Identification of surface-exposed proteins Haemophilus ducreyi

The proteins exposed at the surface of intact whole cells of 6 strains of Haemophilus ducreyi were identified by radioactive labelling using ¹²⁵I and Iodogen, followed by autoradiography of SDS-polyacrylamide gels of cell lysates. The most highly labelled proteins were a 39-kDa protein found in all 6 strains, and a group of proteins which exhibited inter-strain variation ranging between 27 and 30.5 kDa.     

Distribution, cloning, characterisation and mutagenesis of sodC, the gene encoding copper/zinc superoxide dismutase, a potential determinant of virulence, in Haemophilus ducreyi

The sodC gene encoding the periplasmic enzyme copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) has been cloned from Haemophilus ducreyi, the causative agent of the genital ulcer disease, chancroid. Examination of a collection of diverse strains indicates that it is present throughout the species. Cloned sodC has been expressed in E. coli and shown to encode active enzyme. Insertional mutagenesis was used to construct a non-functional version of the gene. This has been transferred into the chromosome of the parent H. ducreyi strain by electroporation and homologous recombination, in preparation for studies of the role of this enzyme in the interactive biology of the organism with its host, perhaps in protecting bacteria from superoxide radicals and their reactive progeny generated by neutrophils in the context of host defence.     

Effect of iron limitation on protein composition and ultrastructure of Haemophilus ducreyi

Protein profiles of whole cells of Haemophilus ducreyi grown in the presence or absence of the iron chelator desferal, were compared by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Each of four strains produced novel proteins in the range 43-160 kDa when cultured under conditions of reduced iron availability. At some sub-inhibitory concentrations, desferal produced enhanced growth, possibly due to it functioning as an exogenous siderophore. Organisms grown under conditions of reduced iron availability ultrastructurally showed also large periplasmic spaces between cytoplasm and outer membrane.     

Facile construction of mutations in Haemophilus ducreyi using lacZ as a counter-selectable marker

Haemophilus ducreyi is a Gram-negative bacterium which is the causative agent of chancroid, an ulcerative sexually transmitted disease. In order to understand the pathogenesis of H. ducreyi disease, studies designed to identify potential virulence determinants and construct mutants deficient in the elaboration of these determinants have been undertaken in several laboratories. At the present time, construction of isogenic mutants is accomplished by electroporation of linearized DNA containing insertionally inactivated H. ducreyi genes followed by selection for the resistance marker encoded on the inactivated gene. In our experience, certain mutants are difficult to construct using this procedure. In the construction of strains containing lacZ as a reporter gene, we observed that the growth of lacZ expressing H. ducreyi was inhibited in the presence of X-gal. We have exploited this observation to develop a new strategy for the construction of isogenic H. ducreyi mutants.     

Cytotoxin production in 100 strains of Haemophilus ducreyi from different geographic locations

Abstract One-hundred strains of Haemophilus ducreyi , representing isolates from different parts of the world, including the reference strains, were obtained from different collections and characterized with special reference to cytotoxin production in vitro. The cytotoxic activity on cultured epithelial cells (HEp-2) was examined with two methods. The activity in bacterial sonicates was tested on freshly trypsinated cells and strains manifesting little or no cytotoxic activity in sonicates were investigated using attached living bacteria on HEp-2 cell-monolayers. Sonicates from the majority of the H. ducreyi strains (89%) produced significant cytotoxic effects on HEp-2 cells. The reciprocal cytotoxic titers of the sonicates ranged from 2.4 × 10² to 5.3 × 10⁵. Sonicates of 11 strains had low cytotoxic titers ( 1:3 to 1:81), eight of those originating from Asia and three from Africa. These 11 strains caused no damage to the cell monolayer, indicating that the 11 strains produce little or no cytotoxic activity in vitro. In summary, the majority of H. ducreyi isolates produce cytotoxic activity, which support the hypothesis that the cytotoxin may be an important virulence factor of this species.     

Effect of cultural conditions on the protein and lipopolysaccharide profiles of Haemophilus ducreyi analysed by SDS-PAGE

Abstract A comparative study of the protein and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) profiles of 8 strains of Haemophilus ducreyi revealed that protein patterns remained unaffected by changes in medium composition, atmospheric conditions and temperature. In contrast, the LPS patterns exhibited marked variations under the different cultural conditions.     

Use of signature-tagged mutagenesis to identify virulence determinants in Haemophilus ducreyi responsible for ulcer formation

Elucidating the molecular mechanisms responsible for chancroid, a genital ulcer disease caused by Haemophilus ducreyi, has been hampered in part by the relative genetic intractability of the organism. A whole genome screen using signature-tagged mutagenesis in the temperature-dependent rabbit model (TDRM) of H. ducreyi infection uncovered 26 mutants with a presumptive attenuated phenotype. Insertions in two previously recognized virulence determinants, hgbA and lspA1, validated this genome scanning technique. Database interrogation allowed assignment of 24 mutants to several functional classes, including transport, metabolism, DNA repair, stress response and gene regulation. The attenuated virulence for a 3 strain with a mutation in hicB was confirmed by individual infection in the TDRM. The results from this preliminary study indicate that this high throughput strategy will further the understanding of the pathogenesis of H. ducreyi infection.     

Virtual screening of phytochemicals to novel targets in Haemophilus ducreyi towards the treatment of Chancroid

Conventionally, drugs are discovered by testing chemically synthesized compounds against a battery of in vivo biological screens. Information technology and Omic science enabled us for high throughput screening of compound libraries against biological targets and hits are then tested for efficacy in cells or animals. Chancroid, caused by Haemophilus ducreyi is a public health problem and has been recognized as a cofactor for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) transmission. It facilitates HIV transmission by providing an accessible portal entry, promoting viral shedding, and recruiting macrophages as well as CD4 cells to the skin. So, there is a requirement to develop an efficient drug to combat Chancroid that can also diminish HIV infection. In-silico screening of potential inhibitors against the target may facilitate in detection of the novel lead compounds for developing an effective chemo preventive strategy against Haemophilus ducreyi. The present study has investigated the effects of approximately 1100 natural compounds that inhibit three vital enzymes viz. Phosphoenolpyruvate phosphotransferase, Acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase and Fructose 1, 6-bisphosphatase of Haemophilus ducreyi in reference to a commercial drug Rifabutin. Results reveal that the lead compound uses less energy to bind to target. The lead compound parillin has also been predicted as less immunogenic in comparison to Rifabutin. Further, better molecular dynamics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and ADME-T properties establish it as an efficient chancroid preventer.     

Cellular Interactions of the Cytolethal Distending Toxins from Escherichia coli and Haemophilus ducreyi

The cytolethal distending toxins (CDTs) compose a subclass of intracellularly acting genotoxins produced by many Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria that disrupt the normal progression of the eukaryotic cell cycle. Here, the intoxication mechanisms of CDTs from Escherichia coli (Ec-CDT) and Haemophilus ducreyi (Hd-CDT), which share limited amino acid sequence homology, were directly compared. Ec-CDT and Hd-CDT shared comparable in vitro DNase activities of the CdtB subunits, saturable cell surface binding with comparable affinities, and the requirement for an intact Golgi complex to induce cell cycle arrest. In contrast, disruption of endosome acidification blocked Hd-CDT-mediated cell cycle arrest and toxin transport to the endoplasmic reticulum and nucleus, while having no effects on Ec-CDT. Phosphorylation of the histone protein H2AX, as well as nuclear localization, was inhibited for Hd-CdtB, but not Ec-CdtB, in cells expressing dominant negative Rab7 (T22N), suggesting that Hd-CDT, but not Ec-CDT, is trafficked through late endosomal vesicles. In support of this idea, significantly more Hd-CdtB than Ec-CdtB co-localized with Rab9, which is enriched in late endosomal compartments. Competitive binding studies suggested that Ec-CDT and Hd-CDT bind to discrete cell surface determinants. These results suggest that Ec-CDT and Hd-CDT are transported within cells by distinct pathways, possibly mediated by their interaction with different receptors at the cell surface.     

The cytolethal distending toxin of Haemophilus ducreyi aggravates dermal lesions in a rabbit model of chancroid

Haemophilus ducreyi, the etiologic agent of the sexually transmitted disease chancroid, produces a cytolethal distending toxin (HdCDT) that inhibits cultured cell proliferation, leading to cell death. A rabbit model of dermal infection was used to investigate the roles of H. ducreyi bacteria and HdCDT in the development, clinical appearance, and persistence of infection. A non-toxin producing H. ducreyi strain, and for comparison purposes a non-capsulated Haemophilus influenzae strain, were inoculated intradermally, with and without co-administration of purified HdCDT. Co-administration of HdCDT resulted in significant aggravation of H. ducreyi-induced inflammatory lesions, and development of ulcers in rabbit skin. Less pronounced inflammatory lesions and lack of epithelial eruption were observed after inoculation with H. influenzae. Histopathological sections of the H. ducreyi-induced lesions, in both the presence and absence of HdCDT, showed dense infiltrates of the same type inflammatory cells, with the exception of a prominent endothelial cell proliferation noted in sections from lesions caused by H. ducreyi and toxin. Signs of chronic inflammation with involvement of T cells, macrophages, eosinophils, and granuloma formation were observed after H. ducreyi inoculation both with and without toxin. In conclusion, H. ducreyi causes a pronounced, chronic inflammation with involvement of T cells and macrophages, and in combination with HdCDT production of ulcers in the rabbit model. These pathogenic mechanisms may promote the development and persistence of chancroid ulcers.     

耐甲氧西林金黄色葡萄球菌小鼠全身感染模型的建立与评价

目的建立稳定、可靠的MRSA全身感染小鼠模型,为MRSA疫苗的研发提供参考依据,并对系统研究MRSA感染的发病机制及其防治策略奠定实验基础。方法在采用国际标准株MRSA-252建立OD600-CFU标准曲线的基础上,经尾静脉注射途径感染BALB/c小鼠,从感染剂量的选择、小鼠的生存率和体重变化、血液及多脏器的细菌定植量以及主要组织器官病理学变化等多个层面进行时相性监测,对建立的小鼠模型进行系统评价。结果经此途径建立的小鼠模型,致死剂量为每只5.0×109CFU,亚致死剂量为每只1.0×109CFU（生存率为60%～70%）。感染后小鼠生存率下降;体重下降;血液及肝脏、脾脏和肾脏均有细菌定植,定植量在感染后第3天达到高峰;心、肝、肺和肾等主要脏器中有较明显的细胞坏死和炎性细胞浸润。结论小鼠模型的建立,将为进一步研究MRSA疫苗的有效性和安全性评价等提供可靠的技术手段。     

The development of specific rRNA-derived oligonucleotide probes for Haemophilus ducreyi, the causative agent of chancroid.

Part of a ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) cistron of Haemophilus ducreyi was enzymically amplified using conserved primers within the rRNA molecules, cloned in a plasmid vector, and sequenced. From the nucleotide sequence, eight oligonucleotides complementary to different regions in the 16S and 23S rRNA molecules were selected, chemically synthesized, and used as hybridization probes. Hybridization experiments with at least 41 H. ducreyi strains and 13 or 14 non-H. ducreyi strains revealed that all eight oligonucleotide probes were highly reliable and completely specific for H. ducreyi strains. Comparisons of 16S rRNA sequences confirm that H. ducreyi is a member of the Pasteurellaceae though not closely related to other species in this family.     

The Hd0053 gene of Haemophilus ducreyi encodes an alpha2,3-sialyltransferase

Haemophilus ducreyi is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes chancroid, a sexually transmitted genital ulcer disease. Different lipooligosaccharide (LOS) structures have been identified from H. ducreyi strain 35000, including those sialylated glycoforms. Surface LOS of H. ducreyi is considered an important virulence factor that is involved in ulcer formation, cell adhesion, and invasion of host tissue. Gene Hd0686 of H. ducreyi, designated lst (for lipooligosaccharide sialyltransferase), was identified to encode an alpha2,3-sialyltransferase that is important for the formation of sialylated LOS. Here, we show that Hd0053 of H. ducreyi genomic strain 35000HP, the third member of the glycosyltransferase family 80 (GT80), also encodes an alpha2,3-sialyltransferase that may be important for LOS sialylation.     

A heme-binding protein produced by Haemophilus haemolyticus inhibits non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae

Commensal bacteria serve as an important line of defense against colonisation by opportunisitic pathogens, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly explored. Here, we show that strains of a commensal bacterium, Haemophilus haemolyticus, make hemophilin, a heme-binding protein that inhibits growth of the opportunistic pathogen, non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) in culture. We purified the NTHi-inhibitory protein from H. haemolyticus and identified the hemophilin gene using proteomics and a gene knockout. An x-ray crystal structure of recombinant hemophilin shows that the protein does not belong to any of the known heme-binding protein folds, suggesting that it evolved independently. Biochemical characterisation shows that heme can be captured in the ferrous or ferric state, and with a variety of small heme-ligands bound, suggesting that hemophilin could function under a range of physiological conditions. Hemophilin knockout bacteria show a limited capacity to utilise free heme for growth. Our data suggest that hemophilin is a hemophore and that inhibition of NTHi occurs by heme starvation, raising the possibility that competition from hemophilin-producing H. haemolyticus could antagonise NTHi colonisation in the respiratory tract.     

Refinement of the mouse model of congenital toxoplasmosis

The goals of the present investigation, focusing on the BALB/c mouse model of congenital toxoplasmosis, were: (1) to find a method to determine pregnancy in the mouse. The method has 100% sensitivity and 72% specificity; (2) to test congenital transmission during the chronic stage of toxoplasmosis. This occurred in 2 of 10 mice tested; (3) to investigate the relationship between the infective dose and the rate of congenital transmission. This was not demonstrated for doses of 10(2) to 10(3) bradyzoites and oocysts of Prugniaud, M3 and M7741 strains, with transmission rates of 3 of 8 to 6 of 10 mice inoculated; (4) to determine homologous and heterologous protection. Homologous protection was demonstrated with Prugniaud cysts, and heterologous protection was found between ME-49 and M3 cysts. This finding is consistent with the uniform natural protection against congenital toxoplasmosis seen in immune women and ewes.     

Effects of verbenalin on prostatitis mouse model

The aim of this study was to observe the treatment characteristics of verbenalin on a prostatitis mouse model. Give Xiaozhiling injection in the prostate locally to make a prostatitis mouse model. High, medium and low doses of verbenalin were each given to different mouse groups. The amount of water was determined in 14th, 28th. The number of white cells and lecithin corpuscle density in prostatic fluid were determined. Morphological changes in the prostate, testis, epididymis and kidney were detected. Compared with the model control group, the mice treated with high, medium and low doses of verbenalin had significantly increased amounts of water, and prostate white blood cell count and prostate volume density (Vv) were decreased significantly, the density of lecithin corpuscle score increased, and pathologic prostatitis changes were significantly reduced. Pathological change in the testis was significantly reduced and the change in the epididymis was obviously reduced. The thymic cortex thickness and the number of lymphocytes increased significantly and could reduce the renal pathological changes in potential. Verbenalin has a good therapeutic effect on the prostatitis mouse model.     

气雾攻击法感染结核病小鼠模型的建立及其综合评价

目的 模拟自然感染方式建立结核病小鼠模型,并对其病理变化进行综合评价.方法 通过气雾攻击方式将结核分枝杆菌H37Rv接种至C57BL/6J小鼠体内.在感染后的4周、6周、8周对小鼠进行micro-CT活体动态扫描,无菌分离肺脏和脾脏,肉眼观察病变情况,活菌菌落计数,组织病理检测(HE和抗酸染色).结果 肉眼观察和micro-CT扫描发现,不同时间小鼠肺部感染情况逐渐加重,至感染后第8周时病变弥漫至整个肺部;HE染色肺组织出现弥漫性肉芽肿样实变;抗酸染色可见结核分枝杆菌.结论 通过大体病变、病理、影像、菌落计数几个方面对建立的小鼠模型进行综合分析,证明利用气雾攻击法感染的结核病小鼠模型建立成功;该模型在形成病变时与结核患者的情况存在一定差异,对其完善的综合评价有助于在相关研究中对该小鼠模型的合理应用.     

The heme-binding lipoprotein (HbpA) of Haemophilus influenzae: role in heme utilization

Haemophilus influenzae has an absolute growth requirement for heme and a heme binding lipoprotein (HbpA) has been implicated in the utilization of this essential nutrient. HbpA was identified by examining clones from an H. influenzae genomic library that caused Escherichia coli harboring the clone to bind heme. However, HbpA has not been shown to mediate heme acquisition in H. influenzae. We constructed an insertional mutation of hbpA in a nontypeable H. influenzae strain and demonstrated a role for the gene in utilization of multiple heme sources. This is the first report confirming a role for HbpA in utilization of heme.