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Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2022and are common single- and polymicrobial urinary tract infections which can survive under various oxygen levels, including inside of stone matrices. Therefore, we...
and are common single- and polymicrobial urinary tract infections which can survive under various oxygen levels, including inside of stone matrices. Therefore, we aimed to investigate and compare the calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) lithogenic activities including COM crystal growth and aggregation under microaerobic conditions of and isolated from the same stone matrix. The crystal growth was analyzed at the delta crystal area while the crystal aggregation was analyzed as the number of crystal aggregates. The results showed that compared to blank control, , and the co-culture of and were able to significantly promote COM crystal growth under microaerobic conditions. Interestingly, the delta crystal area in the co-culture under microaerobic conditions was larger than that of alone and alone. In addition, only alone and the co-culture were able to significantly increase COM aggregates. This study demonstrated that single- and co-culture of and could promote COM crystal growth and aggregation under microaerobic conditions. The co-culture of and may provide the combination effect on COM crystal interactions. The bacterial surfaces and the important effects on bacteria-crystal interactions should be further evaluated.
PubMed: 36359494
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112651 -
Brazilian Journal of Microbiology :... Sep 2020Given the need to understand the virulence profile of Proteus mirabilis isolates from cellulitis in broiler chickens and their ability to cause lesions, the present...
Given the need to understand the virulence profile of Proteus mirabilis isolates from cellulitis in broiler chickens and their ability to cause lesions, the present study aimed to characterize genotypically and phenotypically the virulence profiles of two strains of P. mirabilis isolated from cellulitis in broilers, as well as to evaluate their ability to experimentally reproduce the lesions in vivo. The strain with the highest virulence potential (LBUEL-A33) possessed mrpA, pmfA, ucaA, atfA (fimbriae), zapA, ptA (proteases), hpmA (hemolysin), and ireA (siderophore) genes, formed a very strong biofilm, and expressed the pattern of aggregative adhesion and cytotoxicity in Vero cells. The strain with the lowest virulence potential (LBUEL-A34) did not present the pmfA and ucaA genes, but expressed the pattern of aggregative adhesion, formed a strong biofilm, and did not show cytotoxicity. Both strains developed cellulitis in an animal model within 24 h post-inoculation (PI), and the degree of lesions was not significantly altered up to 120 h PI. The LBUEL-A33 strain was also inoculated in combination with an avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC 046), and the lesions showed no significant changes from the individual inoculation of these two strains. Histological analysis showed that the LBUEL-A33 strain developed characteristic cellulitis lesions. Thus, both strains of P. mirabilis isolated in our study have several virulence factors and the ability to develop cellulitis in broilers.
Topics: Animals; Bacterial Proteins; Cellulitis; Chickens; Chlorocebus aethiops; Poultry Diseases; Proteus Infections; Proteus mirabilis; Virulence
PubMed: 32067208
DOI: 10.1007/s42770-020-00240-1 -
Biomolecules & Therapeutics Jul 2023Parkinson's disease (PD) which has various pathological mechanisms, recently, it is attracting attention to the mechanism via microbiome-gut-brain axis. 6-Shogaol, a...
Parkinson's disease (PD) which has various pathological mechanisms, recently, it is attracting attention to the mechanism via microbiome-gut-brain axis. 6-Shogaol, a representative compound of ginger, have been known for improving PD phenotypes by reducing neuroinflammatory responses. In the present study, we investigated whether 6-shogaol and ginger attenuate degeneration induced by () on the intestine and brain, simultaneously. C57BL/6J mice received for 5 days. Ginger (300 mg/kg) and 6-shogaol (10 mg/kg) were treated by gavage feeding for 22 days including the period of treatment. Results showed that 6-shogaol and ginger improved motor dysfunction and dopaminergic neuronal death induced by treatment. In addition, they suppressed -induced intestinal barrier disruption, pro-inflammatory signals such as toll-like receptor and TNF-α, and intestinal α-synuclein aggregation. Moreover, ginger and 6-shogaol significantly inhibited neuroinflammation and α-synuclein in the brain. Taken together, 6-shogaol and ginger have the potential to ameliorate PD-like motor behavior and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons induced by in mice. Here, these findings are meaningful in that they provide the first experimental evidence that 6-shogaol might attenuate PD via regulating gut-brain axis.
PubMed: 37337830
DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2023.098 -
MSphere Aug 2021Many bacterial species employ systems for interference competition with other microorganisms. Some systems are effective without contact (e.g., through secretion of...
Many bacterial species employ systems for interference competition with other microorganisms. Some systems are effective without contact (e.g., through secretion of toxins), while other systems (e.g., type VI secretion system [T6SS]) require direct contact between cells. Here, we provide the initial characterization of a novel contact-dependent competition system for Proteus mirabilis. In neonatal mice, a commensal P. mirabilis strain apparently eliminated commensal Escherichia coli. We replicated the phenotype and showed that P. mirabilis efficiently reduced the viability of several species but not Gram-positive species or yeast cells. Importantly, P. mirabilis strains isolated from humans also killed E. coli. A reduction of viability occurred from early stationary phase to 24 h of culture and was observed in shaking liquid media as well as on solid media. Killing required contact but was independent of T6SS, which is the only contact-dependent killing system described for P. mirabilis. Expression of the killing system was regulated by osmolarity and components secreted into the supernatant. Stationary-phase P. mirabilis culture supernatant itself did not kill but was sufficient to induce killing in an exponentially growing coculture. In contrast, killing was largely prevented in media with low osmolarity. In summary, we provide the initial characterization of a potentially novel interbacterial competition system used by P. mirabilis. The study of bacterial competition systems has received significant attention in recent years. These systems are important in a multitude of polymicrobial environments and collectively shape the composition of complex ecosystems like the mammalian gut. They are also being explored as narrow-spectrum alternatives to specifically eliminate problematic pathogenic species. However, only a small fraction of the estimated number of interbacterial competition systems has been identified. We discovered a competition system that is novel for Proteus mirabilis. Inspired by an observation in infant mice, we confirmed that P. mirabilis was able to efficiently kill several species. This killing system might represent a new function of a known competition system or even a novel system, as the observed characteristics do not fit with described contact-dependent competition systems. Further characterization of this system might help understand how P. mirabilis competes with other in various niches.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Culture Media; Enterobacteriaceae; Female; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Microbial Interactions; Microbial Viability; Phenotype; Proteus mirabilis; Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms; Type VI Secretion Systems
PubMed: 34319125
DOI: 10.1128/mSphere.00321-21 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2022The emergence of antimicrobial resistance among microorganisms is a serious public health concern, and extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL)-producing is one of the... (Review)
Review
The emergence of antimicrobial resistance among microorganisms is a serious public health concern, and extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL)-producing is one of the major concerns among antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Although the prevalence of ESBL in has been increasing with time, the prevalence of ESBL could differ according to the species, hospital allocation, sources of infections, nosocomial or community acquisitions, and geographic regions. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive review of the epidemiology of ESBL-producing in Taiwan. Overall, the rates of ESBL producers are higher in northern regions than in other parts of Taiwan. In addition, the genotypes of ESBL vary according to different . SHV-type ESBLs (SHV-5 and SHV-12) were the major types of complex, but and were more likely to possess CTX-M-type ESBLs (CTX-M-3 and CTX-M-14). Moreover, a clonal sequence type of O25b-ST131 has been emerging among urinary or bloodstream isolates in the community in Taiwan, and this clone was potentially associated with virulence, ESBL (CTX-M-15) production, ciprofloxacin resistance, and mortality. Finally, the evolution of the genetic traits of the ESBL-producing isolates helps us confirm the interhospital and intrahospital clonal dissemination in several regions of Taiwan. In conclusion, continuous surveillance in the investigation of ESBL production among is needed to establish its long-term epidemiology.
PubMed: 36762100
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1060050 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2022Bone loss due to an increased osteoclast activity is common in osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. For the first time, we observed an inhibition of osteoclast...
Bone loss due to an increased osteoclast activity is common in osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. For the first time, we observed an inhibition of osteoclast formation and bone resorption by outer-membrane vesicles (OMVs) from a Gram-negative, pathogenic bacterium, (P.M). Gene ontogeny and KEGG enrichment analyses of miRNA and mRNA sequencing data demonstrated a significant effect of P.M OMVs on mitochondrial functions and apoptotic pathways. OMVs induced mitochondrial dysfunction through an increased level of intracellular ROS, collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and modulation of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, and cytochrome c expression. In addition, P.M OMVs strongly inhibited miR-96-5p expression, which caused an upregulation of ATP binding cassette subfamily A member 1 (Abca1) in osteoclasts leading to an increased level of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Moreover, treatment with P.M but not OMVs attenuated bone loss in experimental osteoporosis and collagen-induced arthritis. Collectively, we demonstrated osteoprotective functions of OMVs from , which downregulated miR-96-5p causing an increased Abca1 expression and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis.
Topics: ATP Binding Cassette Transporter 1; Animals; Apoptosis; Mice; MicroRNAs; Mitochondria; Osteogenesis; Osteoporosis; Proteus mirabilis
PubMed: 35242136
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.833040 -
Journal of Microbiology, Immunology,... Apr 2023New tetracycline derivatives exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities. This study aimed to assess the in vitro activity of eravacycline against common...
BACKGROUND
New tetracycline derivatives exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities. This study aimed to assess the in vitro activity of eravacycline against common Enterobacterales.
METHODS
Clinical Enterobacterales isolates were collected between 2017 and 2021. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using a broth microdilution test.
RESULTS
We identified Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 300), Escherichia coli (n = 300), Klebsiella oxytoca (n = 100), Enterobacter cloacae complex (n = 100), Citrobacter freundii (n = 100), and Proteus mirabilis (n = 100). All P. mirabilis strains were resistant to eravacycline. Excluding P. mirabilis, the susceptibility rates to eravacycline, omadacycline, and tigecycline were 75.2%, 66.9%, and 73%, respectively. The MIC and MIC (mg/L) of eravacycline were 0.5 and 4 for K. pneumoniae, 0.5 and 1 for E. coli, 0.5 and 1 for K. oxytoca, 0.5 and 2 for E. cloacae complex, and 0.25 and 1 for C. freundii. In cefotaxime non-susceptible and meropenem susceptible Enterobacterales, excluding P. mirabilis, the susceptibility rates of eravacycline, omadacycline, and tigecycline were 69.7%, 57.1%, and 66.2%. We found decreased susceptibility rates of three new tetracycline derivatives against meropenem non-susceptible Enterobacterales (eravacycline: 47.1%, omadacycline: 39.4%, and tigecycline: 39.4%). Eravacycline showed a high susceptibility rate against cefotaxime non-susceptible and meropenem susceptible K. oxytoca (100%), C. freundii (93.2%), E. coli (85.9%), and meropenem non-susceptible E. coli (100%).
CONCLUSION
This study provides the MIC and susceptibility rate of eravacycline for common Enterobacterales. Eravacycline could be a therapeutic choice for cefotaxime non-susceptible or meropenem non-susceptible Enterobacterales, especially K. oxytoca, C. freundii, and E. coli.
Topics: Humans; Meropenem; Tigecycline; Escherichia coli; Taiwan; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Klebsiella oxytoca; Cefotaxime; Microbial Sensitivity Tests
PubMed: 36243669
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2022.09.009 -
Infection and Drug Resistance 2022Integrons are the main mode of horizontal transmission of drug-resistance genes and are closely related to drug resistance in clinical bacteria. In this study, the...
BACKGROUND
Integrons are the main mode of horizontal transmission of drug-resistance genes and are closely related to drug resistance in clinical bacteria. In this study, the distributions of class 1, 2, and 3 integron gene cassettes were investigated in 150 () isolates from patients, and molecular characterization of functional class 2 integrons was further analyzed.
METHODS
Class 1, 2, and 3 integrons were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 150 clinical isolates. The variable regions of the integrons were determined by restriction analysis and sequencing. Internal stop codons mutations in class 2 integrons and their common promoters were also determined by sequencing. Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) was used to analyze the phylogenetic relations of class 2 integron-positive isolates.
RESULTS
Class 1 integrons were detected in 69 (46%) of 150 isolates, and six different gene cassette arrays were detected, with the most prevalent being . Class 2 integrons were detected in 61 (40.7%) of 150 isolates, and three different gene cassette arrays were detected, including , which was detected for the first time in a class 2 integron. Nearly similar ERIC-PCR fingerprinting patterns were detected in 45 (73.8%) of 61 class 2 integron-positive isolates. The functional class 2 integron was detected in three isolates having the same gene cassette, , in the variable region and four novel open reading frames with unknown functions. Same P and Pc promoters were detected in these three functional class 2 integron isolates, as was found in other class 2 integron isolates. However, these three strains did not totally show identical homology and drug sensitivity.
CONCLUSION
Although functional class 2 integrons have low distribution and relatively conserved molecular characteristics, they can still form clinical dissemination and drug resistance expression.
PubMed: 35210790
DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S347119 -
Journal of Microbiology, Immunology,... Jun 2024Copper plays a role in urinary tract infection (UTI) and urinary copper content is increased during Proteus mirabilis UTI. We therefore investigated the effect of copper...
BACKGROUND
Copper plays a role in urinary tract infection (UTI) and urinary copper content is increased during Proteus mirabilis UTI. We therefore investigated the effect of copper on uropathogenic P. mirabilis and the underlying mechanisms, focusing on the virulence associated aspects.
METHODS
Mouse colonization, swarming/swimming assays, measurement of cell length, flagellin level and urease activity, adhesion/invasion assay, biofilm formation, killing by macrophages, oxidative stress susceptibility, OMPs analysis, determination of MICs and persister cell formation, RT-PCR and transcriptional reporter assay were performed.
RESULTS
We found that copper-supplemented mice were more resistant to be colonized in the urinary tract, together with decreased swarming/swimming, ureases activity, expression of type VI secretion system and adhesion/invasion to urothelial cells and increased killing by macrophages of P. mirabilis at a sublethal copper level. However, bacterial biofilm formation and resistance to oxidative stress were enhanced under the same copper level. Of note, the presence of copper led to increased ciprofloxacin MIC and more persister cell formation against ampicillin. In addition, the presence of copper altered the outer membrane protein profile and triggered expression of RcsB response regulator. For the first time, we unveiled the pleiotropic effects of copper on uropathogenic P. mirabilis, especially for induction of bacterial two-component signaling system regulating fitness and virulence.
CONCLUSION
The finding of copper-mediated virulence and fitness reinforced the importance of copper for prevention and therapeutic interventions against P. mirabilis infections. As such, this study could facilitate the copper-based strategies against UTI by P. mirabilis.
Topics: Proteus mirabilis; Animals; Urinary Tract Infections; Copper; Mice; Virulence; Biofilms; Proteus Infections; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Female; Phenotype; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Oxidative Stress; Macrophages; Bacterial Adhesion; Bacterial Proteins
PubMed: 38453541
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2024.02.007 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2023is the one of most important pathogens of catheter-associated urinary tract infections. The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) severely limits antibiotic...
OBJECTIVE
is the one of most important pathogens of catheter-associated urinary tract infections. The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) severely limits antibiotic treatments, which poses a public health risk. This study aims to investigate the resistance characteristics and virulence potential for a collection of clinical isolates.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed fourteen MDR strains, which showed high resistance to most β-lactams and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and a lesser extent to quinolones. All the MDR strains were sensitive to carbapenems (except imipenem), ceftazidime, and amikacin, and most of them were also sensitive to aminoglycosides. The obtained MDR isolates were sequenced using an Illumina HiSeq. The core genome-based phylogenetic tree reveals the high genetic diversity of these MDR isolates and highlights the possibility of clonal spread of them across China. Mobile genetic elements SXT/R391 ICEs were commonly (10/14) detected in these MDR strains, whereas the presence of resistance island GRI1 and plasmid was sporadic. All ICEs except for ICEChn31006 carried abundant antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in the HS4 region, including the extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) gene . ICEChn31006 contained the sole ARG and was nearly identical to the global epidemic ICEPmiJpn1. The findings highlight the important roles of ICEs in mediating the spread of ARGs in strains. Additionally, these MDR strains have great virulence potential as they exhibited significant virulence-related phenotypes including strong crystalline biofilm, hemolysis, urease production, and robust swarming motility, and harbored abundant virulence genes.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the prevalence of MDR with high virulence potential poses an urgent threat to public health. Intensive monitoring is needed to reduce the incidence of infections by MDR .
Topics: Phylogeny; Proteus mirabilis; Virulence; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Amikacin; Caspase 1
PubMed: 37637463
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1229194