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999200.9799Streptococcal Lancefield polysaccharides are critical cell wall determinants for human Group IIA secreted phospholipase A2 to exert its bactericidal effects. Human Group IIA secreted phospholipase A2 (hGIIA) is an acute phase protein with bactericidal activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Infection models in hGIIA transgenic mice have suggested the importance of hGIIA as an innate defense mechanism against the human pathogens Group A Streptococcus (GAS) and Group B Streptococcus (GBS). Compared to other Gram-positive bacteria, GAS is remarkably resistant to hGIIA activity. To identify GAS resistance mechanisms, we exposed a highly saturated GAS M1 transposon library to recombinant hGIIA and compared relative mutant abundance with library input through transposon-sequencing (Tn-seq). Based on transposon prevalence in the output library, we identified nine genes, including dltA and lytR, conferring increased hGIIA susceptibility. In addition, seven genes conferred increased hGIIA resistance, which included two genes, gacH and gacI that are located within the Group A Carbohydrate (GAC) gene cluster. Using GAS 5448 wild-type and the isogenic gacI mutant and gacI-complemented strains, we demonstrate that loss of the GAC N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) side chain in the ΔgacI mutant increases hGIIA resistance approximately 10-fold, a phenotype that is conserved across different GAS serotypes. Increased resistance is associated with delayed penetration of hGIIA through the cell wall. Correspondingly, loss of the Lancefield Group B Carbohydrate (GBC) rendered GBS significantly more resistant to hGIIA-mediated killing. This suggests that the streptococcal Lancefield antigens, which are critical determinants for streptococcal physiology and virulence, are required for the bactericidal enzyme hGIIA to exert its bactericidal function.201830321240
874910.9789Analysis of Defense-Related Gene Expression in Citrus Hybrids Infected by Xylella fastidiosa. Resistance to Xylella fastidiosa was evaluated in 264 hybrids of crosses between Murcott tangor (Citrus reticulata × Citrus sinensis) and Pera sweet orange (C. sinensis) under field conditions. Uninfected hybrids were grafted with buds collected from Pera sweet orange plants infected with X. fastidiosa, forming a plant with two scions (i.e., hybrid branches and Pera sweet orange branches). From these plants, we chose 10 genotypes with three biological replicates. We evaluated gene expression, bacterial multiplication, and citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC) symptom development in both scions. X. fastidiosa was not detected in most hybrid scions and none showed disease symptoms. In contrast, all Pera sweet orange scions were infected with X. fastidiosa and expressed symptoms of CVC. We quantified the expression of 12 defense-related genes by qPCR comparing resistant to susceptible scions. We suggest that some of these genes are involved in resistance of the hybrids to X. fastidiosa, since their expression was significantly higher in the resistant hybrid scions than in tolerant hybrids and scions originated from CVC symptomatic Pera sweet orange buds. However, we note that these data should be interpreted carefully, as the plant genotypes tested are related but necessarily distinct (hybrids of C. reticulata and C. sinensis, in relation to a C. sinensis control). A principal component analysis revealed a relationship between the expression of these genes and hybrid scions, and between scions that originated from infected buds and the presence of the bacteria and plant symptoms. Multiyear field trials are necessary to develop plant resistance to X. fastidiosa. While the experimental design used here had limitations, it allowed us to identify a set of genes potentially involved in Citrus sp. resistance to this pathogen. Future work on the role of these genes in plant defenses to X. fastidiosa infection is necessary to confirm their importance in the displayed resistance phenotype.201930480473
537520.9783Mechanism of Eravacycline Resistance in Clinical Enterococcus faecalis Isolates From China. Opportunistic infections caused by multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecalis strains are a significant clinical challenge. Eravacycline (Erava) is a synthetic fluorocycline structurally similar to tigecycline (Tige) that exhibits robust antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. This study investigated the in vitro antimicrobial activity and heteroresistance risk of Eravacycline (Erava) in clinical E. faecalis isolates from China along with the mechanism of Erava resistance. A total of 276 non-duplicate E. faecalis isolates were retrospectively collected from a tertiary care hospital in China. Heteroresistance to Erava and the influence of tetracycline (Tet) resistance genes on Erava susceptibility were examined. To clarify the molecular basis for Erava resistance, E. faecalis variants exhibiting Erava-induced resistance were selected under Erava pressure. The relative transcript levels of six candidate genes linked to Erava susceptibility were determined by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR, and their role in Erava resistance and heteroresistance was evaluated by in vitro overexpression experiments. We found that Erava minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against clinical E. faecalis isolates ranged from ≤0.015 to 0.25 mg/l even in strains harboring Tet resistance genes. The detection frequency of Erava heteroresistance in isolates with MICs ≤ 0.06, 0.125, and 0.25 mg/l were 0.43% (1/231), 7.5% (3/40), and 0 (0/5), respectively. No mutations were detected in the 30S ribosomal subunit gene in Erava heteroresistance-derived clones, although mutations in this subunit conferred cross resistance to Tige in Erava-induced resistant E. faecalis. Overexpressing RS00630 (encoding a bone morphogenetic protein family ATP-binding cassette transporter substrate-binding protein) in E. faecalis increased the frequency of Erava and Tige heteroresistance, whereas RS12140, RS06145, and RS06880 overexpression conferred heteroresistance to Tige only. These results indicate that Erava has potent in vitro antimicrobial activity against clinical E. faecalis isolates from China and that Erava heteroresistance can be induced by RS00630 overexpression.202032523563
538530.9781Environmental heterogeneity of Staphylococcus species from alkaline fermented foods and associated toxins and antimicrobial resistance genetic elements. Different samples of three products including Bikalga and Soumbala from Burkina Faso (West Africa) and Ntoba Mbodi from Congo-Brazzaville (Central Africa) were evaluated. The bacteria (400) were phenotyped and genotypically characterized by Rep-PCR, PFGE, 16S rRNA and rpoB gene sequencing and spa typing. Their PFGE profiles were compared with those of 12,000 isolates in the Center for Disease Control (CDC, USA) database. They were screened for the production of enterotoxins, susceptibility to 19 antimicrobials, presence of 12 staphylococcal toxin and 38 AMR genes and the ability to transfer erythromycin and tetracycline resistance genes to Enterococcus faecalis JH2-2. Fifteen coagulase negative (CoNS) and positive (CoPS) species characterized by 25 Rep-PCR/PFGE clusters were identified: Staphylococcus arlettae, S. aureus, S. cohnii, S. epidermidis, S. gallinarum, S. haemolyticus, S. hominis, S. pasteuri, S. condimenti, S. piscifermentans, S. saprophyticus, S. sciuri, S. simulans, S. warneri and Macrococcus caseolyticus. Five species were specific to Soumbala, four to Bikalga and four to Ntoba Mbodi. Two clusters of S. gallinarum and three of S. sciuri were particular to Burkina Faso. The S. aureus isolates exhibited a spa type t355 and their PFGE profiles did not match any in the CDC database. Bacteria from the same cluster displayed similar AMR and toxin phenotypes and genotypes, whereas clusters peculiar to a product or a location generated distinct profiles. The toxin genes screened were not detected and the bacteria did not produce the staphylococcal enterotoxins A, B, C and D. AMR genes including blazA, cat501, dfr(A), dfr(G), mecA, mecA1, msr(A) and tet(K) were identified in CoNS and CoPS. Conjugation experiments produced JH2-2 isolates that acquired resistance to erythromycin and tetracycline, but no gene transfer was revealed by PCR. The investigation of the heterogeneity of Staphylococcus species from alkaline fermented foods, their relationship with clinical and environmental isolates and their safety in relation to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and toxin production is anticipated to contribute to determining the importance of staphylococci in alkaline fermented foods, especially in relation to the safety of the consumers.201931670141
615840.9781Nitric oxide stress resistance in Porphyromonas gingivalis is mediated by a putative hydroxylamine reductase. Porphyromonas gingivalis, the causative agent of adult periodontitis, must maintain nitric oxide (NO) homeostasis and surmount nitric oxide stress from host immune responses or other oral bacteria to survive in the periodontal pocket. To determine the involvement of a putative hydroxylamine reductase (PG0893) and a putative nitrite reductase-related protein (PG2213) in P. gingivalis W83 NO stress resistance, genes encoding those proteins were inactivated by allelic exchange mutagenesis. The isogenic mutants P. gingivalis FLL455 (PG0893ermF) and FLL456 (PG2213ermF) were black pigmented and showed growth rates and gingipain and hemolytic activities similar to those of the wild-type strain. P. gingivalis FLL455 was more sensitive to NO than the wild type. Complementation of P. gingivalis FLL455 with the wild-type gene restored the level of NO sensitivity to a level similar to that of the parent strain. P. gingivalis FLL455 and FLL456 showed sensitivity to oxidative stress similar to that of the wild-type strain. DNA microarray analysis showed that PG0893 and PG2213 were upregulated 1.4- and 2-fold, respectively, in cells exposed to NO. In addition, 178 genes were upregulated and 201 genes downregulated more than 2-fold. The majority of these modulated genes were hypothetical or of unknown function. PG1181, predicted to encode a transcriptional regulator, was upregulated 76-fold. Transcriptome in silico analysis of the microarray data showed major metabolomic variations in key pathways. Collectively, these findings indicate that PG0893 and several other genes may play an important role in P. gingivalis NO stress resistance.201222247513
872850.9781Identification of the defense-related gene VdWRKY53 from the wild grapevine Vitis davidii using RNA sequencing and ectopic expression analysis in Arabidopsis. BACKGROUND: Grapevine is an important fruit crop grown worldwide, and its cultivars are mostly derived from the European species Vitis vinifera, which has genes for high fruit quality and adaptation to a wide variety of climatic conditions. Disease resistance varies substantially across grapevine species; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying such variation remain uncharacterized. RESULTS: The anatomical structure and disease symptoms of grapevine leaves were analyzed for two grapevine species, and the critical period of resistance of grapevine to pathogenic bacteria was determined to be 12 h post inoculation (hpi). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from transcriptome analysis of leaf samples obtained at 12 and 36 hpi, and the transcripts in four pathways (cell wall genes, LRR receptor-like genes, WRKY genes, and pathogenesis-related (PR) genes) were classified into four co-expression groups by using weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). The gene VdWRKY53, showing the highest transcript level, was introduced into Arabidopsis plants by using a vector containing the CaMV35S promoter. These procedures allowed identifying the key genes contributing to differences in disease resistance between a strongly resistant accession of a wild grapevine species Vitis davidii (VID) and a susceptible cultivar of V. vinifera, 'Manicure Finger' (VIV). Vitis davidii, but not VIV, showed a typical hypersensitive response after infection with a fungal pathogen (Coniella diplodiella) causing white rot disease. Further, 20 defense-related genes were identified, and their differential expression between the two grapevine species was confirmed using quantitative real-time PCR analysis. VdWRKY53, showing the highest transcript level, was selected for functional analysis and therefore over-expressed in Arabidopsis under the control of the CaMV35S promoter. The transgenic plants showed enhanced resistance to C. diplodiella and to two other pathogens, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 and Golovinomyces cichoracearum. CONCLUSION: The consistency of the results in VID and transgenic Arabidopsis indicated that VdWRKY53 might be involved in the activation of defense-related genes that enhance the resistance of these plants to pathogens. Thus, the over-expression of VdWRKY53 in transgenic grapevines might improve their resistance to pathogens.201931057347
514360.9779Genomic Insights Into the Pathogenicity of a Novel Biofilm-Forming Enterococcus sp. Bacteria (Enterococcus lacertideformus) Identified in Reptiles. Whole genome analysis of a novel species of enterococci, Enterococcus lacertideformus, causing multi-systemic and invariably fatal disease in critically endangered Christmas Island reptiles was undertaken to determine the genetic elements and potential mechanisms conferring its pathogenic nature, biofilm-forming capabilities, immune recognition avoidance, and inability to grow in vitro. Comparative genomic analyses with related and clinically significant enterococci were further undertaken to infer the evolutionary history of the bacterium and identify genes both novel and absent. The genome had a G + C content of 35.1%, consisted of a circular chromosome, no plasmids, and was 2,419,934 bp in length (2,321 genes, 47 tRNAs, and 13 rRNAs). Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis of multiple E. lacertideformus samples revealed they were effectively indistinguishable from one another and highly clonal. E. lacertideformus was found to be located within the Enterococcus faecium species clade and was closely related to Enterococcus villorum F1129D based on 16S rDNA and MLST house-keeping gene analysis. Antimicrobial resistance (DfreE, EfrB, tetM, bcrRABD, and sat4) and virulence genes (Fss3 and ClpP), and genes conferring tolerance to metals and biocides (n = 9) were identified. The detection of relatively few genes encoding antimicrobial resistance and virulence indicates that this bacterium may have had no exposure to recently developed and clinically significant antibiotics. Genes potentially imparting beneficial functional properties were identified, including prophages, insertion elements, integrative conjugative elements, and genomic islands. Functional CRISPR-Cas arrays, and a defective prophage region were identified in the genome. The study also revealed many genomic loci unique to E. lacertideformus which contained genes enriched in cell wall/membrane/envelop biogenesis, and carbohydrate metabolism and transport functionality. This finding and the detection of putative enterococcal biofilm determinants (EfaAfs, srtC, and scm) may underpin the novel biofilm phenotype observed for this bacterium. Comparative analysis of E. lacertideformus with phylogenetically related and clinically significant enterococci (E. villorum F1129D, Enterococcus hirae R17, E. faecium AUS0085, and Enterococcus faecalis OG1RF) revealed an absence of genes (n = 54) in E. lacertideformus, that encode metabolic functionality, which potentially hinders nutrient acquisition and/or utilization by the bacterium and precludes growth in vitro. These data provide genetic insights into the previously determined phenotype and pathogenic nature of the bacterium.202133737921
905470.9778Clinically Relevant Concentrations of Polymyxin B and Meropenem Synergistically Kill Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Minimize Biofilm Formation. The emergence of antibiotic resistance has severely impaired the treatment of chronic respiratory infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Since the reintroduction of polymyxins as a last-line therapy against MDR Gram-negative bacteria, resistance to its monotherapy and recurrent infections continue to be reported and synergistic antibiotic combinations have been investigated. In this study, comprehensive in vitro microbiological evaluations including synergy panel screening, population analysis profiling, time-kill kinetics, anti-biofilm formation and membrane damage analysis studies were conducted to evaluate the combination of polymyxin B and meropenem against biofilm-producing, polymyxin-resistant MDR P. aeruginosa. Two phylogenetically unrelated MDR P. aeruginosa strains, FADDI-PA060 (MIC of polymyxin B [MIC(polymyxin B)], 64 mg/L; MIC(meropenem), 64 mg/L) and FADDI-PA107 (MIC(polymyxin B), 32 mg/L; MIC(meropenem), 4 mg/L) were investigated. Genome sequencing identified 57 (FADDI-PA060) and 50 (FADDI-PA107) genes predicted to confer resistance to a variety of antimicrobials, as well as multiple virulence factors in each strain. The presence of resistance genes to a particular antibiotic class generally aligned with MIC results. For both strains, all monotherapies of polymyxin B failed with substantial regrowth and biofilm formation. The combination of polymyxin B (16 mg/L)/meropenem (16 mg/L) was most effective, enhancing initial bacterial killing of FADDI-PA060 by ~3 log(10) CFU/mL, followed by a prolonged inhibition of regrowth for up to 24 h with a significant reduction in biofilm formation (* p < 0.05). Membrane integrity studies revealed a substantial increase in membrane depolarization and membrane permeability in the surviving cells. Against FADDI-PA107, planktonic and biofilm bacteria were completely eradicated. In summary, the combination of polymyxin B and meropenem demonstrated synergistic bacterial killing while reinstating the efficacy of two previously ineffective antibiotics against difficult-to-treat polymyxin-resistant MDR P. aeruginosa.202133918040
519680.9777Phenomics and genomic features of Enterococcus avium IRMC1622a isolated from a clinical sample of hospitalized patient. BACKGROUND: Enterococcus avium (E. avium) is a Gram-positive nosocomial pathogen that is commonly isolated from the alimentary tract. The objective of this functional genomics study was to identify the resistant genes by analyzing the genome of E. avium IRMC1622a, a type of bacteria found in feces collected from a patient at a Saudi Arabian tertiary hospital. METHODS: The bacterial strain IRMC1622a was identified by 16 S rRNA sequencing as Enterococcus sp. The resistance phenomics were performed using VITEK® 2, and morphological analysis was achieved using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Finally, the whole bacterial genome of the bacterial strain IRMC1622a was subjected to sequencing during October 2023 using Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing technology, and mining for resistant genes. RESULTS: The results of antimicrobial resistant phenomics indicated that the IRMC1622a strain was sensitive to all tested antimicrobial agents except for erythromycin, and the same result was confirmed by genomic analysis in addition to other classes of antibiotics. SEM showed E. avium IRMC1622a is ovoid shape, in single cells (L 1.2797 ± 0.1490 µm), in pairs (L 1.7333 ± 0.1054 µm), and in chains (L 2.44033 ± 0.1978 µm). The E. avium IRMC1622a genome has 14 (in CARD) antimicrobial resistance genes that were identified with several mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance, such as the efflux pump and conferring antibiotic resistance. The present study revealed that the E. avium IRMC1622a genome contains a high number of genes associated with virulence factors, and 14 matched pathogenic protein families and predicted as human pathogen (probability score 0.855). We report two (ISEnfa4 and ISEfa5) mobile genetic elements for the first time in the E. avium genome. CONCLUSIONS: The study concludes that E. avium IRMC1622a is susceptible to all tested antibacterials except erythromycin. The IRMC1622a has 14 genes encoding antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, including the efflux pump and conferring antibiotic resistance. This could indicate a potential rise in E. avium resistance in healthcare facilities. These observations may raise concerns regarding E. avium resistance in healthcare. We need more research to understand the pathophysiology of E. avium, which leads to hospital-acquired infections.202438833914
85790.9777Characterization of KPC-Producing Serratia marcescens in an Intensive Care Unit of a Brazilian Tertiary Hospital. Serratia marcescens has emerged as an important opportunistic pathogen responsible for nosocomial and severe infections. Here, we determined phenotypic and molecular characteristics of 54 S. marcescens isolates obtained from patient samples from intensive-care-unit (ICU) and neonatal intensive-care-unit (NIUC) of a Brazilian tertiary hospital. All isolates were resistant to beta-lactam group antibiotics, and 92.6% (50/54) were not susceptible to tigecycline. Furthermore, 96.3% showed intrinsic resistance to polymyxin E (colistin), a last-resort antibiotic for the treatment of infections caused by MDR (multidrug-resistant) Gram-negative bacteria. In contrast, high susceptibility to other antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones (81.5%), and to aminoglycosides (as gentamicin 81.5%, and amikacin 85.2%) was found. Of all isolates, 24.1% were classified as MDR. The presence of resistance and virulence genes were examined by PCR and sequencing. All isolates carried KPC-carbapenemase (bla (KPC) ) and extended spectrum beta-lactamase bla (TEM) genes, 14.8% carried bla (OXA-) (1), and 16.7% carried bla (CTX-M-) (1) (group) genes, suggesting that bacterial resistance to β-lactam antibiotics found may be associated with these genes. The genes SdeB/HasF and SdeY/HasF that are associated with efflux pump mediated drug extrusion to fluoroquinolones and tigecycline, respectively, were found in 88.9%. The aac(6')-Ib-cr variant gene that can simultaneously induce resistance to aminoglycoside and fluoroquinolone was present in 24.1% of the isolates. Notably, the virulence genes to (i) pore-forming toxin (ShlA); (ii) phospholipase with hemolytic and cytolytic activities (PhlA); (iii) flagellar transcriptional regulator (FlhD); and (iv) positive regulator of prodigiosin and serratamolide production (PigP) were present in 98.2%. The genetic relationship among the isolates determined by ERIC-PCR demonstrated that the vast majority of isolates were grouped in a single cluster with 86.4% genetic similarity. In addition, many isolates showed 100% genetic similarity to each other, suggesting that the S. marcescens that circulate in this ICU are closely related. Our results suggest that the antimicrobial resistance to many drugs currently used to treat ICU and NIUC patients, associated with the high frequency of resistance and virulence genes is a worrisome phenomenon. Our findings emphasize the importance of active surveillance plans for infection control and to prevent dissemination of these strains.202032670210
975100.9776Clonal diversity, antimicrobial resistance, and genome features among nonfermenting gram-negative bacteria isolated from patients with cystic fibrosis in Russia. Nonfermenting gram-negative (NFGN) bacteria were isolated from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and subjected to susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing. Among 170 enrolled CF patients, 112 (65.9%) were colonized with at least 1 key NFGN species. The species-specific infection rate was highest for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (40.6%) followed by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (14.1%), Achromobacter spp. (9.4%), and Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc, 8.2%) demonstrating a significant age-dependent increase for P. aeruginosa and Achromobacter spp., but not for S. maltophilia or Bcc. P. aeruginosa sequence types (STs) related to high-risk epidemic and global CF clones were carried by 12 (7.1%) and 13 (7.6%) patients, respectively. In total, 47% NFGN isolates, predominantly P. aeruginosa, harbored at least 1 plasmid-borne resistance gene; 5 ST235 isolates carried bla(VIM2). Pathogenicity island-borne virulence genes were harbored by 9% NFGN isolates. These findings in conjunction with frequent early colonization by Bcc raised serious concerns regarding infection control in Russian CF centers.202437984108
5660110.9776Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains-Distribution of the Essential Enzymatic Virulence Factors Genes. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most commonly isolated bacteria from clinical specimens, with increasing isolation frequency in nosocomial infections. Herein, we investigated whether antimicrobial-resistant P. aeruginosa strains, e.g., metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL)-producing isolates, may possess a reduced number of virulence genes, resulting from appropriate genome management to adapt to a changing hospital environment. Hospital conditions, such as selective pressure, may lead to the replacement of virulence genes by antimicrobial resistance genes that are crucial to survive under current conditions. The study aimed to compare, using PCR, the frequency of the chosen enzymatic virulence factor genes (alkaline protease-aprA, elastase B-lasB, neuraminidases-nan1 and nan2, and both variants of phospholipase C-plcH and plcN) to MBL distribution among 107 non-duplicated carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates. The gene encoding alkaline protease was noted with the highest frequency (100%), while the neuraminidase-1 gene was observed in 37.4% of the examined strains. The difference in lasB and nan1 prevalence amongst the MBL-positive and MBL-negative strains, was statistically significant. Although P. aeruginosa virulence is generally more likely determined by the complex regulation of the virulence gene expression, herein, we found differences in the prevalence of various virulence genes in MBL-producers.202033374121
2097120.9775Effective Photodynamic Therapy with Ir(III) for Virulent Clinical Isolates of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Klebsiella pneumoniae. BACKGROUND: The extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the leading causes of health-associated infections (HAIs), whose antibiotic treatments have been severely reduced. Moreover, HAI bacteria may harbor pathogenic factors such as siderophores, enzymes, or capsules, which increase the virulence of these strains. Thus, new therapies, such as antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI), are needed. METHOD: A collection of 118 clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae was characterized by susceptibility and virulence through the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of amikacin (Amk), cefotaxime (Cfx), ceftazidime (Cfz), imipenem (Imp), meropenem (Mer), and piperacillin-tazobactam (Pip-Taz); and, by PCR, the frequency of the virulence genes K2, magA, rmpA, entB, ybtS, and allS. Susceptibility to innate immunity, such as human serum, macrophages, and polymorphonuclear cells, was tested. All the strains were tested for sensitivity to the photosensitizer PSIR-3 (4 µg/mL) in a 17 µW/cm(2) for 30 min aPDI. RESULTS: A significantly higher frequency of virulence genes in ESBL than non-ESBL bacteria was observed. The isolates of the genotype K2+, ybtS+, and allS+ display enhanced virulence, since they showed higher resistance to human serum, as well as to phagocytosis. All strains are susceptible to the aPDI with PSIR-3 decreasing viability in 3log10. The combined treatment with Cfx improved the aPDI to 6log10 for the ESBL strains. The combined treatment is synergistic, as it showed a fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index value of 0.15. CONCLUSIONS: The aPDI effectively inhibits clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae, including the riskier strains of ESBL-producing bacteria and the K2+, ybtS+, and allS+ genotype. The aPDI with PSIR-3 is synergistic with Cfx.202133922077
1755130.9775Pathogenicity Genomic Island-Associated CrpP-Like Fluoroquinolone-Modifying Enzymes among Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Isolates in Europe. Many transferable quinolone resistance mechanisms have been identified in Gram-negative bacteria. The plasmid-encoded 65-amino-acid-long ciprofloxacin-modifying enzyme CrpP was recently identified in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. We analyzed a collection of 100 clonally unrelated and multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa clinical isolates, among which 46 were positive for crpP-like genes, encoding five CrpP variants conferring variable levels of reduced susceptibility to fluoroquinolones. These crpP-like genes were chromosomally located as part of pathogenicity genomic islands.202032340994
2456140.9774MgrB Alterations Mediate Colistin Resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates from Iran. Colistin is one of the last-resort therapeutic agents to combat multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) including Klebsiella pneumoniae. Although it happens rarely, resistance to colistin has been reported for several GNB. A total of 20 colistin resistant (col-R) and three colistin susceptible (col-S) clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae were studied to explore the underlying mechanisms of colistin resistance. The presence of plasmid encoded resistance genes, mcr-1, mcr-2, mcr-3, and mcr-4 genes were examined by PCR. The nucleotide sequences of pmrA, pmrB, phoP, phoQ, and mgrB genes were determined. To evaluate the association between colistin resistance and upregulation of pmrHFIJKLM and pmrCAB operons, transcriptional level of the pmrK and pmrC genes encoding for lipopolysaccharide target modifying enzymes was quantified by RT-qPCR analysis. None of the plasmid encoded resistance genes were detected in the studied isolates. Inactivation of MgrB due to nonsense mutations and insertion of IS elements was observed in 15 col-R isolates (75%). IS elements (IS5-like and IS1-like families) most commonly targeted the coding region and in one case the promoter region of the mgrB. Complementation with wild-type MgrB restored colistin susceptibility in isolates with altered mgrB. All col-R isolates lacked any genetic alterations in the pmrA, phoP, and phoQ genes and substitutions identified in the pmrB were not found to be involved in resistance conferring determined by complementation assay. Colistin resistance linked with upregulation of pmrHFIJKLM and pmrCAB operons with the pmrK and pmrC being overexpressed in 20 and 11 col-R isolates, respectively. Our results demonstrated that MgrB alterations are the major mechanisms contributing to colistin resistance in the tested K. pneumoniae isolates from Iran.201729326662
75150.9774Identification and expression profiling of tomato genes differentially regulated during a resistance response to Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria. The gram-negative bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria is the causal agent of spot disease in tomato and pepper. Plants of the tomato line Hawaii 7981 are resistant to race T3 of X. campestris pv. vesicatoria expressing the type III effector protein AvrXv3 and develop a typical hypersensitive response upon bacterial challenge. A combination of suppression subtractive hybridization and microarray analysis identified a large set of cDNAs that are induced or repressed during the resistance response of Hawaii 7981 plants to X. campestris pv. vesicatoria T3 bacteria. Sequence analysis of the isolated cDNAs revealed that they correspond to 426 nonredundant genes, which were designated as XRE (Xanthomonas-regulated) genes and were classified into more than 20 functional classes. The largest functional groups contain genes involved in defense, stress responses, protein synthesis, signaling, and photosynthesis. Analysis of XRE expression kinetics during the tomato resistance response to X. campestris pv. vesicatoria T3 revealed six clusters of genes with coordinate expression. In addition, by using isogenic X. campestris pv. vesicatoria T2 strains differing only by the avrXv3 avirulence gene, we found that 77% of the identified XRE genes were directly modulated by expression of the AvrXv3 effector protein. Interestingly, 64% of the XRE genes were also induced in tomato during an incompatible interaction with an avirulent strain of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. The identification and expression analysis of X. campestris pv. vesicatoria T3-modulated genes, which may be involved in the control or in the execution of plant defense responses, set the stage for the dissection of signaling and cellular responses activated in tomato plants during the onset of spot disease resistance.200415553246
1395160.9774Emerging Multidrug-Resistant Hybrid Pathotype Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O80 and Related Strains of Clonal Complex 165, Europe. Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli serogroup O80, involved in hemolytic uremic syndrome associated with extraintestinal infections, has emerged in France. We obtained circularized sequences of the O80 strain RDEx444, responsible for hemolytic uremic syndrome with bacteremia, and noncircularized sequences of 35 O80 E. coli isolated from humans and animals in Europe with or without Shiga toxin genes. RDEx444 harbored a mosaic plasmid, pR444_A, combining extraintestinal virulence determinants and a multidrug resistance-encoding island. All strains belonged to clonal complex 165, which is distantly related to other major enterohemorrhagic E. coli lineages. All stx-positive strains contained eae-ξ, ehxA, and genes characteristic of pR444_A. Among stx-negative strains, 1 produced extended-spectrum β-lactamase, 1 harbored the colistin-resistance gene mcr1, and 2 possessed genes characteristic of enteropathogenic and pyelonephritis E. coli. Because O80-clonal complex 165 strains can integrate intestinal and extraintestinal virulence factors in combination with diverse drug-resistance genes, they constitute dangerous and versatile multidrug-resistant pathogens.201830457551
828170.9774Screening for Resistant Bacteria, Antimicrobial Resistance Genes, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Schistosoma spp. in Tissue Samples from Predominantly Vaginally Delivered Placentae in Ivory Coast and Ghana. Medical complications during pregnancy have been frequently reported from Western Africa with a particular importance of infectious complications. Placental tissue can either become the target of infectious agents itself, such as, e.g., in the case of urogenital schistosomiasis, or be subjected to contamination with colonizing or infection-associated microorganisms of the cervix or the vagina during vaginal delivery. In the retrospective cross-sectional assessment presented here, the quantitative dimension of infection or colonization with selected resistant or pathogenic bacteria and parasites was regionally assessed. To do so, 274 collected placental tissues from Ivory Coastal and Ghanaian women were subjected to selective growth of resistant bacteria, as well as to molecular screening for beta-lactamase genes, Schistosoma spp. and selected bacterial causative agents of sexually transmitted infections (STI). Panton-Valentine-negative methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was grown from 1.8% of the tissue samples, comprising the spa types t008 and t688, as well as the newly detected ones, t12101 (n = 2) and t12102. While the culture-based recovery of resistant Enterobacterales and nonfermentative rod-shaped Gram-negative bacteria failed, molecular assessments confirmed beta-lactamase genes in 31.0% of the samples with multiple detections of up to four resistance genes per sample and bla(CTX-M), bla(IMP), bla(GES), bla(VIM), bla(OXA-58)-like, bla(NDM), bla(OXA-23)-like, bla(OXA-48)-like and bla(KPC) occurring in descending order of frequency. The beta-lactamase genes bla(OXA-40/24)-like, bla(NMC_A/IMI), bla(BIC), bla(SME), bla(GIM) and bla(DIM) were not detected. DNA of the urogenital schistosomiasis-associated Schistosoma haematobium complex was recorded in 18.6% of the samples, but only a single positive signal for S. mansoni with a high cycle-threshold value in real-time PCR was found. Of note, higher rates of schistosomiasis were observed in Ghana (54.9% vs. 10.3% in Ivory Coast) and Cesarean section was much more frequent in schistosomiasis patients (61.9% vs. 14.8% in women without Schistosoma spp. DNA in the placenta). Nucleic acid sequences of nonlymphogranuloma-venereum-associated Chlamydia trachomatis and of Neisseria gonorrhoeae were recorded in 1.1% and 1.9% of the samples, respectively, while molecular attempts to diagnose Treponema pallidum and Mycoplasma genitalium did not lead to positive results. Molecular detection of Schistosoma spp. or STI-associated pathogens was only exceptionally associated with multiple resistance gene detections in the same sample, suggesting epidemiological distinctness. In conclusion, the assessment confirmed considerable prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis and resistant bacterial colonization, as well as a regionally expected abundance of STI-associated pathogens. Continuous screening offers seem advisable to minimize the risks for the pregnant women and their newborns.202337623959
2479180.9773Down-regulatory effects of green coffee extract on las I and las R virulence-associated genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. BACKGROUND: Antibiotic resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the cause of Gram negative nosocomial infections especially among the immunosuppressed patients. The bacteria contains las I and las R genes that play very important roles in the pathogenesis and mechanisms of aggression. These genes can be influenced by the quorum sensing (QS) system and such mechanism is becoming clinically important worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the preventive effects of green coffee extract (GCE) on the expression of pathogenesis-related genes, las I and las R in P. aeruginosa. METHODS: A total of fifty four P. aeruginosa strains were isolated out of 100 clinical samples collected from the infectious wards in different hospitals (Tehran province) using conventional microscopic and biochemical methods. Susceptibility of the isolates to different antibiotics, GCE and chlorogenic acid were elucidated. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR were performed to detect and quantify the expression levels of las I and las R genes. The presence of chlorogenic acid in GCE was confirmed by HPLC. RESULTS: Antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed multidrug resistance among the clinical isolates of those 40 strains were resistant to ciprofloxacin (74.07%), 43 to ceftazidime (79.26%), 29 to amikacin (53.7%), 42 to ampicillin (77.77%), 17 to colistin (31.48%), 40 to gentamicin (74.77%), and 50 to piperacillin (92.59%). PCR outcomes exhibited that the frequency of las I and las R genes were 100% in resistant and sensitive strains isolated from clinical and standard strains of P. aeruginosa (ATCC 15449). Real-time PCR analyses revealed that GCE significantly prevented the expression of las I and las R genes in P. aeruginosa. GCE at concentration level as low as 2.5 mg/mL could prevent the expression of lasI and lasR genes in P. aeruginosa clinical isolates. CONCLUSION: The presence and expression levels of las I and las R genes in P. aeruginosa isolates were investigated when the bacteria was exposed to GCE. Our results tend to suggest that genes involved in pathogenesis of:Pseudomonas aeruginosa are down regulated by quorum sensing effect of chlorogenic acid and therefore GCE could be useful as an adjuvant in combating multidrug resistance strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.201931187452
1400190.9773Comparative genomic analysis of Escherichia coli strains obtained from continuous imipenem stress evolution. The carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli has aroused increasing attention worldwide, especially in terms of imipenem (IMP) resistance. The molecular mechanism of IMP resistance remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the resistance mechanisms of IMP in E. coli. Susceptible Sx181-0-1 strain was induced into resistance strains by adaptive laboratory evolution. The drug resistance spectrum was measured using the disk diffusion and microbroth dilution methods. Whole-genome sequencing and resequencing were used to analyze the nonsynonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) between the primary susceptible strain and resistant strains. The expression levels of these genes with nsSNPs were identified by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Resistance phenotype appeared in the induced 15th generation (induction time = 183 h). Sx181-32 and Sx181-256, which had the minimum inhibitory concentrations of IMP of 8 and 64 µg ml-1, were isolated during continuous subculture exposed to increasing concentrations of IMP, respectively. A total of 19 nsSNPs were observed both in Sx181-32 and Sx181-256, distributed in rpsU, sdaC, zwf, ttuC, araJ, dacC, mrdA, secF, dacD, lpxD, mrcB, ftsI, envZ, and two unknown function genes (orf01892 and orf01933). Among these 15 genes, five genes (dacC, mrdA, lpxD, mrcB, and ftsI) were mainly involved in cell wall synthesis. The mrdA (V338A, L378P, and M574I) and mrcB (P784L, A736V, and T708A) had three amino acid substitutions, respectively. The expression levels of rpsU, ttuC, and orf01933 were elevated in both Sx181-32 and Sx181-256 compared to Sx181-0-1. The expression levels of these genes were elevated in Sx181-256, except for araJ. Bacteria developed resistance to antimicrobials by regulating various biological processes, among which the most involved is the cell wall synthesis (dacC, mrdA, lpxD, mrcB, and ftsI). The combination mutations of mrdA, envZ, and ftsI genes may increase the resistance to IMP. Our study could improve the understanding of the molecular mechanism of IMP resistance in E. coli.202235147175