scholarly journals Lysis Genes of the Bacillus subtilisDefective Prophage PBSX

1998 ◽  
Vol 180 (8) ◽  
pp. 2110-2117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Krogh ◽  
Steen T. Jørgensen ◽  
Kevin M. Devine

ABSTRACT Four genes identified within the late operon of PBSX show characteristics expected of a host cell lysis system; they arexepA, encoding an exported protein; xhlA, encoding a putative membrane-associated protein; xhlB, encoding a putative holin; and xlyA, encoding a putative endolysin. In this work, we have assessed the contribution of each gene to host cell lysis by expressing the four genes in different combinations under the control of their natural promoter located on the chromosome of Bacillus subtilis 168. The results show thatxepA is unlikely to be involved in host cell lysis. Expression of both xhlA and xhlB is necessary to effect host cell lysis of B. subtilis. Expression ofxhlB (encoding the putative holin) together withxlyA (encoding the endolysin) cannot effect cell lysis, indicating that the PBSX lysis system differs from those identified in the phages of gram-negative bacteria. Since host cell lysis can be achieved when xlyA is inactivated, it is probable that PBSX encodes a second endolysin activity which also uses XhlA and XhlB for export from the cell. The chromosome-based expression system developed in this study to investigate the functions of the PBSX lysis genes should be a valuable tool for the analysis of other host cell lysis systems and for expression and functional analysis of other lethal gene products in gram-positive bacteria.

Author(s):  
Jacob S. Hanker ◽  
Paul R. Gross ◽  
Beverly L. Giammara

Blood cultures are positive in approximately only 50 per cent of the patients with nongonococcal bacterial infectious arthritis and about 20 per cent of those with gonococcal arthritis. But the concept that gram-negative bacteria could be involved even in chronic arthritis is well-supported. Gram stains are more definitive in staphylococcal arthritis caused by gram-positive bacteria than in bacterial arthritis due to gram-negative bacteria. In the latter situation where gram-negative bacilli are the problem, Gram stains are helpful for 50% of the patients; they are only helpful for 25% of the patients, however, where gram-negative gonococci are the problem. In arthritis due to gram-positive Staphylococci. Gramstained smears are positive for 75% of the patients.


Author(s):  
Elaf Ayad Kadhem ◽  
Miaad Hamzah Zghair ◽  
Sarah , Hussam H. Tizkam, Shoeb Alahmad Salih Mahdi ◽  
Hussam H. Tizkam ◽  
Shoeb Alahmad

magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) were prepared by simple wet chemical method using different calcination temperatures. The prepared NPs were characterized by Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). It demonstrates sharp intensive peak with the increase of crystallinty and increase of the size with varying morphologies with respect to increase of calcination temperature. Antibacterial studies were done on gram negative bacteria (E.coli) and gram positive bacteria (S.aureus) by agar disc diffusion method. The zones of inhibitions were found larger for gram positive bacteria than gram negative bacteria, this mean, antibacterial MgO NPs activity more active on gram positive bacteria than gram negative bacteria because of the structural differences. It was found that antibacterial activity of MgO NPs was found it has directly proportional with their concentration.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 122
Author(s):  
Eghbert Eghbert Elvan Eghbert Elvan Ampou ◽  
Iis Iis Triyulianti ◽  
Nuryani Widagti ◽  
Suciadi Catur Nugroho ◽  
Yuli Pancawati

Research on hard coral (Scleractinian coral) contaminated with bacteria is still not much done, especially in Indonesian waters. This study took samples of coral mucus in 2010 at 3 (three) different locations, namely Bunaken (May); Morotai (September) and Raja Ampat (November), which focused on the analysis of Research on hard coral (Scleractinian coral) contaminated with bacteria is still not much done, especially in Indonesian waters. This study took samples of coral mucus in 2010 at 3 (three) different locations, namely Bunaken (May); Morotai (September) and Raja Ampat (November), which focused on the analysis of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The method used for field sampling is time swim, which is by diving at a depth of 5-10 meters for ± 30 minutes and randomly taking samples of coral mucus using siring or by taking directly on corals (reef branching). Mucus samples were analyzed by bacterial isolation in the laboratory. The result shows that there were differences between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria in the three research sites and that gram-positive bacteria were higher or dominant. Further research that can identify the bacteria species and explain its relationship to the ecosystem is highly recommended.Keywords: Bacteria, Scleractinian coral, gram-positive and -negative, Bunaken, Morotai, Raja Ampat  AbstrakPenelitian tentang karang keras (Scleractinian coral) yang terkontaminasi bakteri masih belum banyak dilakukan, terutama di perairan Indonesia. Penelitian ini mengambil sampel mucus karang pada tahun 2010 di 3 (tiga) lokasi berbeda, yakni Bunaken (Mei); Morotai (September) dan Raja Ampat (November), yang difokuskan pada analisis bakteri gram postif dan gram negatif. Metode yang digunakan untuk pengambilan sampel di lapangan adalah time swim, yaitu dengan penyelaman pada kedalaman 5-10 meter selama ±30 menit dan mengambil sampel mucus karang secara acak menggunakan siring atau dengan mengambil langsung pada karang (fraksi cabang). Sampel mucus dianalisis dengan cara isolasi bakteri di laboratorium. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa ada perbedaan antara bakteri gram positif dan gram negative di tiga lokasi survei dan bakteri gram positif lebih tinggi atau dominan. Penelitian lebih lanjut yang dapat menentukan jenis bakteri serta menjelaskan hubungannya dengan ekosistem sangat disarankan untuk dilakukan.Kata Kunci : Bakteri, Scleractinian coral, gram positif dan negatif, Bunaken, Morotai, Raja Ampat


Crystals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 789
Author(s):  
Shih-Fu Ou ◽  
Ya-Yun Zheng ◽  
Sin-Jen Lee ◽  
Shyi-Tien Chen ◽  
Chien-Hui Wu ◽  
...  

Graphene quantum dots, carbon nanomaterials with excellent fluorescence characteristics, are advantageous for use in biological systems owing to their small size, non-toxicity, and biocompatibility. We used the hydrothermal method to prepare functional N-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) from 1,3,6-trinitropyrene and analyzed their ability to fluorescently stain various bacteria. Our results showed that N-CQDs stain the cell septa and membrane of the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Salmonellaenteritidis, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus and the Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. The optimal concentration of N-CQDs was approximately 500 ppm for Gram-negative bacteria and 1000 ppm for Gram-positive bacteria, and the exposure times varied with bacteria. N-Doped carbon quantum dots have better light stability and higher photobleaching resistance than the commercially available FM4-64. When excited at two different wavelengths, N-CQDs can emit light of both red and green wavelengths, making them ideal for bioimaging. They can also specifically stain Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cell membranes. We developed an inexpensive, relatively easy, and bio-friendly method to synthesize an N-CQD composite. Additionally, they can serve as a universal bacterial membrane-staining dye, with better photobleaching resistance than commercial dyes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tsukasa Tominari ◽  
Ayumi Sanada ◽  
Ryota Ichimaru ◽  
Chiho Matsumoto ◽  
Michiko Hirata ◽  
...  

AbstractPeriodontitis is an inflammatory disease associated with severe alveolar bone loss and is dominantly induced by lipopolysaccharide from Gram-negative bacteria; however, the role of Gram-positive bacteria in periodontal bone resorption remains unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a major cell-wall factor of Gram-positive bacteria, on the progression of inflammatory alveolar bone loss in a model of periodontitis. In coculture of mouse primary osteoblasts and bone marrow cells, LTA induced osteoclast differentiation in a dose-dependent manner. LTA enhanced the production of PGE2 accompanying the upregulation of the mRNA expression of mPGES-1, COX-2 and RANKL in osteoblasts. The addition of indomethacin effectively blocked the LTA-induced osteoclast differentiation by suppressing the production of PGE2. Using ex vivo organ cultures of mouse alveolar bone, we found that LTA induced alveolar bone resorption and that this was suppressed by indomethacin. In an experimental model of periodontitis, LTA was locally injected into the mouse lower gingiva, and we clearly detected alveolar bone destruction using 3D-μCT. We herein demonstrate a new concept indicating that Gram-positive bacteria in addition to Gram-negative bacteria are associated with the progression of periodontal bone loss.


Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 436
Author(s):  
Giovanni Parente ◽  
Tommaso Gargano ◽  
Stefania Pavia ◽  
Chiara Cordola ◽  
Marzia Vastano ◽  
...  

Pyelonephritis (PN) represents an important cause of morbidity in the pediatric population, especially in uropathic patients. The aim of the study is to demonstrate differences between PNs of uropathic patients and PNs acquired in community in terms of uropathogens involved and antibiotic sensitivity; moreover, to identify a proper empiric therapeutic strategy. A retrospective study was conducted on antibiograms on urine cultures from PNs in vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) patients admitted to pediatric surgery department and from PNs in not VUR patients admitted to Pediatric Emergency Unit between 2010 and 2020. We recorded 58 PNs in 33 patients affected by VUR and 112 PNs in the not VUR group. The mean age of not VUR patients at the PN episode was 1.3 ± 2.6 years (range: 20 days of life–3 years), and almost all the urine cultures, 111 (99.1%), isolated Gram-negative bacteria and rarely, 1 (0.9%), Gram-positive bacteria. The Gram-negative uropathogens isolated were Escherichia coli (97%), Proteus mirabilis (2%), and Klebsiella spp. (1%). The only Gram-positive bacteria isolated was an Enterococcus faecalis. As regards the antibiograms, 96% of not VUR PNs responded to beta-lactams, 99% to aminoglycosides, and 80% to sulfonamides. For the VUR group, mean age was 3.0 years ± 3.0 years (range: 9 days of life–11 years) and mean number of episodes per patient was 2.0 ± 1.0 (range: 1–5); 83% of PNs were by Gram-negatives bacteria vs. 17% by Gram-positive: the most important Gram-negative bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (44%), Escherichia coli (27%), and Klebsiella spp. (12%), while Enterococcus spp. determined 90% of Gram-positive UTIs. Regimen ampicillin/ceftazidime (success rate: 72.0%) was compared to ampicillin/amikacin (success rate of 83.0%): no statistically significant difference was found (p = 0.09). The pathogens of PNs in uropathic patients are different from those of community-acquired PNs, and clinicians should be aware of their peculiar antibiotic susceptibility. An empiric therapy based on the association ampicillin + ceftazidime is therefore suggested.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Mashooq Ahmad Bhat ◽  
Mohamed A. Al-Omar ◽  
Ahmed M. Naglah ◽  
Abdul Arif Khan

A series of pyrazoles derived from the substituted enaminones were synthesized and were evaluated for antimicrobial activity. All the compounds were characterized by the spectral data and elemental analysis. The synthesized compounds were initially screened for their antimicrobial activity against ATCC 6538, NCTC 10400, NCTC 10418, and ATCC 27853. During initial screening, compounds (P1, P6, and P11) presented significant antimicrobial activity through disc diffusion assay. These compounds were further evaluated for antimicrobial activity at different time points against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and presented significant activity for 6 hours. The activity was found to be greater against Gram-positive bacteria. In contrast at 24 hours, the activity was found only against Gram-positive bacteria except compound (P11), showing activity against both types of bacteria. Compound (P11) was found to have highest activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.


2006 ◽  
Vol 50 (6) ◽  
pp. 2261-2264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hee-Soo Park ◽  
Hyun-Joo Kim ◽  
Min-Jung Seol ◽  
Dong-Rack Choi ◽  
Eung-Chil Choi ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT DW-224a showed the most potent in vitro activity among the quinolone compounds tested against clinical isolates of gram-positive bacteria. Against gram-negative bacteria, DW-224a was slightly less active than the other fluoroquinolones. The in vivo activities of DW-224a against gram-positive bacteria were more potent than those of other quinolones.


mBio ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia V. Monjarás Feria ◽  
Matthew D. Lefebre ◽  
York-Dieter Stierhof ◽  
Jorge E. Galán ◽  
Samuel Wagner

ABSTRACTType III secretion systems (T3SSs) are multiprotein machines employed by many Gram-negative bacteria to inject bacterial effector proteins into eukaryotic host cells to promote bacterial survival and colonization. The core unit of T3SSs is the needle complex, a supramolecular structure that mediates the passage of the secreted proteins through the bacterial envelope. A distinct feature of the T3SS is that protein export occurs in a strictly hierarchical manner in which proteins destined to form the needle complex filament and associated structures are secreted first, followed by the secretion of effectors and the proteins that will facilitate their translocation through the target host cell membrane. The secretion hierarchy is established by complex mechanisms that involve several T3SS-associated components, including the “switch protein,” a highly conserved, inner membrane protease that undergoes autocatalytic cleavage. It has been proposed that the autocleavage of the switch protein is the trigger for substrate switching. We show here that autocleavage of theSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium switch protein SpaS is an unregulated process that occurs after its folding and before its incorporation into the needle complex. Needle complexes assembled with a precleaved form of SpaS function in a manner indistinguishable from that of the wild-type form. Furthermore, an engineered mutant of SpaS that is processed by an external protease also displays wild-type function. These results demonstrate that the cleavage eventper sedoes not provide a signal for substrate switching but support the hypothesis that cleavage allows the proper conformation of SpaS to render it competent for its switching function.IMPORTANCEBacterial interaction with eukaryotic hosts often involves complex molecular machines for targeted delivery of bacterial effector proteins. One such machine, the type III secretion system of some Gram-negative bacteria, serves to inject a multitude of structurally diverse bacterial proteins into the host cell. Critical to the function of these systems is their ability to secrete proteins in a strict hierarchical order, but it is unclear how the mechanism of switching works. Central to the switching mechanism is a highly conserved inner membrane protease that undergoes autocatalytic cleavage. Although it has been suggested previously that the autocleavage event is the trigger for substrate switching, we show here that this is not the case. Rather, our results show that cleavage allows the proper conformation of the protein to render it competent for its switching function. These findings may help develop inhibitors of type III secretion machines that offer novel therapeutic avenues to treat various infectious diseases.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document