scholarly journals Horizontally acquired papGII-containing pathogenicity islands underlie the emergence of invasive uropathogenic Escherichia coli lineages

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Biggel ◽  
Basil B. Xavier ◽  
James R. Johnson ◽  
Karen L. Nielsen ◽  
Niels Frimodt-Møller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Asymptomatic Bacteriuria ◽  
Pathogenicity Islands ◽  
Phylogenomic Analysis ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
A Genome

AbstractEscherichia coli is the leading cause of urinary tract infection, one of the most common bacterial infections in humans. Despite this, a genomic perspective is lacking regarding the phylogenetic distribution of isolates associated with different clinical syndromes. Here, we present a large-scale phylogenomic analysis of a spatiotemporally and clinically diverse set of 907 E. coli isolates, including 722 uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) isolates. A genome-wide association approach identifies the (P-fimbriae-encoding) papGII locus as the key feature distinguishing invasive UPEC, defined as isolates associated with severe UTI, i.e., kidney infection (pyelonephritis) or urinary-source bacteremia, from non-invasive UPEC, defined as isolates associated with asymptomatic bacteriuria or bladder infection (cystitis). Within the E. coli population, distinct invasive UPEC lineages emerged through repeated horizontal acquisition of diverse papGII-containing pathogenicity islands. Our findings elucidate the molecular determinants of severe UTI and have implications for the early detection of this pathogen.

scholarly journals Three-Year Trend in Escherichia coli Antimicrobial Resistance among Children’s Urine Cultures in an Italian Metropolitan Area

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 597
Author(s):  
Luca Pierantoni ◽  
Laura Andreozzi ◽  
Simone Ambretti ◽  
Arianna Dondi ◽  
Carlotta Biagi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Metropolitan Area ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Asymptomatic Bacteriuria ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Resistance Rate ◽  
First Line ◽  
E Coli ◽  
First Line Therapy ◽  
Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections in children, and Escherichia coli is the main pathogen responsible. Several guidelines, including the recently updated Italian guidelines, recommend amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (AMC) as a first-line antibiotic therapy in children with febrile UTIs. Given the current increasing rates of antibiotic resistance worldwide, this study aimed to investigate the three-year trend in the resistance rate of E. coli isolated from pediatric urine cultures (UCs) in a metropolitan area of northern Italy. We conducted a retrospective review of E. coli-positive, non-repetitive UCs collected in children aged from 1 month to 14 years, regardless of a diagnosis of UTI, catheter colonization, urine contamination, or asymptomatic bacteriuria. During the study period, the rate of resistance to AMC significantly increased from 17.6% to 40.2% (p < 0.001). Ciprofloxacin doubled its resistance rate from 9.1% to 16.3% (p = 0.007). The prevalence of multidrug-resistant E. coli rose from 3.9% to 9.2% (p = 0.015). The rate of resistance to other considered antibiotics remained stable, as did the prevalence of extended spectrum beta-lactamases and extensively resistant E. coli among isolates. These findings call into question the use of AMC as a first-line therapy for pediatric UTIs in our population, despite the indications of recent Italian guidelines.

scholarly journals Genome Signatures of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Isolates from the Bovine Host Reservoir

2011 ◽  
Vol 77 (9) ◽  
pp. 2916-2925 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Eppinger ◽  
Mark K. Mammel ◽  
Joseph E. LeClerc ◽  
Jacques Ravel ◽  
Thomas A. Cebula
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Shiga Toxin ◽  
Phylogenomic Analysis ◽  
Genotypic Differences ◽  
Pathogenic Potential ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Major Interest ◽  
Host Reservoir

ABSTRACTCattle comprise a main reservoir of Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coliO157:H7 (STEC). The significant differences in host prevalence, transmissibility, and virulence phenotypes among strains from bovine and human sources are of major interest to the public health community and livestock industry. Genomic analysis revealed divergence into three lineages: lineage I and lineage I/II strains are commonly associated with human disease, while lineage II strains are overrepresented in the asymptomatic bovine host reservoir. Growing evidence suggests that genotypic differences between these lineages, such as polymorphisms in Shiga toxin subtypes and synergistically acting virulence factors, are correlated with phenotypic differences in virulence, host ecology, and epidemiology. To assess the genomic plasticity on a genome-wide scale, we have sequenced the whole genome of strain EC869, a bovine-associatedE. coliO157:H7 isolate. Comparative phylogenomic analysis of this key isolate enabled us to place accurately bovine lineage II strains within the genetically homogenousE. coliO157:H7 clade. Identification of polymorphic loci that are anchored both in the chromosomal backbone and horizontally acquired regions allowed us to associate bovine genotypes with altered virulence phenotypes and host prevalence. This study catalogued numerous novel lineage II-specific genome signatures, some of which appear to be associated intimately with the altered pathogenic potential and niche adaptation within the bovine rumen. The presented extended list of polymorphic markers is valuable in the development of a robust typing system critical for forensic, diagnostic, and epidemiological studies of this emerging human pathogen.

e-Membranome: a Database for Genome-Wide Analysis of Escherichia coli Outer Membrane Proteins

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kang Mo Lee ◽  
Seung-Hak Cho ◽  
Cheorl-Ho Kim ◽  
Jong Hyun Kim ◽  
Sung Soon Kim
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Membrane Proteins ◽  
Outer Membrane ◽  
Outer Membrane Proteins ◽  
3D Structure ◽  
Glycan Array ◽  
Epitope Region ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
A Genome

Objectives: Lectin-like adhesins of enteric bacterial pathogens such as Escherichia coli are an attractive target for vaccine or drug development. Here, we have developed e-Membranome as a database of genome-wide putative adhesins in Escherichia coli (E. coli). Methods: The outer membrane adhesins were predicted from the annotated genes of Escherichia coli strains using the PSORTb program. Further analysis was performed using Interproscan and the String database. The candidate proteins can be investigated for homology modeling of the three-dimensional (3D) structure (I-TASSER version 5.1), epitope region (ABCpred), and the glycan array. Results: e-Membranome is implemented using the Django (version 2.2.5) framework. The Web Application Server Apache Tomcat 6.0 is integrated in the platform on Ubuntu Linux (version 16.04). MySQL database (version 5.7) is used as a database engine. The information of homology model of the 3D structure, epitope region, and affinity information from the glycan array will be stored in the e-Membranome database. As a case study, we performed a genome-wide screening of outer membrane-embedded proteins from the annotated genes of E. coli using the e-Membranome pipeline. Conclusion: This platform is expected to be a valuable resource for advancing research of outer membrane proteins for the construction of lectin-glycan interaction network of E. coli. In addition, the e-Membranome pipeline can be extended to other similar biological systems that need to address host-pathogen interactions.

scholarly journals Genome-wide analysis of Escherichia coli fitness determinants in a cross-feeding mutualism with Rhodopseudomonas palustris

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Breah LaSarre ◽  
Adam M. Deutschbauer ◽  
Crystal E. Love ◽  
James B. McKinlay
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Microbial Communities ◽  
Rhodopseudomonas Palustris ◽  
Microbial Interactions ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Fermentation Products ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
A Genome

ABSTRACTMicrobial interactions abound in natural ecosystems and shape community structure and function. Substantial attention has been given to cataloging mechanisms by which microbes interact, but there is a limited understanding of the genetic landscapes that promote or hinder microbial interactions. We previously developed a mutualistic coculture pairing Escherichia coli and Rhodopseudomonas palustris, wherein E. coli provides carbon to R. palustris in the form of glucose fermentation products and R. palustris fixes N2 gas and provides nitrogen to E. coli in the form of NH4+. The stable coexistence and reproducible trends exhibited by this coculture make it ideal for interrogating the genetic underpinnings of a cross-feeding mutualism. Here, we used random barcode transposon sequencing (RB-TnSeq) to conduct a genome-wide search for E. coli genes that influence fitness during cooperative growth with R. palustris. RB-TnSeq revealed hundreds of genes that increased or decreased E. coli fitness in a mutualism-dependent manner. Some identified genes were involved in nitrogen sensing and assimilation, as expected given the coculture design. The other identified genes were involved in diverse cellular processes, including energy production and cell wall and membrane biogenesis. Additionally, we discovered unexpected purine cross-feeding from R. palustris to E. coli, with coculture rescuing growth of an E. coli purine auxotroph. Our data provide insight into the genes and gene networks that can influence a cross-feeding mutualism and underscore that microbial interactions are not necessarily predictable a priori.IMPORTANCEMicrobial communities impact life on earth in profound ways, including driving global nutrient cycles and influencing human health and disease. These community functions depend on the interactions that resident microbes have with the environment and each other. Thus, identifying genes that influence these interactions will aid the management of natural communities and the use of microbial consortia as biotechnology. Here, we identified genes that influenced Escherichia coli fitness during cooperative growth with a mutualistic partner, Rhodospeudomonas palustris. Although this mutualism centers on the bidirectional exchange of essential carbon and nitrogen, E. coli fitness was positively and negatively affected by genes involved in diverse cellular processes. Furthermore, we discovered an unexpected purine cross-feeding interaction. These results contribute knowledge on the genetic foundation of a microbial cross-feeding interaction and highlight that unanticipated interactions can occur even within engineered microbial communities.

scholarly journals Experimental Determination and System Level Analysis of Essential Genes in Escherichia coli MG1655

2003 ◽  
Vol 185 (19) ◽  
pp. 5673-5684 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Y. Gerdes ◽  
M. D. Scholle ◽  
J. W. Campbell ◽  
G. Balázsi ◽  
E. Ravasz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
System Level ◽  
Context Analysis ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
Rich Media ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Evolutionary Context ◽  
Functional Context ◽  
Level Analysis

ABSTRACT Defining the gene products that play an essential role in an organism's functional repertoire is vital to understanding the system level organization of living cells. We used a genetic footprinting technique for a genome-wide assessment of genes required for robust aerobic growth of Escherichia coli in rich media. We identified 620 genes as essential and 3,126 genes as dispensable for growth under these conditions. Functional context analysis of these data allows individual functional assignments to be refined. Evolutionary context analysis demonstrates a significant tendency of essential E. coli genes to be preserved throughout the bacterial kingdom. Projection of these data over metabolic subsystems reveals topologic modules with essential and evolutionarily preserved enzymes with reduced capacity for error tolerance.

scholarly journals Genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screen in E. coli identifies design rules for efficient targeting

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Belen Gutierrez ◽  
Jérôme Wong Ng ◽  
Lun Cui ◽  
Christophe Becavin ◽  
David Bikard
Keyword(s):  
Copy Number ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Mixed Population ◽  
Target Sequence ◽  
Guide Rna ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
A Genome

AbstractThe main outcome of efficient CRISPR-Cas9 cleavage in the chromosome of bacteria is cell death. This can be conveniently used to eliminate specific genotypes from a mixed population of bacteria, which can be achieved both in vitro, e.g. to select mutants, or in vivo as an antimicrobial strategy. The efficiency with which Cas9 kills bacteria has been observed to be quite variable depending on the specific target sequence, but little is known about the sequence determinants and mechanisms involved. Here we performed a genome-wide screen of Cas9 cleavage in the chromosome of E. coli to determine the efficiency with which each guide RNA kills the cell. Surprisingly we observed a large-scale pattern where guides targeting some regions of the chromosome are more rapidly depleted than others. Unexpectedly, this pattern arises from the influence of degrading specific chromosomal regions on the copy number of the plasmid carrying the guide RNA library. After taking this effect into account, it is possible to train a neural network to predict Cas9 efficiency based on the target sequence. We show that our model learns different features than previous models trained on Eukaryotic CRISPR-Cas9 knockout libraries. Our results highlight the need for specific models to design efficient CRISPR-Cas9 tools in bacteria.

scholarly journals Genome wide functional screen for calcium transients in E. coli identifies decreased membrane potential adaptation to persistent DNA damage

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rose Luder ◽  
Giancarlo N. Bruni ◽  
Joel M. Kralj
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Dna Damage ◽  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Calcium Transients ◽  
Eukaryotic Cells ◽  
Calcium Dynamics ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
A Genome

1.AbstractCalcium plays numerous critical roles in signaling and homeostasis in eukaryotic cells. Unlike eukaryotic cells, far less is known about calcium signaling in bacteria, and few genes controlling influx and efflux have been identified. Previous work in Escherichia coli showed calcium influx is induced by voltage depolarization, which were enhanced by mechanical stimulation, suggesting a role in bacterial mechanosensation. To identify proteins and pathways affecting calcium handling in bacteria, we designed a live cell screen to monitor calcium dynamics in single cells across a genome wide knockout panel in E. coli. The screen measured cells from the Keio collection of knockouts and quantified calcium transients across the population. Overall, we found 143 gene knockouts that decreased calcium transients, and 32 genes knockouts that increased transients. Knockouts involved in energy production and regulation appeared, as expected, as well as knockouts of the voltage sink, the F1Fo-ATPase. Knockouts in exopolysaccharide and outer membrane synthesis showed reduced transients and refined our model of electrophysiology mediated mechanosensation in E. coli. Additionally, knockouts annotated in DNA repair had reduced calcium transients and voltage. However, acute DNA damage did not affect voltage, and suggested that only long term adaptation to DNA damage decreased membrane potential and calcium transients. Our work showed a distinct separation between the acute and long term DNA damage responses in bacteria, which has implications for mitochondrial DNA damage in eukaryotes.ImportanceAll eukaryotic cells use calcium as a critical signaling molecule. There is tantalizing evidence that bacteria also use calcium for cellular signaling, but much less is known about the molecular actors and physiological roles. To identify genes regulating cytoplasmic calcium in Escherichia coli, we created a single cell screen for modulators of calcium dynamics. The genes uncovered in this screen helped refine a model for voltage mediated bacterial mechanosensation. Additionally, we were able to more carefully dissect the mechanisms of adaptation to long term DNA damage, which has implications for both bacteria and mitochondria in the face of unrepaired DNA.

scholarly journals Genome-Wide Identification of Fitness Factors in Mastitis-Associated Escherichia coli

2017 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A. Olson ◽  
Timothy W. Siebach ◽  
Joel S. Griffitts ◽  
Eric Wilson ◽  
David L. Erickson
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Mammary Glands ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Bacterial Gene ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Global Comparison ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Highly Virulent

ABSTRACTVirulence factors of mammary pathogenicEscherichia coli(MPEC) have not been identified, and it is not known how bacterial gene content influences the severity of mastitis. Here, we report a genome-wide identification of genes that contribute to fitness of MPEC under conditions relevant to the natural history of the disease. A highly virulent clinical isolate (M12) was identified that killedGalleria mellonellaat low infectious doses and that replicated to high numbers in mouse mammary glands and spread to spleens. Genome sequencing was combined with transposon insertion site sequencing to identify MPEC genes that contribute to growth in unpasteurized whole milk, as well as duringG. mellonellaand mouse mastitis infections. These analyses show that strain M12 possesses a unique genomic island encoding a group III polysaccharide capsule that greatly enhances virulence inG. mellonella. Several genes appear critical for MPEC survival in bothG. mellonellaand in mice, including those for nutrient-scavenging systems and resistance to cellular stress. Insertions in the ferric dicitrate receptor genefecAcaused significant fitness defects under all conditions (in milk,G. mellonella, and mice). This gene was highly expressed during growth in milk. Targeted deletion offecAfrom strain M12 caused attenuation inG. mellonellalarvae and reduced growth in unpasteurized cow's milk and lactating mouse mammary glands. Our results confirm that iron scavenging by the ferric dicitrate receptor, which is strongly associated with MPEC strains, is required for MPEC growth and may influence disease severity in mastitis infections.IMPORTANCEMastitis caused byE. coliinflicts substantial burdens on the health and productivity of dairy animals. Strains causing mastitis may express genes that distinguish them from otherE. colistrains and promote infection of mammary glands, but these have not been identified. Using a highly virulent strain, we employed genome-wide mutagenesis and sequencing to discover genes that contribute to mastitis. This extensive data set represents a screen for mastitis-associatedE. colifitness factors and provides the following contributions to the field: (i) global comparison of genes required for different aspects of mastitis infection, (ii) discovery of a unique capsule that contributes to virulence, and (iii) conclusive evidence for the crucial role of iron-scavenging systems in mastitis, particularly the ferric dicitrate transport system. Similar approaches applied to other mastitis-associated strains will uncover conserved targets for prevention or treatment and provide a better understanding of their relationship to otherE. colipathogens.

scholarly journals Iron Acquisition of Urinary Tract Infection Escherichia coli Involves Pathogenicity in Caenorhabditis elegans

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 310
Author(s):  
Masayuki Hashimoto ◽  
Yi-Fen Ma ◽  
Sin-Tian Wang ◽  
Chang-Shi Chen ◽  
Ching-Hao Teng
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Urinary Tract ◽  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Iron Acquisition ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
High Throughput Analysis ◽  
E Coli ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Tract Infections

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is a major bacterial pathogen that causes urinary tract infections (UTIs). The mouse is an available UTI model for studying the pathogenicity; however, Caenorhabditis elegans represents as an alternative surrogate host with the capacity for high-throughput analysis. Then, we established a simple assay for a UPEC infection model with C. elegans for large-scale screening. A total of 133 clinically isolated E. coli strains, which included UTI-associated and fecal isolates, were applied to demonstrate the simple pathogenicity assay. From the screening, several virulence factors (VFs) involved with iron acquisition (chuA, fyuA, and irp2) were significantly associated with high pathogenicity. We then evaluated whether the VFs in UPEC were involved in the pathogenicity. Mutants of E. coli UTI89 with defective iron acquisition systems were applied to a solid killing assay with C. elegans. As a result, the survival rate of C. elegans fed with the mutants significantly increased compared to when fed with the parent strain. The results demonstrated, the simple assay with C. elegans was useful as a UPEC infectious model. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the involvement of iron acquisition in the pathogenicity of UPEC in a C. elegans model.

scholarly journals Mechanistic insights into synergy between nalidixic acid and tetracycline against clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii and Escherichia coli

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amit Gaurav ◽  
Varsha Gupta ◽  
Sandeep K. Shrivastava ◽  
Ranjana Pathania
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Acinetobacter Baumannii ◽  
Nalidixic Acid ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Clinical Isolates ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
E Coli

AbstractThe increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance has become a global health problem. Acinetobacter baumannii is an important nosocomial pathogen due to its capacity to persist in the hospital environment. It has a high mortality rate and few treatment options. Antibiotic combinations can help to fight multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections, but they are rarely used in the clinics and mostly unexplored. The interaction between bacteriostatic and bactericidal antibiotics are mostly reported as antagonism based on the results obtained in the susceptible model laboratory strain Escherichia coli. However, in the present study, we report a synergistic interaction between nalidixic acid and tetracycline against clinical multi-drug resistant A. baumannii and E. coli. Here we provide mechanistic insight into this dichotomy. The synergistic combination was studied by checkerboard assay and time-kill curve analysis. We also elucidate the mechanism behind this synergy using several techniques such as fluorescence spectroscopy, flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, morphometric analysis, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Nalidixic acid and tetracycline combination displayed synergy against most of the MDR clinical isolates of A. baumannii and E. coli but not against susceptible isolates. Finally, we demonstrate that this combination is also effective in vivo in an A. baumannii/Caenorhabditis elegans infection model (p < 0.001)

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