Gene cloning and characterization of four MATE family multidrug efflux pumps from Vibrio cholerae non-O1

There are six putative genes for multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) family multidrug efflux pumps in the chromosome of Vibrio cholerae. We have so far analyzed two MATE family pumps in V. cholerae non-O1 NCTC4716. Here we cloned four remaining genes for putative MATE family efflux pumps by the PCR method from this microorganism and designated them as vcmB, vcmD, vcmH and vcmN. Each one of the four genes was introduced and expressed in the drug hypersusceptible host Escherichia coli KAM32 cells. We observed elevated MICs of multiple antimicrobial agents, such as fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, ethidium bromide and Hoechst 33342 in the transformants. Energydependent efflux of substrate was observed with the transformed cells. We found that efflux activities of VcmB, VcmD and VcmH were Na+-dependent, but that of VcmN was Na+-independent. Thus, all six of the MATE family multidrug efflux pumps of V. cholerae non-O1 have been characterized. We also found that all six genes were expressed in cells of V. cholerae non-O1.     

Gene cloning and characterization of VcrM,a Na+-coupled multidrug efflux pump,from Vibrio cholerae non-O1

We cloned a DNA fragment responsible for drug resistance from chromosome of Vibrio cholerae non-O1. Nucleotide sequence analysis of this fragment revealed the presence of a single open reading frame encoding a protein consisting of 445 amino acid residues. We designated the gene as vcrM. Hydropathy analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence of VcrM suggests the presence of 12 trans-membrane segments. A dendrogram showed that VcrM is a member of the DinF-subfamily within the MATE family of multidrug efflux pumps. Expression of the cloned vcrM gene in drug-hypersensitive Escherichia coli KAM32 cells made them resistant to acriflavine, 4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, Hoechst 33342, rhodamine 6G, tetraphenylphosphonium chloride (TPPCl) and ethidium bromide. Efflux of acriflavine due to VcrM was dependent on Na+ or Li+. Moreover, Na+ efflux was observed with VcrM when TPPCl was added to Na+-loaded cells. Therefore, we conclude that VcrM is a Na+/drug antiporter-type multidrug efflux pump.     

Distribution of Vibrio cholerae O1 antigen biosynthesis genes among O139 and other non-O1 serogroups of Vibrio cholerae

The organization and distribution of the genes responsible for O antigen biosynthesis in various serogroups of Vibrio cholerae were investigated using several DNA probes derived from various regions of the genes responsible for O1 antigen biosynthesis. Based on the reactivity pattern of the probes against the various serogroups, the cluster of genes responsible for the O1 antigen biosynthesis could be broadly divided into six groups, designated as class 1-6. The class 3 cluster of genes corresponding to gmd to wbeO, wbeT and a part of wbeU was specific for only the O1 serogroup. The other cluster of genes (class 1, 2, 4-6) reacted with other serogroups of V. cholerae. These data indicate that serotype conversion in V. cholerae does not depend on a simple mutational event but may involve horizontal gene transfer not only between V. cholerae strains but also between V. cholerae and species other than V. cholerae.     

Characterization of two forms of hemagglutinin/protease produced by Vibrio cholerae non-O1

Two forms (34 kDa and 32 kDa) of hemagglutinin/protease produced by Vibrio cholerae non-O1 were characterized. The hemagglutinin/protease purified by immunoaffinity column chromatography using a monoclonal antibody was essentially a 34-kDa form. By incubation of the purified 34-kDa form at 37 degrees C, it was processed (autodigested) to the 32-kDa form. The N-terminal 20 amino acid sequences of both the 34- and 32-kDa forms were identical, suggesting that proteolytic processing at the C-terminal region of the 34-kDa hemagglutinin/protease resulted in the 32-kDa form. With this shift, protease activity increased, but hemagglutinating activity decreased, suggesting that the C-terminal region of the hemagglutinin/protease is related to hemagglutinating activity.     

Vibrio cholerae O139 produces a protease which is indistinguishable from the haemagglutinin/protease of Vibrio cholerae O1 and non-O1

Abstract Haemaglutinin/protease (HA/P) is one of the virulence factors of Vibrio cholerae O1 and pathogenic strains of V. cholerae non-O1. In this study, we examined protease activity of a new serogroup of Vibrio cholerae recently designated as O139 synonym Bengal. The protease activity was produced by all eight isolates of V. cholerae O139 from Bangladeshi patients. Purification and partial characterization of the protease from V. cholerae O139 demonstrated the purified protease (O139-P) was indistinguishable from that previously reported for HA/P of V. cholerae non-O1 (NAG-HA/P) and V. cholerae O1 (Vc-HA/P). These results prove that V. cholerae O139 produces a protease belonging to solHA/P, and suggest that the protease is another virulence factor found in newly emerged V. cholerae O139, as in V. cholerae O1.     

Gene analysis of Vibrio cholerae NAGV14 pilus and its distribution

Adhesive pilus of Vibrio cholerae 034, strain NAGV14, was genetically analyzed. The deduced amino acid (aa) sequence of the major pilin structural gene (VcfA) was 67% homologous to the MshA pilin in the N-terminal region, but no homology was found in the C-terminal region which contained the antigenic epitopes. Upstream and downstream flanking regions examined were highly homologous to mshB and mshC of the MSHA (mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin) gene locus. A short leader sequence and a pair of cysteines near the C-terminus which are the characteristics of type 4a pilus family were found. The major pilin structural gene of NAGV14 was compared to that of a strain V10 producing non-adhesive pili. The deduced aa sequences showed 60% homology, and the distance between two cysteines in the C-terminal region was different. A total of 177 V. cholerae strains were investigated for the presence of a type 4 pilus gene locus by PCR, and 95% were positive. The major pilin gene of NAGV14 was detected in 4 of 93 V. cholerae non-O1, non-0139 strains tested, but none of the V. cholerae O1 and O139 (72 and 12 strains, respectively). Our result suggested that a type 4 pilus gene locus similar to the MSHA gene locus is widely distributed among V. cholerae strains. We proposed naming this type 4 pilus gene locus the VCF (for V. cholerae flexible pili) gene locus.     

Gene cloning and properties of the RND-type multidrug efflux pumps MexPQ-OpmE and MexMN-OprM from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

We cloned two operons for putative RND-type multidrug efflux pumps from Pseudomonas aeruginosa by a PCR method. We designated the genes in one operon mexPQ(-opmE) and in another operon mexMN. Introduction of the mexPQ-opmE into drug hypersensitive cells resulted in elevated MICs of macrolides, fluoroquinolones and some other drugs. Introduction of the mexMN into the hypersensitive cells possessing oprM, but not into cells not possessing oprM, resulted in elevated MICs of chloramphenicol and thiamphenicol. Thus, we conclude that MexPQ-OpmE and MexMN-OprM are functional multidrug efflux pumps when expressed in P. aeruginosa.     

Two-step purification and partial characterization of a variant of the Vibrio cholerae non-O1 hemolysin

A two-step purification method using ammonium sulfate precipitation and gel filtration was developed for the purification of a variant of the El Tor hemolysin/cytolysin from supernatant fluids of a Vibrio cholerae non-O1 human isolate (strain 2194c). The toxin displayed delayed elution from a Sephacryl gel filtration column, eluting at between two and three column volumes. The molecular mass and isoelectric point of the purified 2194c toxin were 60 kDa and 5. 3, respectively. The N-terminal amino acid sequence was ASPAPANSETNTLPHVAFYI. Purified toxin was cytolytic for Chinese hamster ovary cells and erythrocytes from several animal species.     

Morphological and physical characterization of the capsular layer of Vibrio cholerae O139

The morphological and physical characteristics of the capsule of Vibrio cholerae O139 were examined. An electron microscopic study using the freeze-substitution technique showed that all of the V. cholerae strains of the O139 serogroup examined have a very thin fibrous layer on the outside of the outer membrane. In contrast, the mutants of strain O139, strain MO10T4 (which lacks capsule synthesis), and strain Bengal-2R1 (which fails to synthesize both the capsule and the O-antigen of lipopolysaccharide) were all found to have lost the surface layer. In addition, the capsule layer could also not be observed on the surface of V. cholerae strain O1. To determine the biological characteristics of the capsule of strains of the O139 serogroup, we investigated the serum killing activity and bacterial phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The O139 strains were more resistant to the serum killing activity than were the V. cholerae O1 strain and the O139 mutant strains, thus suggesting that the existence of the capsule gave a serum-resistant character to the O139 strains. The surface character of the O139 strains had the same hydrophobic character as did that of the O139 mutant strains and the O1 strain. In addition, all the V. cholerae O1 and O139 strains examined, including the mutant strains, were effectively ingested by the human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The number of ingested bacteria was not significantly different among the strains, and the ingestion of the acapsular O139 mutants thus showed that the capsule does not play an antiphagocytic role. These data suggest that the capsule of V. cholerae O139 has a physiological function different from that of the ordinal hydrophilic capsule that is found in invasive bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae. Received: 23 March 1998 / Accepted: 28 July 1998     

Pili of Vibrio cholerae Widely Distributed in Serogroup O1 Strains

The distribution of Vibrio cholerae O1 pili consisting of 16 kDa subunit protein (16K-pili) was examined by Western blotting, using 211 strains from various origins and specific anti-16K-pili sera. The 16 kDa protein was detected in all 211 strains. The pili were purified from 3 El Tor and 3 classical strains, and characterized by hemagglutination and inhibition tests. All purified pili were hemagglutinative. However, the hemagglutinating activity of classical pili disappeared after exposure to 5 M urea and the agglutination induced by the classical pili was inhibited by D -mannose, alpha-methylmannoside, D -glucose and N-acetylglucosamine. On the contrary, El Tor pili were resistant to these sugars and urea.     

Molecular Epidemiology of Vibrio cholerae O1 Isolated from Sporadic Cholera Cases in Okinawa,Japan

In July 1994, 6 cholera cases due to Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor Ogawa sporadically appeared in Okinawa. All 6 patients had no history of traveling abroad. In the period of this cholera outbreak, a strain of V. cholerae O1 El Tor Ogawa was detected from an imported fish at the Naha port quarantine station. The isolates were characterized to clarify whether or not, they belonged to a common clone. Phenotypes were identical except that one strain revealed cured Celebes and the others were original Celebes in kappa phage typing. The restriction fragment patterns of DNA of the isolates hybridized with an enzyme-labeled oligonucleotide probe for cholera toxin gene (ctx) were identical. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA of the isolates were identical when a primer was used, but 2 patterns were seen when another primer was used. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of the chromosomal DNA digested with NotI restriction enzyme showed 3 patterns. The DNA fragment pattern of the strain isolated from the imported fish was different from the clinical isolates. These results suggested that there was no epidemiological relation among the strains of V. cholerae O1 isolated during this period.     

Molecular cloning and characterization of the HmrM multidrug efflux pump from Haemophilus influenzae Rd

We cloned a gene responsible for norfloxacin resistance from the chromosomal DNA of Haemophilus influenzae Rd, and designated the gene as hmrM. HmrM showed sequence similarity with NorM of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and YdhE of Escherichia coli and others that belong to the MATE family multidrug efflux pumps. The recombinant plasmid carrying the hmrM gene conferred elevated resistance not only to norfloxacin but also to acriflavine, 4 ', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, doxorubicin, ethidium bromide, tetraphenylphosphonium chloride, Hoechst 33342, daunomycin, berberine, and sodium deoxycholate in Escherichia coli KAM32, a drug-hypersensitive strain. We observed an Na+-dependent efflux of ethidium and an ethidium-induced efflux of Na+ in E. coli KAM32 cells harboring the plasmid carrying the hmrM gene. These results indicate that HmrM is an Na+/drug antiporter-type multidrug efflux pump. A difference in substrate preference was observed between HmrM, NorM, and YdhE.     

Purification and characterization of Vibrio cholerae O139 fimbriae

Abstract A Vibrio cholerae O139 (strain Al-1841) isolated from a patient with a cholera-like disease in Bangladesh predominantly produced new curved, wavy fimbriae (Al-1841 fimbriae) and small numbers of previously reported V. cholerae non-O1 S7-like pili. The former was purified and characterized. The molecular mass of the Al-1841 fimbrial subunit was less than 2.5 kDa, and it was immunologically different from that of V. cholerae non-O1 S7 pili. This novel fimbrial antigen was detected in all 182 Gram-negative strains from five genera tested but was absent from the Gram-positive bacteria tested. The purified Al-1841 fimbriae did not agglutinate human or rabbit erythrocytes.     

Piperine,an active ingredient of white pepper,suppresses the growth of multidrug-resistant toxigenic Vibrio cholerae and other pathogenic bacteria

Emergence and rapid spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria including Vibrio cholerae are a global public health issue. Much attention has been paid to natural compounds, such as spices and herbs to find novel antimicrobial compounds as they are considered to be cheaper alternatives to develop as a drug. Here, we show that methanol extract of white pepper could inhibit the growth of V. cholerae O1 El Tor variant, responsible for the recent outbreaks/epidemics. Furthermore, we demonstrate for the first time that piperine, the major component of white pepper, showed a dose-dependent bactericidal effect on V. cholerae growth irrespective of their biotypes and serogroups in the presence of 200 and 300 µg ml⁻¹ of piperine, respectively. Piperine also inhibited the growth of MDR strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli isolated from poultry and enterohemorrhagic/enteroaggregative E. coli O104 in the presence of 200 µg ml⁻¹. Interestingly, we did not observe any significant inhibitory effect of piperine on E. coli strains isolated from healthy person even up to 200 µg ml⁻¹. Our data suggest that piperine could be a novel antimicrobial agent in therapeutic and preventive applications against infections caused by pathogenic bacteria including MDR strains.     

Effect of Vibrio cholerae non-O1 protease on lysozyme, lactoferrin and secretory immunoglobulin A

Abstract The effect of Vibrio cholerae non-O1 protease on host defense proteins (lysozyme, secretory immunoglobullin A and lactoferrin) was studied in relation to its virulence mechanism. The proteins treated with the protease were analysed by SDS-PAGE. There was no influence of the protease on lysozyme. The protease cleaved lactoferrin into two fragments of 50 kDa and 34 kDa. N-terminal amino acid sequencing of these fragments revealed that the cleavage site was near the hinge region, between serine 420 and serine 421. This cleavage could affect the transition from open to closed configuration which is involved in iron binding and release. The anti-bacterial activity of lactoferrin was not affected by protease treatment. Secretory immunoglobulin A yielded a 42-kDa protein as the cleavage product. The susceptibility of secretory immunoglobulin A to V. cholerae non-O1 protease suggests a mechanism by which bacteria might evade the effect of this immunoglobulin.     

Comparative analysis of cytotoxin, hemolysin, hemagglutinin and exocellular enzymes among clinical and environmental isolates of Vibrio cholerae O139 and non-O1, non-O139

The presence of three major virulence genes toxR, tcpA and ctxA as well as expression of several putative virulence factors were compared in 12 Vibrio cholerae O139 and non-O1,non-O139 strains of clinical and environmental origin. All the strains possessed the gene encoding the regulatory protein TOXR. None of the non-O1, non-O139 strains as well as one of the O139 environmental strains carried the genes for ctxA and tcpA. Statistically significant differences in hemagglutinin and hemolysin production were observed amongst the strains depending on the source of their isolation. Expression of extracellular enzymes such as protease, elastase, neuraminidase, phospholipase A and phospholipase C, however, did not vary significantly from the groups of strains isolated from different sources.     

Molecular diversity of CTX prophage in Vibrio cholerae

Aims: The objective of this study was to investigate the molecular diversity of CTX genetic element within toxigenic Vibrio cholerae genomes and to determine the genetic diversity of V. cholerae population collected in a 6‐year period (2004–2009) in Iran. Methods and Results: The results of mismatch amplification mutation assay (MAMA)‐PCR and sequencing showed cytosine nucleotide in positions 203 and 115 in all 50 El Tor V. cholerae strains, which is the same as classical ctxB sequence. One strain yielded amplicons with both El Tor and classical biotype primers in MAMA‐PCR indicative of presence of two copies of CTX phages with different genotypes (rstR^ET ctxB^class and rstR^ET ctxB^ET) integrated within the genome of this isolate, which suggested the integration of two different CTX phages at different occasions or point mutation in one copy of CTX. Sequencing and PCR analysis indicated the presence of hybrid CTX genotype (rstR^ET ctx^class) in 70·6% of the isolates; however, only El Tor RS1 phage has been integrated in flanking to the CTX phages with different genotypes. Conclusions: Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus‐PCR (ERIC‐PCR) and ribosomal gene spacer‐PCR (RS‐PCR) showed a relatively homogenous population in different years. Our findings indicate that sequence analysis of RS and ctxB regions has more discriminative power than restriction‐based methods. Significance and Impact of the Study: Investigating the molecular diversity of CTX prophage among V. cholerae strains helps to establish a new valuable database of genetic information about isolates, which is of great importance for epidemiologic studies in Iran and other countries encountering cholera epidemics.     

Geographical variation in the distribution of phage types of Vibrio cholerae O1 and non-O1

A Vibrio cholerae O1 phage-typing scheme, developed in the USSR, has been used to type 120 strains of V. cholerae O1 isolated in Africa and Asia, and 56 non-O1 V. cholerae isolated in England and Wales from infections contracted abroad. 90.9% of V. cholerae O1 were typable. Phage type 13 predominated among African strains whereas types 11 and 15 were more common among strains from Asia. Only 14.3% of non-O1 V. cholerae reacted with the phages.     

Virulence properties of rough and smooth strains of Vibrio cholerae O1

A comparative study was carried out to see the differences in pathogenicity of rough and smooth strains. A total of 10 strains including 5 each of rough and smooth strains of Vibrio cholerae O1 were tested and found positive for toxin production by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in Richardson's and AKI media. All the smooth and rough strains, except one, showed a titre of 1: 10 and 1: 100 in Richardson's and AKI media, respectively. Both types of strains produced enterotoxin in rabbit ileal loop (RIL). The differences in multiplication abilities of smooth and rough strains in RIL were statistically significant (P <0.05). However, these differences in multiplying abilities did not influence the adherence potential or enterotoxin production as there was no significant difference (P >0.05) between these properties. This study demonstrated that the rough strains are equally pathogenic and as important as smooth strains.