scholarly journals A novel hemA mutation is responsible for a small-colony-variant phenotype in Escherichia coli

Microbiology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alasdair T. M. Hubbard ◽  
Issra Bulgasim ◽  
Adam P. Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Type Species ◽  
Fitness Cost ◽  
Growth Media ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Small Colony Variant ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Small Colony ◽  
Tract Infections

We identified a small colony variant (SCV) of an amoxicillin/clavulanic acid-resistant derivative of a clinical isolate of Escherichia coli from Malawi, which was selected for in vitro in a subinhibitory concentration of gentamicin. The SCV was auxotrophic for hemin and had impaired biofilm formation compared to the ancestral isolates. A single novel nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in hemA, which encodes a glutamyl-tRNA reductase that catalyses the initial step of porphyrin biosynthesis leading to the production of haem, was responsible for the SCV phenotype. We showed the SNP in hemA resulted in a significant fitness cost to the isolate, which persisted even in the presence of hemin. However, the phenotype quickly reverted during sequential sub-culturing in liquid growth media. As hemA is not found in mammalian cells, and disruption of the gene results in a significant fitness cost, it represents a potential target for novel drug development specifically for the treatment of catheter-associated urinary tract infections caused by E. coli .

scholarly journals A novel hemA mutation is responsible for small colony variant phenotype in Escherichia coli

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alasdair T. M. Hubbard ◽  
Adam P. Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Initial Step ◽  
Fitness Cost ◽  
Small Colony Variant ◽  
Small Colony ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Novel Drug

AbstractWe identified a small colony variant (SCV) of a clinical isolate of Escherichia coli from Malawi following sequential in vitro selection in sub-inhibitory concentrations of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and gentamicin. The SCV was auxotrophic for hemin and had impaired biofilm formation compared to the ancestral isolates. A single novel nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in hemA, which encodes a glutamyl-tRNA reductase responsible for the initial step of porphyrin biosynthesis leading to the production of haem, was responsible for the SCV phenotype. We showed this phenotype was stable over multiple generations and the SNP in hemA resulted in a significant fitness cost to the isolate which persisted even in the presence of hemin. As hemA is not found in mammalian cells, and disruption of the gene results in impaired biofilm formation and a significant fitness cost, it represents a potential target for novel drug development specifically for the treatment of catheter-associated urinary tract infections caused by biofilm-producing E. coli.

scholarly journals The MpsB protein contributes to both the toxicity and immune evasion capacity of Staphylococcus aureus

Microbiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 167 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward J. A. Douglas ◽  
Seána Duggan ◽  
Tarcisio Brignoli ◽  
Ruth C. Massey
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Immune Evasion ◽  
Type Species ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Toxin Production ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Small Colony Variant ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Small Colony

Understanding the role specific bacterial factors play in the development of severe disease in humans is critical if new approaches to tackle such infections are to be developed. In this study we focus on genes we have found to be associated with patient outcome following bacteraemia caused by the major human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus . By examining the contribution these genes make to the ability of the bacteria to survive exposure to the antibacterial factors found in serum, we identify three novel serum resistance-associated genes, mdeA, mpsB and yycH. Detailed analysis of an MpsB mutant supports its previous association with the slow growing small colony variant (SCV) phenotype of S. aureus , and we demonstrate that the effect this mutation has on membrane potential prevents the activation of the Agr quorum sensing system, and as a consequence the mutant bacteria do not produce cytolytic toxins. Given the importance of both toxin production and immune evasion for the ability of S. aureus to cause disease, we believe that these findings explain the role of the mpsB gene as a mortality-associated locus during human disease.

scholarly journals Genomic analysis of trimethoprim-resistant extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli and recurrent urinary tract infections

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dmitriy Li ◽  
Cameron J. Reid ◽  
Timothy Kudinha ◽  
Veronica M. Jarocki ◽  
Steven P. Djordjevic
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Urinary Tract ◽  
Urinary Tract Infections ◽  
Resistance Genes ◽  
Type Species ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
Snp Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common bacterial infections requiring medical attention and a leading justification for antibiotic prescription. Trimethoprim is prescribed empirically for uncomplicated cases. UTIs are primarily caused by extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) and ExPEC strains play a central role in disseminating antimicrobial-resistance genes worldwide. Here, we describe the whole-genome sequences of trimethoprim-resistant ExPEC and/or ExPEC from recurrent UTIs (67 in total) from patients attending a regional Australian hospital from 2006 to 2008. Twenty-three sequence types (STs) were observed, with ST131 predominating (28 %), then ST69 and ST73 (both 7 %). Co-occurrence of trimethoprim-resistance genes with genes conferring resistance to extended-spectrum β-lactams, heavy metals and quaternary ammonium ions was a feature of the ExPEC described here. Seven trimethoprim-resistance genes were identified, most commonly dfrA17 (38 %) and dfrA12 (18 %). An uncommon dfrB4 variant was also observed. Two blaCTX-M variants were identified – blaCTX-M-15 (16 %) and blaCTX-M-14 (10 %). The former was always associated with dfrA12, the latter with dfrA17, and all blaCTX-M genes co-occurred with chromate-resistance gene chrA. Eighteen class 1 integron structures were characterized, and chrA featured in eight structures; dfrA genes featured in seventeen. ST131 H30Rx isolates possessed distinct antimicrobial gene profiles comprising aac(3)-IIa, aac(6)-Ib-cr, aph(3′)-Ia, aadA2, blaCTX-M-15 , blaOXA-1 and dfrA12. The most common virulence-associated genes (VAGs) were fimH, fyuA, irp2 and sitA (all 91 %). Virulence profile clustering showed ST131 H30 isolates carried similar VAGs to ST73, ST405, ST550 and ST1193 isolates. The sole ST131 H27 isolate carried molecular predictors of enteroaggregative E. coli /ExPEC hybrid strains (aatA, aggR, fyuA). Seven isolates (10 %) carried VAGs suggesting ColV plasmid carriage. Finally, SNP analysis of serial UTI patients experiencing worsening sequelae demonstrated a high proportion of point mutations in virulence factors.

scholarly journals Haem toxicity provides a competitive advantage to the clinically relevant Staphylococcus aureus small colony variant phenotype

Microbiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 167 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brittany E. Herrin ◽  
Shariful Islam ◽  
Kaitlin N. Rentschler ◽  
Lauren H. Pert ◽  
Stephanie P. Kopanski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Antibiotic Treatment ◽  
Type Species ◽  
Antibiotic Exposure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Small Colony Variant ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Detoxification System ◽  
Small Colony ◽  
Haem Detoxification

Microorganisms encounter toxicities inside the host. Many pathogens exist as subpopulations to maximize survivability. Subpopulations of Staphylococcus aureus include antibiotic-tolerant small colony variants (SCVs). These mutants often emerge following antibiotic treatment but can be present in infections prior to antibiotic exposure. We hypothesize that haem toxicity in the host selects for respiration-deficient S. aureus SCVs in the absence of antibiotics. We demonstrate that some but not all respiration-deficient SCV phenotypes are more protective than the haem detoxification system against transient haem exposure, indicating that haem toxicity in the host may contribute to the dominance of menaquinone-deficient and haem-deficient SCVs prior to antibiotic treatment.

PBP4 and PBP5 are involved in regulating exopolysaccharide synthesis during Escherichia coli biofilm formation

Microbiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 167 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sathi Mallick ◽  
Shanti Kiran ◽  
Tapas Kumar Maiti ◽  
Anindya S. Ghosh
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Type Species ◽  
Pentose Phosphate ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Surface Adhesion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Penicillin Binding Proteins ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Link Type

Escherichia coli low-molecular-mass (LMM) Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) help in hydrolysing the peptidoglycan fragments from their cell wall and recycling them back into the growing peptidoglycan matrix, in addition to their reported involvement in biofilm formation. Biofilms are external slime layers of extra-polymeric substances that sessile bacterial cells secrete to form a habitable niche for themselves. Here, we hypothesize the involvement of Escherichia coli LMM PBPs in regulating the nature of exopolysaccharides (EPS) prevailing in its extra-polymeric substances during biofilm formation. Therefore, this study includes the assessment of physiological characteristics of E. coli CS109 LMM PBP deletion mutants to address biofilm formation abilities, viability and surface adhesion. Finally, EPS from parent CS109 and its ΔPBP4 and ΔPBP5 mutants were purified and analysed for sugars present. Deletions of LMM PBP reduced biofilm formation, bacterial adhesion and their viability in biofilms. Deletions also diminished EPS production by ΔPBP4 and ΔPBP5 mutants, purification of which suggested an increased overall negative charge compared with their parent. Also, EPS analyses from both mutants revealed the appearance of an unusual sugar, xylose, that was absent in CS109. Accordingly, the reason for reduced biofilm formation in LMM PBP mutants may be speculated as the subsequent production of xylitol and a hindrance in the standard flow of the pentose phosphate pathway.

scholarly journals d-Serine induces distinct transcriptomes in diverse Escherichia coli pathotypes

Microbiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 167 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
James P. R. Connolly ◽  
Natasha C. A. Turner ◽  
Jennifer C. Hallam ◽  
Patricia T. Rimbi ◽  
Tom Flett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Type Species ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Neonatal Meningitis ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Toxic Metabolite ◽  
Transcriptional Responses ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Link Type

Appropriate interpretation of environmental signals facilitates niche specificity in pathogenic bacteria. However, the responses of niche-specific pathogens to common host signals are poorly understood. d-Serine (d-ser) is a toxic metabolite present in highly variable concentrations at different colonization sites within the human host that we previously found is capable of inducing changes in gene expression. In this study, we made the striking observation that the global transcriptional response of three Escherichia coli pathotypes – enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) and neonatal meningitis-associated E. coli (NMEC) – to d-ser was highly distinct. In fact, we identified no single differentially expressed gene common to all three strains. We observed the induction of ribosome-associated genes in extraintestinal pathogens UPEC and NMEC only, and the induction of purine metabolism genes in gut-restricted EHEC, and UPEC indicating distinct transcriptional responses to a common signal. UPEC and NMEC encode dsdCXA – a genetic locus required for detoxification and hence normal growth in the presence of d-ser. Specific transcriptional responses were induced in strains accumulating d-ser (WT EHEC and UPEC/NMEC mutants lacking the d-ser-responsive transcriptional activator DsdC), corroborating the notion that d-ser is an unfavourable metabolite if not metabolized. Importantly, many of the UPEC-associated transcriptome alterations correlate with published data on the urinary transcriptome, supporting the hypothesis that d-ser sensing forms a key part of urinary niche adaptation in this pathotype. Collectively, our results demonstrate distinct pleiotropic responses to a common metabolite in diverse E. coli pathotypes, with important implications for niche selectivity.

scholarly journals bla OXA-48-like genome architecture among carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in the Netherlands

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Antoni P. A. Hendrickx ◽  
Fabian Landman ◽  
Angela de Haan ◽  
Sandra Witteveen ◽  
Marga G. van Santen-Verheuvel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Resistance Genes ◽  
Type Species ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance Genes ◽  
Gene Content ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Link Type

Carbapenem-hydrolysing enzymes belonging to the OXA-48-like group are encoded by bla OXA-48-like alleles and are abundant among Enterobacterales in the Netherlands. Therefore, the objective here was to investigate the characteristics, gene content and diversity of the bla OXA-48-like carrying plasmids and chromosomes of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae collected in the Dutch national surveillance from 2014 to 2019 in comparison with genome sequences from 29 countries. A combination of short-read genome sequencing with long-read sequencing enabled the reconstruction of 47 and 132 complete bla OXA-48-like plasmids for E. coli and K. pneumoniae , respectively. Seven distinct plasmid groups designated as pOXA-48-1 to pOXA-48-5, pOXA-181 and pOXA-232 were identified in the Netherlands which were similar to internationally reported plasmids obtained from countries from North and South America, Europe, Asia and Oceania. The seven plasmid groups varied in size, G+C content, presence of antibiotic resistance genes, replicon family and gene content. The pOXA-48-1 to pOXA-48-5 plasmids were variable, and the pOXA-181 and pOXA-232 plasmids were conserved. The pOXA-48-1, pOXA-48-2, pOXA-48-3 and pOXA-48-5 groups contained a putative conjugation system, but this was absent in the pOXA-48-4, pOXA-181 and pOXA-232 plasmid groups. pOXA-48 plasmids contained the PemI antitoxin, while the pOXA-181 and pOXA-232 plasmids did not. Furthermore, the pOXA-181 plasmids carried a virB2-virB3-virB9-virB10-virB11 type IV secretion system, while the pOXA-48 plasmids and pOXA-232 lacked this system. A group of non-related pOXA-48 plasmids from the Netherlands contained different resistance genes, non-IncL-type replicons or no replicons. Whole genome multilocus sequence typing revealed that the bla OXA-48-like plasmids were found in a wide variety of genetic backgrounds in contrast to chromosomally encoded bla OXA-48-like alleles. Chromosomally localized bla OXA-48 and bla OXA-244 alleles were located on genetic elements of variable sizes and comprised regions of pOXA-48 plasmids. The bla OXA-48-like genetic element was flanked by a direct repeat upstream of IS1R, and was found at multiple locations in the chromosomes of E. coli . Lastly, K. pneumoniae isolates carrying bla OXA-48 or bla OXA-232 were mostly resistant for meropenem, whereas E. coli bla OXA-48, bla OXA-181 and chromosomal bla OXA-48 or bla OXA-244 isolates were mostly sensitive. In conclusion, the overall bla OXA-48-like plasmid population in the Netherlands is conserved and similar to that reported for other countries, confirming global dissemination of bla OXA-48-like plasmids. Variations in size, presence of antibiotic resistance genes and gene content impacted pOXA-48, pOXA-181 and pOXA-232 plasmid architecture.

scholarly journals Lipopolysaccharide core type diversity in the Escherichia coli species in association with phylogeny, virulence gene repertoire and distribution of type VI secretion systems

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sébastien O. Leclercq ◽  
Maxime Branger ◽  
David G. E. Smith ◽  
Pierre Germon
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Type Species ◽  
Virulence Gene ◽  
Uneven Distribution ◽  
Gene Repertoire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
K 12

Escherichia coli is a very versatile species for which diversity has been explored from various perspectives highlighting, for example, phylogenetic groupings and pathovars, as well as a wide range of O serotypes. The highly variable O-antigen, the most external part of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) component of the outer membrane of E. coli , is linked to the innermost lipid A through the core region of LPS of which five different structures, denominated K-12, R1, R2, R3 and R4, have been characterized so far. The aim of the present study was to analyse the prevalence of these LPS core types in the E. coli species and explore their distribution in the different E. coli phylogenetic groups and in relationship with the virulence gene repertoire. Results indicated an uneven distribution of core types between the different phylogroups, with phylogroup A strains being the most diverse in terms of LPS core types, while phylogroups B1, D and E strains were dominated by the R3 type, and phylogroups B2 and C strains were dominated by the R1 type. Strains carrying the LEE virulence operon were mostly of the R3 type whatever the phylogroup while, within phylogroup B2, strains carrying a K-12 core all belonged to the complex STc131, one of the major clones of extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) strains. The origin of this uneven distribution is discussed but remains to be fully explained, as well as the consequences of carrying a specific core type on the wider aspects of bacterial phenotype.

scholarly journals Phylum barrier and Escherichia coli intra-species phylogeny drive the acquisition of antibiotic-resistance genes

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Petitjean ◽  
Bénédicte Condamine ◽  
Charles Burdet ◽  
Erick Denamur ◽  
Etienne Ruppé
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Resistance Genes ◽  
Type Species ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance Genes ◽  
Resistance Pattern ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Specific Distribution

Escherichia coli is a ubiquitous bacterium that has been widely exposed to antibiotics over the last 70 years. It has adapted by acquiring different antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs), the census of which we aim to characterize here. To do so, we analysed 70 301 E. coli genomes obtained from the EnteroBase database and detected 1 027 651 ARGs using the AMRFinder, Mustard and ResfinderFG ARG databases. We observed a strong phylogroup and clonal lineage specific distribution of some ARGs, supporting the argument for epistasis between ARGs and the strain genetic background. However, each phylogroup had ARGs conferring a similar antibiotic class resistance pattern, indicating phenotypic adaptive convergence. The G+C content or the type of ARG was not associated with the frequency of the ARG in the database. In addition, we identified ARGs from anaerobic, non- Proteobacteria bacteria in four genomes of E. coli , supporting the hypothesis that the transfer between anaerobic bacteria and E. coli can spontaneously occur but remains exceptional. In conclusion, we showed that phylum barrier and intra-species phylogenetic history are major drivers of the acquisition of a resistome in E. coli .

scholarly journals Investigation of the polyamine biosynthetic and transport capability of Streptococcus agalactiae: the non-essential PotABCD transporter

Microbiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 167 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Khazaal ◽  
Rim Al Safadi ◽  
Dani Osman ◽  
Aurélia Hiron ◽  
Philippe Gilot
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Streptococcus Agalactiae ◽  
Type Species ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Acid Stress ◽  
Phenotypic Traits ◽  
Growth Media ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Peptidoglycan Biosynthesis ◽  
Link Type

Polyamines constitute a group of organic polycations positively charged at physiological pH. They are involved in a large variety of biological processes, including the protection against physiological stress. In this study, we show that the genome of Streptococcus agalactiae , a commensal bacterium of the intestine and the vagina and one of the most common agents responsible of neonate infections, does not encode proteins homologous to the specific enzymes involved in the known polyamine synthetic pathways. This lack of biosynthetic capability was verified experimentally by TLC analysis of the intracellular content of S. agalactiae grown in the absence of polyamines. However, similar analyses showed that the polyamines spermidine, spermine and putrescine can be imported from the growth media into the bacteria. We found that all strains of S. agalactiae possess the genes encoding the polyamine ABC transporter PotABCD. We demonstrated that these genes form an operon with folK, a gene involved in folate biosynthesis, murB, a gene involved in peptidoglycan biosynthesis, and with clc, a gene encoding a Cl−/H+ antiporter involved in resistance to acid stress in Escherichia coli . Transcription of the potABCD operon is induced by peroxide-induced oxidative stress but not by acidic stress. Spermidine and spermine were found to be inducers of potABCD transcription at pH 7.4 whereas putrescine induces this expression only during peroxide-induced oxidative stress. Using a deletion mutant of potABCD, we were nevertheless unable to associate phenotypic traits to the PotABCD transporter, probably due to the existence of one or more as yet identified transporters with a redundant action.

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