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Biology Open Jun 2022Vibrio vulnificus is an opportunistic pathogen that naturally inhabits sea water globally and is responsible for most vibriosis-related deaths. The consumption of V....
Vibrio vulnificus is an opportunistic pathogen that naturally inhabits sea water globally and is responsible for most vibriosis-related deaths. The consumption of V. vulnificus contaminated seafood and exposure of wounds to Vibrio can result in systemic infection, with increased risks of amputation and extremely high rates of mortality. However, the pathogenicity and virulence factors of V. vulnificus are not fully understood. The genomic characterization of V. vulnificus will be helpful to extend our understanding on V. vulnificus at a genomic level. In this manuscript, the genome of V. vulnificus strain MCCC 1A08743 isolated from contaminated prawns from Zhanjiang, China, was sequenced using Illumina HiSeq X Ten system and annotated through multiple databases. The strain MCCC 1A08743 genome included 4371 protein-coding genes and 117 RNA genes. Average nucleotide identity analysis and core genome phylogenetic analysis revealed that MCCC 1A08743 was most closely related to strains from clinical samples from the United States. Pathogenicity annotation of the MCCC 1A08743 genome, using Virulence Factor Database and Pathogen-Host Interactions database, predicted the pathogenicity of the strain, and this was confirmed using mice infection experiments, which indicated that V. vulnificus strain MCCC 1A08743 could infect C57BL/6J mice and cause liver lesions. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Phylogeny; Seafood; Vibrio vulnificus; Virulence
PubMed: 35766638
DOI: 10.1242/bio.059299 -
Microbiological Research Dec 2019Microorganisms are able to adapt to multiple adverse environmental conditions that facilitate their survival. These microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, algae,... (Review)
Review
Microorganisms are able to adapt to multiple adverse environmental conditions that facilitate their survival. These microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and protozoans are exposed to different abiotic and biotic challenges throughout their life. Adaptations help these organisms to overcome the challenges and evolve as successful pathogens which at the same time might lead to severe disease outcome. The intracellular gram-negative pathogen Salmonella, the causative agent of typhoid fever has evolved into a successful pathogen and shows increasing host mortality and morbidity every year across the globe. Salmonella adapts itself in the different extreme host and non-host environments both at genetic and phenotypic level leading to their better survival and propagation. The uncontrolled and improper use of antibiotics against several Salmonella serovars has not only given rise to various multidrug resistance strains but also the emergence of hyper-infectious Salmonella strains adds to the severity of disease manifestation and treatment. Besides, several disadvantages in the existing Salmonella vaccines stand against the current therapeutic interventions against the bug. This review deals with the wide array of stresses that Salmonella encounter in its life cycle and outlines the adaptations occurring in Salmonella upon exposure to such stresses as well as how adaptations help the pathogen to withstand such extreme conditions. Insights in these aspects will help to understand Salmonella pathogenesis and associated consequences which might help in the development of new strategies in combating Salmonella infection.
Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Animals; Biological Evolution; Humans; Salmonella; Typhoid Fever; Virulence
PubMed: 31446332
DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2019.126311 -
Environment International Feb 2023Rice-crayfish co-culture (RC) has been widely and rapidly promoted as a sustainable agricultural system in many countries. The accumulation of crayfish residues could...
Rice-crayfish co-culture (RC) has been widely and rapidly promoted as a sustainable agricultural system in many countries. The accumulation of crayfish residues could enhance soil organic matters; however, impacts of this integrated farming model on the dissemination and pathogenicity of resistance and virulence genes remain poorly understood. Here, we characterized antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), biocide resistance genes (BRGs), metal resistance genes (MRGs) and virulence factor genes (VFGs) using metagenomic methods in paired RC and rice monoculture (RM) systems across China. The RC model did not increase the abundance of soil ARGs, BRGs, MRGs, or VFGs in comparison to the RM model, but selectively enriched 35 subtypes of these potential resistance and virulence genes. Network analysis revealed that resistance and virulence genes had a higher number of connections with mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in the RC system than that in the RM system, suggesting a higher horizontal transfer potential of these genes. Moreover, the RC model had a higher abundance of human opportunistic pathogens such as Salmonella enterica, Vibrio cholerae, and Shigella dysenteriae which were potential hosts of VFGs such as phoP, fleS, and gspE, suggesting a potential threat to human health. We further unraveled that stochastic process was the main driver of the assembly of resistance and virulence genes in the RC system. The abundance of ARGs and VFGs were primarily associated with microbial community compositions, while the abundance of BRGs and MRGs were mainly associated with that of MGEs. Taken together, our results suggest that the RC model has potential to cause the dissemination and pathogenicity of resistance and virulence genes, which has important implications for the control of soil-borne biological risks and the strategic management of sustainable agriculture.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Soil; Virulence; Oryza; Astacoidea; Coculture Techniques; Genes, Bacterial; China; Metals; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 36736026
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107789 -
Virulence Dec 2021Lipids are complex organic compounds made up of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. These play a diverse and intricate role in cellular processes like membrane trafficking,... (Review)
Review
Lipids are complex organic compounds made up of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. These play a diverse and intricate role in cellular processes like membrane trafficking, protein sorting, signal transduction, and bacterial infections. Both Gram-positive bacteria (.) and Gram-negative bacteria (, etc.) can hijack the various host-lipids and utilize them structurally as well as functionally to mount a successful infection. The pathogens can deploy with various arsenals to exploit host membrane lipids and lipid-associated receptors as an attachment for toxins' landing or facilitate their entry into the host cellular niche. Bacterial species like sp. can also modulate the host lipid metabolism to fetch its carbon source from the host. The sequential conversion of host membrane lipids into arachidonic acid and prostaglandin E2 due to increased activity of cPLA-2 and COX-2 upon bacterial infection creates immunosuppressive conditions and facilitates the intracellular growth and proliferation of bacteria. However, lipids' more debatable role is that they can also be a blessing in disguise. Certain host-lipids, especially sphingolipids, have been shown to play a crucial antibacterial role and help the host in combating the infections. This review shed light on the detailed role of host lipids in bacterial infections and the current understanding of the lipid in therapeutics. We have also discussed potential prospects and the need of the hour to help us cope in this race against deadly pathogens and their rapidly evolving stealthy virulence strategies.
Topics: Animals; Bacteria; Bacterial Infections; Gram-Negative Bacteria; Gram-Positive Bacteria; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Lipid Metabolism; Membrane Lipids; Mice; Signal Transduction; Virulence
PubMed: 33356849
DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2020.1869441 -
Memorias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz 2022Mycolicibacterium fortuitum is an opportunistic pathogen associated with human and animal infection worldwide. Studies concerning this species are mainly represented by...
BACKGROUND
Mycolicibacterium fortuitum is an opportunistic pathogen associated with human and animal infection worldwide. Studies concerning this species are mainly represented by case reports, some of them addressing drug susceptibility with a focus on a specific geographic region, so there is a gap in relation to the global epidemiological scenario.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed determine the global epidemiological scenario of M. fortuitum and analyse its traits associated with pathogenicity.
METHODS
Based on publicly available genomes of M. fortuitum and a genome from Brazil (this study), we performed a genomic epidemiology analysis and in silico and in vitro characterisation of the resistome and virulome of this species.
FINDINGS
Three main clusters were defined, one including isolates from the environment, human and animal infections recovered over nearly a century. An apparent intrinsic resistome comprises mechanisms associated with macrolides, beta-lactams, aminoglycosides and antitubercular drugs such as rifampin. Besides, the virulome presented Type VII secretion systems (T7SS), including ESX-1, ESX-3, ESX-4 and ESX-4-bis, some of which play a role on the virulence of Mycobacteriaceae species.
MAIN CONCLUSIONS
Here, M. fortuitum was revealed as a reservoir of an expressive intrinsic resistome, as well as a virulome that may contribute to its success as a global opportunist pathogen.
Topics: Antitubercular Agents; Brazil; Genomics; Humans; Virulence
PubMed: 35019071
DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760210247 -
International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2023We explored the antimicrobial activity of sertraline on and further investigated the effects of sertraline on biofilm formation and the virulence gene expression of ....
We explored the antimicrobial activity of sertraline on and further investigated the effects of sertraline on biofilm formation and the virulence gene expression of . The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration for sertraline against were in the range of 16-32 μg/mL and 64 μg/mL, respectively. Sertraline-dependent damage of the cell membrane and a decrease in intracellular ATP and pH in were observed. In addition, sertraline reduced the biofilm formation efficiency of the strains. Importantly, low concentrations (0.1 μg/mL and 1 μg/mL) of sertraline significantly down-regulated the expression levels of various virulence genes (, , , , , and ). These results collectively suggest a role of sertraline for the control of in the food industry.
Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; Bacterial Proteins; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; Listeria monocytogenes; Sertraline; Virulence; Virulence Factors
PubMed: 36902108
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054678 -
Biochemical Society Transactions Jun 2021Interferon (IFN)-induced guanosine triphosphate hydrolysing enzymes (GTPases) have been identified as cornerstones of IFN-mediated cell-autonomous defence. Upon IFN... (Review)
Review
Interferon (IFN)-induced guanosine triphosphate hydrolysing enzymes (GTPases) have been identified as cornerstones of IFN-mediated cell-autonomous defence. Upon IFN stimulation, these GTPases are highly expressed in various host cells, where they orchestrate anti-microbial activities against a diverse range of pathogens such as bacteria, protozoan and viruses. IFN-induced GTPases have been shown to interact with various host pathways and proteins mediating pathogen control via inflammasome activation, destabilising pathogen compartments and membranes, orchestrating destruction via autophagy and the production of reactive oxygen species as well as inhibiting pathogen mobility. In this mini-review, we provide an update on how the IFN-induced GTPases target pathogens and mediate host defence, emphasising findings on protection against bacterial pathogens.
Topics: Animals; Bacteria; Bacterial Infections; GTP Phosphohydrolases; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Interferons; Signal Transduction; Virulence
PubMed: 34003245
DOI: 10.1042/BST20200900 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2021Filarial nematodes secrete bioactive molecules which are of interest as potential mediators for manipulating host biology, as they are readily available at the... (Review)
Review
Filarial nematodes secrete bioactive molecules which are of interest as potential mediators for manipulating host biology, as they are readily available at the host-parasite interface. The adult parasites can survive for years in the mammalian host, due to their successful modulation of the host immune system and most of these immunomodulatory strategies are based on soluble mediators excreted by the parasite. The secretome of filarial nematodes is a key player in both infection and pathology, making them an interesting target for further investigation. This review summarises the current knowledge regarding the components of the excretory-secretory products (ESPs) of filarial parasites and their bioactive functions in the human host. In addition, the pathogenic potential of the identified components, which are mostly proteins, in the pathophysiology of onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy is discussed.
Topics: Animals; Epilepsy; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Nematoda; Onchocerciasis; Virulence
PubMed: 33996633
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.662766 -
Nihon Saikingaku Zasshi. Japanese... 2020Vibrio parahaemolyticus, one of the Gram-negative common enteric pathogens, was first isolated in Japan in 1950. Since its discovery, this bacterium has been a major... (Review)
Review
Vibrio parahaemolyticus, one of the Gram-negative common enteric pathogens, was first isolated in Japan in 1950. Since its discovery, this bacterium has been a major cause of food-poisoning in Japan, and its infection has recently undergone a global expansion. V. parahaemolyticus possesses a classical exotoxin, thermostable direct hemolysin, and two sets of type III secretion systems (T3SSs) that are able to inject effectors directly into host cells, which are its key virulence factors. Exotoxin/effector is exploited by many Gram-negative pathogens, and plays critical roles in pathogenesis by damaging host cells or by modulating host cell functions, through its activity on/in host cells. In recent years, functional activities of T3SS effectors produced by V. parahaemolyticus have been extensively studied, which has substantially increased our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of the bacterium. In paricular, some T3SS effectors of V. parahaemolyticus act as cytotoxins and thereby damage host cells. Here, I focus on these cytotoxic effectors of V. parahaemolyticus and describe recent advances in our understanding of their mechanisms of action.
Topics: Cytotoxins; Exotoxins; Foodborne Diseases; Hemolysin Proteins; Host Microbial Interactions; Humans; Type III Secretion Systems; Vibrio parahaemolyticus; Virulence
PubMed: 33390409
DOI: 10.3412/jsb.75.215 -
BMC Genomics Sep 2022Xanthomonas is a genus of gram-negative bacterium containing more than 35 species. Among these pathogenic species, Xanthomonas albilineans (Xal) is of global interest,... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Xanthomonas is a genus of gram-negative bacterium containing more than 35 species. Among these pathogenic species, Xanthomonas albilineans (Xal) is of global interest, responsible for leaf scald disease in sugarcane. Another notable Xanthomonas species is Xanthomonas sachari (Xsa), a sugarcane-associated agent of chlorotic streak disease.
RESULT
The virulence of 24 Xanthomonas strains was evaluated by disease index (DI) and Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC) in the susceptible inoculated plants (GT 46) and clustered into three groups of five highly potent, seven mild virulent, and twelve weak virulent strains. The highly potent strain (X. albilineans, Xal JG43) and its weak virulent related strain (X. sacchari, Xsa DD13) were sequenced, assembled, and annotated in the circular genomes. The genomic size of JG43 was smaller than that of DD13. Both strains (JG43 and DD13) lacked a Type III secretory system (T3SS) and T6SS. However, JG43 possessed Salmonella pathogenicity island-1 (SPI-1). More pathogen-host interaction (PHI) genes and virulent factors in 17 genomic islands (GIs) were detected in JG43, among which six were related to pathogenicity. Albicidin and a two-component system associated with virulence were also detected in JG43. Furthermore, 23 Xanthomonas strains were sequenced and classified into three categories based on Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) mutation loci and pathogenicity, using JG43 as a reference genome. Transitions were dominant SNP mutations, while structural variation (SV) is frequent intrachromosomal rearrangement (ITX). Two essential genes (rpfC/rpfG) of the two-component system and another gene related to SNP were mutated to understand their virulence effect. The mutation of rpfG resulted in a decrease in pathogenicity.
CONCLUSION
These findings revealed virulence of 24 Xanthomonas strains and variations by 23 Xanthomonas strains. We sequenced, assembled, and annotated the circular genomes of Xal JG43 and Xsa DD13, identifying diversity detected by pathogenic factors and systems. Furthermore, complete genomic sequences and sequenced data will provide a theoretical basis for identifying pathogenic factors responsible for sugarcane leaf scald disease.
Topics: Plant Diseases; Plant Leaves; Saccharum; Virulence; Virulence Factors; Xanthomonas
PubMed: 36162999
DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08900-2