1
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Dolan SK, Duong AT, Whiteley M. Convergent evolution in toxin detection and resistance provides evidence for conserved bacterial-fungal interactions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2304382121. [PMID: 39088389 PMCID: PMC11317636 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304382121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbes rarely exist in isolation and instead form complex polymicrobial communities. As a result, microbes have developed intricate offensive and defensive strategies that enhance their fitness in these complex communities. Thus, identifying and understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling polymicrobial interactions is critical for understanding the function of microbial communities. In this study, we show that the gram-negative opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which frequently causes infection alongside a plethora of other microbes including fungi, encodes a genetic network which can detect and defend against gliotoxin, a potent, disulfide-containing antimicrobial produced by the ubiquitous filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. We show that gliotoxin exposure disrupts P. aeruginosa zinc homeostasis, leading to transcriptional activation of a gene encoding a previously uncharacterized dithiol oxidase (herein named as DnoP), which detoxifies gliotoxin and structurally related toxins. Despite sharing little homology to the A. fumigatus gliotoxin resistance protein (GliT), the enzymatic mechanism of DnoP from P. aeruginosa appears to be identical that used by A. fumigatus. Thus, DnoP and its transcriptional induction by low zinc represent a rare example of both convergent evolution of toxin defense and environmental cue sensing across kingdoms. Collectively, these data provide compelling evidence that P. aeruginosa has evolved to survive exposure to an A. fumigatus disulfide-containing toxin in the natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen K. Dolan
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA30310
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center, Clemson University, Clemson, SC29634
- Emory-Children’s Cystic Fibrosis Center, Atlanta, GA30310
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA30310
| | - Ashley T. Duong
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA30310
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA30310
| | - Marvin Whiteley
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA30310
- Emory-Children’s Cystic Fibrosis Center, Atlanta, GA30310
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA30310
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2
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Zou H, Li Q, Su Y, Zhang L, Zhang X, Li C. Persistent ciprofloxacin exposure induced the transformation of Klebsiella pneumoniae small colony variant into mucous phenotype. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1259296. [PMID: 37928182 PMCID: PMC10625421 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1259296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Small colony variant (SCV) is a bacterial phenotype closely related to persistent and recurrent infections. SCVs are mutations that occur within bacterial populations, resulting in a change in bacterial morphology and the formation of small colonies. This morphological change may enhance bacterial resistance to antibiotics and contribute to persistent and recurrent infections. Methods We isolated Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPN) and its SCV from a child with recurrent respiratory tract infections. KPN and SCV were treated with subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics. growth curves, serum resistance experiments, macrophage phagocytosis experiments and whole genome sequencing were used to characterize KPN and SCV. Results After treating KPN and SCV with subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics, we found that ciprofloxacin induced the SCV transition to the mucoid phenotype. We found that the growth of mucoid Klebsiella pneumoniae was significantly slower than maternal strain and SCV though growth curves. Serum resistance experiments showed that mucoid strains had significantly higher serum resistance compared to maternal strain and SCV. Macrophage phagocytosis experiments revealed that SCV had significantly higher intracellular survival rates compared to maternal strain and mucoid strains. Differential gene analysis of three strains revealed that the mucoid strain contained DNA polymerase V subunit UmuC gene on the plasmid, while the SCV strain had an additional IcmK family IV secretion protein on its plasmid. Discussion Our study showed the SCV of KPN changed to a mucoid colony when exposed to subinhibitory concentrations of ciprofloxacin. The higher resistance of serum of mucoid colonies was possibly related to the UmuC gene, while the increased intracellular survival of SCV may be related to the IcmK family type IV secretion proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Chunli Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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3
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Debourgogne A, Monpierre L, Sy KA, Valsecchi I, Decousser JW, Botterel F. Interactions between Bacteria and Aspergillus fumigatus in Airways: From the Mycobiome to Molecular Interactions. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:900. [PMID: 37755008 PMCID: PMC10533028 DOI: 10.3390/jof9090900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Interactions between different kingdoms of microorganisms in humans are common but not well described. A recent analysis of the mycobiome has described the presence of different fungi and their positive and/or negative interactions with bacteria and other fungi. In chronic respiratory diseases, these different microorganisms form mixed biofilms to live inside. The interactions between Gram-negative bacteria and filamentous fungi in these biofilms have attracted more attention recently. In this review, we analyse the microbiota of the respiratory tract of healthy individuals and patients with chronic respiratory disease. Additionally, we describe the regulatory mechanisms that rule the mixed biofilms of Aspergillus fumigatus and Gram-negative bacteria and the effects of this biofilm on clinical presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Debourgogne
- UR 7300, Stress Immunité Pathogène, Université de Lorraine, 54000 Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France;
| | - Lorra Monpierre
- Unité de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Département de Prévention, Diagnostic et Traitement des Infections, CHU Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), 94000 Créteil, France;
- UR DYNAMYC 7380, Faculté de Santé, Univ Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort (ENVA), USC Anses, 94700 Créteil, France; (K.A.S.); (I.V.); (J.-W.D.)
| | - Khadeeja Adam Sy
- UR DYNAMYC 7380, Faculté de Santé, Univ Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort (ENVA), USC Anses, 94700 Créteil, France; (K.A.S.); (I.V.); (J.-W.D.)
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U955, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - Isabel Valsecchi
- UR DYNAMYC 7380, Faculté de Santé, Univ Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort (ENVA), USC Anses, 94700 Créteil, France; (K.A.S.); (I.V.); (J.-W.D.)
| | - Jean-Winoc Decousser
- UR DYNAMYC 7380, Faculté de Santé, Univ Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort (ENVA), USC Anses, 94700 Créteil, France; (K.A.S.); (I.V.); (J.-W.D.)
- Department of Infection Control, University Hospital Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique—Hôpitaux de Paris, 94000 Créteil, France
| | - Françoise Botterel
- Unité de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Département de Prévention, Diagnostic et Traitement des Infections, CHU Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), 94000 Créteil, France;
- UR DYNAMYC 7380, Faculté de Santé, Univ Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort (ENVA), USC Anses, 94700 Créteil, France; (K.A.S.); (I.V.); (J.-W.D.)
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4
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Yan K, Yin H, Wang J, Cai Y. Subtle relationships between Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungi in patients with cystic fibrosis. Acta Clin Belg 2022; 77:425-435. [PMID: 33242290 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2020.1852850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common hereditary lung diseases. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), Aspergillus fumigatus (AF) and Candida albicans (CA) are the principal bacterial and fungal pathogens in the airways of CF patients. The interactions of coexisting bacterial-fungal pathogens are of great interest. In the present work, we reviewed the literature of available in vitro and in vivo studies, whereas most of the reports have shown that PA inhibits the growth of fungi through restriction of iron uptake and secretion of toxic substances. Fungi may also affect the growth or virulence of PA through their secreted molecules. To clarify the bacterial-fungal interaction, more in-depth and detailed studies are still needed, which will provide a better understanding of species, microbial population dynamics, and related mechanisms in CF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yun Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, MedicalSupplies Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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5
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Co-Operative Biofilm Interactions between Aspergillus fumigatus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa through Secreted Galactosaminogalactan Exopolysaccharide. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8040336. [PMID: 35448567 PMCID: PMC9030451 DOI: 10.3390/jof8040336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The mold Aspergillus fumigatus and bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa form biofilms in the airways of individuals with cystic fibrosis. Biofilm formation by A. fumigatus depends on the self-produced cationic exopolysaccharide galactosaminogalactan (GAG), while P. aeruginosa biofilms can contain the cationic exopolysaccharide Pel. GAG and Pel are rendered cationic by deacetylation mediated by either the secreted deacetylase Agd3 (A. fumigatus) or the periplasmic deacetylase PelA (P. aeruginosa). Given the similarities between these polymers, the potential for biofilm interactions between these organisms were investigated. P. aeruginosa were observed to adhere to A. fumigatus hyphae in a GAG-dependent manner and to GAG-coated coverslips of A. fumigatus biofilms. In biofilm adherence assays, incubation of P. aeruginosa with A. fumigatus culture supernatants containing de-N-acetylated GAG augmented the formation of adherent P. aeruginosa biofilms, increasing protection against killing by the antibiotic colistin. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated incorporation of GAG within P. aeruginosa biofilms, suggesting that GAG can serve as an alternate biofilm exopolysaccharide for this bacterium. In contrast, Pel-containing bacterial culture supernatants only augmented the formation of adherent A. fumigatus biofilms when antifungal inhibitory molecules were removed. This study demonstrates biofilm interaction via exopolysaccharides as a potential mechanism of co-operation between these organisms in chronic lung disease.
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6
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Reece E, Bettio PHDA, Renwick J. Polymicrobial Interactions in the Cystic Fibrosis Airway Microbiome Impact the Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10070827. [PMID: 34356747 PMCID: PMC8300716 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10070827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most dominant pathogens in cystic fibrosis (CF) airway disease and contributes to significant inflammation, airway damage, and poorer disease outcomes. The CF airway is now known to be host to a complex community of microorganisms, and polymicrobial interactions have been shown to play an important role in shaping P. aeruginosa pathogenicity and resistance. P. aeruginosa can cause chronic infections that once established are almost impossible to eradicate with antibiotics. CF patients that develop chronic P. aeruginosa infection have poorer lung function, higher morbidity, and a reduced life expectancy. P. aeruginosa adapts to the CF airway and quickly develops resistance to several antibiotics. A perplexing phenomenon is the disparity between in vitro antimicrobial sensitivity testing and clinical response. Considering the CF airway is host to a diverse community of microorganisms or 'microbiome' and that these microorganisms are known to interact, the antimicrobial resistance and progression of P. aeruginosa infection is likely influenced by these microbial relationships. This review combines the literature to date on interactions between P. aeruginosa and other airway microorganisms and the influence of these interactions on P. aeruginosa tolerance to antimicrobials.
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7
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Keown K, Reid A, Moore JE, Taggart CC, Downey DG. Coinfection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus in cystic fibrosis. Eur Respir Rev 2020; 29:29/158/200011. [PMID: 33208485 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0011-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is characterised by mucus stasis, chronic infection and inflammation, causing progressive structural lung disease and eventual respiratory failure. CF airways are inhabited by an ecologically diverse polymicrobial environment with vast potential for interspecies interactions, which may be a contributing factor to disease progression. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus are the most common bacterial and fungal species present in CF airways respectively and coinfection results in a worse disease phenotype. METHODS In this review we examine existing expert knowledge of chronic co-infection with P. aeruginosa and A. fumigatus in CF patients. We summarise the mechanisms of interaction and evaluate the clinical and inflammatory impacts of this co-infection. RESULTS P. aeruginosa inhibits A. fumigatus through multiple mechanisms: phenazine secretion, iron competition, quorum sensing and through diffusible small molecules. A. fumigatus reciprocates inhibition through gliotoxin release and phenotypic adaptations enabling evasion of P. aeruginosa inhibition. Volatile organic compounds secreted by P. aeruginosa stimulate A. fumigatus growth, while A. fumigatus stimulates P. aeruginosa production of cytotoxic elastase. CONCLUSION A complex bi-directional relationship exists between P. aeruginosa and A. fumigatus, exhibiting both mutually antagonistic and cooperative facets. Cross-sectional data indicate a worsened disease state in coinfected patients; however, robust longitudinal studies are required to derive causality and to determine whether interspecies interaction contributes to disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Keown
- Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK.,Wellcome Wolfson Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Alastair Reid
- Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - John E Moore
- Northern Ireland Public Health Laboratory, Dept of Bacteriology, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, UK
| | - Clifford C Taggart
- Wellcome Wolfson Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Damian G Downey
- Wellcome Wolfson Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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8
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Menetrey Q, Dupont C, Chiron R, Jumas-Bilak E, Marchandin H. High Occurrence of Bacterial Competition Among Clinically Documented Opportunistic Pathogens Including Achromobacter xylosoxidans in Cystic Fibrosis. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:558160. [PMID: 33013789 PMCID: PMC7513574 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.558160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) airways favor abnormal microbial development. Infections are considered as polymicrobial and competition can be observed between microorganisms. The current literature on bacterial competition in CF mostly consists of studies with limited numbers of strains, mainly focused on the major pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) and Staphylococcus aureus (Sa) and does not give a comprehensive overview of the overall importance of bacterial interactions or the behavior of less often encountered emerging bacteria such as Achromobacter. In this context, we screened a panel of 39 strains from six CF patients, of either clinical or domestic environmental origin, distinguished according to genotype and belonging to four opportunistic pathogens, Pa (n = 15), Sa (n = 3), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (Sm, n = 10) and Achromobacter xylosoxidans (Ax, n = 11). We investigated their capacity to compete in terms of growth, motility, and pigment production on agar media through 203 crossing experiments. Eleven strains selected via the initial screening results were further studied for competitive growth in liquid medium and biofilm formation. Competition was noted for 33% (67/203) of the pairs of strains with 85 modifications observed between monocultures and co-cultures, impacting growth (23.6%), motility (13.8%), and/or pigment production (6.1%). Under all conditions of the study (clinical, environmental strains; intra-, inter-patients; intra-, inter-species levels), competition was significantly more frequent among pairs of strains with at least one clinical strain. While Pa mainly outcompeted other species, in one patient with chronic colonization by Ax and sporadic colonization by Pa, we showed that some Ax inhibited the growth and pigmentation of Pa whereas biofilm formation was drastically reduced. Enlarging the panel of strains tested in competition assays gave new perspectives on the complex interactions taking place among the CF airway community. Indeed, the frequent occurrence of varied, strain-dependent interactions is revealed here. We report the first results of competition assays for Ax with the ability of certain strains to outcompete Pa. Our results are linked to the patient’s colonization history and question the importance of bacterial competitiveness in the colonization pattern of CF airways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Menetrey
- HydroSciences Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Chloé Dupont
- HydroSciences Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France.,HydroSciences Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Laboratoire d'Ecologie Microbienne Hospitalière, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Raphaël Chiron
- HydroSciences Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France.,HydroSciences Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Centre de Ressources et de Compétences de la Mucoviscidose, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Estelle Jumas-Bilak
- HydroSciences Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France.,HydroSciences Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Laboratoire d'Ecologie Microbienne Hospitalière, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Hélène Marchandin
- HydroSciences Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France.,HydroSciences Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Département de Microbiologie, CHU Nîmes, Nîmes, France
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9
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Beswick E, Amich J, Gago S. Factoring in the Complexity of the Cystic Fibrosis Lung to Understand Aspergillus fumigatus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Interactions. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9080639. [PMID: 32781694 PMCID: PMC7460534 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9080639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa has long been established as the most prevalent respiratory pathogen in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients, with opportunistic infection causing profound morbidity and mortality. Recently, Aspergillus fumigatus has also been recognised as a key contributor to CF lung deterioration, being consistently associated with decreased lung function and worsened prognosis in these patients. As clinical evidence for the common occurrence of combined infection with these two pathogens increases, research into the mechanism and consequences of their interaction is becoming more relevant. Clinical evidence suggests a synergistic effect of combined infection, which translates into a poorer prognosis for the patients. In vitro results from the laboratory have identified a variety of possible synergistic and antagonistic interactions between A. fumigatus and P. aeruginosa. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the complex environment of the CF lung and discuss how it needs to be considered to determine the exact molecular interactions that A. fumigatus and P. aeruginosa undergo during combined infection and their effects on the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Beswick
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Core Technology Facility, Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
- Academic Unit of Medical Education, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2TG, UK;
| | - Jorge Amich
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Core Technology Facility, Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
- Correspondence: (J.A.); (S.G.)
| | - Sara Gago
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Core Technology Facility, Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
- Correspondence: (J.A.); (S.G.)
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10
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Nazik H, Sass G, Déziel E, Stevens DA. Aspergillus Is Inhibited by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Volatiles. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6030118. [PMID: 32722412 PMCID: PMC7557479 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) and Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) compete with each other for nutrients and survival in natural environments, and have been extensively studied because of their intermicrobial interactions in the human microbiome. These are the principal microbes infecting immunocompromised patients and persons with cystic fibrosis, particularly the airways. These intermicrobial studies have largely been conducted in liquid medium or on agar, and thus focus on soluble or diffusible microbial products. Several key inhibitory molecules were defined in such studies. Methods: in the present report, we examine several methodologies which can be conveniently used to study the interaction of microbial volatiles, including capture methods and kinetics. Results: Pa volatiles inhibit Af, and the inhibitory mechanism appears to be the incorporation of the inhibitory molecules into the substrate nourishing the Af, rather than directly onto Af structures. We define by mass spectroscopy some specific volatile Pa products that can inhibit Af. Some of these molecules are selected for interest by the study of gene deletion mutants, producing a few Pa strains that were impaired in inhibition. We presumed the volatiles of these latter strains could be excluded from the search for inhibitors. Conclusion: the Pa inhibition of Af via a gaseous phase could be critical components in their competition, particularly in airways, where more direct contact may not be extensive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Nazik
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA; (H.N.); (G.S.)
| | - Gabriele Sass
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA; (H.N.); (G.S.)
| | - Eric Déziel
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Armand-Frappier, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada;
| | - David A. Stevens
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA; (H.N.); (G.S.)
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-408-998-4554
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11
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Chatterjee P, Sass G, Swietnicki W, Stevens DA. Review of Potential Pseudomonas Weaponry, Relevant to the Pseudomonas-Aspergillus Interplay, for the Mycology Community. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6020081. [PMID: 32517271 PMCID: PMC7345761 DOI: 10.3390/jof6020081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most prominent opportunistic bacteria in airways of cystic fibrosis patients and in immunocompromised patients. These bacteria share the same polymicrobial niche with other microbes, such as the opportunistic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. Their inter-kingdom interactions and diverse exchange of secreted metabolites are responsible for how they both fare in competition for ecological niches. The outcomes of their contests likely determine persistent damage and degeneration of lung function. With a myriad of virulence factors and metabolites of promising antifungal activity, P. aeruginosa products or their derivatives may prove useful in prophylaxis and therapy against A. fumigatus. Quorum sensing underlies the primary virulence strategy of P. aeruginosa, which serves as cell–cell communication and ultimately leads to the production of multiple virulence factors. Understanding the quorum-sensing-related pathogenic mechanisms of P. aeruginosa is a first step for understanding intermicrobial competition. In this review, we provide a basic overview of some of the central virulence factors of P. aeruginosa that are regulated by quorum-sensing response pathways and briefly discuss the hitherto known antifungal properties of these virulence factors. This review also addresses the role of the bacterial secretion machinery regarding virulence factor secretion and maintenance of cell–cell communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulami Chatterjee
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA; (P.C.); (G.S.)
| | - Gabriele Sass
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA; (P.C.); (G.S.)
| | - Wieslaw Swietnicki
- Department of Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 50-114 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - David A. Stevens
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA; (P.C.); (G.S.)
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-408-998-4554
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12
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Negative interaction of Staphylococcus aureus on Fusarium falciforme growth ocular isolates in an in vitro mixed biofilm. Microb Pathog 2019; 135:103644. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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13
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Sass G, Nazik H, Penner J, Shah H, Ansari SR, Clemons KV, Groleau MC, Dietl AM, Visca P, Haas H, Déziel E, Stevens DA. Aspergillus-Pseudomonas interaction, relevant to competition in airways. Med Mycol 2019; 57:S228-S232. [PMID: 30816973 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myy087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In airways of immunocompromised patients and individuals with cystic fibrosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus are the most common opportunistic bacterial and fungal pathogens. Both pathogens form biofilms and cause acute and chronic illnesses. Previous studies revealed that P. aeruginosa is able to inhibit A. fumigatus biofilms in vitro. While numerous P. aeruginosa molecules have been shown to affect A. fumigatus, there never has been a systematic approach to define the principal causative agent. We studied 24 P. aeruginosa mutants, with deletions in genes important for virulence, iron acquisition, or quorum sensing, for their ability to interfere with A. fumigatus biofilms. Cells, planktonic or biofilm culture filtrates of four P. aeruginosa mutants, pvdD-pchE-, pvdD-, lasR-rhlR-, and lasR-, inhibited A. fumigatus biofilm metabolism or planktonic A. fumigatus growth significantly less than P. aeruginosa wild type. The common defect of these four mutants was a lack in the production of the P. aeruginosa siderophore pyoverdine. Pure pyoverdine affected A. fumigatus biofilm metabolism, and restored inhibition by the above mutants. In lungs from cystic fibrosis patients, pyoverdine production and antifungal activity correlated. The key inhibitory mechanism for pyoverdine was iron-chelation and denial of iron to A. fumigatus. Further experiments revealed a counteracting, self-protective mechanism by A. fumigatus, based on A. fumigatus siderophore production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Sass
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, California, USA
| | - Hasan Nazik
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, California, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - John Penner
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, California, USA
| | - Hemi Shah
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, California, USA
| | - Shajia R Ansari
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, California, USA
| | - Karl V Clemons
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, California, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | | | - Anna-Maria Dietl
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Paolo Visca
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Hubertus Haas
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Eric Déziel
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - David A Stevens
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, California, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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14
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Fungal Respiratory Infections in Cystic Fibrosis (CF): Recent Progress and Future Research Agenda. Mycopathologia 2019; 183:1-5. [PMID: 29349726 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-017-0241-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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15
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Górski A, Bollyky PL, Przybylski M, Borysowski J, Międzybrodzki R, Jończyk-Matysiak E, Weber-Dąbrowska B. Perspectives of Phage Therapy in Non-bacterial Infections. Front Microbiol 2019; 9:3306. [PMID: 30687285 PMCID: PMC6333649 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.03306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
While the true value of phage therapy (PT) in human bacterial infections still awaits formal confirmation by clinical trials, new data have been accumulating indicating that in the future PT may be applied in the treatment of non-bacterial infections. Thus, "phage guests" may interact with eukaryotic cells and such interactions with cells of the immune system may protect human health (Guglielmi, 2017) and cause clinically useful immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects when administered for therapeutic purposes (Górski et al., 2017; Van Belleghem et al., 2017). Recently, a vision of how these effects could translate into advances in novel means of therapy in a variety of human pathologies secondary to immune disturbances and allergy was presented (Górski et al., 2018a). In this article we present what is currently known about anti-microbial effects of phage which are not directly related to their antibacterial action and how these findings could be applied in the future in treatment of viral and fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Górski
- Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paul L Bollyky
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA, United States.,Immunology Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Maciej Przybylski
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Borysowski
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ryszard Międzybrodzki
- Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Jończyk-Matysiak
- Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Beata Weber-Dąbrowska
- Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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16
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Zhao J, Yu W. Interaction between Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus in cystic fibrosis. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5931. [PMID: 30430043 PMCID: PMC6231424 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a disease characterized by chronic airway infection with a high incidence and poor prognosis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus are pathogens commonly found in CF patients. Clinically, these two microorganisms often coexist in the airway of CF patients. Combined infection with P. aeruginosa and A. fumigatus results in worsening lung function and clinical condition. Methods In this review, we focus on the mutual inhibition and promotion mechanisms of P. aeruginosa and A. fumigatus in CF patients. We also summarized the mechanisms of the interaction between these pathogenic microorganisms. Results P. aeruginosa inhibits A. fumigatus growth through the effects of phenazines, the quorum sensing system, iron competition, bacteriophages, and small colony variants. P. aeruginosa induces A. fumigatus growth through volatile organic compounds and subbacteriostatic concentrations of phenazines. A. fumigatus interferes with P. aeruginosa, affecting its metabolic growth via phenazine metabolic transformation, gliotoxin production, and reduced antibiotic sensitivity. Discussion Coexistence of P. aeruginosa and A. fumigatus can lead to both mutual inhibition and promotion. In different stages of CF disease, the interaction between these two pathogenic microorganisms may shift between promotion and inhibition. A discussion of the mechanisms of P. aeruginosa and A. fumigatus interaction can be beneficial for further treatment of CF patients and for improving the prognosis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingming Zhao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Wencheng Yu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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17
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Tracy MC, Moss RB. The myriad challenges of respiratory fungal infection in cystic fibrosis. Pediatr Pulmonol 2018; 53:S75-S85. [PMID: 29992775 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.24126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Fungal infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) is a recognized challenge, with many areas requiring further investigation. Consensus definitions exist for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillus in CF, but the full scope of clinically relevant non-allergic fungal disease in CF-asymptomatic colonization, transient or chronic infection localized to endobronchial mucus plugs or airway tissue, and invasive disease-is yet to be clearly defined. Recent advances in mycological culture and non-culture identification have expanded the list of both potential pathogens and community commensals in the lower respiratory tract. Here we aim to outline the current understanding of fungal presence in the CF respiratory tract, risk factors for acquiring fungi, host-pathogen interactions that influence the role of fungi from bystander to pathogen, advances in the diagnostic approaches to isolating and identifying fungi in CF respiratory samples, challenges of classifying clinical phenotypes of CF patients with fungi, and current treatment approaches. Development and validation of biomarkers characteristic of different fungal clinical phenotypes, and controlled trials of antifungal agents in well-characterized target populations, remain central challenges to surmount and goals to be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Tracy
- Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Division of Pulmonary, Asthma and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University Medical School, Palo Alto, California
| | - Richard B Moss
- Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Division of Pulmonary, Asthma and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University Medical School, Palo Alto, California
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18
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Nazik H, Joubert LM, Secor PR, Sweere JM, Bollyky PL, Sass G, Cegelski L, Stevens DA. Pseudomonas phage inhibition of Candida albicans. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2017; 163:1568-1577. [PMID: 28982395 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) and Candida albicans (Ca) are major bacterial and fungal pathogens in immunocompromised hosts, and notably in the airways of cystic fibrosis patients. The bacteriophages of Pa physically alter biofilms, and were recently shown to inhibit the biofilms of Aspergillus fumigatus. To understand the range of this viral-fungal interaction, we studied Pa phages Pf4 and Pf1, and their interactions with Ca biofilm formation and preformed Ca biofilm. Both forms of Ca biofilm development, as well as planktonic Ca growth, were inhibited by either phage. The inhibition of biofilm was reversed by the addition of iron, suggesting that the mechanism of phage action on Ca involves denial of iron. Birefringence studies on added phage showed an ordered structure of binding to Ca. Electron microscopic observations indicated phage aggregation in the biofilm extracellular matrix. Bacteriophage-fungal interactions may be a general feature with several pathogens in the fungal kingdom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Nazik
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA, USA.,California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA, USA
| | - Lydia-Marie Joubert
- Cell Sciences Imaging Facility, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Patrick R Secor
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Johanna M Sweere
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA, USA.,Immunology Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Paul L Bollyky
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA, USA.,Immunology Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Gabriele Sass
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - David A Stevens
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA, USA
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