-
PloS One 2018Phylogenomics and genome scale positive selection analyses were performed on 29 Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis genomes that were isolated from different hosts,...
Phylogenomics and genome scale positive selection analyses were performed on 29 Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis genomes that were isolated from different hosts, including representatives of the Ovis and Equi biovars. A total of 27 genes were identified as undergoing adaptive changes. An analysis of the clades within this species and these biovars, the genes specific to each branch, and the genes responding to selective pressure show clear differences, indicating that adaptation and specialization is occurring in different clades. These changes are often correlated with the isolation host but could indicate responses to some undetermined factor in the respective niches. The fact that some of these more-rapidly evolving genes have homology to known virulence factors, antimicrobial resistance genes and drug targets shows that this type of analysis could be used to identify novel targets, and that these could be used as a way to control this pathogen.
Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Evolution, Molecular; Gene Deletion; Virulence Factors
PubMed: 30419061
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207304 -
Microbiology (Reading, England) Aug 2019Diphtheria toxin is one of the best investigated bacterial toxins and the major virulence factor of toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae and Corynebacterium ulcerans...
Diphtheria toxin is one of the best investigated bacterial toxins and the major virulence factor of toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae and Corynebacterium ulcerans strains. However, also diphtheria toxin-free strains of these two species can cause severe infections in animals and humans, indicating the presence of additional virulence factors. In this study, we present a first characterization of two proteins with cytotoxic effect in corynebacteria. A putative ribosome-binding protein (AEG80717, CULC809_00177), first annotated in a genome sequencing project of C. ulcerans strain 809, was investigated in detail together with a homologous protein identified in C. diphtheriae strain HC04 (AEX80148, CDHC04_0155) in this study. The corresponding proteins show striking structural similarity to Shiga-like toxins. Interaction of wild-type, mutant and complementation as well as overexpression strains with invertebrate model systems and cell lines were investigated. Depending on the presence of the corresponding genes, detrimental effects were observed in vivo in two invertebrate model systems, Caenorhabditis elegans and Galleria mellonella, and on various animal and human epithelial and macrophage cell lines in vitro. Taken together, our results support the idea that pathogenicity of corynebacteria is a multifactorial process and that new virulence factors may influence the outcome of potentially fatal corynebacterial infections.
Topics: Animals; Bacterial Proteins; Corynebacterium; Corynebacterium Infections; Corynebacterium diphtheriae; Cytotoxins; Diphtheria; Diphtheria Toxin; Exotoxins; Humans; Virulence Factors
PubMed: 31162026
DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000820 -
BMC Microbiology Sep 2023Over the past two decades, Corynebacterium striatum has been increasingly isolated from clinical cultures with most isolates showing increased antimicrobial resistance...
BACKGROUND
Over the past two decades, Corynebacterium striatum has been increasingly isolated from clinical cultures with most isolates showing increased antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to last resort agents. Advances in the field of pan genomics would facilitate the understanding of the clinical significance of such bacterial species previously thought to be among commensals paving the way for identifying new drug targets and control strategies.
METHODS
We constructed a pan-genome using 310 genome sequences of C. striatum. Pan-genome analysis was performed using three tools including Roary, PIRATE, and PEPPAN. AMR genes and virulence factors have been studied in relation to core genome phylogeny. Genomic Islands (GIs), Integrons, and Prophage regions have been explored in detail.
RESULTS
The pan-genome ranges between a total of 5253-5857 genes with 2070 - 1899 core gene clusters. Some antimicrobial resistance genes have been identified in the core genome portion, but most of them were located in the dispensable genome. In addition, some well-known virulence factors described in pathogenic Corynebacterium species were located in the dispensable genome. A total of 115 phage species have been identified with only 44 intact prophage regions.
CONCLUSION
This study presents a detailed comparative pangenome report of C. striatum. The species show a very slowly growing pangenome with relatively high number of genes in the core genome contributing to lower genomic variation. Prophage elements carrying AMR and virulence elements appear to be infrequent in the species. GIs appear to offer a prominent role in mobilizing antibiotic resistance genes in the species and integrons occur at a frequency of 50% in the species. Control strategies should be directed against virulence and resistance determinants carried on the core genome and those frequently occurring in the accessory genome.
Topics: Corynebacterium; Genomics; Multigene Family; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Prophages
PubMed: 37684624
DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02996-6 -
Journal of Microbiology, Immunology,... Dec 2020The incidence of mastitis has increased, and this disease can lead to long antibiotic courses and complications. Here, we aimed to identify the factors associated with...
BACKGROUND
The incidence of mastitis has increased, and this disease can lead to long antibiotic courses and complications. Here, we aimed to identify the factors associated with antibiotic duration and recurrence of complicated mastitis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Taiwan. All hospitalized patients diagnosed with mastitis (ICD-9 code 611.0) from Jan. 1, 2012, to Dec. 31, 2016, were enrolled. Patient characteristics and clinical data were obtained from the medical charts. Recurrence was defined as mastitis within the first year after the discontinuation of antibiotics for at least 7 days.
RESULTS
In total, 214 females with a median age of 37 years old (IQR 33-45) were enrolled. A total of 148 patients (69.2%) underwent debridement, and 122 (57.0%) underwent biopsy. Histopathological examinations revealed granulation tissue in 44.6% (62/139) of the patients. Positive cultures were obtained in 65.9% (141/214) of the patients. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (64/141, 45.4%) was the most common pathogen, followed by Corynebacterium species (42/141, 29.8%). The median hospitalization length and antibiotic course were 7 (IQR 4-13) and 37 days (IQR 22-77), respectively. Three patients died of breast cancer during treatment. The recurrence rate was 18.5% (39/211). Younger age, corynebacterial infection, and pregnancy were associated with longer treatment durations (P < 0.001, 0.003, <0.001). Corynebacterial infection was associated with a 2.16-fold (95% CI: 1.11-4.20) increase in recurrence after adjusting for age.
CONCLUSION
Corynebacterial infection is associated with longer treatment courses and an increased recurrence rate of complicated mastitis. Therefore, specific treatments should be considered.
Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Corynebacterium; Duration of Therapy; Female; Humans; Mastitis; Middle Aged; Pregnancy; Recurrence; Retrospective Studies; Staphylococcus; Taiwan; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32327329
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2020.03.028 -
International Journal of Cosmetic... Feb 2012During the past few decades, there has been an increased interest in the essential role of commensal skin bacteria in human body odour formation. It is now generally... (Review)
Review
During the past few decades, there has been an increased interest in the essential role of commensal skin bacteria in human body odour formation. It is now generally accepted that skin bacteria cause body odour by biotransformation of sweat components secreted in the human axillae. Especially, aerobic corynebacteria have been shown to contribute strongly to axillary malodour, whereas other human skin residents seem to have little influence. Analysis of odoriferous sweat components has shown that the major odour-causing substances in human sweat include steroid derivatives, short volatile branched-chain fatty acids and sulphanylalkanols. In this mini-review, we describe the molecular basis of the four most extensively studied routes of human body odour formation, while focusing on the underlying enzymatic processes. Considering the previously reported role of β-oxidation in odour formation, we analysed the genetic repertoire of eight Corynebacterium species concerning fatty acid metabolism. We particularly focused on the metabolic abilities of the lipophilic axillary isolate Corynebacterium jeikeium K411.
Topics: Amino Acid Sequence; Corynebacterium; Fatty Acids; Genome, Bacterial; Humans; Molecular Sequence Data; Odorants; Skin; Sweat
PubMed: 21790661
DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2494.2011.00669.x -
Clinical Microbiology and Infection :... Sep 2018Corynebacterium striatum is an emerging multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen of immunocompromised and chronically ill patients. The objective of these studies was to...
OBJECTIVES
Corynebacterium striatum is an emerging multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen of immunocompromised and chronically ill patients. The objective of these studies was to provide a detailed genomic analysis of disease-causing C. striatum and determine the genomic drivers of resistance and resistance-gene transmission.
METHODS
A multi-institutional and prospective pathogen genomics programme flagged seven MDR C. striatum infections occurring close in time, and specifically in immunocompromised patients with underlying respiratory diseases. Whole genome sequencing was used to identify clonal relationships among strains, genetic causes of antimicrobial resistance, and their mobilization capacity. Matrix-assisted linear desorption/ionization-time-of-flight analyses of sequenced isolates provided curated content to improve rapid clinical identification in subsequent cases.
RESULTS
Epidemiological and genomic analyses identified a related cluster of three out of seven C. striatum among lung transplant patients who had common procedures and exposures at an outlying institution. Genomic analyses further elucidated drivers of the MDR phenotypes, including resistance genes mobilized by IS3504 and ISCg9a-like insertion sequences. Seven mobilizable resistance genes were localized to a common chromosomal region bounded by unpaired insertion sequences, suggesting that a single recombination event could spread resistance to aminoglycosides, macrolides, lincosamides and tetracyclines to naive strains.
CONCLUSION
In-depth genomic studies of MDR C. striatum reveal its capacity for clonal spread within and across healthcare institutions and identify novel vectors that can mobilize multiple forms of drug resistance, further complicating efforts to treat infections in immunocompromised populations.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Corynebacterium; Corynebacterium Infections; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; Evolution, Molecular; Female; Genome, Bacterial; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Lung Transplantation; Male; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Whole Genome Sequencing
PubMed: 29326010
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2017.12.024 -
Microbiology (Reading, England) Jul 2021is a Gram-positive species previously isolated from human urine. Although other species from the same genus have been associated with urinary tract infections, is...
is a Gram-positive species previously isolated from human urine. Although other species from the same genus have been associated with urinary tract infections, is currently believed to be a non-pathogenic member of the urogenital microbiota. Prior to our study, only two isolates were described in the literature, and very little is known about the species. Here, we describe UFMG-H7, the first strain of this species isolated from the urine of healthy cattle. The genome for this isolate was produced and compared to the two other publicly available as well as other genome assemblies. Our in-depth genomic analysis identified four additional publicly available genome assemblies that are representatives of the species, also isolated from the human urogenital tract. Although none of the strains have been associated with symptoms or disease, numerous genes associated with virulence factors are encoded. In contrast to related species and species from the bovine vaginal tract, all strains examined code for the SpaD-type pili suggesting adherence is essential for its persistence within the urinary tract. As the other strains analysed were isolated from the human urogenital tract, our results suggest that this species may be specific to this niche.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Corynebacterium; Genome, Bacterial; Humans; Microbiota; Urine; Urogenital System
PubMed: 34269674
DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001068 -
Emerging Infectious Diseases Jan 2014
Topics: Animal Diseases; Animals; Corynebacterium; Corynebacterium Infections; Ferrets; Genes, Bacterial
PubMed: 24377676
DOI: 10.3201/eid2001.130675 -
Journal of Clinical Microbiology May 2012Identification of Corynebacterium species may be challenging. Corynebacterium species are occasional causes of prosthetic joint infection (PJI), but few data are...
Identification of Corynebacterium species may be challenging. Corynebacterium species are occasional causes of prosthetic joint infection (PJI), but few data are available on the subject. Based on the literature, C. amycolatum, C. aurimucosum, C. jeikeium, and C. striatum are the most common Corynebacterium species that cause PJI. We designed a rapid PCR assay to detect the most common human Corynebacterium species, with a specific focus on PJI. A polyphosphate kinase gene identified using whole-genome sequence was targeted. The assay differentiates the antibiotic-resistant species C. jeikeium and C. urealyticum from other species in a single assay. The assay was applied to a collection of human Corynebacterium isolates from multiple clinical sources, and clinically relevant species were detected. The assay was then tested on Corynebacterium isolates specifically associated with PJI; all were detected. We also describe the first case of C. simulans PJI.
Topics: Bacterial Proteins; Bacteriological Techniques; Corynebacterium; Corynebacterium Infections; Humans; Joints; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Phosphotransferases (Phosphate Group Acceptor); Polymerase Chain Reaction; Prosthesis-Related Infections
PubMed: 22337986
DOI: 10.1128/JCM.06439-11 -
Journal of Clinical Microbiology Jun 2003Corynebacterium freneyi is a recently described alpha-glucosidase-positive species of the genus CORYNEBACTERIUM: To our knowledge, there is no description of human...
Corynebacterium freneyi is a recently described alpha-glucosidase-positive species of the genus CORYNEBACTERIUM: To our knowledge, there is no description of human infection due to this species. We report on a case of bacteremia due to C. freneyi following vascular surgery.
Topics: Bacteremia; Corynebacterium; Corynebacterium Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Molecular Sequence Data; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Sequence Analysis, DNA
PubMed: 12791929
DOI: 10.1128/JCM.41.6.2777-2778.2003