scholarly journals Organic Acid Exposure Enhances Virulence in Some Listeria monocytogenes Strains Using the Galleria mellonella Infection Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minghao Li ◽  
Charles E. Carpenter ◽  
Jeff R. Broadbent
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Organic Acids ◽  
Virulence Genes ◽  
Galleria Mellonella ◽  
Acid Resistance ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Bile Resistance ◽  
Strain Dependent

Prior research has suggested that the use of organic acids in the food industry may unintentionally enhance pathogenicity of Listeria monocytogenes strain N1-227 and R2-499. This study explored the connection between habituation to L-lactic acid or acetic acid and virulence in L. monocytogenes strains N1-227 and R2-499 using selected gene expression analysis and the in vivo Galleria mellonella wax worm model for infection. Expression of transcription factors (sigB and prfA) and genes related to acid resistance (gadD2, gadD3, and arcA) and bile resistance (bsh and bilE) or to virulence (inlA, inlB, hly, plcA, plcB, uhpT, and actA) was investigated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), while in vivo virulence was assessed by following the lethal time to 50% population mortality (LT50) of G. mellonella larvae after injection of untreated and habituated L. monocytogenes. Twenty minutes of habituation to the organic acids at pH 6.0 significantly increased expression of key acid and bile stress response genes in both strains, while expression of virulence genes was strain-dependent. The expression of transcription factor sigB was strain-dependent and there was no significant change in the expression of transcription factor prfA in both strains. Habituation to acid increased virulence of both strains as evidenced by decreased LT50 of G. mellonella larvae injected with Listeria habituated to either acid. In summary, habituation of both L. monocytogenes strains to organic acids up-regulated expression of several stress and virulence genes and concurrently increased virulence as measured using the G. mellonella model.

scholarly journals Designing P. aeruginosa synthetic phages with reduced genomes

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana P. Pires ◽  
Rodrigo Monteiro ◽  
Dalila Mil-Homens ◽  
Arsénio Fialho ◽  
Timothy K. Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Galleria Mellonella ◽  
Antibacterial Properties ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Promising Therapeutic Approach ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
First Time

AbstractIn the era where antibiotic resistance is considered one of the major worldwide concerns, bacteriophages have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach to deal with this problem. Genetically engineered bacteriophages can enable enhanced anti-bacterial functionalities, but require cloning additional genes into the phage genomes, which might be challenging due to the DNA encapsulation capacity of a phage. To tackle this issue, we designed and assembled for the first time synthetic phages with smaller genomes by knocking out up to 48% of the genes encoding hypothetical proteins from the genome of the newly isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa phage vB_PaeP_PE3. The antibacterial efficacy of the wild-type and the synthetic phages was assessed in vitro as well as in vivo using a Galleria mellonella infection model. Overall, both in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that the knock-outs made in phage genome do not impair the antibacterial properties of the synthetic phages, indicating that this could be a good strategy to clear space from phage genomes in order to enable the introduction of other genes of interest that can potentiate the future treatment of P. aeruginosa infections.

Emergence of ceftazidime/avibactam resistance in KPC-3-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in vivo

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (11) ◽  
pp. 3211-3216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan Göttig ◽  
Denia Frank ◽  
Eleonora Mungo ◽  
Anika Nolte ◽  
Michael Hogardt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Klebsiella Pneumoniae ◽  
Selection Pressure ◽  
Galleria Mellonella ◽  
Phenotypic Characterization ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Development Of Resistance ◽  
Time Kill

Abstract Objectives The β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combination ceftazidime/avibactam is active against KPC-producing Enterobacterales. Herein, we present molecular and phenotypic characterization of ceftazidime/avibactam resistance in KPC-3-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae that emerged in vivo and in vitro. Methods Sequence analysis of blaKPC-3 was performed from clinical and in vitro-generated ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates. Time–kill kinetics and the Galleria mellonella infection model were applied to evaluate the activity of ceftazidime/avibactam and imipenem alone and in combination. Results The ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant clinical K. pneumoniae isolate revealed the amino acid change D179Y in KPC-3. Sixteen novel mutational changes in KPC-3 among in vitro-selected ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant isolates were described. Time–kill kinetics showed the emergence of a resistant subpopulation under selection pressure with either imipenem or ceftazidime/avibactam. However, combined selection pressure with imipenem plus ceftazidime/avibactam prevented the development of resistance and resulted in bactericidal activity. Concordantly, the G. mellonella infection model revealed that monotherapy with ceftazidime/avibactam is prone to select for resistance in vivo and that combination therapy with imipenem results in significantly better survival. Conclusions Ceftazidime/avibactam is a valuable antibiotic against MDR and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales. Based on time–kill kinetics as well as an in vivo infection model we postulate a combination therapy of ceftazidime/avibactam and imipenem as a strategy to prevent the development of ceftazidime/avibactam resistance in KPC-producing Enterobacterales in vivo.

scholarly journals Investigating the In Vivo Antimicrobial Activity of a Self-Assembling Peptide Hydrogel Using a Galleria mellonella Infection Model

ACS Omega ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 2584-2589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice P. McCloskey ◽  
Merissa Lee ◽  
Julianne Megaw ◽  
Judith McEvoy ◽  
Sophie M. Coulter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Activity ◽  
Galleria Mellonella ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Self Assembling ◽  
Peptide Hydrogel

scholarly journals Investigation of Novel pmrB and eptA Mutations in Isogenic Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates Associated with Colistin Resistance and Increased Virulence In Vivo

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanie Gerson ◽  
Jonathan W. Betts ◽  
Kai Lucaßen ◽  
Carolina Silva Nodari ◽  
Julia Wille ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acinetobacter Baumannii ◽  
Lipid A ◽  
Galleria Mellonella ◽  
Resistance Mechanism ◽  
Resistant Isolate ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Colistin Resistance ◽  
Strain Specificity ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACT Colistin resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii is of great concern and is a threat to human health. In this study, we investigate the mechanisms of colistin resistance in four isogenic pairs of A. baumannii isolates displaying an increase in colistin MICs. A mutation in pmrB was detected in each colistin-resistant isolate, three of which were novel (A28V, I232T, and ΔL9-G12). Increased expression of pmrC was shown by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) for three colistin-resistant isolates, and the addition of phosphoethanolamine (PEtN) to lipid A by PmrC was revealed by mass spectrometry. Interestingly, PEtN addition was also observed in some colistin-susceptible isolates, indicating that this resistance mechanism might be strain specific and that other factors could contribute to colistin resistance. Furthermore, the introduction of pmrAB carrying the short amino acid deletion ΔL9-G12 into a pmrAB knockout strain resulted in increased pmrC expression and lipid A modification, but colistin MICs remained unchanged, further supporting the strain specificity of this colistin resistance mechanism. Of note, a mutation in the pmrC homologue eptA and a point mutation in ISAba1 upstream of eptA were associated with colistin resistance and increased eptA expression, which is a hitherto undescribed resistance mechanism. Moreover, no cost of fitness was observed for colistin-resistant isolates, while the virulence of these isolates was increased in a Galleria mellonella infection model. Although the mutations in pmrB were associated with colistin resistance, PEtN addition appears not to be the sole factor leading to colistin resistance, indicating that the mechanism of colistin resistance is far more complex than previously suspected and is potentially strain specific.

scholarly journals Strain dependent expression of stress response and virulence genes of Listeria monocytogenes in meat juices as determined by microarray

2012 ◽  
Vol 152 (3) ◽  
pp. 116-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kalliopi Rantsiou ◽  
Anna Greppi ◽  
Matteo Garosi ◽  
Alberto Acquadro ◽  
Marios Mataragas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Stress Response ◽  
Virulence Genes ◽  
Strain Dependent

scholarly journals An Optimized Bacteriophage Cocktail Can Effectively Control Salmonella in vitro and in Galleria mellonella

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet Y. Nale ◽  
Gurinder K. Vinner ◽  
Viviana C. Lopez ◽  
Anisha M. Thanki ◽  
Preeda Phothaworn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Galleria Mellonella ◽  
Future Application ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Prophylactic Regimen ◽  
Phage Cocktail ◽  
Resistant Strains ◽  
Future Work ◽  
Further Development

Salmonella spp. is a leading cause of gastrointestinal enteritis in humans where it is largely contracted via contaminated poultry and pork. Phages can be used to control Salmonella infection in the animals, which could break the cycle of infection before the products are accessible for consumption. Here, the potential of 21 myoviruses and a siphovirus to eliminate Salmonella in vitro and in vivo was examined with the aim of developing a biocontrol strategy to curtail the infection in poultry and swine. Together, the phages targeted the twenty-three poultry and ten swine prevalent Salmonella serotype isolates tested. Although individual phages significantly reduced bacterial growth of representative isolates within 6 h post-infection, bacterial regrowth occurred 1 h later, indicating proliferation of resistant strains. To curtail bacteriophage resistance, a novel three-phage cocktail was developed in vitro, and further investigated in an optimized Galleria mellonella larva Salmonella infection model colonized with representative swine, chicken and laboratory strains. For all the strains examined, G. mellonella larvae given phages 2 h prior to bacterial exposure (prophylactic regimen) survived and Salmonella was undetectable 24 h post-phage treatment and throughout the experimental time (72 h). Administering phages with bacteria (co-infection), or 2 h post-bacterial exposure (remedial regimen) also improved survival (73–100% and 15–88%, respectively), but was less effective than prophylaxis application. These pre-livestock data support the future application of this cocktail for further development to effectively treat Salmonella infection in poultry and pigs. Future work will focus on cocktail formulation to ensure stability and incorporation into feeds and used to treat the infection in target animals.

scholarly journals Two Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates Obtained From a Fatal Necrotizing Fasciitis Infection Display Distinct Genomic and Phenotypic Characteristics in Comparison to Type Strains

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer T. Grier ◽  
Brock A. Arivett ◽  
Maria S. Ramírez ◽  
Renee J. Chosed ◽  
Jessica A. Bigner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Viability ◽  
Necrotizing Fasciitis ◽  
Acinetobacter Baumannii ◽  
Galleria Mellonella ◽  
Alveolar Epithelial Cell ◽  
Fatal Case ◽  
Comparative Genomic ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Tissue Samples

Acinetobacter baumannii has been recognized as a critical pathogen that causes severe infections worldwide not only because of the emergence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) derivatives, but also because of its ability to persist in medical environments and colonize compromised patients. While there are numerous reports describing the mechanisms by which this pathogen acquires resistance genes, little is known regarding A. baumannii’s virulence functions associated with rare manifestations of infection such as necrotizing fasciitis, making the determination and implementation of alternative therapeutic targets problematic. To address this knowledge gap, this report describes the analysis of the NFAb-1 and NFAb-2 XDR isolates, which were obtained at two time points during a fatal case of necrotizing fasciitis, at the genomic and functional levels. The comparative genomic analysis of these isolates with the ATCC 19606T and ATCC 17978 strains showed that the NFAb-1 and NFAb-2 isolates are genetically different from each other as well as different from the ATCC 19606T and ATCC 17978 clinical isolates. These genomic differences could be reflected in phenotypic differences observed in these NFAb isolates. Biofilm, cell viability and flow cytometry assays indicate that all tested strains caused significant decreases in A549 human alveolar epithelial cell viability with ATCC 17978, NFAb-1 and NFAb-2 producing significantly less biofilm and significantly more hemolysis and capacity for intracellular invasion than ATCC 19606T. NFAb-1 and NFAb-2 also demonstrated negligible surface motility but significant twitching motility compared to ATCC 19606T and ATCC 17978, likely due to the presence of pili exceeding 2 µm in length, which are significantly longer and different from those previously described in the ATCC 19606T and ATCC 17978 strains. Interestingly, infection with cells of the NFAb-1 isolate, which were obtained from a premortem blood sample, lead to significantly higher mortality rates than NFAb-2 bacteria, which were obtained from postmortem tissue samples, when tested using the Galleria mellonella in vivo infection model. These observations suggest potential changes in the virulence phenotype of the A. baumannii necrotizing fasciitis isolates over the course of infection by mechanisms and cell processes that remain to be identified.

scholarly journals A hybrid sub-lineage of Listeria monocytogenes comprising hypervirulent isolates

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuelan Yin ◽  
Hao Yao ◽  
Swapnil Doijad ◽  
Suwei Kong ◽  
Yang Shen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Virulence Genes ◽  
Teichoic Acid ◽  
Foodborne Pathogen ◽  
Bacterial Invasion ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Wall Teichoic Acid ◽  
Mouse Infection Model ◽  
Highly Virulent ◽  
Organ Colonization

Abstract The foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is a highly heterogeneous species and currently comprises of 4 evolutionarily distinct lineages. Here, we characterize isolates from severe ovine listeriosis outbreaks that represent a hybrid sub-lineage of the major lineage II (HSL-II) and serotype 4h. HSL-II isolates are highly virulent and exhibit higher organ colonization capacities than well-characterized hypervirulent strains of Lm in an orogastric mouse infection model. The isolates harbour both the Lm Pathogenicity Island (LIPI)-1 and a truncated LIPI-2 locus, encoding sphingomyelinase (SmcL), a virulence factor required for invasion and bacterial translocation from the gut, and other non-contiguous chromosomal segments from another pathogenic species, L. ivanovii. HSL-II isolates exhibit a unique wall teichoic acid (WTA) structure essential for resistance to antimicrobial peptides, bacterial invasion and virulence. The discovery of isolates harbouring pan-species virulence genes of the genus Listeria warrants global efforts to identify further hypervirulent lineages of Lm.

scholarly journals Virulence Testing of Listeria monocytogenes

2002 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. 516-523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard B Raybourne
Keyword(s):  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Virulence Factors ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Virulence Genes ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Host Susceptibility ◽  
Cell Culture Systems ◽  
Small Subpopulation

Abstract A major problem in understanding foodborne listeriosis from both the basic science and regulatory perspectives revolves around the role played by virulence factors of Listeria monocytogenes and how these interact with host susceptibility to result in the observed incidence of disease. From a mechanistic perspective, this problem has been well investigated, and many virulence components of L. monocytogenes have been discovered. Deletion of these genes results in large reductions in virulence functions in vitro and in vivo. The clonal bacteria and genetically identical hosts necessary to solve the riddles associated with virulence mechanisms are not likely to reflect the natural diversity found among wild populations of L. monocytogenes, including those associated with food. These factors contribute to a major dilemma in risk assessment and risk management of foodborne listeriosis: Although low-level L. monocytogenes contamination of certain foods is relatively common, suggesting widespread exposure, illness is overwhelmingly associated with only a relatively small subpopulation (3 of the 13 L. monocytogenes serotypes) and occurs in only a small proportion of susceptible individuals. Virulence testing based on DNA probes for virulence genes is confounded by the widespread distribution of these genes in food isolates. In terms of the distribution of virulence factors among food isolates of L. monocytogenes, only listeriolysin is well characterized, because β-hemolysis is often used to confirm the presence of L. monocytogenes in foods. The presence of other virulence genes such as those involved in host cell invasion and cell-to-cell spread (inIA and actA) among food isolates has not been extensively investigated. How the presence of these components translates into functional virulence as measured in vivo and in vitro is also unknown. Animal studies and cell culture systems show a range of virulence among food isolates of L. monocytogenes. However, clinical isolates included in such studies are not consistently more virulent than food isolates with no known human disease association. Where multiple serotypes or ribotypes are compared, it has been difficult to demonstrate a consistent pattern of increased virulence associated with any subtype(s) in animal or in vitro studies. Development of model systems that adequately reflect the complexity of the host–pathogen relationship remains a challenge.

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