Cyclodextrin-Glucanotransferase von Klebsiella pneumoniae

1. The strain M 5 al of Klebsiella pneumoniae grows excellently with starches. We were able to show that besides the pullulanase associated with the external membrane of the cells the bacterium produces an inducible, extracellular cyclodextrin glucanotransferase [1,4-alpha-D-glucan-4-alpha-(1,4-alpha-glucano)-transferase (cyclising) (EC 2.4.1.19)]. Potato starch and cyclohexaamylose or cycloheptaamylose were found to be the best "inducing" carbon sources for the synthesis of the enzyme. When the bacteria are grown batchwise, maltose is a poorly "inducing" carbon source; larger quantities of the enzyme are synthesized by continuous cultivation with maltose as growth limiting factor. 2. For the determination of the cyclodextrin glucanotransferase-activity an assay method wsa worked out. 3. The enzyme could be separated from the culture filtrate and purified to more than 90% in few steps. At a total yield of 61.2% related to the activity of the culture filtrate employed we received an enzyme solution with the specific activity of 26.6 units/mg protein. Some properties of the enzyme are described. 4. The products formed from amylopectin by the enzyme were analyzed. Somewhat more than half the amylopectin was found as cyclodextrins. 29.3% of the cyclodextrin fraction were cycloheptaamylose, 47.2% cyclohexaamylose and 10.7% exo-branched cyclohexaamylose. 12.8% of cyclohexaamylose were obtained from a cyclodextrin glucanotransferase-limit dextrin after debranching by pullulanase and exposing the product to the action of the glucanotransferase again. 5. The importance of the cyclodextrin glucanotransferase for the utilization of starches by this strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae is discussed. After a first characterization the enzyme is compared to the amylase of Bacillus macerans.     

Herstellung von L-Lysindecarboxylase aus Klebsiella pneumoniae

L-Lysine decarboxylase (LL-Lysine carboxylase E.C. 4.1.1.18) is produced by a strain of the genus Klebsiella. The bacterial cells are cultivated at a temperature of 37°C with and without shaking. The production of LL-Lysine decarboxylase is increased by adding of LL-Lysine to the medium. At the end of cultivation the cells are killed by thymol, washed in water and dried by means of acetone and ether. Compared with specimen derived from other bacteria the LL-Lysine decarboxylase in the shape of dried cells shows a high specific activity. The preparations are free of disturbing enzyme activities, have a high level of stability and may be used for determining of LL-Lysine by means of enzyme electrodes.     

肺炎克雷伯菌研究进展

近年来由于各种抗菌药物的广泛使用,导致肺炎克雷伯菌多重耐药现象普遍存在,给临床治疗带来极大的困扰,造成医院获得性肺炎感染严重的现状。着重论述了肺炎克雷伯菌流行现状、耐药机制、致病因子及防治措施。     

Hemolytic activity of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca

We demonstrated that Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca possess a selective haemolytic activity on rabbit erythrocytes. Thirty one Klebsiella strains (18 strains of K. pneumoniae and 13 strains of K. oxytoca) were isolated from hospitalized patients. The liquid (Trypcase-soy broth--TSB) and solid (Trypcase-soy agar--TSA) medium, containing the red cells were used for the tests. All the screened strains showed a haemolytic effect on rabbit erythrocytes, provided that the supernatants of the cultures were preincubated with beta-mercaptoethanol or calcium chloride. There was no human and sheep erythrocyte lysis.     

Fimbrial hemagglutinins in Klebsiella pneumoniae

Eleven Klebsiella pneumoniae strains were isolated from urine specimens which were examined for their ability to produce hemagglutinins (HAs). Bacteria were grown under various culture conditions. Suspension of bacteria grown in broth or on Phosphate-buffered nutrient agar (PBA) were tested for agglutination in the presence and absence of 2% (w/v) D-mannose, on rockedtiles at 4 degrees C and ambient temperature with mangroup-O(M), fowl(F), ox(O), guinea-pig(G), horse (H), rabbit (R) and sheep (S) erythrocytes and tannic acid treated, but not fresh oxen erythrocytes. Each of the 11 strains was hemagglutinating. Ten strains (99%) producing two or three hemagglutinins (HAs), were multiple hemagglutinating. One strain produced only mannose-resistant, Klebsiella, the "Tanned ox hemagglutinin" (MR/K-HA). Solely mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin (MS/HA) was not produced by any of the strains. No mannose-sensitive hemagglutinating strains acted on sheep erythrocytes. Three main kinds of hemagglutinin (HA) were detected. These were: (a) a mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin (MS-HA); (b) a mannose resistant, Klebsiella, the "tanned ox hemagglutinin (MR/K-HA); (c) mannose-resistant, Proteus hemagglutinin (MR/P-HA). All strains (100%) produced MR/K-HA, 45% of MR/K-HA+ strains produced MR/P-HA at 37 degrees C and 99% of all strains produced MS/HA, MR/P-HA activity was never dependent on MR/K-HA: Electronmicroscopic examination of bacteria showed that all strains were fimbriate.     

Genotoxic Klebsiella pneumoniae in Taiwan

Background

Colibactin is a nonribosomal peptide-polyketide synthesized by multi-enzyme complexes encoded by the pks gene cluster. Colibactin-producing Escherichia coli have been demonstrated to induce host DNA damage and promote colorectal cancer (CRC) development. In Taiwan, the occurrence of pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) has been suggested to correlate with an increasing risk of CRC, and Klebsiella pneumoniae is the predominant PLA pathogen in Taiwan

Methodology/Principal Findings

At the asn tRNA loci of the newly sequenced K. pneumoniae 1084 genome, we identified a 208-kb genomic island, KPHPI208, of which a module identical to the E. coli pks colibactin gene cluster was recognized. KPHPI208 consists of eight modules, including the colibactin module and the modules predicted to be involved in integration, conjugation, yersiniabactin production, microcin production, and unknown functions. Transient infection of BALB/c normal liver cells with K. pneumoniae 1084 increased the phosphorylation of histone H2AX, indicating the induction of host DNA damage. Colibactin was required for the genotoxicity of K. pneumoniae 1084, as it was diminished by deletion of clbA gene and restored to the wild type level by trans-complementation with a clbA coding plasmid. Besides, BALB/c mice infected with K. pneumoniae 1084 exhibited enhanced DNA damage in the liver parenchymal cells when compared to the isogenic clbA deletion mutant. By PCR detection, the prevalence of pks-positive K. pneumoniae in Taiwan is 25.6%, which is higher than that reported in Europe (3.5%), and is significantly correlated with K1 type, which predominantly accounted for PLA in Taiwan.

Conclusions

Our knowledge regarding how bacteria contribute to carcinogenesis has just begun. The identification of genotoxic K. pneumoniae and its genetic components will facilitate future studies to elucidate the molecular basis underlying the link between K. pneumoniae, PLA, and CRC.     

Cryptic growth in Klebsiella pneumoniae

Summary The ability of Klebsiella pneumoniae to grow on its own soluble lysis products is shown in a series of batch growth experiments. Maximum specific growth rate coefficients ranging from 0.69 to 1.46 h^-1 were obtained with experimental cryptic yield coefficients ranging between 0.42 to 0.52 (mg-cell-C/mg-substrate-C). These kinetic data are used to calibrate a model which demonstrates that depression of theoretical maximum yield coefficients relative to experimentally obtained values can be explained by cryptic growth phenomena without the need to resort to the use of physiologically undefined, mathematical constants. Growth of K. pneumoniae on sonicated cells derived from steady-state chemostat cultures was followed in batch culture and observed to occur with no lag phase. Batch growth curves did not indicate either diauxic or polyauxic growth, suggesting simultaneous utilization of the complex organic substrate mixture. These data suggest that cryptic growth is probably a real event occurring in growing chemostat cultures under ideal growth conditions and most probably also under starvation conditions.     

Citrate transport in Klebsiella pneumoniae

Sodium ions were specifically required for citrate degradation by suspensions of K. pneumoniae cells which had been grown anaerobically on citrate. The rate of citrate degradation was considerably lower than the activities of the citrate fermentation enzymes citrate lyase and oxaloacetate decarboxylase, indicating that citrate transport is rate limiting. Uptake of citrate into cells was also Na+ -dependent and was accompanied by its rapid metabolism so that the tricarboxylic acid was not accumulated in the cells to significant levels. The transport could be stimulated less efficiently by LiCl. Li+ ions were cotransported with citrate into the cells. Transport and degradation of citrate were abolished with the uncoupler [4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazono]propanedinitrile (CCFP). After releasing outer membrane components and periplasmic binding proteins by cold osmotic shock treatment, citrate degradation became also sensitive towards monensin and valinomycin. The shock procedure had no effect on the rate of citrate degradation indicating that the transport is not dependent on a binding protein. Citrate degradation and transport were independent of Na+ ions in K. pneumoniae grown aerobically on citrate and in E. coli grown anaerobically on citrate plus glucose. An E. coli cit+ clone obtained by transformation of K. pneumoniae genes coding for citrate transport required Na specifically for aerobic growth on citrate indicating that the Na-dependent citrate transport system is operating. Na+ and Li+ were equally effective in stimulating citrate degradation by cell suspensions of E. coli cit+. Citrate transport in membrane vesicles of E. coli cit+ was also Na+ dependent and was energized by the proton motive force (delta micro H+). Dissipation of delta micro H+ or its components delta pH or delta psi by ionophores either totally abolished or greatly inhibited citrate uptake. It is suggested that the systems energizing citrate transport under anaerobic conditions are provided by the outwardly directed cotransport of metabolic endproducts with protons yielding delta pH and by the decarboxylation of oxaloacetate yielding delta pNa+ and delta psi. In citrate-fermenting K. pneumoniae an ATPase which is activated by Na+ was not found. The cells contain however a proton translocating ATPase and a Na+/H+ antiporter in their membrane.     

Hydrophobic and hemagglutinating properties of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca

The aim of this study was to estimated hydrophobic and hemnagglutinating properties of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca rods. The hydrophobcity was evaluated according to the method of Rosenberg et al. The hemagglutinating properties were estimated by method of Blanco et al. Forty seven hydrophobic Klebsiella strains (30 K. pneumoniae strains and 17 K. oxytoca strains) were detected. Hemagglutinating properties were observed in 65 Klebsiella strains (45 K. pneumoniae strains and 20 K. oxytoca strains). Hemagglutination of sheep tannined erythrocytes the most frequently was observed. Inhibition of hemagglutination of erythrocytes by K. pneumoniae strains was most frequently observed in presence of D-glucose and D-mannose and by K. oxytoca strains in presence of D-glucose.     

Hydrolytic and haemolytic activity of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca

Hydrolytic enzymes and haemolysins are important extracellular substances produced by many bacteria. We investigated 57 K. pneumoniae strains and 40 K. oxytoca strains isolated from clinical materials. We estimated the ability to produce: proteases hydrolyzing milk powder, caseinase, gelatinase, elastase, lecithinase, lipases, DNase and haemolysins on human, sheep and horse erythrocytes on TSA medium with or without 5% Egg Yolk. We detected that K. oxytoca strains produced proteases hydrolyzing milk powder (37.5%), caseinase (15.0%) and gelatinase (17.5%) more frequently than K. pneumoniae strains (respectively 21.0%, 5.3%, 8.9%). None of the analysed Klebsiella spp. strains produced elastase. Only K. pneumoniae strains produced lecithinase (5.3%). Lipases hydrolyzing Tween were produced from 3.5% (for Tween 60 and 80) to 7.0% (for Tween 20). Among K. oxytoca strains only one (2.5%) hydrolyzing Tween 20. DNase was produced by 38.6% of K. pneumoniae strains and by 27.5% K. oxytoca strains. Haemolytic properties on human erythrocytes were detected in 5.3% K. pneumoniae strains on TSA medium and 29,8% on medium with Egg Yolk. In K. oxytoca strains haemolytic properties on human erythrocytes were detected only on medium with Egg Yolk (12.5%). Haemolytic properties on sheep erythrocytes were detected respectively in 21.0% and 22.8% K. pneumoniae strains and in 7.5% K. oxytoca strains on each medium. Haemolytic properties on horse erythrocytes were detected respectively in 33.4% and 52.6% K. pneumoniae strains and in 15.0% and 20.0% K. oxytoca strains.     

Novel aerobactin receptor in Klebsiella pneumoniae

Several Klebsiella pneumoniae strains which produced enterochelin but not aerobactin were nevertheless sensitive to cloacin DF13. In contrast, a strain of serotype K1:O1 which produced both siderophores was cloacin-resistant. Loss by mutation of the O1 but not K1 antigen rendered this strain cloacin-sensitive, indicating that the O1 antigen prevented access of cloacin to the cloacin/aerobactin receptor. Unlike the K1:O1 strain, the aerobactin-negative strains failed to hybridize in a colony blot assay with an aerobactin receptor gene probe prepared from pColV-K30. However, antisera raised against the 74 kDa pColV-K30 aerobactin receptor cross-reacted with a 76 kDa outer-membrane protein in each K. pneumoniae strain. In addition to the 76 kDa protein, the K1:O1 strain also produced a strongly cross-reacting 74 kDa protein. To determine whether these aerobactin-negative strains could use aerobactin, mutants unable to synthesize siderophores were isolated. Aerobactin promoted the growth of these mutants in iron-deficient media. The evidence presented suggests that some K. pneumoniae strains produce an aerobactin iron-uptake system without apparent production of aerobactin and which is probably based on a 76 kDa receptor, the gene for which does not hybridize with aerobactin receptor gene encoded on pColV-K30.     

Metabolism of acrylonitrile by Klebsiella pneumoniae

A gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium capable of utilizing acrylonitrile as the sole source of nitrogen was isolated from industrial sewage and identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae. The isolate was capable of utilizing aliphatic nitriles containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms or benzonitrile as the sole source of nitrogen and either acetamide or propionamide as the sole source of both carbon and nitrogen. Gas chromatographic and mass spectral analyses of culture filtrates indicated that K. pneumoniae was capable of hydrolyzing 6.15 mmol of acrylonitrile to 5.15 mmol of acrylamide within 24 h. The acrylamide was hydrolyzed to 1.0 mmol of acrylic acid within 72 h. Another metabolite of acrylonitrile metabolism was ammonia, which reached a maximum concentration of 3.69 mM within 48 h. Nitrile hydratase and amidase, the two hydrolytic enzymes responsible for the sequential metabolism of nitrile compounds, were induced by acrylonitrile. The optimum temperature for nitrile hydratase activity was 55°C and that for amidase was 40°C; both enzymes had pH optima of 8.0.Abbreviations PBM phosphate buffered medium - GC gas chromatography - GC/MS gas chromatography/mass spectrometry     

Complement mediated Klebsiella pneumoniae capsule changes

The Gram-negative bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen, which can cause life-threatening infections such as sepsis. Worldwide, emerging multidrug resistant K. pneumoniae infections are challenging to treat, hence leading to increased mortality. Therefore, understanding the interactions between K. pneumoniae and the immune system is important to develop new treatment options.We characterized ten clinical K. pneumoniae isolates obtained from blood of bacteremia patients. The interaction of the isolates with human serum was investigated to elucidate how K. pneumoniae escapes the host immune system, and how complement activation by K. pneumoniae changed the capsule structure. All K. pneumoniae isolates activated the alternative complement pathway despite serum resistance of seven isolates. One serum sensitive isolate activated two or all three pathways, and this isolate was lysed and had numerous membrane attack complexes in the outer membrane. However, we also found deposition of complement components in the capsule of serum resistant isolates resulting in morphological capsule changes and capsule shedding. These bacteria did not lyse, and no membrane attack complex was observed despite deposition of C5b-9 within the capsule, indicating that the capsule of serum resistant K. pneumoniae isolates is a defense mechanism against complement-mediated lysis.     

产AmpC酶肺炎克雷伯菌对氨基糖苷类抗生素的耐药性分析

目的了解本地区质粒介导的耐药机制在产AmpC酶肺炎克雷伯菌多重耐药中的作用、氨基糖苷修饰酶(AMEs)基因类型及转移方式。方法头孢西丁三维试验方法,检测产AmpC酶菌株;采用接合转移试验了解肺炎克雷伯菌耐药基因转移方式。采用K-B纸片测定产AmpC接合子对4种氨基糖苷类抗生素的敏感性,并采用PCR技术检测AMEs基因。结果临床分离的820株肺炎克雷伯菌共筛选出108株疑产AmpC酶菌株,阳性率为13.17%。经接合转移试验、AmpC酶表型确认试验共获得53株产AmpC接合子。其中67.9%的接合子(36/53)检出氨基糖苷修饰酶基因,aac(3)-I和aac(6′)-II未检出,对4种常用氨基糖苷类抗生素(阿米卡星、庆大霉素、妥布霉素、奈替米星)耐药率分别为37.7%、68.0%、43.4%和62.3%。结论本地区质粒介导AmpC酶是肺炎克雷伯菌产生多重耐药的重要原因,产酶株对氨基糖苷类高度耐药,其耐药性与AMEs密切相关,耐药基因质粒的转移可导致耐药性的传播扩散。     

Two transsulfurylation pathways in Klebsiella pneumoniae

In most bacteria, inorganic sulfur is assimilated into cysteine, which provides sulfur for methionine biosynthesis via transsulfurylation. Here, cysteine is transferred to the terminal carbon of homoserine via its sulfhydryl group to form cystathionine, which is cleaved to yield homocysteine. In the enteric bacteria Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica, these reactions are catalyzed by irreversible cystathionine-gamma-synthase and cystathionine-beta-lyase enzymes. Alternatively, yeast and some bacteria assimilate sulfur into homocysteine, which serves as a sulfhydryl group donor in the synthesis of cysteine by reverse transsulfurylation with a cystathionine-beta-synthase and cystathionine-gamma-lyase. Herein we report that the related enteric bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae encodes genes for both transsulfurylation pathways; genetic and biochemical analyses show that they are coordinately regulated to prevent futile cycling. Klebsiella uses reverse transsulfurylation to recycle methionine to cysteine during periods of sulfate starvation. This methionine-to-cysteine (mtc) transsulfurylation pathway is activated by cysteine starvation via the CysB protein, by adenosyl-phosphosulfate starvation via the Cbl protein, and by methionine excess via the MetJ protein. While mtc mutants cannot use methionine as a sulfur source on solid medium, they will utilize methionine in liquid medium via a sulfide intermediate, suggesting that an additional nontranssulfurylation methionine-to-cysteine recycling pathway(s) operates under these conditions.     

高毒力肺炎克雷伯菌的分子致病机制

肺炎克雷伯菌是一种常见致病菌,根据毒力和致病特点不同,可分为毒力相对较弱的经典肺炎克雷伯菌和高毒力肺炎克雷伯菌。目前,关于肺炎克雷伯菌分子致病机制研究较多且较清楚的主要有荚膜、脂多糖、黏附素和铁载体。这四大类毒力因子在经典肺炎克雷伯菌中也存在,但在高毒力肺炎克雷伯菌中存在的频率更高,并引发不同的免疫应答,从而使高毒力肺炎克雷伯菌具有特征性表型。本文就此进行详细介绍和讨论。