per strain) were exposed to each of the four antibiotics. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined following 10 passages on agar supplemented with antibiotic and compared with susceptibility prior to antibiotic exposure. Antibiotic exposure resulted in susceptibility being significantly (>2-fold) reduced for 13 of the 60 populations. Seven samples had reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, three to tobramycin, two to ceftazidime and one to meropenem. Whole-genome sequencing revealed the mutations arising following antibiotic exposure. Mutants with reduced antibiotic susceptibility had mutations in genes known to affect antibiotic resistance, including regulators of efflux pumps (mexR, mexS, mexZ and nalC) and the fusA1 gene that is associated with aminoglycoside resistance. Genes not previously associated with resistance, including gacS, sigX and crfX and two genes with no known function, were also mutated in some isolates with reduced antibiotic susceptibility. Our results show that exposure to sub-inhibitory amounts of antibiotics can select for mutations that reduce the susceptibility of P. aeruginosa to antibiotics and that the profile of mutations is different from that arising during selection with inhibitory antibiotic concentrations. It is likely that exposure to sub-inhibitory amounts of antibiotics during infection contributes to P. aeruginosa becoming antibiotic-resistant.202134987489
8954190.9995Effect of biofilm formation by antimicrobial-resistant gram-negative bacteria in cold storage on survival in dairy processing lines. Antimicrobial-resistant gram-negative bacteria in dairy products can transfer antimicrobial resistance to gut microbiota in humans and can adversely impact the product quality. In this study, we aimed to investigate their distribution in dairy processing lines and evaluate biofilm formation and heat tolerance under dairy processing line-like conditions. Additionally, we compared the relative expression of general and heat stress-related genes as well as spoilage-related gene between biofilm and planktonic cells under consecutive stresses, similar to those in dairy processing lines. Most species of gram-negative bacteria isolated from five different dairy processing plants were resistant to one or more antimicrobials. Biofilm formation by the bacteria at 5 °C increased with the increase in exposure time. Moreover, cells in biofilms remained viable under heat treatment, whereas all planktonic cells of the selected strains died. The expression of heat-shock-related genes significantly increased with heat treatment in the biofilms but mostly decreased in the planktonic cells. Thus, biofilm formation under raw milk storage conditions may improve the tolerance of antimicrobial-resistant gram-negative bacteria to pasteurization, thereby increasing their persistence in dairy processing lines and products. Furthermore, the difference in response to heat stress between biofilm and planktonic cells may be attributed to the differential expression of heat stress-related genes. Therefore, this study contributes to the understanding of how gram-negative bacteria persist under consecutive stresses in dairy processing procedures and the potential mechanism underlying heat tolerance in biofilms.202336436412