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Azara E, Longheu CM, Attene S, Sanna S, Sale M, Addis MF, Tola S. Comparative profiling of agr locus, virulence, and biofilm-production genes of human and ovine non-aureus staphylococci. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:212. [PMID: 35655210 PMCID: PMC9161600 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03257-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In a collaboration between animal and human health care professionals, we assessed the genetic characteristics shared by non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) infecting humans and dairy ewes to investigate their relatedness in a region concentrating half of the total National sheep stock. We examined by PCR 125 ovine and 70 human NAS for biofilm production, pyrogenic toxins, adhesins, autolysins genes, and accessory gene regulator (agr) locus. The microtiter plate assay (MPA) was used for the phenotypic screening of biofilm production. Ovine NAS included S. epidermidis, S. chromogenes, S. haemolyticus, S. simulans, S. caprae, S. warneri, S. saprophyticus, S. intermedius, and S. muscae. Human NAS included S. haemolyticus, S. epidermidis, S. hominis, S. lugdunensis, S. capitis, S. warneri, S. xylosus, S. pasteuri, and S. saprophyticus subsp. bovis. Results Phenotypically, 41 (32.8%) ovine and 24 (34.3%) human isolates were characterized as biofilm producers. Of the ovine isolates, 12 were classified as biofilm-producing while the remaining 29 as weak biofilm-producing. All 24 human isolates were considered weak biofilm-producing. Few S. epidermidis isolates harbored the icaA/D genes coding for the polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA), while the bhp, aap, and embp genes coding biofilm accumulation proteins were present in both non-producing and biofilm-producing isolates. Fifty-nine sheep NAS (all S. epidermidis, 1 S. chromogenes, and 1 S. haemolyticus) and 27 human NAS (all S. epidermidis and 1 S. warneri) were positive for the agr locus: agr-3se (57.8%) followed by agr-1se (36.8%) predominated in sheep, while agr-1se (65.4%), followed by agr-2se (34.6%) predominated in humans. Concerning virulence genes, 40, 39.2, 47.2%, 52.8, 80 and 43.2% of the sheep isolates carried atlE, aae, sdrF, sdrG, eno and epbS respectively, against 37.1, 42.8, 32.8, 60, 100 and 100% of human isolates. Enterotoxins and tsst were not detected. Conclusions Considerable variation in biofilm formation ability was observed among NAS isolates from ovine and human samples. S. epidermidis was the best biofilm producer with the highest prevalence of adhesin-encoding genes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-022-03257-w.
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Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidis is a ubiquitous commensal of human skin. The widespread use of indwelling medical devices in modern medicine provides an opportunity for it to cause infections. Disease causing isolates can come from many different genetic backgrounds. Multiply antibiotic resistant strains have spread globally. S. epidermidis has a smaller repertoire of cell wall anchored (CWA) surface proteins than Staphylococcus aureus. Nevertheless, these CWA proteins promote adhesion to components of the extracellular matrix including collagen, fibrinogen, and fibronectin and contribute to the formation of biofilm. The A domain of the accumulation associated protein Aap can promote adhesion to unconditioned biomaterial but must be removed proteolytically to allow accumulation to proceed by homophilic Zn2+-dependent interactions. Mature biofilm contains amyloid structures formed by Aap and the small basic protein (Sbp). The latter contributes to the integrity of both protein and polysaccharide biofilm matrices. Several other CWA proteins can also promote S. epidermidis biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Foster
- Department of Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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3
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Abbondio M, Fois I, Longheu C, Azara E, Tola S. Biofilm production, quorum sensing system and analysis of virulence factors of Staphylococcus epidermidis collected from sheep milk samples. Small Rumin Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2019.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Heilmann C, Ziebuhr W, Becker K. Are coagulase-negative staphylococci virulent? Clin Microbiol Infect 2018; 25:1071-1080. [PMID: 30502487 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2018.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progress in contemporary medicine is associated with an increasing number of immunocompromised individuals. In this vulnerable group, the underlying disease together with long-term hospitalization and the use of medical devices facilitate infections by opportunistic pathogens, of which coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) represent a prime example. OBJECTIVES The diversity of CoNS with species- and strain-specific differences concerning virulence and clinical impact is highlighted. A focus is on the ability of CoNS to generate biofilms on biotic and abiotic surfaces, which enables skin and mucosa colonization as well as establishment of CoNS on indwelling foreign bodies. SOURCES Literature about the virulence of CoNS listed in PubMed was reviewed. CONTENT Most catheter-related and prosthetic joint infections as well as most other device-related infections are caused by CoNS, specifically by Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus haemolyticus. A common theme of CoNS infections is a high antibiotic resistance rate, which often limits treatment options and contributes to the significant health and economic burden imposed by CoNS. IMPLICATIONS Breaching the skin barrier along with the insertion of medical devices offers CoNS opportunities to gain access to host tissues and to sustain there by forming biofilms on foreign body surfaces. Biofilms represent the perfect niche to protect CoNS from both the host immune response and the action of antibiotics. Their particular lifestyle, combined with conditions that facilitate host colonization and infection, has led to the growing impact of CoNS as pathogens. Moreover, CoNS may serve as hidden reservoirs for antibiotic resistance and virulence traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Heilmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - W Ziebuhr
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - K Becker
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.
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5
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Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidis is an opportunistic pathogen associated with foreign body infections and nosocomial sepsis. The pathogenicity of S. epidermidis is mostly due to its ability to colonize indwelling polymeric devices and form a thick, multilayered biofilm. Biofilm formation is a major problem in treating S. epidermidis infection as biofilms provide significant resistance to antibiotics and to components of the innate host defenses. Various cell surface associated bacterial factors play a role in adherence and accumulation of the biofilm such as the polysaccharide intercellular adhesin and the autolysin AtlE. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that global regulators such as the agr quorum sensing system, the transcriptional regulator sarA and the alternative sigma factor sigB have an important function in the regulation of biofilm formation. Understanding the many complex mechanisms involved in biofilm formation is a key factor in the search for new anti-staphylococcal therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Vadyvaloo
- Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID/NIH, Hamilton, MT, USA
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6
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Abstract
The staphylococci comprise a diverse genus of Gram-positive, nonmotile commensal organisms that inhabit the skin and mucous membranes of humans and other mammals. In general, staphylococci are benign members of the natural flora, but many species have the capacity to be opportunistic pathogens, mainly infecting individuals who have medical device implants or are otherwise immunocompromised. Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis are major sources of hospital-acquired infections and are the most common causes of surgical site infections and medical device-associated bloodstream infections. The ability of staphylococci to form biofilms in vivo makes them highly resistant to chemotherapeutics and leads to chronic diseases. These biofilm infections include osteomyelitis, endocarditis, medical device infections, and persistence in the cystic fibrosis lung. Here, we provide a comprehensive analysis of our current understanding of staphylococcal biofilm formation, with an emphasis on adhesins and regulation, while also addressing how staphylococcal biofilms interact with the immune system. On the whole, this review will provide a thorough picture of biofilm formation of the staphylococcus genus and how this mode of growth impacts the host.
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7
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Abstract
Coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS) are important opportunistic pathogens. Staphylococcus epidermidis, a coagulase negative staphylococcus, is the third leading cause of nosocomial infections in the US. Surface proteins like Microbial Surface Components Recognizing Adhesive Matrix Molecules (MSCRAMMs) are major virulence factors of pathogenic gram positive bacteria. Here, we identified a new chimeric protein in S. epidermidis, that we call SesJ. SesJ represents a prototype of a new subfamily of MSCRAMMs. Structural predictions show that SesJ has structural features characteristic of a MSCRAMM along with a N-terminal repeat region and an aspartic acid containing C-terminal repeat region, features that have not been previously observed in staphylococcal MSCRAMMs but have been found in other surface proteins from gram positive bacteria. We identified and analyzed structural homologs of SesJ in three other CoNS. These homologs of SesJ have an identical structural organization but varying sequence identities within the domains. Using flow cytometry, we also show that SesJ is expressed constitutively on the surface of a representative S. epidermidis strain, from early exponential to stationary growth phase. Thus, SesJ is positioned to interact with protein targets in the environment and plays a role in S. epidermidis virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srishtee Arora
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, HoustonTX, USA
| | - Anne-Catrin Uhlemann
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University in the City of New York, New YorkNY, USA
| | - Franklin D. Lowy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University in the City of New York, New YorkNY, USA
| | - Magnus Hook
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, HoustonTX, USA
- *Correspondence: Magnus Hook,
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8
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Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidis is a biofilm-producing commensal organism found ubiquitously on human skin and mucous membranes, as well as on animals and in the environment. Biofilm formation enables this organism to evade the host immune system. Colonization of percutaneous devices or implanted medical devices allows bacteria access to the bloodstream. Isolation of this organism from blood cultures may represent either contamination during the blood collection procedure or true bacteremia. S. epidermidis bloodstream infections may be indolent compared with other bacteria. Isolation of S. epidermidis from a blood culture may present a management quandary for clinicians. Over-treatment may lead to patient harm and increases in healthcare costs. There are numerous reports indicating the difficulty of predicting clinical infection in patients with positive blood cultures with this organism. No reliable phenotypic or genotypic algorithms currently exist to predict the pathogenicity of a S. epidermidis bloodstream infection. This review will discuss the latest advances in identification methods, global population structure, pathogenicity, biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance and clinical significance of the detection of S. epidermidis in blood cultures. Previous studies that have attempted to discriminate between invasive and contaminating strains of S. epidermidis in blood cultures will be analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Kleinschmidt
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Microbiology Department, Pathology Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Flavia Huygens
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Joan Faoagali
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Irani U Rathnayake
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Louise M Hafner
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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9
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Abstract
The definition of the heterogeneous group of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) is still based on diagnostic procedures that fulfill the clinical need to differentiate between Staphylococcus aureus and those staphylococci classified historically as being less or nonpathogenic. Due to patient- and procedure-related changes, CoNS now represent one of the major nosocomial pathogens, with S. epidermidis and S. haemolyticus being the most significant species. They account substantially for foreign body-related infections and infections in preterm newborns. While S. saprophyticus has been associated with acute urethritis, S. lugdunensis has a unique status, in some aspects resembling S. aureus in causing infectious endocarditis. In addition to CoNS found as food-associated saprophytes, many other CoNS species colonize the skin and mucous membranes of humans and animals and are less frequently involved in clinically manifested infections. This blurred gradation in terms of pathogenicity is reflected by species- and strain-specific virulence factors and the development of different host-defending strategies. Clearly, CoNS possess fewer virulence properties than S. aureus, with a respectively different disease spectrum. In this regard, host susceptibility is much more important. Therapeutically, CoNS are challenging due to the large proportion of methicillin-resistant strains and increasing numbers of isolates with less susceptibility to glycopeptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Becker
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christine Heilmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Georg Peters
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
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10
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Abstract
The multitude of biomolecular and regulatory factors involved in staphylococcal adhesion and biofilm formation owe much to their ability to colonize surfaces, allowing the biofilm form to become the preferential bacterial phenotype. Judging by total number, biomass and variety of environments colonized, bacteria can be categorized as the most successful lifeform on earth. This is due to the ability of bacteria and other microorganisms to respond phenotypically via biomolecular processes to the stresses of their surrounding environment. This review focuses on the specific pathways involved in the adhesion of the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus with reference to the role of specific cell surface adhesins, the ica operon, accumulation-associated proteins and quorum-sensing systems and their significance in medical device-related infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garry Laverty
- Queen's University Belfast, School of Biological Sciences, Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK.
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11
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Ma Y, Chen M, Jones JE, Ritts AC, Yu Q, Sun H. Inhibition of Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm by trimethylsilane plasma coating. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2012; 56:5923-37. [PMID: 22964248 PMCID: PMC3486604 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01739-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2012] [Accepted: 08/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation on implantable medical devices is a major impediment to the treatment of nosocomial infections and promotes local progressive tissue destruction. Staphylococcus epidermidis infections are the leading cause of biofilm formation on indwelling devices. Bacteria in biofilms are highly resistant to antibiotic treatment, which in combination with the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance among human pathogens further complicates treatment of biofilm-related device infections. We have developed a novel plasma coating technology. Trimethylsilane (TMS) was used as a monomer to coat the surfaces of 316L stainless steel and grade 5 titanium alloy, which are widely used in implantable medical devices. The results of biofilm assays demonstrated that this TMS coating markedly decreased S. epidermidis biofilm formation by inhibiting the attachment of bacterial cells to the TMS-coated surfaces during the early phase of biofilm development. We also discovered that bacterial cells on the TMS-coated surfaces were more susceptible to antibiotic treatment than their counterparts in biofilms on uncoated surfaces. These findings suggested that TMS coating could result in a surface that is resistant to biofilm development and also in a bacterial community that is more sensitive to antibiotic therapy than typical biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibao Ma
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Meng Chen
- Nanova, Inc., Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - John E. Jones
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Qingsong Yu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Hongmin Sun
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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12
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Hofmann CM, Anderson JM, Marchant RE. Targeted delivery of vancomycin to Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms using a fibrinogen-derived peptide. J Biomed Mater Res A 2012; 100:2517-25. [PMID: 22623343 PMCID: PMC3461832 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.34166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This study reports on the use of a fibrinogen-derived peptide for the specific targeting and delivery of vancomycin to Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms. One method by which S. epidermidis initially adheres to biomaterials uses the plasma protein fibrinogen as an intermediary, where the S. epidermidis surface protein SdrG binds to a short amino acid sequence near the amino terminus of the Bβ chain of fibrinogen. We mimicked this binding interaction and demonstrated the use of a synthetic fibrinogen-based β6-20 peptide to target and deliver vancomycin to S. epidermidis in vitro. The β6-20 peptide was synthesized and labeled with a Nanogold probe, and its targeting capabilities were examined through the use of scanning electron microscopy. The Nanogold component was then replaced by vancomycin, utilizing a flexible, variable length poly(ethylene glycol) linker between the peptide and antibiotic to create the targeted vancomycin products, β6-20-PEG(x) -VAN. Initial binding to surface adherent S. epidermidis was increased in a concentration-dependent manner relative to vancomycin for all equivalent concentrations ≥4 μg/mL, with targeted vancomycin content up to 22.9 times that of vancomycin alone. Retention of the targeted antibiotics was measured after an additional 24-h incubation period, revealing levels 1.3 times that of vancomycin. The results demonstrate the improved targeting and retention of vancomycin within a biofilm due to the incorporation of a specific targeting motif.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Hofmann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Devi AS, Ogawa Y, Shimoji Y, Balakumar S, Ponnuraj K. Collagen adhesin-nanoparticle interaction impairs adhesin's ligand binding mechanism. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2012; 1820:819-28. [PMID: 22538248 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2012.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2012] [Revised: 04/09/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathogenic bacteria specifically recognize extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules of the host (e.g. collagen, fibrinogen and fibronectin) through their surface proteins known as MSCRAMMs (Microbial Surface Components Recognizing Adhesive Matrix Molecules) and initiate colonization. On implantation, biomaterials easily get coated with these ECM molecules and the MSCRAMMs mediate bacterial adherence to biomaterials. With the rapid rise in antibiotic resistance, designing alternative strategies to reduce/eliminate bacterial colonization is absolutely essential. METHODS The Rhusiopathiae surface protein B (RspB) is a collagen-binding MSCRAMM of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. It also binds to abiotic surfaces. The crystal structure of the collagen-binding region of RspB (rRspB31-348) reported here revealed that RspB also binds collagen by a unique ligand binding mechanism called "Collagen Hug" which is a common theme for collagen-binding MSCRAMMs of many Gram-positive bacteria. Here, we report the interaction studies between rRspB31-348 and silver nanoparticles using methods like gel shift assay, gel permeation chromatography and circular dichroism spectroscopy. RESULTS The "Collagen Hug" mechanism was inhibited in the presence of silver nanoparticles as rRspB31-348 was unable to bind to collagen. The total loss of binding was likely because of rRspB31-348 and silver nanoparticle protein corona formation and not due to the loss of the structural integrity of rRspB31-348 on binding with nanoparticles as observed from circular dichroism experiments. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Interaction of rRspB31-348 with silver nanoparticle impaired its ligand binding mechanism. Details of this inhibition mechanism may be useful for the development of antimicrobial materials and antiadhesion drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aribam Swarmistha Devi
- Centre of Advanced Study in Crystallography and Biophysics, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai-600 025, India
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14
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Liu Q, Fan J, Niu C, Wang D, Wang J, Wang X, Villaruz AE, Li M, Otto M, Gao Q. The eukaryotic-type serine/threonine protein kinase Stk is required for biofilm formation and virulence in Staphylococcus epidermidis. PLoS One 2011; 6:e25380. [PMID: 21966513 PMCID: PMC3179523 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2011] [Accepted: 09/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Serine/threonine kinases are involved in gene regulation and signal transduction in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Here, we investigated the role of the serine/threonine kinase Stk in the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus epidermidis. Methodology/Principal Findings We constructed an isogenic stk mutant of a biofilm-forming clinical S. epidermidis isolate. Presence of stk was important for biofilm formation in vitro and virulence in a murine subcutaneous foreign body infection model. Furthermore, the stk mutant exhibited phenotypes indicating an impact of stk on metabolic pathways. Using different constructs for the genetic complementation of the stk mutant strain with full-length Stk or specific Stk domains, we determined that the Stk intracellular kinase domain is important for biofilm formation and regulation of purine metabolism. Site-specific inactivation of the Stk kinase domain led to defective biofilm formation, in further support of the notion that the kinase activity of Stk regulates biofilm formation of S. epidermidis. According to immunological detection of the biofilm exopolysaccharide PIA and real-time PCR of the PIA biosynthesis genes, the impact of stk on biofilm formation is mediated, at least in part, by a strong influence on PIA expression. Conclusions Our study identifies Stk as an important regulator of biofilm formation and virulence of S. epidermidis, with additional involvement in purine metabolism and the bacterial stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and Institute of Medical Microbiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiajia Fan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and Institute of Medical Microbiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Niu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and Institute of Medical Microbiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Decheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and Institute of Medical Microbiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and Institute of Medical Microbiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and Institute of Medical Microbiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Amer E. Villaruz
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Min Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Michael Otto
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Qian Gao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and Institute of Medical Microbiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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15
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Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidis is a highly significant nosocomial pathogen mediating infections primarily associated with indwelling biomaterials (e.g., catheters and prostheses). In contrast to Staphylococcus aureus, virulence properties associated with S. epidermidis are few and biofilm formation is the defining virulence factor associated with disease, as demonstrated by animal models of biomaterial-related infections. However, other virulence factors, such as phenol-soluble modulins and poly-gamma-DL-glutamic acid, have been recently recognized that thwart innate immune system mechanisms. Formation of S. epidermidis biofilm is typically considered a four-step process consisting of adherence, accumulation, maturation and dispersal. This article will discuss recent advances in the study of these four steps, including accumulation, which can be either polysaccharide or protein mediated. It is hypothesized that studies focused on understanding the biological function of each step in staphylococcal biofilm formation will yield new treatment modalities to treat these recalcitrant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul D Fey
- Department of Pathology & Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA.
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16
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Peritonitis is a common and serious complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Coagulase-negative staphylococci from the patient's own skin flora are the most commonly found micro-organisms. OBJECTIVE In the present study we aim to elucidate the immune response in the early stage of infection and to clarify the importance of bacterial attachment to fibrinogen. METHODS Clinical Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates collected from PD peritonitis or the residential skin flora of healthy individuals were used to infect monocytes, macrophages, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in the presence or absence of fibrinogen. The S. epidermidis strain HB (fbe(+)), expressing the fibrinogen-binding protein Fbe, and its isogenic mutant ST056 (fbe(-)) were used to study the impact of Fbe during cell infection. Immune induction was measured as interleukin-8 (IL-8) production determined by ELISA. Modulation of CD11b/CD18 expression in neutrophils incubated in conditioned medium from these experiments was analyzed in order to judge the cellular response. RESULTS S. epidermidis causing peritonitis was less immunogenic compared to strains belonging to the residential skin flora, as measured by IL-8 induction in monocytes and CD11b/CD18 expression in neutrophils. At low bacterial concentrations, attachment to fibrinogen was a prerequisite for an IL-8 induction in monocytes and PBMC. The fibrinogen-binding protein Fbe did not, however, influence immune induction under this condition. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that S. epidermidis strains may be able to cause clinical infection by evoking an inadequate immunological response in the early stage of infection. Bacterial attachment to fibrinogen is a relevant event during this phase but independent of the fibrinogen-binding protein Fbe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Jung
- Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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17
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Abstract
Biofilm is one of the important virulence factors of staphylococci that plays a role in many device-related infections such as native valve endocarditis, otitis media, urinary tract infections, cystic fibrosis, acute septic arthritis, etc. Biofilm is a microbially derived sessile community of microorganisms, developed either from single or multiple microorganisms. Formation of biofilm is a two-step process: adherence of cells to a surface and accumulation of cells to form multilayered cell clusters. A trademark of biofilm formation in staphylococci is the production of polysaccharide intercellular adhesin. In the formation and regulation of biofilm, some biosynthetic genes (icaADBC) and some regulatory genes (icaR, sar, agr, rbf, sigma(B)) are involved. In this article, we reviewed the structure and formation of staphylococcal biofilm and its role in medical infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astha Agarwal
- Department of Microbiology, Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University, Lucknow, UP, India
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18
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Nelson A, Hultenby K, Hell E, Riedel HM, Brismar H, Flock JI, Lundahl J, Giske CG, Marchini G. Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from newborn infants express pilus-like structures and are inhibited by the cathelicidin-derived antimicrobial peptide LL37. Pediatr Res 2009; 66:174-8. [PMID: 19390494 DOI: 10.1203/pdr.0b013e3181a9d80c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Coagulase-negative staphylococci and its subtype Staphylococcus epidermidis are major indigenous Gram-positive inhabitants of the human skin. Colonization occurs in direct connection with birth and terrestrial adaptation. This study focuses on factors that may influence skin colonization of the newborn infant that relates to the immune status of both the bacteria and the host. Skin is an effective barrier against bacteria, and this function is partly mediated by the presence of antimicrobial peptides including human cathelicidin peptide LL37. Gram-positive bacteria have been described to have adhesive pili on their surface that mediates specific attachment to the host. Here, we identify, by negative staining transmission electron microscopy (EM), two different types of pilus-like structures commonly expressed on S. epidermidis isolated from newborn infants. We also show that the cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide LL37, constitutively expressed in the skin barrier of the newborn, significantly inhibited growth of S. epidermidis indicating its importance for the ecological stability of the skin microbiota. Further studies are required to elucidate molecular mechanisms of host-microbe interactions, both for the maintenance of a mutually beneficial homeostatic relationship and for the protection of self when it results in overt disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Nelson
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17176, Sweden
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19
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Brennan MP, Loughman A, Devocelle M, Arasu S, Chubb AJ, Foster TJ, Cox D. Elucidating the role of Staphylococcus epidermidis serine-aspartate repeat protein G in platelet activation. J Thromb Haemost 2009; 7:1364-72. [PMID: 19486275 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2009.03495.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Staphylococcus epidermidis is a commensal of the human skin that has been implicated in infective endocarditis and infections involving implanted medical devices. S. epidermidis induces platelet aggregation by an unknown mechanism. The fibrinogen-binding protein serine-aspartate repeat protein G (SdrG) is present in 67-91% of clinical strains. OBJECTIVES To determine whether SdrG plays a role in platelet activation, and if so to investigate the role of fibrinogen in this mechanism. METHODS SdrG was expressed in a surrogate host, Lactococcus lactis, in order to investigate its role in the absence of other staphylococcal components. Platelet adhesion and platelet aggregation assays were employed. RESULTS L. lactis expressing SdrG stimulated platelet aggregation (lag time: 2.9 +/- 0.5 min), whereas the L. lactis control did not. L. lactis SdrG-induced aggregation was inhibited by alpha(IIb)beta3 antagonists and aspirin. Aggregation was dependent on both fibrinogen and IgG, and the platelet IgG receptor FcgammaRIIa. Preincubation of the bacteria with Bbeta-chain fibrinopeptide inhibited aggregation (delaying the lag time six-fold), suggesting that fibrinogen acts as a bridging molecule. Platelets adhered to L. lactis SdrG in the absence of fibrinogen. Adhesion was inhibited by alpha(IIb)beta3 antagonists, suggesting that this direct interaction involves alpha(IIb)beta3. Investigation using purified fragments of SdrG revealed a direct interaction with the B-domains. Adhesion to the A-domain involved both a fibrinogen and an IgG bridge. CONCLUSION SdrG alone is sufficient to support platelet adhesion and aggregation through both direct and indirect mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Brennan
- Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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20
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Guo B, Zhao X, Shi Y, Zhu D, Zhang Y. Pathogenic implication of a fibrinogen-binding protein of Staphylococcus epidermidis in a rat model of intravascular-catheter-associated infection. Infect Immun 2007; 75:2991-5. [PMID: 17387162 PMCID: PMC1932892 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01741-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The involvement of Fbe, a fibrinogen-binding protein of Staphylococcus epidermidis, in the pathogenesis of catheter-associated infection was investigated. An fbe (gene encoding Fbe protein) mutant was constructed by allelic replacement, wherein an erythromycin resistance gene replaced a portion of the A region of fbe. Meanwhile, a rat central venous catheter (CVC) infection model was established to assess the importance of Fbe in the pathogenesis of CVC-associated infection due to S. epidermidis. Fbe-positive S. epidermidis strain HB was significantly more likely to cause a CVC-associated infection resulting in bacteremia and metastatic disease than its isogenic Fbe-deficient mutant (100% versus 20%, P < 0.01). These results confirm the importance of adherence associated with Fbe in the pathogenesis of CVC-associated infection caused by S. epidermidis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beining Guo
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, No. 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai 200040, China
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21
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Hall AE, Patel PR, Domanski PJ, Prater BD, Gorovits EL, Syribeys PJ, Vernachio JH, Patti JM, Hutchins JT. A panel of monoclonal antibodies recognizing the Staphylococcus epidermidis fibrinogen-binding MSCRAMM SdrG. Hybridoma (Larchmt) 2007; 26:28-34. [PMID: 17316083 DOI: 10.1089/hyb.2006.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidis is an important opportunistic human pathogen that has recently emerged as a major cause of foreign-body infections. The most important stage contributing to the pathogenesis of this bacteria is the initial adherence to host tissue. SdrG is a cell-wall-anchored fibrinogen-binding adhesin of S. epidermidis that has been shown to be necessary for bacterial binding to fibrinogen-coated foreign bodies, such as catheters. Here we report the generation and characterization of a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed against this S. epidermidis virulence factor. Through the use of multiple in vitro assays, surface plasmon resonance, and flow cytometry, we have characterized a diverse array of MAbs that may prove to be beneficial in studies that address the precise biologic role of SdrG.
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Abstract
Medical device-associated infections, most frequently caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci, especially Staphylococcus epidermidis, are of increasing importance in modern medicine. Regularly, antimicrobial therapy fails without removal of the implanted device. The most important factor in the pathogenesis of medical device-associated staphylococcal infections is the formation of adherent, multilayered bacterial biofilms. There is urgent need for an increased understanding of the functional factors involved in biofilm formation, the regulation of their expression, and the interaction of those potential virulence factors in device related infection with the host. Significant progress has been made in recent years which may ultimately lead to new rational approaches for better preventive, therapeutic, and diagnostic measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Mack
- Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The School of Medicine, University of Wales Swansea, Swansea, UK.
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23
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Vernachio JH, Bayer AS, Ames B, Bryant D, Prater BD, Syribeys PJ, Gorovits EL, Patti JM. Human immunoglobulin G recognizing fibrinogen-binding surface proteins is protective against both Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis infections in vivo. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2006; 50:511-8. [PMID: 16436704 PMCID: PMC1366878 DOI: 10.1128/aac.50.2.511-518.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A human donor-selected immunoglobulin G for intravenous injection (IGIV) product with elevated titers against the staphylococcal fibrinogen-binding MSCRAMM proteins ClfA and SdrG (INH-A21) was tested in vitro and in vivo. INH-A21 contained a significantly increased ability to inhibit the fibrinogen-binding activity of recombinant forms of both ClfA and SdrG. Evaluation of the opsonizing potential of INH-A21 was evaluated using fluorescently labeled bacteria; this assay indicated an increase in phagocytic activity compared to normal IGIV. The prophylactic efficacy of INH-A21 against an intraperitoneal challenge of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) was evaluated in a neonatal rat model. INH-A21 was also evaluated for prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy in a rabbit model of catheter-induced aortic valve infective endocarditis caused by either MRSE or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Results from the in vivo models demonstrated potent prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy against both MRSE and MRSA. These data suggest that INH-A21 may be an important tool for the prevention and treatment of staphylococcal infections, especially in high-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Vernachio
- Inhibitex, Inc., 9005 Westside Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30004, USA.
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Kenchappa P, Duggirala A, Ahmed N, Pathengay A, Das T, Hasnain SE, Sharma S. Fluorescent amplified fragment length polymorphism (FAFLP) genotyping demonstrates the role of biofilm-producing methicillin-resistant periocular Staphylococcus epidermidis strains in postoperative endophthalmitis. BMC Ophthalmol 2006; 6:1. [PMID: 16396685 PMCID: PMC1360094 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2415-6-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2005] [Accepted: 01/05/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An observational case series was used to study the virulence characteristics and genotypes of paired Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates cultured from intraocular samples and from periocular environment of patients with postcataract surgery endophthalmitis. Methods Eight S. epidermidis isolates were obtained from three patients (2 from patients #1 and 2 and 4 from patient #3) whose vitreous and/or anterior chamber (AC) specimens and preoperative lid/conjunctiva samples were culture positive. Cultures were identified by API-Staph phenotypic identification system and genotypically characterized by Fluorescent Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (FAFLP) and checked for their antimicrobial susceptibility. The isolates were tested for biofilm-production and methicillin-resistance (MR) by PCR amplification of icaAB and mecA gene respectively. Results Four out of eight S. epidermidis strains showed multiple drug resistance (MDR). All the eight strains were PCR positive for mecA gene whereas seven out of eight strains were positive for icaAB genes. In all three patients FAFLP typing established vitreous isolates of S. epidermidis strains to be indistinguishable from the strains isolated from the patient's conjunctival swabs. However, from patient number three there was one isolate (1030b from lid swab), which appeared to be nonpathogenic and ancestral having minor but significant differences from other three strains from the same patient. This strain also lacked icaAB gene. In silico analysis indicated possible evolution of other strains from this strain in the patient. Conclusion Methicillin-resistant biofilm positive S. epidermidis strains colonizing the conjunctiva and eyelid were responsible for postoperative endophthalmitis (POE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashanth Kenchappa
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell biology, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Nacharam, Hyderabad – 500 076, India
| | - Aparna Duggirala
- Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad – 500 034, India
| | - Niyaz Ahmed
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell biology, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Nacharam, Hyderabad – 500 076, India
| | - Avinash Pathengay
- Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad – 500 034, India
| | - Taraprasad Das
- Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad – 500 034, India
| | - Seyed E Hasnain
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell biology, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Nacharam, Hyderabad – 500 076, India
- Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Jakkur, Bangalore, India
| | - Savitri Sharma
- Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad – 500 034, India
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Nilsdotter-Augustinsson A, Claesson C, Lindgren PE, Lundqvist-Gustafsson H, Ohman L. Adherence of Staphylococcus epidermidis to extracellular matrix proteins and effects of fibrinogen-bound bacteria on oxidase activity and apoptosis in neutrophils. APMIS 2005; 113:361-73. [PMID: 16011663 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0463.2005.apm_113508.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidis often causes foreign-body infections such as those associated with hip prostheses, but the underlying pathogenic mechanisms are not fully understood. We performed spectrophotometry to study the ability of S. epidermidis to bind to immobilised fibrinogen, fibronectin, vitronectin, and collagen. The strains were isolated from infected hip prostheses or from normal flora and the well-known protein-binding strain Staphylococcus aureus Cowan was used as positive control. We also analysed the interaction between neutrophils and a fibrinogen-bound prosthesis-derived strain of S. epidermidisby measuring chemiluminescence to determine the neutrophil oxidative response and binding of annexin V to indicate neutrophil apoptosis. We found that binding of S. epidermidis to extracellular matrix proteins varied under different growth conditions, and that prosthesis isolates adhered better to vitronectin than did strains from normal flora. The oxidative response caused by fibrinogen-bound S. epidermidis was not above the background level, which was in marked contrast to the distinct response induced by fibrinogen-associated S. aureus Cowan. Furthermore, fibrinogen-adhering S. epidermidis retarded neutrophil apoptosis. We conclude that surface-bound S. epidermidis induces only a weak inflammatory response, which in combination with the ability of the adherent bacteria to retard neutrophil apoptosis may contribute to low-grade inflammation and loosening of prostheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asa Nilsdotter-Augustinsson
- Divisions of Infectious Diseases, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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26
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Sun D, Accavitti MA, Bryers JD. Inhibition of biofilm formation by monoclonal antibodies against Staphylococcus epidermidis RP62A accumulation-associated protein. Clin Diagn Lab Immunol 2005; 12:93-100. [PMID: 15642991 PMCID: PMC540198 DOI: 10.1128/cdli.12.1.93-100.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidis expresses a 140-kDa cell wall-bound protein accumulation-associated protein (AAP) to adhere to and accumulate as a biofilm on a surface. Potentially blocking AAP with a monoclonal antibody (MAb) could reduce or eliminate S. epidermidis bacterial colonization of biomedical devices. Here, we report on our efforts to (i) isolate AAP, (ii) generate MAbs against AAP, and (iii) determine the efficacy of MAbs to inhibit S. epidermidis biofilm formation. An M7 S. epidermidis mutant, reportedly deficient in AAP expression, was used as a negative control. Postinoculation murine sera, containing polyclonal antibodies against AAP, were able to reduce S. epidermidis biofilm formation by 54%. Select MAbs against AAP were able to reduce S. epidermidis by no more than 66%. Two MAb mixtures, 12C6/12A1 and 3C1/12A1, reduced S. epidermidis accumulation up to 79 and 87%, respectively, significantly more than individual MAbs. Contrary to a previous report, biofilm-deficient S. epidermidis mutant M7 expressed a 200-kDa protein on its cell wall that specifically bound AAP MAbs. Peptide characterization of this M7 protein by microcapillary reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography-nanoelectrospray tandem mass spectrometry resulted in 53% homology with AAP. Ongoing studies will elucidate the dynamic expression of AAP and the M7 200-kDa protein in order to define their roles in biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daqian Sun
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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27
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Yao Y, Sturdevant DE, Villaruz A, Xu L, Gao Q, Otto M. Factors characterizing Staphylococcus epidermidis invasiveness determined by comparative genomics. Infect Immun 2005; 73:1856-60. [PMID: 15731088 PMCID: PMC1064939 DOI: 10.1128/iai.73.3.1856-1860.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Virulence mechanisms of the leading nosocomial pathogen Staphylococcus epidermidis are poorly understood. We used microarray-based genome-wide comparison of clinical and commensal S. epidermidis strains to identify putative virulence determinants. Our study revealed high genetic variability of the S. epidermidis genome, new markers for invasiveness of S. epidermidis, and potential targets for drug development against S. epidermidis infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Yao
- Laboratory of Human Bacterial Pathogenesis, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, The National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
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28
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Abstract
Antibodies against the fibrinogen binding protein (Fbe) of Staphylococcus epidermidis significantly increased macrophage phagocytosis. Antibodies against autolysin E were opsonic but to a lesser extent. Antibodies against a novel, putatively surface-located antigen were unable to enhance phagocytosis. The severity of systemic infection of mice with S. epidermidis was reduced if the bacteria were preopsonized with anti-Fbe prior to administration. Fbe is thus a strong candidate for protein vaccination against S. epidermidis infection, and antibodies against Fbe can be used to prevent or treat infections caused by S. epidermidis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rennermalm
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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29
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Nilsdotter-Augustinsson A, Wilsson A, Larsson J, Stendahl O, Ohman L, Lundqvist-Gustafsson H. Staphylococcus aureus, but not Staphylococcus epidermidis, modulates the oxidative response and induces apoptosis in human neutrophils. APMIS 2004; 112:109-18. [PMID: 15056227 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0463.2004.apm1120205.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
S. epidermidis is the most common isolate in foreign body infections. The aim of this study was to understand why S. epidermidis causes silent biomaterial infections. In view of the divergent inflammatory responses S. epidermidis and S. aureus cause in patients, we analyzed how they differ when interacting with human neutrophils. Neutrophils interacting with S. epidermidis strains isolated either from granulation tissue covering infected hip prostheses or from normal skin flora were tested by measuring the oxidative response as chemiluminescence and apoptosis as annexin V binding. Different S. aureus strains were tested in parallel. All S. epidermidis tested were unable to modulate the oxidative reaction in response to formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) and did not provoke, but rather inhibited, apoptosis. In contrast, some S. aureus strains enhanced the oxidative reaction, and this priming capacity was linked to p38-mitogen-activated-protein-kinase (p38-MAPK) activation and induction of apoptosis. Our results may explain why S. epidermidis is a weak inducer of inflammation compared to S. aureus, and therefore responsible for the indolent and chronic course of S. epidermidis biomaterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asa Nilsdotter-Augustinsson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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Heilmann C, Thumm G, Chhatwal GS, Hartleib J, Uekötter A, Peters G. Identification and characterization of a novel autolysin (Aae) with adhesive properties from Staphylococcus epidermidis. Microbiology (Reading) 2003; 149:2769-2778. [PMID: 14523110 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.26527-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidisbiofilm formation on polymer surfaces is considered a major pathogenicity factor in foreign-body-associated infections. Previously, the 148 kDa autolysin AtlE fromS.epidermidis, which is involved in the initial attachment of the cells to polymer surfaces and also binds to the extracellular matrix protein vitronectin, was characterized. Here, the characterization of a novel autolysin/adhesin (Aae) inS.epidermidis is described. Aae was identified as a 35 kDa surface-associated protein that has bacteriolytic activity and binds vitronectin. Its N-terminal amino acid sequence was determined and the respective gene,aae, was cloned. DNA-sequence analysis revealed thataaeencodes a deduced protein of 324 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 35 kDa. Aae contains three repetitive sequences in its N-terminal portion. These repeats comprise features of a putative peptidoglycan binding domain (LysM domain) found in a number of enzymes involved in cell-wall metabolism and also in some adhesins. Expression ofaaebyEscherichia coliand subsequent analysis revealed that Aae possesses bacteriolytic activity and adhesive properties. The interaction of Aae with fibrinogen, fibronectin and vitronectin was found to be dose-dependent and saturable and to occur with high affinity, by using the real-time Biomolecular Interaction Analysis (BIA). Aae binds to the Aα- and Bβ-chains of fibrinogen and to the 29 kDa N-terminal fragment of fibronectin. In conclusion, Aae is a surface-associated protein with bacteriolytic and adhesive properties representing a new member of the staphylococcal autolysin/adhesins potentially involved in colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Heilmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Münster, Domagkstr. 10, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Günther Thumm
- Mikrobielle Genetik, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 28, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gursharan S Chhatwal
- Division of Microbiology, GBF-National Research Center for Biotechnology, Spielmannstr. 7, D-38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jörg Hartleib
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Münster, Domagkstr. 10, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Andreas Uekötter
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Münster, Domagkstr. 10, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Georg Peters
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Münster, Domagkstr. 10, D-48149 Münster, Germany
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Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidis, a coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS), is one of the leading pathogens of nosocomial infections, particularly associated with foreign body infections. Adherence of S. epidermidis to fibrinogen deposited on the surfaces of implants is important for the development of foreign body infections. A gene (fbe) encoding a fibrinogen-binding protein from S. epidermidis (Fbe) was identified by shotgun phage display. A portion of fbe was cloned into a GST-fusion vector. Affinity to glutathione-Sepharose by the GST-tag and affinity to fibrinogen-Sepharose by the Fbe part were applied to purify the recombinant Fbe. The purity and efficacy of the methods used in protein purification was compared. Furthermore, the potential physiological role of Fbe was studied by the interaction between GST-Fbe and components extracted from explanted materials in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Pei
- Division of Clinical Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology, Pathology and Immunology, Huddinge University Hospital, Karolinska Institute, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden.
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32
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Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidis has been reported to bind to a number of host cell extracellular matrix proteins, including fibronectin. Here we report the identification of a fibronectin-binding protein from S. epidermidis. A phage display library of S. epidermidis genomic DNA was constructed and panned against immobilized fibronectin. A number of phagemid clones containing overlapping inserts were identified, and one of these clones, pSE109FN, contained a 1.4-kb insert. Phage pSE109FN was found to bind to fibronectin but not to collagen, fibrinogen, laminin, or vitronectin. However, pSE109FN also bound to heparin, hyaluronate, and plasminogen, although to a lesser extent than it bound to fibronectin. Analysis of The Institute for Genomic Research S. epidermidis genome sequence database revealed a 1.85-kb region within a putative 30.5-kb open reading frame, to which the overlapping DNA inserts contained within the fibronectin-binding phagemids mapped. We have designated the gene encoding the fibronectin-binding domain embp. A recombinant protein, Embp32, which encompassed the fibronectin-binding domain of Embp, blocked the binding of S. epidermidis, but not the binding of Staphylococcus aureus, to fibronectin. In contrast, a recombinant protein, FnBPB[D1-D4], spanning the fibronectin-binding domain of the S. aureus fibronectin-binding protein FnBPB, blocked binding of S. aureus to fibronectin but had a negligible effect on the binding of S. epidermidis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel J Williams
- Cellular Microbiology Research Group, Eastman Dental Institute for Oral Health Care Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom
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Abstract
As a group, the coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are among the most frequently isolated bacteria in the clinical microbiology laboratory and are becoming increasingly important, especially as causes of hospital-acquired infections. These bacteria are normal inhabitants of human skin and mucous membranes and, therefore, one of the major challenges of daily diagnostic work is to distinguish clinically significant CoNS from contaminant strains. This overview addresses current knowledge of the pathogenesis of infections due to CoNS and particularly focuses on virulence factors of the species Staphylococcus epidermidis. S epidermidis has been identified as a major cause of nosocomial infections, especially in patients with predisposing factors such as indwelling or implanted foreign polymer bodies. Most important in the pathogenesis of foreign-body-associated infections is the ability of these bacteria to colonise the polymer surface by the formation of a thick, multilayered biofilm. Biofilm formation takes place in two phases. The first phase involves the attachment of the bacteria to polymer surfaces that may be either unmodified or coated with host extracellular matrix proteins. In the second phase, the bacteria proliferate and accumulate into multilayered cell clusters that are embedded in an extracellular material. The bacterial factors involved in both phases of biofilm formation are discussed in this review. In addition, the most important aspects of the pathogenic potential of S saprophyticus, S lugdunensis, and S schleiferi are described, although, compared with S epidermidis, much less is known in these species concerning their virulence factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christof von Eiff
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Münster Hospital and Clinics, Münster, Germany.
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