scholarly journals Hypermutation as an Evolutionary Mechanism for Achromobacter xylosoxidans in Cystic Fibrosis Lung Infection

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Veschetti ◽  
Angela Sandri ◽  
Helle Krogh Johansen ◽  
Maria M. Lleò ◽  
Giovanni Malerba

Achromobacter xylosoxidans can cause chronic infections in the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) by adapting to the specific environment. The study of longitudinal isolates allows to investigate its within-host evolution to unravel the adaptive mechanisms contributing to successful colonization. In this study, four clinical isolates longitudinally collected from two chronically infected patients underwent whole genome sequencing, de novo assembly and sequence analysis. Phenotypic assays were also performed. The isolates coming from one of the patients (patient A) presented a greater number of genetic variants, diverse integrative and conjugative elements, and different protease secretion. In the first of these isolates (strain A1), we also found a large deletion in the mutS gene, involved in DNA mismatch repair (MMR). In contrast, isolates from patient B showed a lower number of variants, only one integrative and mobilizable element, no phenotypic changes, and no mutations in the MMR system. These results suggest that in the two patients the establishment of a chronic infection was mediated by different adaptive mechanisms. While the strains isolated from patient B showed a longitudinal microevolution, strain A1 can be clearly classified as a hypermutator, confirming the occurrence and importance of this adaptive mechanism in A. xylosoxidans infection.

mBio ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasmus Lykke Marvig ◽  
Søren Damkiær ◽  
S. M. Hossein Khademi ◽  
Trine M. Markussen ◽  
Søren Molin ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTPseudomonas aeruginosaairway infections are a major cause of mortality and morbidity of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. In order to persist,P. aeruginosadepends on acquiring iron from its host, and multiple different iron acquisition systems may be active during infection. This includes the pyoverdine siderophore and thePseudomonasheme utilization (phu) system. While the regulation and mechanisms of several iron-scavenging systems are well described, it is not clear whether such systems are targets for selection during adaptation ofP. aeruginosato the host environment. Here we investigated the within-host evolution of the transmissibleP. aeruginosaDK2 lineage. We found positive selection for promoter mutations leading to increased expression of thephusystem. By mimicking conditions of the CF airwaysin vitro, we experimentally demonstrate that increased expression ofphuRconfers a growth advantage in the presence of hemoglobin, thus suggesting thatP. aeruginosaevolves toward iron acquisition from hemoglobin. To rule out that this adaptive trait is specific to the DK2 lineage, we inspected the genomes of additionalP. aeruginosalineages isolated from CF airways and found similar adaptive evolution in two distinct lineages (DK1 and PA clone C). Furthermore, in all three lineages,phuRpromoter mutations coincided with the loss of pyoverdine production, suggesting that within-host adaptation toward heme utilization is triggered by the loss of pyoverdine production. Targeting heme utilization might therefore be a promising strategy for the treatment ofP. aeruginosainfections in CF patients.IMPORTANCEMost bacterial pathogens depend on scavenging iron within their hosts, which makes the battle for iron between pathogens and hosts a hallmark of infection. Accordingly, the ability of the opportunistic pathogenPseudomonas aeruginosato cause chronic infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients also depends on iron-scavenging systems. While the regulation and mechanisms of several such iron-scavenging systems have been well described, not much is known about how the within-host selection pressures act on the pathogens’ ability to acquire iron. Here, we investigated the within-host evolution ofP. aeruginosa, and we found evidence thatP. aeruginosaduring long-term infections evolves toward iron acquisition from hemoglobin. This adaptive strategy might be due to a selective loss of other iron-scavenging mechanisms and/or an increase in the availability of hemoglobin at the site of infection. This information is relevant to the design of novel CF therapeutics and the development of models of chronic CF infections.


2011 ◽  
Vol 159 (2) ◽  
pp. 343-346.e1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Norek ◽  
Marta Stremska ◽  
Agnieszka Sobczyńska-Tomaszewska ◽  
Katarzyna Wertheim-Tysarowska ◽  
Hanna Dmeńska ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S326-S327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathaniel C Warner ◽  
Luther Bartelt ◽  
Anne Lachiewicz ◽  
Anne Lachiewicz ◽  
Kathleen Marie Tompkins ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Achromobacter xylosoxidansis a highly resistant Gram-negative bacterium that causes chronic infections in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Treatment options for A. xylosoxidans are limited. In the peri-lung transplant setting, the treatment of A. xylosoxidans infections is especially challenging. Cefiderocol is a novel siderophore cephalosporin antibiotic with broad anti-Gram-negative activity, including against A. xylosoxidans. We report here two cases of compassionate use of cefiderocol in CF lung transplant recipients with A. xylosoxidans infection. Methods Cefiderocol was obtained through compassionate use from its manufacturer, with approval from the local Institutional Review Board. In the first case, it was used as salvage treatment, and in the second case as a planned part of the peri-transplant regimen. Results A male in his 20s with CF and a trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) allergy was chronically colonized by A. xylosoxidans, which was sensitive only to piperacillin–tazobactam (PIP-TAZ), and TMP-SMX. After lung transplant, he developed A. xylosoxidansbacteremia, and extended-infusion PIP-TAZ was started. Repeat bronchoscopy grew A. xylosoxidans. Due to lack of improvement, cefiderocol was added to PIP-TAZ with rapid clinical improvement. However, after completing his course, he was readmitted with A. xylosoxidans pneumonia. He was treated with 6 weeks of cefiderocol and imipenem and has been well since with an 8-month follow-up. In the second case, cefiderocol was used as part of the planned peri-transplant regimen for a female with CF in her late teens, with chronic A. xylosoxidans colonization, which was intermediate to PIP-TAZ, and resistant to all other drugs tested. Her native lungs grew 4+ A. xylosoxidans at the time of explant. Post-transplant, she was treated with 5 weeks of meropenem and 6 weeks of cefiderocol. At four-month follow-up, she is doing well. However, she is asymptomatically colonized with A. xylosoxidanspost-transplant. Isolates from both cases were susceptible to cefiderocol (case #1 MIC = 0.12; case #2 pretreatment MIC = 1, post-treatment MIC. Conclusion Cefiderocol may be a useful option for lung transplant recipients with A. xylosoxidans infections. Disclosures Anne Lachiewicz, MD, MPH, MicroGenDx: Consultant; Shionogi: Consultant.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 130
Author(s):  
Laura Veschetti ◽  
Angela Sandri ◽  
Cristina Patuzzo ◽  
Paola Melotti ◽  
Giovanni Malerba ◽  
...  

Achromobacter spp. is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Although a variety of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) carrying antimicrobial resistance genes have been identified in clinical isolates, little is known about the contribution of Achromobacter spp. mobilome to its pathogenicity. To provide new insights, we performed bioinformatic analyses of 54 whole genome sequences and investigated the presence of phages, insertion sequences (ISs), and integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs). Most of the detected phages were previously described in other pathogens and carried type II toxin-antitoxin systems as well as other pathogenic genes. Interestingly, the partial sequence of phage Bcep176 was found in all the analyzed Achromobacter xylosoxidans genome sequences, suggesting the integration of this phage in an ancestor strain. A wide variety of IS was also identified either inside of or in proximity to pathogenicity islands. Finally, ICEs carrying pathogenic genes were found to be widespread among our isolates and seemed to be involved in transfer events within the CF lung. These results highlight the contribution of MGEs to the pathogenicity of Achromobacter species, their potential to become antimicrobial targets, and the need for further studies to better elucidate their clinical impact.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-160
Author(s):  
Maria V. Burkaltseva ◽  
A.V. Lazareva ◽  
E.A. Pleteneva ◽  
O.V. Shaburova ◽  
S.V. Krylov ◽  
...  

Objective. To identify bacterial interactions at the site of infection in cystic fibrosis patients and to assess their possible effects on the course of infection. Materials and Methods. The following strains were used in this study: Alcaligenes faecalis LGBP strain, isolated from the environment; clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Achromobacter xylosoxidans, Acinetobacter baumannii, Alcaligenes faecalis, and Bacillus subtilis strains; the standard laboratory P. aeruginosa PAO1 strain and its lysogens by temperate bacteriophages of various species, and its phageresistant mutants. Imaging and evaluation of the effects of bacterial interaction was performed in an in vitro co-infection with A. faecalis LGBP and the tested strains. Results. The bacteria of A. faecalis which are often involved in the lung co-infection in cystic fibrosis have been shown to stimulate the growth of most of the tested P. aeruginosa strains, as well as bacteria of some other species (for example, B. subtilis). The interspecies interactions pattern depends primarily on the strain of A. faecalis and physiological features of the infecting P. aeruginosa strains. When growing concurrently, the contacts between bacteria may change both the physical properties of the contacting bacteria surface (propagation rate) and the course of biochemical reactions in the contacting bacteria (occurrence of pigmentation, change in auto-plaquing pattern, reduction in alginate production). Conclusions. The results suggest that visually recognizable interactions are similar to the interactions of A. faecalis LGBP, exhibited in vitro with clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa, may influence on the course of chronic infections and their treatment results. Expanding of model studies of bacterial interspecies interactions may contribute to better understanding of their molecular mechanism that may be useful for optimizing therapy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ijeoma N. Okoliegbe ◽  
Karolin Hijazi ◽  
Kim Cooper ◽  
Corinne Ironside ◽  
Ian M. Gould

ABSTRACT Achromobacter spp. are recognized as emerging pathogens in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Though recent works have established species-level identification using nrdA sequencing, there is a dearth in knowledge relating to species-level antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and antimicrobial combinations, which hampers the use of optimal antimicrobial combinations for the treatment of chronic infections. The aims of this study were to (i) identify at species-level referred Achromobacter isolates, (ii) describe species-level antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, and (iii) determine the most promising antimicrobial combination for chronic Achromobacter infections. A total of 112 multidrug-resistant (MDR) Achromobacter species isolates from 39 patients were identified using nrdA sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility and combination testing were carried out using the Etest method. We detected six species of Achromobacter and found that Achromobacter xylosoxidans was the most prevalent species. Interestingly, sequence analysis showed it was responsible for persistent infection (18/28 patients), followed by Achromobacter ruhlandii (2/3 patients). Piperacillin-tazobactam (70.27%) and co-trimoxazole (69.72%) were the most active antimicrobials. Differences were observed in species-level susceptibility to ceftazidime, carbapenems, ticarcillin-clavulanate, and tetracycline. Antimicrobial combinations with co-trimoxazole or tobramycin demonstrate the best synergy, while co-trimoxazole gave the best susceptibility breakpoint index values. This study enriches the understanding of MDR Achromobacter spp. epidemiology and confirms prevalence and chronic colonization of A. xylosoxidans in CF lungs. It presents in vitro data to support the efficacy of new combinations for use in the treatment of chronic Achromobacter infections.


2020 ◽  
Vol 202 (18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulia Orazi ◽  
Fabrice Jean-Pierre ◽  
George A. O’Toole

ABSTRACT The thick mucus within the airways of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) promotes frequent respiratory infections that are often polymicrobial. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are two of the most prevalent pathogens that cause CF pulmonary infections, and both are among the most common etiologic agents of chronic wound infections. Furthermore, the ability of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus to form biofilms promotes the establishment of chronic infections that are often difficult to eradicate using antimicrobial agents. In this study, we found that multiple LasR-regulated exoproducts of P. aeruginosa, including 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide (HQNO), siderophores, phenazines, and rhamnolipids, likely contribute to the ability of P. aeruginosa PA14 to shift S. aureus Newman norfloxacin susceptibility profiles. Here, we observe that exposure to P. aeruginosa exoproducts leads to an increase in intracellular norfloxacin accumulation by S. aureus. We previously showed that P. aeruginosa supernatant dissipates the S. aureus membrane potential, and furthermore, depletion of the S. aureus proton motive force recapitulates the effect of the P. aeruginosa PA14 supernatant on shifting norfloxacin sensitivity profiles of biofilm-grown S. aureus Newman. From these results, we hypothesize that exposure to P. aeruginosa PA14 exoproducts leads to increased uptake of the drug and/or an impaired ability of S. aureus Newman to efflux norfloxacin. Surprisingly, the effect observed here of P. aeruginosa PA14 exoproducts on S. aureus Newman susceptibility to norfloxacin seemed to be specific to these strains and this antibiotic. Our results illustrate that microbially derived products can alter the ability of antimicrobial agents to kill bacterial biofilms. IMPORTANCE Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are frequently coisolated from multiple infection sites, including the lungs of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) and nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers. Coinfection with P. aeruginosa and S. aureus has been shown to produce worse outcomes compared to infection with either organism alone. Furthermore, the ability of these pathogens to form biofilms enables them to cause persistent infection and withstand antimicrobial therapy. In this study, we found that P. aeruginosa-secreted products dramatically increase the ability of the antibiotic norfloxacin to kill S. aureus biofilms. Understanding how interspecies interactions alter the antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial biofilms may inform treatment decisions and inspire the development of new therapeutic strategies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 478
Author(s):  
Ersilia Vita Fiscarelli ◽  
Martina Rossitto ◽  
Paola Rosati ◽  
Nour Essa ◽  
Valentina Crocetta ◽  
...  

As disease worsens in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) colonizes the lungs, causing pulmonary failure and mortality. Progressively, PA forms typical biofilms, and antibiotic treatments determine multidrug-resistant (MDR) PA strains. To advance new therapies against MDR PA, research has reappraised bacteriophages (phages), viruses naturally infecting bacteria. Because few in vitro studies have tested phages on CF PA biofilms, general reliability remains unclear. This study aimed to test in vitro newly isolated environmental phage activity against PA isolates from patients with CF at Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (OBG), Rome, Italy. After testing in vitro phage activities, we combined phages with amikacin, meropenem, and tobramycin against CF PA pre-formed biofilms. We also investigated new emerging morphotypes and bacterial regrowth. We obtained 22 newly isolated phages from various environments, including OBG. In about 94% of 32 CF PA isolates tested, these phages showed in vitro PA lysis. Despite poor efficacy against chronic CF PA, five selected-lytic-phages (Φ4_ZP1, Φ9_ZP2, Φ14_OBG, Φ17_OBG, and Φ19_OBG) showed wide host activity. The Φ4_ZP1-meropenem and Φ14_OBG-tobramycin combinations significantly reduced CF PA biofilms (p < 0.001). To advance potential combined phage-antibiotic therapy, we envisage further in vitro test combinations with newly isolated phages, including those from hospital environments, against CF PA biofilms from early and chronic infections.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S801-S801
Author(s):  
Jose Alexander ◽  
Daniel Navas ◽  
Marly Flowers ◽  
Angela Charles ◽  
Amy Carr

Abstract Background With the rise of the antimicrobial resistance between different genera and species of bacteria, Phage Therapy is becoming a more realistic and accessible option for patients with limited or no antimicrobial options. Being able to have rapid access to a collection of clinical active phages is key for rapid implementation of phage therapy. The Microbiology Department at AdventHealth Orlando is performing routine screening of environmental and patient samples for isolation of phages against non-fermenting Gram negative bacteria to develop a Phage Bank. Methods Protocols for phage isolation from environmental sources such as lakes, rivers and sewers and clinical samples were developed. A series of respiratory, throat, stool and urine samples were processed following an internal protocol that includes centrifugation, filtration and enrichment. Clinical samples were centrifugated for 10 minutes, filtered using 0.45µm centrifugation filters, seeded with targeted host bacteria (clinical isolates) and incubated at 35°C for 24 hours. The enriched samples were centrifugated and filtered for a final phage enriched solution. Screening and isolation were performed using the Gracia method over trypticase soybean agar (TSA) for plaque morphology and quantification. Host range screening of other clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa was performed using the new isolated and purified phages. Results 4 lytic phages against clinical strains of P. aeruginosa from patient with diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF), were isolated and purified from 4 different respiratory samples, including sputum and bronchial alveolar lavage. All phages showed phenotypical characteristics of lytic activity. 1 phage was active against 4 strains of P. aeruginosa, 1 phage was active against 2 strains of P. aeruginosa and the remaining 2 phages were active only against the initial host target strain. Conclusion With this study we demonstrated the potential use of clinical samples as source for isolating active bacteriophages against clinically significant bacteria strains. Clinical samples from vulnerable population of patients with chronic infections are part of our routine “phage-hunting” process to stock and grow our Phage Bank project for future clinical use. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


Author(s):  
Erin Felton ◽  
Aszia Burrell ◽  
Hollis Chaney ◽  
Iman Sami ◽  
Anastassios C. Koumbourlis ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) affects >70,000 people worldwide, yet the microbiologic trigger for pulmonary exacerbations (PExs) remains unknown. The objective of this study was to identify changes in bacterial metabolic pathways associated with clinical status. Methods Respiratory samples were collected at hospital admission for PEx, end of intravenous (IV) antibiotic treatment, and follow-up from 27 hospitalized children with CF. Bacterial DNA was extracted and shotgun DNA sequencing was performed. MetaPhlAn2 and HUMAnN2 were used to evaluate bacterial taxonomic and pathway relative abundance, while DESeq2 was used to evaluate differential abundance based on clinical status. Results The mean age of study participants was 10 years; 85% received combination IV antibiotic therapy (beta-lactam plus a second agent). Long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) biosynthesis pathways were upregulated in follow-up samples compared to end of treatment: gondoate (p = 0.012), oleate (p = 0.048), palmitoleate (p = 0.043), and pathways of fatty acid elongation (p = 0.012). Achromobacter xylosoxidans and Escherichia sp. were also more prevalent in follow-up compared to PEx (p < 0.001). Conclusions LCFAs may be associated with persistent infection of opportunistic pathogens. Future studies should more closely investigate the role of LCFA production by lung bacteria in the transition from baseline wellness to PEx in persons with CF. Impact Increased levels of LCFAs are found after IV antibiotic treatment in persons with CF. LCFAs have previously been associated with increased lung inflammation in asthma. This is the first report of LCFAs in the airway of persons with CF. This research provides support that bacterial production of LCFAs may be a contributor to inflammation in persons with CF. Future studies should evaluate LCFAs as predictors of future PExs.


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