Burkholderia cepacia Genomovar III Is a Common Plant-Associated Bacterium

A polyphasic taxonomic study involving DNA-DNA hybridization, whole-cell protein electrophoresis, and 16S ribosomal DNA sequence analysis revealed that a group of Burkholderia cepacia-like organisms isolated from the rhizosphere or tissues of maize, wheat, and lupine belong to B. cepacia genomovar III, a genomic species associated with “cepacia syndrome” in cystic fibrosis patients. The present study also revealed considerable protein electrophoretic heterogeneity within this species and demonstrated that the B. cepacia complex consists of two independent phylogenetic lineages.     

Improved molecular detection of Burkholderia cepacia genomovar III and Burkholderia multivorans directly from sputum of patients with cystic fibrosis

Optimum detection of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) from sputum of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is essential in preventing patient-to-patient transmission of this organism. The aim of this study was to develop an improved PCR assay with reference to sensitivity for the direct detection of BCC organisms from CF sputum employing the recA locus. The sensitivity results of three recA PCR assays were compared using various combinations of previously published primers. These included (i) a single-round approach using the primer set BCR1/BCR2, yielding a 1036-bp product, (ii) a single-round approach using the primer set BCR1/Mr, yielding a 465-bp product, and (iii) a semi-nested PCR (SN-PCR) approach using the primer set BCR1/BCR2 followed by BCR1/Mr. The sensitivity of these assays were determined by spiking B. cepacia-free sputum with known numbers of four strains of BCC, namely, genomovar II [B. multivorans] (C1576), genomovar IIIa (C5424, C6433) and genomovar IIIb (C1394). Following optimization, the chosen assay was performed on 14 patients. Employment of the single-round assay with BCR1/BCR2 was the least sensitive with a detection threshold of 10(7) cfu/g sputum for GIIIa and GIIIb, and 10(8) cfu/g sputum for GII. Sensitivity was improved by targeting the smaller amplification region of the recA locus (465 bp) employing the BCR1/Mr primer pair, in combination with a single-round approach, whereby the detection threshold was improved by 1 log for each genomovar. Employment of the semi-nested assay demonstrated optimum sensitivity, whereby the detection threshold increased to 10(1) and 10(2) cfu/g sputum for genomovar IIIa/IIIb and genomovar II, respectively. Subsequent genomovar characterisation can be performed by sequencing of the PCR amplicon without the need for culture which may be beneficial in patients in the initial stages of colonisation or who are transiently colonised and who may be culture-negative for BCC.     

Genome characterization of a novel Burkholderia cepacia complex genomovar isolated from dieback affected mango orchards

We characterized the genome of the antibiotic resistant, caseinolytic and non-hemolytic Burkholderia sp. strain TJI49, isolated from mango trees (Mangifera indica L.) with dieback disease. This isolate produced severe disease symptoms on the indicator plants. Next generation DNA sequencing and short-read assembly generated the 60X deep 7,631,934 nucleotide draft genome of Burkholderia sp. TJI49 which comprised three chromosomes and at least one mega plasmid. Genome annotation studies revealed a total 8,992 genes, out of which 8,940 were protein coding genes. Comparative genomics and phylogenetics identified Burkholderia sp. TJI49 as a distinct species of Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC), closely related to B. multivorans ATCC17616. Genome-wide sequence alignment of this isolate with replicons of BCC members showed conservation of core function genes but considerable variations in accessory genes. Subsystem-based gene annotation identified the active presence of wide spread colonization island and type VI secretion system in Burkholderia sp. TJI49. Sequence comparisons revealed (a) 28 novel ORFs that have no database matches and (b) 23 ORFs with orthologues in species other than Burkholderia, indicating horizontal gene transfer events. Fold recognition of novel ORFs identified genes encoding pertactin autotransporter-like proteins (a constituent of type V secretion system) and Hap adhesion-like proteins (involved in cell–cell adhesion) in the genome of Burkholderia sp. TJI49. The genomic characterization of this isolate provided additional information related to the ‘pan-genome’ of Burkholderia species.     

A putative type III secretion gene cluster is widely distributed in the Burkholderia cepacia complex but absent from genomovar I

Using probes constructed from Ralstonia solanacearum and Burkholderia pseudomallei, putative type III secretion (TTS) genes were identified in Burkholderia cepacia J2315 (genomovar III). A cosmid clone containing DNA with homology to five TTS genes was sub-cloned and regions were sequenced in order to design oligonucleotides for polymerase chain reaction assays. These indicated that two putative TTS genes (bcscQ and bcscV) were present in all members of the B. cepacia complex with the exception of strains from genomovar I. Southern blot assays confirmed this observation, suggesting that the lack of a TTS gene cluster may define a major difference between B. cepacia genomovar I and other members of the B. cepacia complex, including genomovar III. In contrast to TTS gene clusters in other bacteria, a putative gene homologous to the virB1 gene of Brucella suis was located directly downstream of bcscQR.     

Study on EDTA-degrading bacterium Burkholderia cepacia YL-6 for bioaugmentation

Bioaugmentation production of EDTA-degrading bacterium Burkholderia cepacia YL-6 was carried out in an aerobic fermentor. Three different carbon sources (ferric-ethylenediaminetetraacetate (Fe-EDTA), potassium acetate, and ethylamine) were used. The bacterium cultivated with Fe-EDTA and maintained in the growth phase could reach the maximum cell concentration on the 38th day. Whereas, the bacterium cultivated with potassium acetate and ethylamine reach the maximum cell concentration at the 76th and 100th hour. The viable-cell counts of the augmentation agents made by feeding Fe-EDTA, potassium acetate, and ethylamine were 8.2x10(10), 6.8x10(11), and 4.3x10(11) CFU/g agent, respectively. The EDTA-degradation time required for the afore-mentioned bioaugmentation agents made by feeding various carbon sources lay in the following order: ethylamine相似文献   

Lack of correlation between O-serotype,bacteriophage susceptibility and genomovar status in the Burkholderia cepacia complex

The Burkholderia cepacia complex comprises at least nine phylogenetically related genomic species (genomovars) which cause life-threatening infection in immunocompromised humans, particularly individuals with cystic fibrosis or chronic granulomatous disease. Prior to recognition that 'B. cepacia' comprise multiple species, in vitro studies revealed that the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of these Gram-negative bacteria is strongly endotoxic. In this study, we used 117 B. cepacia complex isolates to determine if there is a correlation between O-antigen serotype and genomovar status. Isolates were also tested for their ability to act as bacterial hosts for the LPS-binding bacteriophages NS1 and NS2. The absence of genomovar II (Burkholderia multivorans) in 'historical B. cepacia' isolates was notable. Neither O-serotype nor phage susceptibility correlated with genomovar status. We conclude that variability in LPS may contribute to the success of these highly adaptable bacteria as human pathogens.     

A bacterium belonging to the Burkholderia cepacia complex associated with Pleurotus ostreatus

Pleurotus ostreatus is a widely cultivated white-rot fungus. Owing to its considerable enzymatic versatility P. ostreatus has become the focus of increasing attention for its possible utility in biobleaching and bioremediation applications. Interactions between microorganisms can be an important factor in those processes. In this study, we describe the presence of a bacterial species associated with P. ostreatus strain G2. This bacterial species grew slowly (approximately 30 days) in the liquid and semi-solid media tested. When P. ostreatus was inoculated in solid media containing Tween 80 or Tween 20, bacterial microcolonies were detected proximal to the fungal colonies, and the relevant bacterium was identified via the analysis of a partial 16S rDNA sequence; it was determined to belong to the Burkholderia cepacia complex, but was not closely related to other fungus-isolated Burkholderiaceae. New specific primers were designed, and confirmed the presence of in vitro P. ostreatus cultures. This is the first time that a bacterial species belonging to the B. cepacia complex has been found associated with P. ostreatus.     

Evaluation of restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of 16S rDNA as a tool for genomovar characterisation within the Burkholderia cepacia complex

The polysaccharides formed on hot alkaline extraction of the ascomycetous lichen Teloschistes flavicans were fractionated to give two glucans, which were characterised by methylation analysis and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. One was a branched beta-glucan containing (1-->3) and (1-->6) linkages, a structure which is more typical of basidiomycetes rather than ascomycetes, which have linear glucans. The other was an alpha-glucan with alternating (1-->4) and (1-->6) linkages, found for the first time in Nature. This structure can be classified as a pullulan, which has been isolated from the fungi Aureobasidium pullulans, Tremella mesenterica, and Cyttaria harioti, but has different ratios of the component glycosidic linkages. The significance of the presence of the isolated alpha- and beta-glucans is discussed.     

Impact of cranberry juice on initial adhesion of the EPS producing bacterium Burkholderia cepacia

The impact of cranberry juice was investigated with respect to the initial adhesion of three isogenic strains of the bacterium Burkholderia cepacia with different extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) producing capacities, viz. a wild-type cepacian EPS producer PC184 and its mutant strains PC184rml with reduced EPS production and PC184bceK with a deficiency in EPS production. Adhesion experiments conducted in a parallel-plate flow chamber demonstrated that, in the absence of cranberry juice, strain PC184 had a significantly higher adhesive capacity compared to the mutant strains. In the presence of cranberry juice, the adhesive capacity of the EPS-producing strain PC184 was largely reduced, while cranberry juice had little impact on the adhesion behavior of either mutant strain. Thermodynamic modeling supported the results from adhesion experiments. Surface force apparatus (SFA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies demonstrated a strong association between cranberry juice components and bacterial EPS. It was concluded that cranberry juice components could impact bacterial initial adhesion by adhering to the EPS and impairing the adhesive capacity of the cells, which provides an insight into the development of novel treatment strategies to block the biofilm formation associated with bacterial infection.     

Impact of cranberry juice on initial adhesion of the EPS producing bacterium Burkholderia cepacia

The impact of cranberry juice was investigated with respect to the initial adhesion of three isogenic strains of the bacterium Burkholderia cepacia with different extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) producing capacities, viz. a wild-type cepacian EPS producer PC184 and its mutant strains PC184rml with reduced EPS production and PC184bceK with a deficiency in EPS production. Adhesion experiments conducted in a parallel-plate flow chamber demonstrated that, in the absence of cranberry juice, strain PC184 had a significantly higher adhesive capacity compared to the mutant strains. In the presence of cranberry juice, the adhesive capacity of the EPS-producing strain PC184 was largely reduced, while cranberry juice had little impact on the adhesion behavior of either mutant strain. Thermodynamic modeling supported the results from adhesion experiments. Surface force apparatus (SFA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies demonstrated a strong association between cranberry juice components and bacterial EPS. It was concluded that cranberry juice components could impact bacterial initial adhesion by adhering to the EPS and impairing the adhesive capacity of the cells, which provides an insight into the development of novel treatment strategies to block the biofilm formation associated with bacterial infection.     

Sequence divergence in type III secretion gene clusters of the Burkholderia cepacia complex

The Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) comprises a group of bacteria associated with opportunistic infections, especially in cystic fibrosis patients. B. cenocepacia J2315, of the transmissible ET12 lineage, contains a type III secretion (TTS) gene cluster implicated in pathogenicity. PCR and hybridisation assays indicate that the TTS gene cluster is present in all members of the BCC except B. cepacia (formerly genomovar I). The TTS gene clusters of B. cenocepacia J2315 and B. multivorans are similar in organisation but have variable levels of gene identity. Nucleotide sequence data obtained for the equivalent region of the B. cepacia genome indicate the absence of TTS structural genes due to a rearrangement likely to involve more than one step.     

Cellular aspects of Burkholderia cepacia infection

The Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia cepacia has recently emerged as an important opportunistic pathogen in humans. This review focuses on the cellular aspects of B. cepacia infection and the dynamics of the B. cepacia-host cell interaction, including recent advances in our understanding of the ability of B. cepacia to adhere to, enter, and survive intracellularly within human cells.     

Burkholderia cepacia Complex as Human Pathogens

Although sporadic human infection due to Burkholderia cepacia has been reported for many years, it has been only during the past few decades that species within the B. cepacia complex have emerged as significant opportunistic human pathogens. Individuals with cystic fibrosis, the most common inherited genetic disease in Caucasian populations, or chronic granulomatous disease, a primary immunodeficiency, are particularly at risk of life-threatening infection. Despite advances in our understanding of the taxonomy, microbiology, and epidemiology of B. cepacia complex, much remains unknown regarding specific human virulence factors. The broad-spectrum antimicrobial resistance demonstrated by most strains limits current therapy of infection. Recent research efforts are aimed at a better appreciation of the pathogenesis of human infection and the development of novel therapeutic and prophylactic strategies.     

Isolation and characterization of a cyanide-utilizing Burkholderia cepacia strain

A bacterium that utilizes cyanide as a nitrogen source was isolated from soil after enrichment in a liquid medium containing potassium cyanide (10mM) and glucose (1.0%, w/v). The strain could tolerate and grow in potassium cyanide at concentrations of up to 25mM. It could also utilize potassium cyanate, potassium thiocyanate, linamarin and a range of aliphatic and aromatic nitriles. The isolate was tentatively identified as Burkholderia cepacia strain C-3. Ammonia and formic acid were found in the culture supernatant of the strain grown on fructose and potassium cyanide, no formamide was detected, suggesting a hydrolytic pathway for the degradation of cyanide. The cyanide-degrading activity was higher in early and the stationary phase cells. Crude cell extracts of strain C-3 grown on nutrient broth exhibited cyanide-degrading activity. The characteristics of strain C-3 suggest that it would be useful in the bioremediation of cyanide-containing waste.     

The O-chain structure from the LPS of the endophytic bacterium Burkholderia cepacia strain ASP B 2D

The O-chain polysaccharide of the lipopolysaccharide from the endophytic bacterium Burkholderia cepacia strain was characterized. The structure was studied by means of chemical analysis and 2D NMR spectroscopy and shown to be the following: -->2)-beta-D-Ribf-(1-->6)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->.