Whole-genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant clinical isolate of Acinetobacter lwoffii

Acinetobacter lwoffii has been considered an opportunistic pathogen that can cause nosocomial infections in humans. Here, we present the genome sequence of A. lwoffii WJ10621, a multidrug-resistant clinical isolate that carries a plasmid with the NDM-1 resistance gene.     

Whole-genome sequence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia D457, a clinical isolate and a model strain

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic pathogen with an environmental origin, and it is an increasingly relevant cause of nosocomial infections. Here we present the whole-genome sequence of S. maltophilia strain D457, a clinical isolate that is being used as a model for studying antibiotic resistance in this bacterial species.     

Staphylococcus epidermidis infections

The opportunistic human pathogen Staphylococcus epidermidis has become the most important cause of nosocomial infections in recent years. Its pathogenicity is mainly due to the ability to form biofilms on indwelling medical devices. In a biofilm, S. epidermidis is protected against attacks from the immune system and against antibiotic treatment, making S. epidermidis infections difficult to eradicate.     

Whole-Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus hominis, an Opportunistic Pathogen

Staphylococcus hominis is a commensal coagulase-negative species of staphylococci. It has been considered a presumptive and opportunistic pathogen that causes nosocomial infections in humans. Here we present the draft genome sequence of S. hominis ZBW5, a multidrug-resistant strain isolated from a human skin sample, which provides opportunities to understand the mechanism and genetic basis of its pathogenesis.     

Complete Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium fortuitum subsp. fortuitum Type Strain DSM46621

Mycobacterium fortuitum is a member of the rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). It is ubiquitous in water and soil habitats, including hospital environments. M. fortuitum is increasingly recognized as an opportunistic nosocomial pathogen causing disseminated infection. Here we report the genome sequence of M. fortuitum subsp. fortuitum type strain DSM46621.     

Heat resistance mediated by a new plasmid encoded Clp ATPase, ClpK, as a possible novel mechanism for nosocomial persistence of Klebsiella pneumoniae

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important opportunistic pathogen and a frequent cause of nosocomial infections. We have characterized a K. pneumoniae strain responsible for a series of critical infections in an intensive care unit over a two-year period. The strain was found to be remarkably thermotolerant providing a conceivable explanation of its persistence in the hospital environment. This marked phenotype is mediated by a novel type of Clp ATPase, designated ClpK. The clpK gene is encoded by a conjugative plasmid and we find that the clpK gene alone renders an otherwise sensitive E. coli strain resistant to lethal heat shock. Furthermore, one third of a collection of nosocomial K. pneumoniae isolates carry clpK and exhibit a heat resistant phenotype. The discovery of ClpK as a plasmid encoded factor and its profound impact on thermal stress survival sheds new light on the biological relevance of Clp ATPases in acquired environmental fitness and highlights the challenges of mobile genetic elements in fighting nosocomial infections.     

铜绿假单胞菌的双组分系统

双组分系统是存在于原核和少部分真核生物细胞中的信号转导系统,主要由组氨酸蛋白激酶和反应调节蛋白组成,通过感应外界环境信号、信号输入、磷酸基团传递、信号输出等环节调节基因表达,使细胞能更加适应环境变化。铜绿假单胞菌为条件致病菌,其双组分系统构成多样、功能复杂且参与介导耐药性产生,因此铜绿假单胞菌的双组分系统日益引起人们关注。本文对铜绿假单胞菌双组分系统的组成、信号转导机制、种类、研究方法及其临床意义进行了综述。     

Isolation, characterization and effect of Candida parapsilosis isolated from a deteriorated cosmetic

A single yeast strain was isolated from a spoiled contour-des-yeux cream. The deterioration consisted of separation of the oil/water emulsion and a liquid appearance. The yeast was identified as Candida parapsilosis, an opportunistic pathogen associated with nosocomial infections. The biodeterioration effect could be reproduced when this yeast was inoculated onto different cosmetic creams under laboratory conditions: direct inoculation, preservatives inactivated and aged products. The strain was able to grow on some of the compounds of the cosmetic formulations as the sole source of carbon: lipid components, emulsifiers, thickeners, humectants or solvents. It was resistant to butyl paraben and phenoxy ethanol, preservatives used in the cosmetic industry.     

Role of type 1 and type 3 fimbriae in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Klebsiella pneumoniae</Emphasis> biofilm formation

Background  

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important gram-negative opportunistic pathogen causing primarily urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and bacteraemia. The ability of bacteria to form biofilms on medical devices, e.g. catheters, has a major role in development of many nosocomial infections. Most clinical K. pneumoniae isolates express two types of fimbrial adhesins, type 1 fimbriae and type 3 fimbriae. In this study, we characterized the role of type 1 and type 3 fimbriae in K. pneumoniae biofilm formation.     

Proteomic analysis of a fraction enriched in cell envelope proteins of Acinetobacter baumannii

Acinetobacter baumannii is a multiresistant opportunistic nosocomial pathogen. A protein fraction was purified and analyzed by 2-DE. Twenty-nine major protein spots were selected for protein identification using trypsin digestion and MS analysis. As the A. baumannii genome has not yet been described, protein identification was performed by homology with other Acinetobacter species in the NCBi database. We identified ribosomal proteins, chaperones, elongation factors and outer membrane proteins (Omp), such as OmpA and the 33-36-kDa OMP. Proteomic analysis of A. baumannii provides a platform for further studies in antimicrobial resistance.     

Small regulatory RNAs in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is frequently associated with nosocomial infections, and can be life threatening in immunosuppressed, cancer and cystic fibrosis patients. Virulence in P. aeruginosa is combinatorial, and results from the activation of several genetic programs that regulate motility, attachment to the host epithelium as well as the synthesis of exotoxins. The pathogen has a high survival capacity in the host owing to its metabolic versatility, nutrient scavenging and resistance against both, antibiotics and immune defenses. Adaptive responses to various environmental stresses and stimuli are often regulated by small regulatory RNAs (sRNA). In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the regulation and function of P. aeruginosa sRNAs that titrate regulatory proteins, base-pair with target mRNAs, and which are derived from CRISPR elements.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Stenotrophomonas maltophilia</Emphasis>: Significant contemporary hospital pathogen — <Emphasis Type="Italic">review</Emphasis>

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (Sm) plays an important role as an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised individuals. The growing detection rates of this bacterium in hospitalized patients are associated with the invasiveness of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures and the selection pressure of antibiotic therapy. A broad range of infections that can be caused by Sm is frequently bound to biofilm. The high level of intrinsic resistance to many unrelated antibiotics and increasing acquired resistance to the drug of choice, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole pose a threat for the near future when our treatment options may become depleted. Prevention of colonization and infection consists in consequent implementation of the rules governing nosocomial infection control, rational use of antibiotics including the optimization of selection and testing of antimicrobial agents suitable for the treatment of stenotrophomonad infections.     

Codon usage and gene expression pattern of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia R551-3 for pathogenic mode of living

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain R551-3 is a multiple-antibiotic-resistant opportunistic human pathogen involved in nosocomial infections. It has a widely distributed GC-rich (>66%) genome. Analysis of differential expression of the genes of this genome reveals that majority of genes belonging to highly expressed category are mostly present on lagging strand without showing any strand specific codon usage bias. Relatively small number of lowly expressed genes is equally distributed on both leading and lagging strands with a difference in codon usage pattern between them. Among several multi drug resistance genes of S. maltophilia involving lowly expressed category some are predicted as horizontally transferred. It can be inferred that horizontally transferred genes may have been imported into this genome for their pathogenic mode of living. Our study may help to modify the expression level of the target genes of this human pathogen in order to control its infection.     

The global population structure and beta-lactamase repertoire of the opportunistic pathogen Serratia marcescens

Serratia marcescens is a global spread nosocomial pathogen. This rod-shaped bacterium displays a broad host range and worldwide geographical distribution. Here we analyze an international collection of this multidrug-resistant, opportunistic pathogen from 35 countries to infer its population structure. We show that S. marcescens comprises 12 lineages; Sm1, Sm4, and Sm10 harbor 78.3% of the known environmental strains. Sm5, Sm6, and Sm7 comprise only human-associated strains which harbor smallest pangenomes, genomic fluidity and lowest levels of core recombination, indicating niche specialization. Sm7 and Sm9 lineages exhibit the most concerning resistome; bla_KPC-2 plasmid is widespread in Sm7, whereas Sm9, also an anthropogenic-exclusive lineage, presents highest plasmid/lineage size ratio and plasmid-diversity encoding metallo-beta-lactamases comprising bla_NDM-1. The heterogeneity of resistance patterns of S. marcescens lineages elucidated herein highlights the relevance of surveillance programs, using whole-genome sequencing, to provide insights into the molecular epidemiology of carbapenemase producing strains of this species.     

The emergence of non-albicans Candida species as causes of invasive candidiasis and candidemia

The last three decades have seen an expanding pool of high-risk patients susceptible to the opportunistic pathogen Candida. Accordingly, a dramatic increase in nosocomial blood stream infections (BSIs) due to Candida spp has been reported throughout the world, starting in tertiary care centers and spreading to community hospitals. This absolute increase in Candida BSIs was accompanied by both an absolute and then a proportional increase in invasive infection caused by reduced fluconazole-susceptible non-albicans Candida spp. Currently, the incidence trend of BSI has stabilized, and Candida albicans remains the most common species causing fungal BSI. Clinicians must be aware of the importance and implications of non-albicans Candida spp when selecting antifungal drugs, although most studies have not shown significant outcome differences with use of the various antifungal classes.     

某高校学生肠道菌群初步调查

目的 探讨在校大学生肠道菌群的分布,为预防肠道致病菌导致的感染提供科学依据。方法 取新鲜粪便标本,接种于肠道选择平板,筛选正常菌群、肠道致病菌和机会致病菌,以K-B法确定其药物敏感性。结果 大学生肠道菌群以克雷伯杆菌、费劳地枸椽酸杆菌、阴沟肠杆菌及白色念珠菌较多见,男性多见于女性,差异有显著性（P＜0.05）。经常校外就餐者肠道致病菌和条件致病菌检出率较高,与偶有校外就餐者相比,差异有显著性（P＜0.01）。结论 安徽理工大学医学院大学生肠道菌群以费劳地枸椽酸杆菌、阴沟肠杆菌、克雷伯杆菌及白色念珠菌较多见,并就餐方式密切相关。克雷伯杆菌耐药谱较广,应引起足够重视。     

Outer membrane protein 38 of Acinetobacter baumannii localizes to the mitochondria and induces apoptosis of epithelial cells

Acinetobacter baumannii is an important opportunistic pathogen responsible for nosocomial infection. Despite considerable clinical and epidemiological data regarding the role of A. baumannii in nosocomial infection, the specific virulence factor or pathogenic mechanism of this organism has yet to be elucidated. This study investigated the molecular mechanism of apoptosis on the infection of human laryngeal epithelial HEp-2 cells with A. baumannii and examined the contribution of outer membrane protein 38 (Omp38) on the ability of A. baumannii to induce apoptosis of epithelial cells. A. baumannii induced apoptosis of HEp-2 cells through cell surface death receptors and mitochondrial disintegration. The Omp38-deficient mutant was not as able to induce apoptosis as the wild-type A. baumannii strain. Purified Omp38 entered the cells and was localized to the mitochondria, which led to a release of proapoptotic molecules such as cytochrome c and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF). The activation of caspase-3, which is activated by caspase-9, degraded DNA approximately 180 bp in size, which resulted in the appearance of a characteristic DNA ladder. AIF degraded chromosomal DNA approximately 50 kb in size, which resulted in large-scale DNA fragmentation. These results demonstrate that Omp38 may act as a potential virulence factor to induce apoptosis of epithelial cells in the early stage of A. baumannii infection.     

Identification of Polyketide Inhibitors Targeting 3-Dehydroquinate Dehydratase in the Shikimate Pathway of Enterococcus faecalis

Due to the emergence of resistance toward current antibiotics, there is a pressing need to develop the next generation of antibiotics as therapeutics against infectious and opportunistic diseases of microbial origins. The shikimate pathway is exclusive to microbes, plants and fungi, and hence is an attractive and logical target for development of antimicrobial therapeutics. The Gram-positive commensal microbe, Enterococcus faecalis, is a major human pathogen associated with nosocomial infections and resistance to vancomycin, the “drug of last resort”. Here, we report the identification of several polyketide-based inhibitors against the E. faecalis shikimate pathway enzyme, 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase (DHQase). In particular, marein, a flavonoid polyketide, both inhibited DHQase and retarded the growth of Enterococcus faecalis. The purification, crystallization and structural resolution of recombinant DHQase from E. faecalis (at 2.2 Å resolution) are also reported. This study provides a route in the development of polyketide-based antimicrobial inhibitors targeting the shikimate pathway of the human pathogen E. faecalis.     

奇异变形杆菌中基因岛介导的多重耐药传播研究进展

奇异变形杆菌是导致医院内感染的重要条件致病菌,广泛分布于自然环境及人和动物的肠道中。基因岛是细菌染色体上约10-200 kb独立的DNA片段,能促进宿主细菌适应复杂多变的环境,与细菌适应性进化密切相关。近年来在奇异变形杆菌基因组中发现了多个与多重耐药密切相关的基因岛,包括沙门菌基因岛1及其相关基因岛、SXT/R391整合性接合元件、PmGRI1等,表明基因岛在奇异变形杆菌多重耐药形成和传播中具有重要作用。本文对奇异变形杆菌中与耐药相关基因岛的结构特征、传播机制、流行情况等进行综述,以期为奇异变形杆菌中多重耐药相关基因岛的深入研究提供参考。