scholarly journals Screening of Escherichia coli Species Biodiversity Reveals New Biofilm-Associated Antiadhesion Polysaccharides

mBio ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olaya Rendueles ◽  
Laetitia Travier ◽  
Patricia Latour-Lambert ◽  
Thierry Fontaine ◽  
Julie Magnus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Bacterial Adhesion ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Bacterial Biofilms ◽  
Gram Positive ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Species Biodiversity

ABSTRACTBacterial biofilms often form multispecies communities in which complex but ill-understood competition and cooperation interactions occur. In light of the profound physiological modifications associated with this lifestyle, we hypothesized that the biofilm environment might represent an untapped source of natural bioactive molecules interfering with bacterial adhesion or biofilm formation. We produced cell-free solutions extracted fromin vitromature biofilms formed by 122 naturalEscherichia coliisolates, and we screened these biofilm extracts for antiadhesion molecules active on a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Using this approach, we showed that 20% of the tested biofilm extracts contained molecules that antagonize bacterial growth or adhesion. We characterized a compound, produced by a commensal animalE. colistrain, for which activity is detected only in biofilm extract. Biochemical and genetic analyses showed that this compound corresponds to a new type of released high-molecular-weight polysaccharide whose biofilm-associated production is regulated by the RfaH protein. We demonstrated that the antiadhesion activity of this polysaccharide was restricted to Gram-positive bacteria and that its production reduced susceptibility to invasion and provided rapid exclusion ofStaphylococcus aureusfrom mixedE. coliandS. aureusbiofilms. Our results therefore demonstrate that biofilms contain molecules that contribute to the dynamics of mixed bacterial communities and that are not or only poorly detected in unconcentrated planktonic supernatants. Systematic identification of these compounds could lead to strategies that limit pathogen surface colonization and reduce the burden associated with the development of bacterial biofilms on medical devices.IMPORTANCEWe sought to demonstrate that bacterial biofilms are reservoirs for unknown molecules that antagonize bacterial adhesion. The use of natural strains representative ofEscherichia colispecies biodiversity showed that nonbiocidal antiadhesion polysaccharides are frequently found in mature biofilm extracts (bacterium-free suspensions which contain soluble molecules produced within the biofilm). Release of an antiadhesion polysaccharide confers a competitive advantage upon the producing strain against clinically relevant pathogens such asStaphylococcus aureus. Hence, exploring the biofilm environment provides a better understanding of bacterial interactions within complex communities and could lead to improved control of pathogen colonization.

scholarly journals Nitroxide Functionalized Antibiotics Are Promising Eradication Agents against Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms

2019 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony D. Verderosa ◽  
Rabeb Dhouib ◽  
Kathryn E. Fairfull-Smith ◽  
Makrina Totsika
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Bacterial Biofilms ◽  
Gram Positive ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Microscopy Analysis ◽  
Biofilm Dispersal ◽  
Biofilm Structure ◽  
Dispersal Activity

ABSTRACT Treatment of biofilm-related Staphylococcus aureus infections represents an important medical challenge worldwide, as biofilms, even those involving drug-susceptible S. aureus strains, are highly refractory to conventional antibiotic therapy. Nitroxides were recently shown to induce the dispersal of Gram-negative biofilms in vitro, but their action against Gram-positive bacterial biofilms remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the biofilm dispersal activity of nitroxides extends to S. aureus, a clinically important Gram-positive pathogen. Coadministration of the nitroxide CTEMPO (4-carboxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yloxyl) with ciprofloxacin significantly improved the biofilm eradication activity of the antibiotic against S. aureus. Moreover, covalently linking the nitroxide to the antibiotic moiety further reduced the ciprofloxacin minimal biofilm eradication concentration. Microscopy analysis revealed that fluorescent nitroxide-antibiotic hybrids could penetrate S. aureus biofilms and enter cells localized at the surface and base of the biofilm structure. No toxicity to human cells was observed for the nitroxide CTEMPO or the nitroxide-antibiotic hybrids. Taken together, our results show that nitroxides can mediate the dispersal of Gram-positive biofilms and that dual-acting biofilm eradication antibiotics may provide broad-spectrum therapies for the treatment of biofilm-related infections.

scholarly journals In Vitro Activity of Fenticonazole against Candida and Bacterial Vaginitis Isolates Determined by Mono- or Dual-Species Testing Assays

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurizio Sanguinetti ◽  
Emilia Cantón ◽  
Riccardo Torelli ◽  
Fabio Tumietto ◽  
Ana Espinel-Ingroff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Candida Glabrata ◽  
Candida Parapsilosis ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
In Vitro Activity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Time Kill

ABSTRACT We determined the in vitro activity of fenticonazole against 318 vaginitis isolates of Candida and bacterial species and selected 28 isolates for time-kill studies. At concentrations equal to 4× MIC, fenticonazole reached the 99.9% killing endpoint by ∼10 h for Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Escherichia coli and by ∼17 h for Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis; and at concentrations equal to 8× MIC, by ∼19 and ∼20 h for Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis, respectively. At concentrations equal to 2× MIC, fenticonazole required ∼20 h to reach the above endpoint against C. albicans in mixed culture with S. aureus, S. agalactiae, or E. coli versus ∼17 h against C. albicans in pure culture. Supra-MICs are achievable in topically treated patients’ vaginal surfaces.

scholarly journals In VitroandIn VivoAntibacterial Activities of Omadacycline, a Novel Aminomethylcycline

2013 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 1127-1135 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. B. Macone ◽  
B. K. Caruso ◽  
R. G. Leahy ◽  
J. Donatelli ◽  
S. Weir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Streptococcus Pneumoniae ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Gram Positive ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mrsa Strains ◽  
Tract Infections

ABSTRACTOmadacycline is the first intravenous and oral 9-aminomethylcycline in clinical development for use against multiple infectious diseases including acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI), community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP), and urinary tract infections (UTI). The comparativein vitroactivity of omadacycline was determined against a broad panel of Gram-positive clinical isolates, including methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA), vancomycin-resistantEnterococcus(VRE), Lancefield groups A and B beta-hemolytic streptococci, penicillin-resistantStreptococcus pneumoniae(PRSP), andHaemophilus influenzae(H. influenzae). The omadacycline MIC90s for MRSA, VRE, and beta-hemolytic streptococci were 1.0 μg/ml, 0.25 μg/ml, and 0.5 μg/ml, respectively, and the omadacycline MIC90s for PRSP andH. influenzaewere 0.25 μg/ml and 2.0 μg/ml, respectively. Omadacycline was active against organisms demonstrating the two major mechanisms of resistance, ribosomal protection and active tetracycline efflux.In vivoefficacy of omadacycline was demonstrated using an intraperitoneal infection model in mice. A single intravenous dose of omadacycline exhibited efficacy againstStreptococcus pneumoniae,Escherichia coli, andStaphylococcus aureus, includingtet(M) andtet(K) efflux-containing strains and MRSA strains. The 50% effective doses (ED50s) forStreptococcus pneumoniaeobtained ranged from 0.45 mg/kg to 3.39 mg/kg, the ED50s forStaphylococcus aureusobtained ranged from 0.30 mg/kg to 1.74 mg/kg, and the ED50forEscherichia coliwas 2.02 mg/kg. These results demonstrate potentin vivoefficacy including activity against strains containing common resistance determinants. Omadacycline demonstratedin vitroactivity against a broad range of Gram-positive and select Gram-negative pathogens, including resistance determinant-containing strains, and this activity translated to potent efficacyin vivo.

Substituted 4-Formyl-2H-chromen-2-ones: Their Reaction with N-(2,3,4,6-Tetra-Oacetyl- β-D-galactopyranosyl)thiosemicarbazide, Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Their Thiosemicarbazone Products

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (19) ◽  
pp. 2272-2282
Author(s):  
Vu Ngoc Toan ◽  
Nguyen Minh Tri ◽  
Nguyen Dinh Thanh
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Selenium Dioxide ◽  
Antibacterial And Antifungal Activity ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Antibacterial And Antifungal Activities ◽  
Alkyl Ethers ◽  
Antibacterial And Antifungal

Several 6- and 7-alkoxy-2-oxo-2H-chromene-4-carbaldehydes were prepared from corresponding alkyl ethers of 6- and 7-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen-2-ones by oxidation using selenium dioxide. 6- and 7-Alkoxy-4-methyl-2H-chromenes were obtained with yields of 57-85%. Corresponding 4-carbaldehyde derivatives were prepared with yields of 41-67%. Thiosemicarbazones of these aldehydes with D-galactose moiety were synthesized by reaction of these aldehydes with N-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-β-Dgalactopyranosyl) thiosemicarbazide with yields of 62-74%. These thiosemicarbazones were screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activities in vitro against bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and fungi, such as Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans. Several compounds exhibited strong inhibitory activity with MIC values of 0.78- 1.56 μM, including 8a (against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans), 8d (against E. coli and A. niger), 9a (against S. aureus), and 9c (against S. aureus and C. albicans).

scholarly journals A Rhodobacter sphaeroides Protein Mechanistically Similar to Escherichia coli DksA Regulates Photosynthetic Growth

mBio ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher W. Lennon ◽  
Kimberly C. Lemmer ◽  
Jessica L. Irons ◽  
Max I. Sellman ◽  
Timothy J. Donohue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Structure Function ◽  
Rhodobacter Sphaeroides ◽  
Fatty Acid Content ◽  
Regulatory Protein ◽  
Growth Conditions ◽  
Globular Domain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli

ABSTRACTDksA is a global regulatory protein that, together with the alarmone ppGpp, is required for the “stringent response” to nutrient starvation in the gammaproteobacteriumEscherichia coliand for more moderate shifts between growth conditions. DksA modulates the expression of hundreds of genes, directly or indirectly. Mutants lacking a DksA homolog exhibit pleiotropic phenotypes in other gammaproteobacteria as well. Here we analyzed the DksA homolog RSP2654 in the more distantly relatedRhodobacter sphaeroides, an alphaproteobacterium. RSP2654 is 42% identical and similar in length toE. coliDksA but lacks the Zn finger motif of theE. coliDksA globular domain. Deletion of the RSP2654 gene results in defects in photosynthetic growth, impaired utilization of amino acids, and an increase in fatty acid content. RSP2654 complements the growth and regulatory defects of anE. colistrain lacking thedksAgene and modulates transcriptionin vitrowithE. coliRNA polymerase (RNAP) similarly toE. coliDksA. RSP2654 reduces RNAP-promoter complex stabilityin vitrowith RNAPs fromE. coliorR. sphaeroides, alone and synergistically with ppGpp, suggesting that even though it has limited sequence identity toE. coliDksA (DksAEc), it functions in a mechanistically similar manner. We therefore designate the RSP2654 protein DksARsp. Our work suggests that DksARsphas distinct and important physiological roles in alphaproteobacteria and will be useful for understanding structure-function relationships in DksA and the mechanism of synergy between DksA and ppGpp.IMPORTANCEThe role of DksA has been analyzed primarily in the gammaproteobacteria, in which it is best understood for its role in control of the synthesis of the translation apparatus and amino acid biosynthesis. Our work suggests that DksA plays distinct and important physiological roles in alphaproteobacteria, including the control of photosynthesis inRhodobacter sphaeroides. The study of DksARsp, should be useful for understanding structure-function relationships in the protein, including those that play a role in the little-understood synergy between DksA and ppGpp.

scholarly journals Differential behaviors of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli type II DNA topoisomerases.

1996 ◽  
Vol 40 (12) ◽  
pp. 2714-2720 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Blanche ◽  
B Cameron ◽  
F X Bernard ◽  
L Maton ◽  
B Manse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Dna Gyrase ◽  
Dna Supercoiling ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Topoisomerase Iv ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Dna Relaxation

Staphylococcus aureus gyrA and gyrB genes encoding DNA gyrase subunits were cloned and coexpressed in Escherichia coli under the control of the T7 promoter-T7 RNA polymerase system, leading to soluble gyrase which was purified to homogeneity. Purified gyrase was catalytically indistinguishable from the gyrase purified from S. aureus and did not contain detectable amounts of topoisomerases from the E. coli host. Topoisomerase IV subunits GrlA and GrlB from S. aureus were also expressed in E. coli and were separately purified to apparent homogeneity. Topoisomerase IV, which was reconstituted by mixing equimolar amounts of GrlA and GrlB, had both ATP-dependent decatenation and DNA relaxation activities in vitro. This enzyme was more sensitive than gyrase to inhibition by typical fluoroquinolone antimicrobial agents such as ciprofloxacin or sparfloxacin, adding strong support to genetic studies which indicate that topoisomerase IV is the primary target of fluoroquinolones in S. aureus. The results obtained with ofloxacin suggest that this fluoroquinolone could also primarily target gyrase. No cleavable complex could be detected with S. aureus gyrase upon incubation with ciprofloxacin or sparfloxacin at concentrations which fully inhibit DNA supercoiling. This suggests that these drugs do not stabilize the open DNA-gyrase complex, at least under standard in vitro incubation conditions, but are more likely to interfere primarily with the DNA breakage step, contrary to what has been reported with E. coli gyrase. Both S. aureus gyrase-catalyzed DNA supercoiling and S. aureus topoisomerase IV-catalyzed decatenation were dramatically stimulated by potassium glutamate or aspartate (500- and 50-fold by 700 and 350 mM glutamate, respectively), whereas topoisomerase IV-dependent DNA relaxation was inhibited 3-fold by 350 mM glutamate. The relevance of the effect of dicarboxylic amino acids on the activities of type II topoisomerases is discussed with regard to the intracellular osmolite composition of S. aureus.

scholarly journals Evaluation du potentiel antimicrobien et de la toxicité des extraits de Jatropha multifida Linn, (Euphorbiaceae)

2020 ◽  
Vol 151 ◽  
pp. 15550-15558
Author(s):  
Amégninou Agban ◽  
Yao Hoekou ◽  
Passimna Pissang ◽  
Tchadjobo Tchacondo ◽  
Komlan Batawila
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Antimicrobial Activity ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Aqueous Extract ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Toxicological Studies ◽  
Jatropha Multifida

Objectif : L’objectif de ce travail était d’évaluer in vitro l’activité antimicrobienne des extraits de feuilles et tige de Jatropha multifida sur la croissance de Candida albicans, Escherichia coli et Staphylococcus aureus, puis d’évaluer in vivo la toxicité de cette plante. Méthodologie et résultats : Les méthodes de diffusion en milieu gélosé et de microdilution en milieu liquide ont été utilisées pour évaluer l’effet antimicrobien. Une étude en subaigüe était réalisée afin d’explorer les effets toxiques de l’extrait aqueux des feuilles. Les résultats des tests antimicrobiens montrent une activité des extraits de feuilles et tige de J. multifida sur la croissance des souches utilisées avec des diamètres de zones d’inhibition allant de 8 à 25 mm et des concentrations minimales inhibitrices (CMI) variant de 0,039 mg/mL à 1,25 mg/mL à l’exception des souches de E. coli qui sont résistantes aux extraits de la tige. L’administration en subaigüe de l’extrait aqueux des feuilles de J. multifida à la dose de 600 mg/kg entraîne une perte significative de poids chez les souris. Conclusion et applications des résultats : Les extraits aqueux, éthanolique et hydroéthanolique des feuilles et tige de J. multifida possèdent d’activité antimicrobienne et pourraient être utilisés dans le traitement des Candidoses à C. albicans et des infections à S. aureus. Mais l’essai de toxicité subaigüe montre que l’extrait aqueux de la plante serait toxique. Des études toxicologiques approfondies restent donc nécessaires sur ces extraits afin de mieux élucider leur inocuité. Mots-clés : Jatropha multifida, extraits de feuilles et de tige, activités antifongique et antibactérienne, toxicité. Agban et al., J. Appl. Biosci. 2020 Evaluation du potentiel antimicrobien et de la toxicité des extraits de Jatropha multifida Linn, (Euphorbiaceae) 15551 Evaluation of antimicrobial potential and toxicity of Jatropha multifida Linn, (Euphorbiaceae) extracts ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate in vitro the antimicrobial activity of leaves and stem of Jatropha multifida extracts against Candida albicans, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and then to evaluate in vivo the toxicity of this plant. Methodology and Results: The agar well-diffusion and the NCCLS broth microdilution methods were used to assess the antimicrobial effect. A subacute study was carried out to explore the toxic effects of the aqueous extract of the leaves. The results of the antimicrobial tests show an activity of the extracts of leaves and stems of J. multifida on the growth of the strains used with diameters of inhibitory zones ranging from 8 to 25 mm and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) varying from 0.039 mg/mL to 1.25 mg/mL exception E. coli strains which are resistant to extracts from the stem. Subacute administration of the aqueous extract of the leaves of J. multifida at a dose of 600 mg/kg leads to a significant loss of weight in the mice. Conclusion and application of findings : The aqueous, ethanolic and hydroethanolic extracts of the leaves and stem of J. multifida have antimicrobial activity and could be used in the treatment of Candidiasis and bacterial infections due respectively to C. albicans and S. aureus. But the subacute toxicity test shows that the aqueous extract of the plant would be toxic. Extensive toxicological studies therefore remain necessary on these extracts in order to better elucidate their safety. Keywords: Jatropha multifida extracts of leaves and stem, antifungal and antibacterial activities, toxicity

scholarly journals In VivoTransmission of an IncA/C Plasmid in Escherichia coli Depends on Tetracycline Concentration, and Acquisition of the Plasmid Results in a Variable Cost of Fitness

2015 ◽  
Vol 81 (10) ◽  
pp. 3561-3570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy J. Johnson ◽  
Randall S. Singer ◽  
Richard E. Isaacson ◽  
Jessica L. Danzeisen ◽  
Kevin Lang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Broad Host Range ◽  
Antibiotic Administration ◽  
Dose Administration ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Selection Of

ABSTRACTIncA/C plasmids are broad-host-range plasmids enabling multidrug resistance that have emerged worldwide among bacterial pathogens of humans and animals. Although antibiotic usage is suspected to be a driving force in the emergence of such strains, few studies have examined the impact of different types of antibiotic administration on the selection of plasmid-containing multidrug resistant isolates. In this study, chlortetracycline treatment at different concentrations in pig feed was examined for its impact on selection and dissemination of an IncA/C plasmid introduced orally via a commensalEscherichia colihost. Continuous low-dose administration of chlortetracycline at 50 g per ton had no observable impact on the proportions of IncA/C plasmid-containingE. colifrom pig feces over the course of 35 days. In contrast, high-dose administration of chlortetracycline at 350 g per ton significantly increased IncA/C plasmid-containingE. coliin pig feces (P< 0.001) and increased movement of the IncA/C plasmid to other indigenousE. colihosts. There was no evidence of conjugal transfer of the IncA/C plasmid to bacterial species other thanE. coli.In vitrocompetition assays demonstrated that bacterial host background substantially impacted the cost of IncA/C plasmid carriage inE. coliandSalmonella.In vitrotransfer and selection experiments demonstrated that tetracycline at 32 μg/ml was necessary to enhance IncA/C plasmid conjugative transfer, while subinhibitory concentrations of tetracyclinein vitrostrongly selected for IncA/C plasmid-containingE. coli. Together, these experiments improve our knowledge on the impact of differing concentrations of tetracycline on the selection of IncA/C-type plasmids.

scholarly journals Actividad antibacteriana in vitro de aceites esenciales de diferentes especies del género Citrus

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Miladys Esther Torrenegra Alarcón ◽  
Nerlis Paola Pájaro ◽  
Glicerio León Méndez
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Klebsiella Pneumoniae ◽  
Staphylococcus Epidermidis ◽  
E Coli

Se evaluó la actividad antibacteriana in vitro de aceites esenciales de diferentes especiesdel género Citrus frente a cepas ATCC de Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis,Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Escherichia coli, determinandola concentración mínima inhibitoria (CMI) y la concentración mínima bactericida(CMB). Las bacterias se replicaron en medios de agar y caldos específicos. Se determinóel momento de máxima densidad óptica (DO620) para emplearlo como tiempode incubación; luego se hicieron pruebas de evaluación de sensibilidad con la exposiciónde las cepas a concentraciones a 1000 g/mL del extracto en caldo. Para solubilizarse empleó dimetilsulfóxido (DMSO) al 1%. Posteriormente, se le determinó laconcentración mínima inhibitoria mediante metodologías de microdilución en caldoy la concentración mínima bactericida. Encontrándose una actividad de los aceitesesenciales del género Citrus, con valores de CMI ≥ 600 mg/mL frente a S. aureus,S. epidermidis, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa y E. coli. En función a los resultados obtenidos,se concluye que las diferentes especies del género Citrus son consideradas comopromisorias para el control del componente bacteriano.

scholarly journals A Toxic Environment: a Growing Understanding of How Microbial Communities Affect Escherichia coli O157:H7 Shiga Toxin Expression

2020 ◽  
Vol 86 (24) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin M. Nawrocki ◽  
Hillary M. Mosso ◽  
Edward G. Dudley
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Shiga Toxin ◽  
Microbial Interactions ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Lambdoid Prophage

ABSTRACT Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) strains, including E. coli O157:H7, cause severe illness in humans due to the production of Shiga toxin (Stx) and other virulence factors. Because Stx is coregulated with lambdoid prophage induction, its expression is especially susceptible to environmental cues. Infections with Stx-producing E. coli can be difficult to model due to the wide range of disease outcomes: some infections are relatively mild, while others have serious complications. Probiotic organisms, members of the gut microbiome, and organic acids can depress Stx production, in many cases by inhibiting the growth of EHEC strains. On the other hand, the factors currently known to amplify Stx act via their effect on the stx-converting phage. Here, we characterize two interactive mechanisms that increase Stx production by O157:H7 strains: first, direct interactions with phage-susceptible E. coli, and second, indirect amplification by secreted factors. Infection of susceptible strains by the stx-converting phage can expand the Stx-producing population in a human or animal host, and phage infection has been shown to modulate virulence in vitro and in vivo. Acellular factors, particularly colicins and microcins, can kill O157:H7 cells but may also trigger Stx expression in the process. Colicins, microcins, and other bacteriocins have diverse cellular targets, and many such molecules remain uncharacterized. The identification of additional Stx-amplifying microbial interactions will improve our understanding of E. coli O157:H7 infections and help elucidate the intricate regulation of pathogenicity in EHEC strains.

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