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Cureus Jul 2023Lung abscesses caused by () are a rare occurrence, particularly in immunocompetent adults. We present the case of a 47-year-old male with a history of COPD, bipolar...
Lung abscesses caused by () are a rare occurrence, particularly in immunocompetent adults. We present the case of a 47-year-old male with a history of COPD, bipolar disorder, and seizure disorder, who presented with a productive cough, worsening shortness of breath, yellow sputum, weight loss, and fatigue over a period of three weeks. Clinical examination revealed decreased breath sounds in the left upper lung zones. Laboratory investigations showed an elevated white cell count, while blood cultures identified . Imaging with computed tomography (CT) confirmed the presence of a 4.2x2.0 cm cavitary lesion consistent with a lung abscess. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of Ampicillin/Sulbactam and Azithromycin, followed by a course of oral Augmentin. Given the size of the abscess and favorable response to antibiotic therapy, invasive procedures were deemed unnecessary. This case underscores the importance of considering unusual pathogens in the etiology of lung abscesses, even in immunocompetent individuals, and highlights the successful management with appropriate antibiotic therapy.
PubMed: 37621835
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42371 -
Microbiology Resource Announcements Mar 2019Here, we describe the complete genome sequence of the ATCC(B) 19146 strain, which contains 3,375 protein-coding genes and 61 RNAs within its 3,551,819-bp-long genome....
Here, we describe the complete genome sequence of the ATCC(B) 19146 strain, which contains 3,375 protein-coding genes and 61 RNAs within its 3,551,819-bp-long genome. The genome consists of a circular chromosome.
PubMed: 30923241
DOI: 10.1128/MRA.00083-19 -
Microbiology Spectrum Feb 2023Microbial communities in coastal waters are diverse and dynamic and play important roles in ecosystem functions and services. Despite the ecological impact of...
Microbial communities in coastal waters are diverse and dynamic and play important roles in ecosystem functions and services. Despite the ecological impact of bacterioplankton or pathogens, little is known about whether bacterioplankton and pathogen communities exhibit similar patterns. Here, using 16S RNA gene amplicon sequencing, the geographic patterns and assembly processes of bacterioplankton and pathogen communities in 30 subtropical estuaries were studied. Results showed that the estuarine bacterioplankton communities mainly consisted of (49.06%), (17.62%), and (16.33%), among which 31 pathogen genera (186 amplicon sequence variants [ASVs]) were identified. Under the influence of salinity, bacterioplankton and pathogens showed similar biogeographic patterns. Redundancy and correlation analyses indicated that the bacterioplankton communities were strongly correlated with estuarine environmental factors, but potential pathogens were less influenced. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed a close relationship between bacterioplankton and potential pathogens, with two pathogens identified as connectors (i.e., ASV340 [Clostridium perfringens] and ASV1624 [Brevundimonas diminuta]), implying potential impacts of pathogens on structure, function, and stability of estuarine bacterioplankton communities. Null-model analysis revealed that deterministic processes (heterogeneous selection) dominated bacterioplankton community assembly, while stochastic processes (undominated effect) shaped the potential pathogen community. Our findings illustrate the biogeographic patterns and community assembly mechanisms of bacterioplankton and pathogens in estuaries, which should provide guidance and a reference for the control of potential pathogenic bacteria. Bacterioplankton play an important role in estuarine ecosystem functions and services; however, potentially pathogenic bacteria may exhibit infectivity and pose a serious threat to environmental and human health. In this study, geographic patterns and assembly processes of bacterioplankton communities in 30 subtropical estuaries were explored, and potential pathogenic bacteria in the estuaries were detected and profiled. Our results demonstrate here that bacterioplankton and pathogens show similar biogeographic patterns under the influence of salinity. Interestingly, heterogeneous selection dominated bacterioplankton assembly, while stochasticity dominated pathogen assembly. This study provides important information for future risk assessment of potential pathogenic bacteria as well as management in estuarine ecosystems.
Topics: Humans; Ecosystem; Estuaries; Microbiota; Bacteria; Proteobacteria; Aquatic Organisms
PubMed: 36507672
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03683-22 -
Acta Crystallographica. Section F,... Jan 2005Isoquinoline 1-oxidoreductase (IOR) from Brevundimonas diminuta is a mononuclear molybdoenzyme of the xanthine-dehydrogenase family of proteins and catalyzes the...
Isoquinoline 1-oxidoreductase (IOR) from Brevundimonas diminuta is a mononuclear molybdoenzyme of the xanthine-dehydrogenase family of proteins and catalyzes the conversion of isoquinoline to isoquinoline-1-one. Its primary sequence and behaviour, specifically in its substrate specificity and lipophilicity, differ from other members of the family. A crystal structure of the enzyme is expected to provide an explanation for these differences. This paper describes the crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction experiments as well as an optimized purification protocol for IOR. Crystallization of IOR was achieved using two different crystallization buffers. Streak-seeding and cross-linking were essential to obtain well diffracting crystals. Suitable cryo-conditions were found and a structure solution was obtained by molecular replacement. However, phases need to be improved in order to obtain a more interpretable electron-density map.
Topics: Catalysis; Caulobacteraceae; Crystallization; Dimerization; Models, Molecular; Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-CH Group Donors; Protein Structure, Secondary; X-Ray Diffraction
PubMed: 16508115
DOI: 10.1107/S1744309104032105 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2023Planetary protection is a guiding principle aiming to prevent microbial contamination of the solar system by spacecraft (forward contamination) and extraterrestrial...
Planetary protection is a guiding principle aiming to prevent microbial contamination of the solar system by spacecraft (forward contamination) and extraterrestrial contamination of the Earth (backward contamination). Bioburden reduction on spacecraft, including cruise and landing systems, is required to prevent microbial contamination from Earth during space exploration missions. Several sterilization methods are available; however, selecting appropriate methods is essential to eliminate a broad spectrum of microorganisms without damaging spacecraft components during manufacturing and assembly. Here, we compared the effects of different bioburden reduction techniques, including dry heat, UV light, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), hydrogen peroxide (HO), vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP), and oxygen and argon plasma on microorganisms with different resistance capacities. These microorganisms included spores and spores, , and , all important microorganisms for considering planetary protection. spores showed the highest resistance to dry heat but could be reliably sterilized (i.e., under detection limit) through extended time or increased temperature. spores and were highly resistant to UV light. Seventy percent of IPA and 7.5% of HO treatments effectively sterilized and but showed no immediate bactericidal effect against spores. IPA immediately sterilized spores, but HO did not. During VHP treatment under reduced pressure, viable spores and spores were quickly reduced by approximately two log orders. Oxygen plasma sterilized but did not eliminate spores. In contrast, argon plasma sterilized but not . Therefore, dry heat could be used for heat-resistant component bioburden reduction, and VHP or plasma for non-heat-resistant components in bulk bioburden reduction. Furthermore, IPA, HO, or UV could be used for additional surface bioburden reduction during assembly and testing. The systemic comparison of sterilization efficiencies under identical experimental conditions in this study provides basic criteria for determining which sterilization techniques should be selected during bioburden reduction for forward planetary protection.
PubMed: 38152378
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1253436 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Jun 2023The aim of the study was to determine totoxicity of bisphenol A (BPA) and its derivatives (bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol F (BPF), and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA)) due...
The aim of the study was to determine totoxicity of bisphenol A (BPA) and its derivatives (bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol F (BPF), and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA)) due to its high accumulation in environment. The performed analysis revealed the toxicity of the BPA, BPF, and BPS against Kurthia gibsoni, Microbacterium sp., and Brevundimonas diminuta as the most sensitive, reaching microbial toxic concentrations in the range of 0.018-0.031 mg ∙ L. Moreover, the genotoxicity assay shows the ability of all tested compounds to increase in the β-galactosidase level at the concentration range 7.81-500 µM (in Escherichia coli, PQ37). In turn, the matbolic activation of tested bishpenols has caused the enhacement of the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity effect. Interestingely, the highest phytotoxicity effect was pointed for BPA and TBBPA at the concentrations of 10 mg ∙ L and 50 mg ∙ L, which cause the inhibition of root growth by 58% and 45%, respectively (especially for S. alba and S. saccharatum). Furthermore, the cytotoxicity analyses show the ability of BPA, BPS, and TBBPA to significantly decrease the metabolic activity of human keratynoctes in vitro after 24 h of treatment at the micromolar concentrations. Simialry, the impact of the certain bisphenols on proliferation-, apoptosis-, and inflammation-related mRNA expression was shown in tested cell line. Summarizing, the presented results have proved that BPA and its derrivatives are able to show high negative effect on certain living orgnisms such as bacteria, plants, and human cells, which is strict related to pro-apoptotic and genotoxic mechanism of action.
Topics: Humans; Cell Line; Benzhydryl Compounds; Phenols
PubMed: 37213006
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27747-y -
Archives of Toxicology Aug 2021Highly toxic organophosphorus nerve agents, especially the extremely stable and persistent V-type agents such as VX, still pose a threat to the human population and... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Highly toxic organophosphorus nerve agents, especially the extremely stable and persistent V-type agents such as VX, still pose a threat to the human population and require effective medical countermeasures. Engineered mutants of the Brevundimonas diminuta phosphotriesterase (BdPTE) exhibit enhanced catalytic activities and have demonstrated detoxification in animal models, however, substrate specificity and fast plasma clearance limit their medical applicability. To allow better assessment of their substrate profiles, we have thoroughly investigated the catalytic efficacies of five BdPTE mutants with 17 different nerve agents using an AChE inhibition assay. In addition, we studied one BdPTE version that was fused with structurally disordered PAS polypeptides to enable delayed plasma clearance and one bispecific BdPTE with broadened substrate spectrum composed of two functionally distinct subunits connected by a PAS linker. Measured k/K values were as high as 6.5 and 1.5 × 10 M min with G- and V-agents, respectively. Furthermore, the stereoselective degradation of VX enantiomers by the PASylated BdPTE-4 and the bispecific BdPTE-7 were investigated by chiral LC-MS/MS, resulting in a several fold faster hydrolysis of the more toxic P(-) VX stereoisomer compared to P(+) VX. In conclusion, the newly developed enzymes BdPTE-4 and BdPTE-7 have shown high catalytic efficacy towards structurally different nerve agents and stereoselectivity towards the toxic P(-) VX enantiomer in vitro and offer promise for use as bioscavengers in vivo.
Topics: Catalysis; Caulobacteraceae; Chromatography, Liquid; Hydrolysis; Mutation; Nerve Agents; Phosphoric Triester Hydrolases; Stereoisomerism; Substrate Specificity; Tandem Mass Spectrometry
PubMed: 34160649
DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03094-0 -
The Journal of Biological Chemistry Apr 2016Organophosphate hydrolase (OPH), encoded by the organophosphate degradation (opd) island, hydrolyzes the triester bond found in a variety of organophosphate insecticides...
Organophosphate Hydrolase Is a Lipoprotein and Interacts with Pi-specific Transport System to Facilitate Growth of Brevundimonas diminuta Using OP Insecticide as Source of Phosphate.
Organophosphate hydrolase (OPH), encoded by the organophosphate degradation (opd) island, hydrolyzes the triester bond found in a variety of organophosphate insecticides and nerve agents. OPH is targeted to the inner membrane ofBrevundimonas diminutain a pre-folded conformation by thetwinargininetransport (Tat) pathway. The OPH signal peptide contains an invariant cysteine residue at the junction of the signal peptidase (Spase) cleavage site along with a well conserved lipobox motif. Treatment of cells producing native OPH with the signal peptidase II inhibitor globomycin resulted in accumulation of most of the pre-OPH in the cytoplasm with negligible processed OPH detected in the membrane. Substitution of the conserved lipobox cysteine to serine resulted in release of OPH into the periplasm, confirming that OPH is a lipoprotein. Analysis of purified OPH revealed that it was modified with the fatty acids palmitate and stearate. Membrane-bound OPH was shown to interact with the outer membrane efflux protein TolC and with PstS, the periplasmic component of the ABC transporter complex (PstSACB) involved in phosphate transport. Interaction of OPH with PstS appears to facilitate transport of Pigenerated from organophosphates due to the combined action of OPH and periplasmically located phosphatases. Consistent with this model,opdnull mutants ofB. diminutafailed to grow using the organophosphate insecticide methyl parathion as sole source of phosphate.
Topics: Bacterial Proteins; Caulobacteraceae; Cell Membrane; Insecticides; Lipoproteins; Phosphate Transport Proteins; Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases
PubMed: 26861877
DOI: 10.1074/jbc.M116.715110 -
BioMed Research International 2024Chlorpyrifos (CP) is a chlorinated organophosphate pesticide. In Kenya, it is commonly used as an acaricide, particularly in dairy farming, leading to soil and water...
Chlorpyrifos (CP) is a chlorinated organophosphate pesticide. In Kenya, it is commonly used as an acaricide, particularly in dairy farming, leading to soil and water contamination. The study is aimed at isolating bacteria with CP-degrading potential and optimizing their growth conditions, including temperature, pH, and CP concentration. The enrichment culture technique was used, with minimal salt medium (MSM) supplemented with commercial grade CP. A multilevel factorial design was used to investigate the interactions of temperature, pH, and CP concentration. According to the findings, seven bacterial strains with potential to degrade CP were characterized and identified as , , , sp. strain , sp. strain , , and clone 99. Growth and biodegradation of bacteria differed significantly among the isolates across pH value, temperature, and concentrations ( ≤ 0.05). The optimum conditions for growth were pH 7, temperature of 25°C, and 25mg/l chlorpyrifos concentration, while optimum degradation conditions were pH 5, temp 25°C, and CP conc. 25mg/l. The Pearson correlation between optimum growth and degradation showed a weak positive relationship ( = 0.1144) for pH and strong positive relationship for temperature and concentration of chlorpyrifos. Other than pH, the study shows that there could be other cofactors facilitating the chlorpyrifos degradation process. The findings show that an efficient consortium, at 25°C and pH 5, can include and sp. as they showed high optical density (OD) values under these conditions. These results indicate the potential for these bacteria to be employed in chlorpyrifos-contaminated ecosystem detoxification efforts upon manipulation of natural growth conditions. The findings of this study offer a potential foundation for future research into the reconstitution of a consortium. Based on the optimum conditions identified, the isolated bacterial strains could be further developed into a consortium to effectively degrade CP in both laboratory and field conditions. Dairy farmers can utilize the isolated strains and the consortia to decontaminate farm soils.
Topics: Chlorpyrifos; Soil; Farms; Kenya; Ecosystem; Bacteria; Biodegradation, Environmental; Pseudomonas; Soil Microbiology; Bacillus
PubMed: 38304346
DOI: 10.1155/2024/1611871 -
Journal of Bacteriology Oct 2009A twin arginine translocation (Tat) motif, involved in transport of folded proteins across the inner membrane, was identified in the signal peptide of the...
A twin arginine translocation (Tat) motif, involved in transport of folded proteins across the inner membrane, was identified in the signal peptide of the membrane-associated organophosphate hydrolase (OPH) of Brevundimonas diminuta. Expression of the precursor form of OPH carrying a C-terminal His tag in an opd-negative background and subsequent immunoblotting with anti-His antibodies showed that only the mature form of OPH associated with the membrane and that the precursor form of OPH was entirely found in the cytoplasm. When OPH was expressed without the signal peptide, most of it remained in the cytoplasm, where it was apparently correctly folded and showed activity comparable to that of the membrane-associated OPH encoded by the wild-type opd gene. Amino acid substitutions in the invariant arginine residues of the Tat signal peptide affected both the processing and localization of OPH, confirming a critical role for the Tat system in membrane targeting of OPH in B. diminuta. The localization of OPH to the periplasmic face of the inner membrane in B. diminuta was demonstrated by proteinase K treatment of spheroplasts and also by fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis of cells expressing OPH-green fluorescent protein fusions with and without an SsrA tag that targets cytoplasmic proteins to the ClpXP protease.
Topics: Amino Acid Sequence; Bacterial Proteins; Caulobacteraceae; Gene Deletion; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; Intracellular Membranes; Membrane Transport Proteins; Molecular Sequence Data; Periplasm; Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases; Protein Transport
PubMed: 19700527
DOI: 10.1128/JB.00824-09