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Sariyati NH, Othman N, Abdullah-Fauzi NAF, Chan E, Md-Zain BM, Karuppannan KV, Abdul-Latiff MAB. Characterizing the gastrointestinal microbiome diversity in endangered Malayan Siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus): Insights into group composition, age variability and sex-related patterns. J Med Primatol 2024; 53:e12730. [PMID: 39148344 DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12730] [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: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gut morphology of Symphalangus syndactylus exhibits an intermediate structure that aligns with its consumption of fruit and ability to supplement its diet with leaves. The Siamang relies on its gut microbiome for energy extraction, immune system development, and the synthesis of micronutrients. Gut microbiome composition may be structured based on several factors such as age, sex, and habitat. No study has yet been carried out on the gut microbiota of the Hylobatidae members in Malaysia especially S. syndactylus. METHODS This study aims to resolve the gut microbiome composition of S. syndactylus by using a fecal sample as DNA source, adapting high-throughput sequencing, and 16S rRNA as the targeted region. RESULTS A total of 1 272 903 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) reads were assigned to 22 phyla, 139 families, and 210 genera of microbes. The {Unknown Phylum} Bacteria-2 is the dominant phyla found across all samples. Meanwhile, {Unknown Phylum} Bacteria-2 and Firmicutes are genera that have the highest relative abundance found in the Siamang gut. CONCLUSIONS This study yields nonsignificance relationship between Siamang gut microbiome composition with these three factors: group, sex, and age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Hartini Sariyati
- Environmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), Muar, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Nursyuhada Othman
- Environmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), Muar, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Nurfatiha Akmal Fawwazah Abdullah-Fauzi
- Environmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), Muar, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Eddie Chan
- Treks Event Sdn Bhd, Lot AW/G5.00, GF, Awana Hotel Genting Highlands Resort, Genting Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Badrul Munir Md-Zain
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kayal Vizi Karuppannan
- National Wildlife Forensic Laboratory (NWFL), Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Abu Bakar Abdul-Latiff
- Environmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), Muar, Johor, Malaysia
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Bryan ER, McRae J, Kumar V, Trim LK, Maidment TI, Tickner JAD, Sweeney EL, Williams ED, Whiley DM, Beagley KW. A novel murine model mimicking male genital Neisseria species infection using Neisseria musculi†. Biol Reprod 2024; 111:613-624. [PMID: 38972067 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae100] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
With ~78 million cases yearly, the sexually transmitted bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae is an urgent threat to global public health due to continued emergence of antimicrobial resistance. In the male reproductive tract, untreated infections may cause permanent damage, poor sperm quality, and subsequently subfertility. Currently, few animal models exist for N. gonorrhoeae infection, which has strict human tropism, and available models have limited translatability to human disease. The absence of appropriate models inhibits the development of vital new diagnostics and treatments. However, the discovery of Neisseria musculi, a mouse oral cavity bacterium, offers much promise. This bacterium has already been used to develop an oral Neisseria infection model, but the feasibility of establishing urogenital gonococcal models is unexplored. We inoculated mice via the intrapenile route with N. musculi. We assessed bacterial burden throughout the male reproductive tract, the systemic and tissue-specific immune response 2-weeks postinfection, and the effect of infection on sperm health. Neisseria musculi was found in penis (2/5) and vas deferens (3/5) tissues. Infection altered immune cell counts: CD19+ (spleen, lymph node, penis), F4/80+ (spleen, lymph node, epididymus), and Gr1+ (penis) compared with noninfected mice. This culminated in sperm from infected mice having poor viability, motility, and morphology. We hypothesize that in the absence of testis infection, infection and inflammation in other reproductive is sufficient to damage sperm quality. Many results herein are consistent with outcomes of gonorrhoea infection, indicating the potential of this model as a tool for enhancing the understanding of Neisseria infections of the human male reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Bryan
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Science, Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
- Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Julia McRae
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Science, Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Vishnu Kumar
- Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, 35385 Giessen, Germany
| | - Logan K Trim
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Science, Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Toby I Maidment
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Science, Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
- Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Jacob A D Tickner
- Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Emma L Sweeney
- Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Elizabeth D Williams
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Science at Translational Research Institute, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - David M Whiley
- Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Kenneth W Beagley
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Science, Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
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Aitlhaj-Mhand R, Qasmaoui A, Bellaji B, Remz C, Charof R, Jaoudi RE, Abdelmoumen H, Hançali A, Oumzil H. Promoting molecular diagnostic equity: assessing in-house real-time PCR for Neisseria gonorrhoeae in anal samples from MSM recruited in an outpatient setting in Morocco. LE INFEZIONI IN MEDICINA 2024; 32:352-362. [PMID: 39282536 PMCID: PMC11392542 DOI: 10.53854/liim-3203-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
Objectives Gonorrhea is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection among men who have sex with men (MSM). In Morocco, the basic laboratory diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) is based on microscopy and, in some settings, on culture. However, no nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) has been implemented for routine diagnosis of gonorrhoeae.The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of an in-house real-time PCR test for detecting N. gonorrhoeae DNA in anal swabs samples collected during an Integrated Behavioral and Biological survey. Patients and methods Samples from 245 MSM, recruited using a Respondent Driven Sampling, were collected and tested for NG infection using GeneXpert CT/NG assay (Cepheid, USA). An In-House real-time PCR technique targeting the pseudo gene porA was developed and used for a parallel investigation of the same infection. The reliability of the in-house RT-PCR was validated through tests of reproducibility, repeatability, limit of detection, and cross-reactivity with other bacteria. The intrinsic performance characteristics of the qRT-PCR were assessed, namely, the sensitivity, the specificity, the positive predictive value (PPV), and the negative predictive value (NPV). The GeneXpert CT/NG assay was adopted as a reference method. Results For N. gonorrhoeae detection, the in-house real-time PCR assay showed a sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 100%, respectively. The PPV of the assay was 100% and the NPV was 97.3%. Conclusion The in-house real-time PCR assay has high specificity and sensitivity, and it emerges as a promising approach for detecting N. gonorrhoeae in clinical specimens, particularly in decentralized settings such as regional laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rokaya Aitlhaj-Mhand
- Virology Department, National Institute of Hygiene, Rabat, Morocco
- Microbiology and Molecular Biology Team, Research Center for Plant and Microbial Biotechnology, Biodiversity and Environment, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Aicha Qasmaoui
- Epidemic Diseases Laboratory, Medical Bacteriology Department, National Institute of Hygiene, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Bahija Bellaji
- STIs Reference Laboratory, Medical Bacteriology Department, National Institute of Hygiene, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Chaimae Remz
- Virology Department, National Institute of Hygiene, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Reda Charof
- Epidemic Diseases Laboratory, Medical Bacteriology Department, National Institute of Hygiene, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Rachid El Jaoudi
- Medical Biotechnology Pedagogy and Research Unit, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco
| | - Hanaa Abdelmoumen
- Microbiology and Molecular Biology Team, Research Center for Plant and Microbial Biotechnology, Biodiversity and Environment, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Amina Hançali
- STIs Reference Laboratory, Medical Bacteriology Department, National Institute of Hygiene, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Hicham Oumzil
- Medical Biotechnology Pedagogy and Research Unit, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco
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Zhou YZ, Zhao YH, Fang WZ, Zhou YL, Chen CM, Gao ZH, Gu B, Guo XG, Duan CH. Establishment of droplet digital PCR for the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 110:116351. [PMID: 38896891 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2024.116351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae in adults usually leads to vaginitis and acute urethritis, and infection through the birth canal in newborns can lead to acute neonatal conjunctivitis. In view of certain factors such as a high missed detection rate of N.gonorrhoeae from staining microscopy method, the time-consuming nature and limited sensitivity of bacterial culture method, complicated and inability of absolute quantification from the ordinary PCR method. METHODS This study aims to establish a ddPCR system to detect N.gonorrhoeae in a absolute quantification, high specificity, high stability and accurate way. We selected the pgi1 gene as the target gene for the detection of N.gonorrhoeae. RESULTS The amplification efficiency was good in the ddPCR reaction, and the whole detection process could be completed in 94 min. It has a high sensitivity of up to 5.8 pg/μL. With a high specificity, no positive microdroplets were detected in 9 negative control pathogens in this experiment. In addition, ddPCR detection of N.gonorrhoeae has good repeatability, and the calculated CV is 4.2 %. CONCLUSIONS DdPCR detection technology has the characteristics of absolute quantification, high stability, high specificity and high accuracy of N.gonorrhoeae. It can promote the accuracy of the detecting of N.gonorrhoeae, providing a more scientific basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Zhuo Zhou
- Laboratory of Clinical, The Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Yanjiangxi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China; The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 510150, China
| | - Yun-Hu Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wei-Zhen Fang
- Laboratory of Clinical, The Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Yanjiangxi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China
| | - Yu-Lin Zhou
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 510150, China
| | - Chu-Mao Chen
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ze-Hang Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China; State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China; School of Microelectronics, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Bing Gu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xu-Guang Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China; Department of Clinical Medicine, The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, King Med School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Chao-Hui Duan
- Laboratory of Clinical, The Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Yanjiangxi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China.
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5
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Tran J, Fairley CK, Ong JJ, Aung ET, Chow EPF. Association between saliva use for masturbation and urethral gonorrhoea in men who have sex with men: A cross-sectional study. Int J Infect Dis 2024; 148:107219. [PMID: 39181439 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107219] [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: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 08/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The saliva of individuals with oropharyngeal gonorrhoea can contain viable Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This study examined if using saliva as a lubricant for masturbation is a risk factor for urethral gonorrhoea among men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS In this cross-sectional study, MSM aged ≥18 years attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between February 2021 and December 2023 were surveyed. Data were collected on sexual activities in the past 7 days, including receiving fellatio, condomless insertive anal sex, docking, and using saliva for masturbation. Multivariable logistic regression examined associations between these exposures and urethral gonorrhoea. RESULTS The median age of the 3114 men was 32 (IQR: 27-40), with 4.7% (n = 145) testing positive for urethral gonorrhoea. Urethral gonorrhoea was independently associated with an increasing number of partners for condomless insertive anal sex (P < 0.001). It was not significantly associated with receiving fellatio (P = 0.613), docking (P = 0.207), or using saliva for masturbation (P = 0.117). However, of the 110 men who only used saliva for masturbation, two (1.8%) had urethral gonorrhoea, and one (0.9%) had both urethral and oropharyngeal gonorrhoea. CONCLUSION Condomless insertive anal sex is the leading risk factor for urethral gonorrhoea and not using saliva as a lubricant for masturbation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Tran
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jason J Ong
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ei T Aung
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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6
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Schönherr P, Lotter J, Holbach B, Helbig H, Barth T. [Bilateral gonococcal conjunctivitis with corneal melting]. DIE OPHTHALMOLOGIE 2024:10.1007/s00347-024-02090-w. [PMID: 39150510 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-024-02090-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Schönherr
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Deutschland.
| | - Jessica Lotter
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Deutschland
| | - Benedict Holbach
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Deutschland
| | - Horst Helbig
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Deutschland
| | - Teresa Barth
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Deutschland
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Ayala JC, Balthazar JT, Shafer WM. Transcriptional responses of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to glucose and lactate: implications for resistance to oxidative damage and biofilm formation. mBio 2024; 15:e0176124. [PMID: 39012148 PMCID: PMC11323468 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01761-24] [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: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding how bacteria adapt to different environmental conditions is crucial for advancing knowledge regarding pathogenic mechanisms that operate during infection as well as efforts to develop new therapeutic strategies to cure or prevent infections. Here, we investigated the transcriptional response of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the causative agent of gonorrhea, to L-lactate and glucose, two important carbon sources found in the host environment. Our study revealed extensive transcriptional changes that gonococci make in response to L-lactate, with 37% of the gonococcal transcriptome being regulated, compared to only 9% by glucose. We found that L-lactate induces a transcriptional program that would negatively impact iron transport, potentially limiting the availability of labile iron, which would be important in the face of the multiple hydrogen peroxide attacks encountered by gonococci during its lifecycle. Furthermore, we found that L-lactate-mediated transcriptional response promoted aerobic respiration and dispersal of biofilms, contrasting with an anaerobic condition previously reported to favor biofilm formation. Our findings suggest an intricate interplay between carbon metabolism, iron homeostasis, biofilm formation, and stress response in N. gonorrhoeae, providing insights into its pathogenesis and identifying potential therapeutic targets.IMPORTANCEGonorrhea is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection caused by the human pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae, with ca. 82 million cases reported worldwide annually. The rise of antibiotic resistance in N. gonorrhoeae poses a significant public health threat, highlighting the urgent need for alternative treatment strategies. By elucidating how N. gonorrhoeae responds to host-derived carbon sources such as L-lactate and glucose, this study offers insights into the metabolic adaptations crucial for bacterial survival and virulence during infection. Understanding these adaptations provides a foundation for developing novel therapeutic approaches targeting bacterial metabolism, iron homeostasis, and virulence gene expression. Moreover, the findings reported herein regarding biofilm formation and L-lactate transport and metabolism contribute to our understanding of N. gonorrhoeae pathogenesis, offering potential avenues for preventing and treating gonorrhea infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio C. Ayala
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jacqueline T. Balthazar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - William M. Shafer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Laboratories of Bacterial Pathogenesis, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, USA
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Collins J, Basarab GS, Chibale K, Osheroff N. Interactions between Zoliflodacin and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Gyrase and Topoisomerase IV: Enzymological Basis for Cellular Targeting. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:3071-3082. [PMID: 39082980 PMCID: PMC11320581 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00438] [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: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Gyrase and topoisomerase IV are the cellular targets for fluoroquinolones, a critically important class of antibacterial agents used to treat a broad spectrum of human infections. Unfortunately, the clinical efficacy of the fluoroquinolones has been curtailed by the emergence of target-mediated resistance. This is especially true for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the causative pathogen of the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea. Spiropyrimidinetriones (SPTs), a new class of antibacterials, were developed to combat the growing antibacterial resistance crisis. Zoliflodacin is the most clinically advanced SPT and displays efficacy against uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhea in human trials. Like fluoroquinolones, the primary target of zoliflodacin in N. gonorrhoeae is gyrase, and topoisomerase IV is a secondary target. Because unbalanced gyrase/topoisomerase IV targeting has facilitated the evolution of fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria, it is important to understand the underlying basis for the differential targeting of zoliflodacin in N. gonorrhoeae. Therefore, we assessed the effects of this SPT on the catalytic and DNA cleavage activities of N. gonorrhoeae gyrase and topoisomerase IV. In all reactions examined, zoliflodacin displayed higher potency against gyrase than topoisomerase IV. Moreover, zoliflodacin generated more DNA cleavage and formed more stable enzyme-cleaved DNA-SPT complexes with gyrase. The SPT also maintained higher activity against fluoroquinolone-resistant gyrase than topoisomerase IV. Finally, when compared to zoliflodacin, the novel SPT H3D-005722 induced more balanced double-stranded DNA cleavage with gyrase and topoisomerase IV from N. gonorrhoeae, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus anthracis. This finding suggests that further development of the SPT class could yield compounds with a more balanced targeting against clinically important bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica
A. Collins
- Department
of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School
of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Gregory S. Basarab
- Holistic
Drug Discovery and Development (H3D) Centre, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Kelly Chibale
- Holistic
Drug Discovery and Development (H3D) Centre, and South African Medical
Research Council Drug Discovery and Development Research Unit, Department
of Chemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Neil Osheroff
- Department
of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School
of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department
of Medicine (Hematology/Oncology), Vanderbilt
University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
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Sousou JM, Talati J, Mikulas CJ, Grogan AT, Farah JE, Reddy P. Disseminated Gonococcal Infection Presenting as Isolated Septic Arthritis: A Case Report and Review of Literature. Cureus 2024; 16:e66071. [PMID: 39229435 PMCID: PMC11368578 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.66071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a gram-negative diplococcus that passes from one person to another through sexual contact. On rare occasions, Neisseria gonorrhoeae may spread from the primary mucosal site to distant parts of the body and present with signs of systemic illness; this is commonly known as disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI). We present a case report of an 18-year-old patient who was diagnosed with septic arthritis of the right third metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint without mucosal involvement or systemic symptoms and who was found to have gonococcal bacteremia. This case highlights the importance of clinician awareness of the many extragenital manifestations of DGI and a high index of suspicion in the setting of septic arthritis and high-risk sexual practices. Diagnosing DGI early and providing prompt treatment may prevent complications of sepsis, joint destruction, and a prolonged hospital stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Sousou
- Internal Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine - Jacksonville, Jacksonville, USA
| | - Jay Talati
- Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA
| | - Christopher J Mikulas
- Internal Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine - Jacksonville, Jacksonville, USA
| | - Ansley T Grogan
- Internal Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine - Jacksonville, Jacksonville, USA
| | - James E Farah
- Radiology, University of Florida College of Medicine - Jacksonville, Jacksonville, USA
| | - Pramod Reddy
- Internal Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine - Jacksonville, Jacksonville, USA
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Ravindranath BS, Ananya G, Hema Kumar C, Ramirez DC, Gomez Mejiba SE. Computational prediction of crucial genes involved in gonorrhea infection and neoplastic cell transformation: A multiomics approach. Microb Pathog 2024; 193:106770. [PMID: 38960215 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrheae, the causative agent of genitourinary infections, has been associated with asymptomatic or recurrent infections and has the potential to form biofilms and induce inflammation and cell transformation. Herein, we aimed to use computational analysis to predict novel associations between chronic inflammation caused by gonorrhea infection and neoplastic transformation. Prioritization and gene enrichment strategies based on virulence and resistance genes utilizing essential genes from the DEG and PANTHER databases, respectively, were performed. Using the STRING database, protein‒protein interaction networks were constructed with 55 nodes of bacterial proteins and 72 nodes of proteins involved in the host immune response. MCODE and cytoHubba were used to identify 12 bacterial hub proteins (murA, murB, murC, murD, murE, purN, purL, thyA, uvrB, kdsB, lpxC, and ftsH) and 19 human hub proteins, of which TNF, STAT3 and AKT1 had high significance. The PPI networks are based on the connectivity degree (K), betweenness centrality (BC), and closeness centrality (CC) values. Hub genes are vital for cell survival and growth, and their significance as potential drug targets is discussed. This computational study provides a comprehensive understanding of inflammation and carcinogenesis pathways that are activated during gonorrhea infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Ravindranath
- Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India.
| | - G Ananya
- Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - C Hema Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Shavige Malleshwara Hills, Kumaraswamy Layout, Bangalore, 560111, Karnataka, India
| | - D C Ramirez
- Laboratory of Experimental and Translational Medicine, CCT-San Luis-National University of San Luis, San Luis, 5700, San Luis, Argentina.
| | - S E Gomez Mejiba
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Experimental Therapeutics, CCT-San Luis-National University of San Luis, San Luis, 5700, San Luis, Argentina.
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11
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Vivenzio VM, Esposito D, Monti SM, De Simone G. Bacterial α-CAs: a biochemical and structural overview. Enzymes 2024; 55:31-63. [PMID: 39222995 DOI: 10.1016/bs.enz.2024.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Carbonic anhydrases belonging to the α-class are widely distributed in bacterial species. These enzymes have been isolated from bacteria with completely different characteristics including both Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains. α-CAs show a considerable similarity when comparing the biochemical, kinetic and structural features, with only small differences which reflect the diverse role these enzymes play in Nature. In this chapter, we provide a comprehensive overview on bacterial α-CA data, with a highlight to their potential biomedical and biotechnological applications.
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12
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Awate OA, Ng D, Stoudenmire JL, Moraes TF, Cornelissen CN. Investigating the importance of selected surface-exposed loops in HpuB for hemoglobin binding and utilization by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0021124. [PMID: 38864605 PMCID: PMC11238557 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00211-24] [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: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the etiological agent of the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea. The pathogen is a global health challenge since no protective immunity results from infection, and far fewer treatment options are available with increasing antimicrobial resistance. With no efficacious vaccines, researchers are exploring new targets for vaccine development and innovative therapeutics. The outer membrane TonB-dependent transporters (TdTs) produced by N. gonorrhoeae are considered promising vaccine antigens as they are highly conserved and play crucial roles in overcoming nutritional immunity. One of these TdTs is part of the hemoglobin transport system comprised of HpuA and HpuB. This system allows N. gonorrhoeae to acquire iron from hemoglobin (hHb). In the current study, mutations in the hpuB gene were generated to better understand the structure-function relationships in HpuB. This study is one of the first to demonstrate that N. gonorrhoeae can bind to and utilize hemoglobin produced by animals other than humans. This study also determined that when HpuA is absent, mutations targeting extracellular loop 7 of HpuB led to defective hHb binding and utilization. However, when the lipoprotein HpuA is present, these loop 7 mutants recovered their ability to bind hHb, although the growth phenotype remained significantly impaired. Interestingly, loop 7 contains putative heme-binding motifs and a hypothetical α-helical region, both of which may be important for the use of hHb. Taken together, these results highlight the importance of loop 7 in the functionality of HpuB in binding hHb and extracting and internalizing iron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia A Awate
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Dixon Ng
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julie L Stoudenmire
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Trevor F Moraes
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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13
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Supuran CT. Challenges for developing bacterial CA inhibitors as novel antibiotics. Enzymes 2024; 55:383-411. [PMID: 39222998 DOI: 10.1016/bs.enz.2024.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Acetazolamide, methazolamide, ethoxzolamide and dorzolamide, classical sulfonamide carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibitors (CAIs) designed for targeting human enzymes, were also shown to effectively inhibit bacterial CAs and were proposed for repurposing as antibacterial agents against several infective agents. CAs belonging to the α-, β- and/or γ-classes from pathogens such as Helicobacter pylori, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, vacomycin resistant enterococci (VRE), Vibrio cholerae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other bacteria were considered as drug targets for which several classes of potent inhibitors have been developed. Treatment of some of these pathogens with various classes of such CAIs led to an impairment of the bacterial growth, reduced virulence and for drug resistant bacteria, a resensitization to clinically used antibiotics. Here I will discuss the strategies and challenges for obtaining CAIs with enhanced selectivity for inhibiting bacterial versus human enzymes, which may constitute an important weapon for addressing the drug resistance to β-lactams and other clinically used antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudiu T Supuran
- Neurofarba Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.
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14
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Yin X, Li Y, Rönn MM, Li S, Yuan Y, Gift TL, Hsu K, Salomon JA, Grad YH, Yaesoubi R. Assessing thresholds of resistance prevalence at which empiric treatment of gonorrhea should change among men who have sex with men in the US: A cost-effectiveness analysis. PLoS Med 2024; 21:e1004424. [PMID: 38976754 PMCID: PMC11262662 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since common diagnostic tests for gonorrhea do not provide information about susceptibility to antibiotics, treatment of gonorrhea remains empiric. Antibiotics used for empiric therapy are usually changed once resistance prevalence exceeds a certain threshold (e.g., 5%). A low switch threshold is intended to increase the probability that an infection is successfully treated with the first-line antibiotic, but it could also increase the pace at which recommendations are switched to newer antibiotics. Little is known about the impact of changing the switch threshold on the incidence of gonorrhea, the rate of treatment failure, and the overall cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) associated with gonorrhea. METHODS AND FINDINGS We developed a transmission model of gonococcal infection with multiple resistant strains to project gonorrhea-associated costs and loss in QALYs under different switch thresholds among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States. We accounted for the costs and disutilities associated with symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and sequelae, and combined costs and QALYs in a measure of net health benefit (NHB). Our results suggest that under a scenario where 3 antibiotics are available over the next 50 years (2 suitable for the first-line therapy of gonorrhea and 1 suitable only for the retreatment of resistant infections), changing the switch threshold between 1% and 10% does not meaningfully impact the annual number of gonorrhea cases, total costs, or total QALY losses associated with gonorrhea. However, if a new antibiotic is to become available in the future, choosing a lower switch threshold could improve the population NHB. If in addition, drug-susceptibility testing (DST) is available to inform retreatment regimens after unsuccessful first-line therapy, setting the switch threshold at 1% to 2% is expected to maximize the population NHB. A limitation of our study is that our analysis only focuses on the MSM population and does not consider the influence of interventions such as vaccine and common use of rapid drugs susceptibility tests to inform first-line therapy. CONCLUSIONS Changing the switch threshold for first-line antibiotics may not substantially change the health and financial outcomes associated with gonorrhea. However, the switch threshold could be reduced when newer antibiotics are expected to become available soon or when in addition to future novel antibiotics, DST is also available to inform retreatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuecheng Yin
- Department of Management Science and Information Systems, Spears School of Business, Oklahoma State University, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States of America
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Yale Public Health Modeling Unit, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Yunfei Li
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Minttu M. Rönn
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Song Li
- College of Computer Science and Technology/School of Cyber Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue Yuan
- Altfest Personal Wealth Management, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Thomas L. Gift
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Katherine Hsu
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Joshua A. Salomon
- Department of Health Policy, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Yonatan H. Grad
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Reza Yaesoubi
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Yale Public Health Modeling Unit, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
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15
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Klenotic PA, Yu EW. Structural analysis of resistance-nodulation cell division transporters. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0019823. [PMID: 38551344 PMCID: PMC11332337 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00198-23] [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] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYInfectious bacteria have both intrinsic and acquired mechanisms to combat harmful biocides that enter the cell. Through adaptive pressures, many of these pathogens have become resistant to many, if not all, of the current antibiotics used today to treat these often deadly infections. One prominent mechanism is the upregulation of efflux systems, especially the resistance-nodulation-cell division class of exporters. These tripartite systems consist of an inner membrane transporter coupled with a periplasmic adaptor protein and an outer membrane channel to efficiently transport a diverse array of substrates from inside the cell to the extracellular space. Detailed mechanistic insight into how these inner membrane transporters recognize and shuttle their substrates can ultimately inform both new antibiotic and efflux pump inhibitor design. This review examines the structural basis of substrate recognition of these pumps and the molecular mechanisms underlying multidrug extrusion, which in turn mediate antimicrobial resistance in bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip A. Klenotic
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Edward W. Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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16
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Barber MF, Fitzgerald JR. Mechanisms of host adaptation by bacterial pathogens. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2024; 48:fuae019. [PMID: 39003250 PMCID: PMC11308195 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuae019] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of new infectious diseases poses a major threat to humans, animals, and broader ecosystems. Defining factors that govern the ability of pathogens to adapt to new host species is therefore a crucial research imperative. Pathogenic bacteria are of particular concern, given dwindling treatment options amid the continued expansion of antimicrobial resistance. In this review, we summarize recent advancements in the understanding of bacterial host species adaptation, with an emphasis on pathogens of humans and related mammals. We focus particularly on molecular mechanisms underlying key steps of bacterial host adaptation including colonization, nutrient acquisition, and immune evasion, as well as suggest key areas for future investigation. By developing a greater understanding of the mechanisms of host adaptation in pathogenic bacteria, we may uncover new strategies to target these microbes for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases in humans, animals, and the broader environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew F Barber
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, United States
- Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, United States
| | - J Ross Fitzgerald
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
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17
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Enav H, Paz I, Ley RE. Strain tracking in complex microbiomes using synteny analysis reveals per-species modes of evolution. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02276-2. [PMID: 38898177 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02276-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Microbial species diversify into strains through single-nucleotide mutations and structural changes, such as recombination, insertions and deletions. Most strain-comparison methods quantify differences in single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and are insensitive to structural changes. However, recombination is an important driver of phenotypic diversification in many species, including human pathogens. We introduce SynTracker, a tool that compares microbial strains using genome synteny-the order of sequence blocks in homologous genomic regions-in pairs of metagenomic assemblies or genomes. Genome synteny is a rich source of genomic information untapped by current strain-comparison tools. SynTracker has low sensitivity to SNPs, has no database requirement and is robust to sequencing errors. It outperforms existing tools when tracking strains in metagenomic data and is particularly suited for phages, plasmids and other low-data contexts. Applied to single-species datasets and human gut metagenomes, SynTracker, combined with an SNP-based tool, detects strains enriched in either point mutations or structural changes, providing insights into microbial evolution in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagay Enav
- Department of Microbiome Science, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Inbal Paz
- Department of Microbiome Science, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ruth E Ley
- Department of Microbiome Science, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence EXC 2124: Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections (CMFI), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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18
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Dhital S, Deo P, Stuart I, Huang C, Zavan L, Han ML, Kaparakis-Liaskos M, Ramm G, Schittenhelm RB, Howden B, Naderer T. Characterization of outer membrane vesicles released by clinical isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Proteomics 2024; 24:e2300087. [PMID: 38059892 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202300087] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The sexually transmitted pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae releases membrane vesicles including outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) during infections. OMVs traffic outer membrane molecules, such as the porin PorB and lipo-oligosaccharide (LOS), into host innate immune cells, eliciting programmed cell death pathways, and inflammation. Little is known, however, about the proteome and LOS content of OMVs released by clinical strains isolated from different infection sites, and whether these vesicles similarly activate immune responses. Here, we characterized OMVs from four N. gonorrhoeae isolates and determined their size, abundance, proteome, LOS content, and activation of inflammatory responses in macrophages. The overall proteome of the OMVs was conserved between the four different isolates, which included major outer membrane and periplasm proteins. Despite this, we observed differences in the rate of OMV biogenesis and the relative abundance of membrane proteins and LOS. Consequently, OMVs from clinical isolates induced varying rates of macrophage cell death and the secretion of interleukin-1 family members, such as IL-1α and IL-1β. Overall, these findings demonstrate that clinical isolates of N. gonorrhoeae utilize membrane vesicles to release proteins and lipids, which affects innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhash Dhital
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pankaj Deo
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Isabella Stuart
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cheng Huang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Proteomics and Metabolomics Platform, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lauren Zavan
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Research Centre for Extracellular Vesicles, School of Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mei-Ling Han
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maria Kaparakis-Liaskos
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Research Centre for Extracellular Vesicles, School of Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Georg Ramm
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Ramaciotti Centre for Cryo Electron Microscopy, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ralf B Schittenhelm
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Proteomics and Metabolomics Platform, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Benjamin Howden
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The University of Melbourne at The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas Naderer
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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19
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Dong X, Zhang T, Gui C, Fei S, Xu H, Chang J, Lian C, Tang W. The critical role of residues Phe120 and Val161 of (2 R,3 R)‑2,3‑butanediol dehydrogenase from Neisseria gonorrhoeae as probed by molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis. J Basic Microbiol 2024; 64:e2300751. [PMID: 38644586 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202300751] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
NAD+-dependent (2 R,3 R)‑2,3‑butanediol dehydrogenase (BDH) from Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NgBDH) is a representative member of the medium-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (MDR) superfamily. To date, little information is available on the substrate binding sites and catalytic residues of BDHs from this superfamily. In this work, according to molecular docking studies, we found that conserved residues Phe120 and Val161 form strong hydrophobic interactions with both (2 R,3 R)‑2,3‑butanediol (RR-BD) and meso-2,3‑butanediol (meso-BD) and that mutations of these residues to alanine or threonine impair substrate binding. To further evaluate the roles of these two residues, Phe120 and Val161 were mutated to alanine or threonine. Kinetic analysis revealed that, relative to those of wild type, the apparent KM values of the Phe120Ala mutant for RR-BD and meso-BD increased 36- and 369-fold, respectively; the catalytic efficiencies of this mutant with RR-BD and meso-BD decreased approximately 586- and 3528-fold, respectively; and the apparent KM values of the Val161Ala mutant for RR-BD and meso-BD increased 4- and 37-fold, respectively, the catalytic efficiencies of this mutant with RR-BD and meso-BD decreased approximately 3- and 28-fold, respectively. Additionally, the Val161Thr mutant slightly decreased catalytic efficiencies (twofold with RR-BD; 7.3-fold with meso-BD) due to an increase in KM (sixfold for RR-BD; 24-fold for meso-BD) and a slight increase (2.8-fold with RR-BD; 3.3-fold with meso-BD) in kcat. These findings validate the critical roles of Phe120 and Val161 of NgBDH in substrate binding and catalysis. Overall, the current study provides a better understanding of the substrate binding and catalysis of BDHs within the MDR superfamily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Dong
- Bengbu Medical University Key Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Bengbu Medical University Key Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Chuanyue Gui
- Bengbu Medical University Key Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Shuping Fei
- Bengbu Medical University Key Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Haonan Xu
- Bengbu Medical University Key Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Jianrong Chang
- Scientific Research Center, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Chaoqun Lian
- Bengbu Medical University Key Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Wanggang Tang
- Bengbu Medical University Key Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
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20
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Pisano L, Giovannuzzi S, Supuran CT. Management of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection: from drug resistance to drug repurposing. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2024; 34:511-524. [PMID: 38856987 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2024.2367005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a common sexually transmitted disease connected with extensive drug resistance to many antibiotics. Presently, only expanded spectrum cephalosporins (ceftriaxone and cefixime) and azithromycin remain useful for its management. AREAS COVERED New chemotypes for the classical antibiotic drug target gyrase/topoisomerase IV afforded inhibitors with potent binding to these enzymes, with an inhibition mechanism distinct from that of fluoroquinolones, and thus less prone to mutations. The α-carbonic anhydrase from the genome of this bacterium (NgCAα) was also validated as an antibacterial target. EXPERT OPINION By exploiting different subunits from the gyrase/topoisomerase IV as well as new chemotypes, two new antibiotics reached Phase II/III clinical trials, zoliflodacin and gepotidacin. They possess a novel inhibition mechanism, binding in distinct parts of the enzyme compared to the fluoroquinolones. Other chemotypes with inhibitory activity in these enzymes were also reported. NgCAα inhibitors belonging to a variety of classes were obtained, with several sulfonamides showing MIC values in the range of 0.25-4 µg/mL and significant activity in animal models of this infection. Acetazolamide and similar CA inhibitors might thus be repurposed as antiinfectives. The scientific/patent literature has been searched for on PubMed, ScienceDirect, Espacenet, and PatentGuru, from 2016 to 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Pisano
- Section of Dermatology, Health Sciences Department, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Simone Giovannuzzi
- Neurofarba Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- Neurofarba Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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21
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Denison HJ, Creighton J, Douwes J, Coshall M, Young H. Time trends in positive gonorrhoea diagnoses at the Christchurch Sexual Health Service (2012-2022): a data audit study. Sex Health 2024; 21:SH23182. [PMID: 38935836 DOI: 10.1071/sh23182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Background Gonorrhoea infections and antimicrobial resistance are rising in many countries, particularly among men who have sex with men, and an increasing proportion of infection is detected at extragenital sites. This study assessed trends in gonorrhoea diagnoses and antibiotic resistance at a sexual health service in New Zealand that followed national guidelines for specimen collection. Methods Routinely-collected data from Canterbury Health Laboratories of specimens taken at the Christchurch Sexual Health Service 2012-2022 were audited. Descriptive results included the number of patient testing events positive for gonorrhoea per year and site of infection (extragenital/urogenital). Annual test-positivity was calculated (number of positive patient testing events divided by total number of testing events) and the Cochran-Armitage Test for Trend was used to assess whether there was an association between test-positivity and year. Results Of 52,789 patient testing events, 1467 (2.8%) were positive for gonorrhoea (81% male). Half (49.3%) of people (57.9% of males, 12.2% of females) with a gonorrhoea infection had an extragenital infection in the absence of a urogenital infection. The number of extragenital infections increased at a faster rate than urogenital among males. Test-positivity increased from 1.3% in 2012 to 5.8% in 2022 (P Conclusions This study highlights the importance of extragenital sampling and maintaining bacterial culture methods for accurate diagnosis and treatment. The observation that gonorrhoea positivity rate and antimicrobial resistance rates are rising in New Zealand calls for urgent action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley J Denison
- Research Centre for Hauora and Health, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Jeroen Douwes
- Research Centre for Hauora and Health, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Maureen Coshall
- Christchurch Sexual Health Services, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Heather Young
- Christchurch Sexual Health Services, Christchurch, New Zealand
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22
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Juárez Rodríguez MD, Marquette M, Youngblood R, Dhungel N, Torres Escobar A, Ivanov SS, Dragoi AM. Characterization of Neisseria gonorrhoeae colonization of macrophages under distinct polarization states and nutrients environment. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1384611. [PMID: 38808065 PMCID: PMC11130388 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1384611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) is a uniquely adapted human pathogen and the etiological agent of gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease. Ng has developed numerous mechanisms to avoid and actively suppress innate and adaptive immune responses. Ng successfully colonizes and establishes topologically distinct colonies in human macrophages and avoids phagocytic killing. During colonization, Ng manipulates the actin cytoskeleton to invade and create an intracellular niche supportive of bacterial replication. The cellular reservoir(s) supporting bacterial replication and persistence in gonorrhea infections are poorly defined. The manner in which gonococci colonize macrophages points to this innate immune phagocyte as a strong candidate for a cellular niche during natural infection. Here we investigate whether nutrients availability and immunological polarization alter macrophage colonization by Ng. Differentiation of macrophages in pro-inflammatory (M1-like) and tolerogenic (M2-like) phenotypes prior to infection reveals that Ng can invade macrophages in all activation states, albeit with lower efficiency in M1-like macrophages. These results suggest that during natural infection, bacteria could invade and grow within macrophages regardless of the nutrients availability and the macrophage immune activation status.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Madison Marquette
- LSU Health Shreveport, School of Medicine, Louisiana, LA, United States
| | - Reneau Youngblood
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSUHSC-Shreveport, Louisiana, LA, United States
| | - Nilu Dhungel
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSUHSC-Shreveport, Louisiana, LA, United States
| | | | - Stanimir S. Ivanov
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, LSUHSC-Shreveport, Louisiana, LA, United States
| | - Ana-Maria Dragoi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSUHSC-Shreveport, Louisiana, LA, United States
- Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, LSUHSC-Shreveport, Louisiana, LA, United States
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Santana BDM, Armentano GM, Ferreira DAS, de Freitas CS, Carneiro-Ramos MS, Seabra AB, Christodoulides M. In Vitro Bactericidal Activity of Biogenic Copper Oxide Nanoparticles for Neisseria gonorrhoeae with Enhanced Compatibility for Human Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:21633-21642. [PMID: 38632674 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c02357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Resistance to antibiotics and antimicrobial compounds is a significant problem for human and animal health globally. The development and introduction of new antimicrobial compounds are urgently needed, and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) have found widespread application across various sectors including biomedicine, pharmacy, catalysis, cosmetics, and many others. What makes them particularly attractive is the possibility of their synthesis through biogenic routes. In this study, we synthesized biogenic green tea (GT, Camellia sinensis)-derived CuO NPs (GT CuO NPs) and examined their biophysical properties, in vitro toxicity for mammalian cells in culture, and then tested them against Neisseria gonorrhoeae, an exemplar Gram-negative bacterium from the World Health Organization's Priority Pathogen List. We compared our synthesized GT CuOP NPs with commercial CuO NPs (Com CuO NPs). Com CuO NPs were significantly more cytotoxic to mammalian cells (IC50 of 7.32 μg/mL) than GT CuO NPs (IC50 of 106.1 μg/mL). GT CuO NPs showed no significant increase in bax, bcl2, il6, and il1β mRNA expression from mammalian cells, whereas there were notable rises after treatment with Com CuO NPs. GT-CuO NPs required concentrations of 0.625 and 3.125 μg/mL to kill 50 and 100% of bacteria, respectively, whereas Com-CuO NPs needed concentrations of 15.625 and 30 μg/mL to kill 50 and 100% of bacteria, and the antibiotic ceftriaxone killed 50 and 100% with 3.125 and 30 μg/mL. Gonococci could be killed within 30 min of exposure to GT CuO NPs and the NPs could kill up to 107 within 1 h. In summary, this is the first report to our knowledge that describes the bioactivity of biogenic CuO NPs against N. gonorrhoeae. Our data suggest that biogenic nanoparticle synthesis has significant advantages over traditional chemical routes of synthesis and highlights the potential of GT-CuO NPs in addressing the challenges posed by multidrug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca de Melo Santana
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences (CCNH), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Avenida dos Estados 5001, Santo André, São Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
- Neisseria Research Laboratory, Molecular Microbiology, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, U.K
| | - Giovana Marchini Armentano
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences (CCNH), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Avenida dos Estados 5001, Santo André, São Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Dayana Agnes Santos Ferreira
- Neisseria Research Laboratory, Molecular Microbiology, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, U.K
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, São Paulo, SP 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Camila Simões de Freitas
- Neisseria Research Laboratory, Molecular Microbiology, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, U.K
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences: Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190 - Santa Efigênia, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30130-100, Brazil
| | - Marcela Sorelli Carneiro-Ramos
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences (CCNH), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Avenida dos Estados 5001, Santo André, São Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Amedea Barozzi Seabra
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences (CCNH), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Avenida dos Estados 5001, Santo André, São Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Myron Christodoulides
- Neisseria Research Laboratory, Molecular Microbiology, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, U.K
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Rice J, Gibson J, Young E, Souder K, Cunningham K, Schmitt DM. Low Oxygen Concentration Reduces Neisseria gonorrhoeae Susceptibility to Resazurin. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:395. [PMID: 38786124 PMCID: PMC11117329 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13050395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae has developed resistance to every antibiotic currently approved for the treatment of gonorrhea, prompting the development of new therapies. The phenoxazine dye resazurin exhibits robust antimicrobial activity against N. gonorrhoeae in vitro but fails to limit vaginal colonization by N. gonorrhoeae in a mouse model. The lack of in vivo efficacy may be due to oxygen limitation as in vitro susceptibility assays with resazurin are conducted under atmospheric oxygen while a microaerophilic environment is present in the vagina. Here, we utilized broth microdilution assays to determine the susceptibility of N. gonorrhoeae to resazurin under low and atmospheric oxygen conditions. The minimal inhibitory concentration of resazurin for multiple N. gonorrhoeae clinical isolates was significantly higher under low oxygen. This effect was specific to resazurin as N. gonorrhoeae was equally susceptible to other antibiotics under low and atmospheric oxygen conditions. The reduced susceptibility of N. gonorrhoeae to resazurin under low oxygen was largely attributed to reduced oxidative stress, as the addition of antioxidants under atmospheric oxygen mimicked the reduced susceptibility to resazurin observed under low oxygen. Together, these data suggest oxygen concentration is an important factor to consider when evaluating the efficacy of new antibiotics against N. gonorrhoeae in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Deanna M. Schmitt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV 26074, USA
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Collins J, Oviatt AA, Chan PF, Osheroff N. Target-Mediated Fluoroquinolone Resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Actions of Ciprofloxacin against Gyrase and Topoisomerase IV. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1351-1360. [PMID: 38606464 PMCID: PMC11015056 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Fluoroquinolones make up a critically important class of antibacterials administered worldwide to treat human infections. However, their clinical utility has been curtailed by target-mediated resistance, which is caused by mutations in the fluoroquinolone targets, gyrase and topoisomerase IV. An important pathogen that has been affected by this resistance is Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the causative agent of gonorrhea. Over 82 million new cases of this sexually transmitted infection were reported globally in 2020. Despite the impact of fluoroquinolone resistance on gonorrhea treatment, little is known about the interactions of this drug class with its targets in this bacterium. Therefore, we investigated the effects of the fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin on the catalytic and DNA cleavage activities of wild-type gyrase and topoisomerase IV and the corresponding enzymes that harbor mutations associated with cellular and clinical resistance to fluoroquinolones. Results indicate that ciprofloxacin interacts with both gyrase (its primary target) and topoisomerase IV (its secondary target) through a water-metal ion bridge that has been described in other species. Moreover, mutations in amino acid residues that anchor this bridge diminish the susceptibility of the enzymes for the drug, leading to fluoroquinolone resistance. Results further suggest that ciprofloxacin primarily induces its cytotoxic effects by enhancing gyrase-mediated DNA cleavage as opposed to inhibiting the DNA supercoiling activity of the enzyme. In conclusion, this work links the effects of ciprofloxacin on wild-type and resistant gyrase to results reported for cellular and clinical studies and provides a mechanistic explanation for the targeting and resistance of fluoroquinolones in N. gonorrhoeae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica
A. Collins
- Department
of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School
of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Alexandria A. Oviatt
- Department
of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School
of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Pan F. Chan
- Infectious
Diseases Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Neil Osheroff
- Department
of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School
of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department
of Medicine (Hematology/Oncology), Vanderbilt
University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
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Collins J, Osheroff N. Gyrase and Topoisomerase IV: Recycling Old Targets for New Antibacterials to Combat Fluoroquinolone Resistance. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1097-1115. [PMID: 38564341 PMCID: PMC11019561 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00128] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Beyond their requisite functions in many critical DNA processes, the bacterial type II topoisomerases, gyrase and topoisomerase IV, are the targets of fluoroquinolone antibacterials. These drugs act by stabilizing gyrase/topoisomerase IV-generated DNA strand breaks and by robbing the cell of the catalytic activities of these essential enzymes. Since their clinical approval in the mid-1980s, fluoroquinolones have been used to treat a broad spectrum of infectious diseases and are listed among the five "highest priority" critically important antimicrobial classes by the World Health Organization. Unfortunately, the widespread use of fluoroquinolones has been accompanied by a rise in target-mediated resistance caused by specific mutations in gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which has curtailed the medical efficacy of this drug class. As a result, efforts are underway to identify novel antibacterials that target the bacterial type II topoisomerases. Several new classes of gyrase/topoisomerase IV-targeted antibacterials have emerged, including novel bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors, Mycobacterium tuberculosis gyrase inhibitors, triazaacenaphthylenes, spiropyrimidinetriones, and thiophenes. Phase III clinical trials that utilized two members of these classes, gepotidacin (triazaacenaphthylene) and zoliflodacin (spiropyrimidinetrione), have been completed with positive outcomes, underscoring the potential of these compounds to become the first new classes of antibacterials introduced into the clinic in decades. Because gyrase and topoisomerase IV are validated targets for established and emerging antibacterials, this review will describe the catalytic mechanism and cellular activities of the bacterial type II topoisomerases, their interactions with fluoroquinolones, the mechanism of target-mediated fluoroquinolone resistance, and the actions of novel antibacterials against wild-type and fluoroquinolone-resistant gyrase and topoisomerase IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica
A. Collins
- Department
of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School
of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Neil Osheroff
- Department
of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School
of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department
of Medicine (Hematology/Oncology), Vanderbilt
University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
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Ceccarani C, Gaspari V, Morselli S, Djusse ME, Venturoli S, Camboni T, Severgnini M, Foschi C, Consolandi C, Marangoni A. Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae rectal infections: Interplay between rectal microbiome, HPV infection and Torquetenovirus. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301873. [PMID: 38578759 PMCID: PMC10997096 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Men having sex with men (MSM) represent a key population, in which sexually transmitted rectal infections (STIs) caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) are very common and linked to significant morbidity. Investigating the anorectal microbiome associated with rectal STIs holds potential for deeper insights into the pathogenesis of these infections and the development of innovative control strategies. In this study, we explored the interplay at the rectal site between C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, HR-HPV infection, and the anorectal microbiome in a cohort of 92 MSM (47 infected by CT and/or NG vs 45 controls). Moreover, we assessed the presence of Torquetenovirus (TTV), a non-pathogenic endogenous virus, considered as a possible predictor of immune system activation. We found a high prevalence of HR-HPV rectal infections (61%), especially in subjects with a concurrent CT/NG rectal infection (70.2%) and in people living with HIV (84%). In addition, we observed that TTV was more prevalent in subjects with CT/NG rectal infections than in non-infected ones (70.2% vs 46.7%, respectively). The anorectal microbiome of patients infected by CT and/or NG exhibited a reduction in Escherichia, while the presence of TTV was significantly associated with higher levels of Bacteroides. We observed a positive correlation of HR-HPV types with Escherichia and Corynebacterium, and a negative correlation with the Firmicutes phylum, and with Prevotella, Oscillospira, Sutterella. Our findings shed light on some of the dynamics occurring within the rectal environment involving chlamydial/gonococcal infections, HPV, TTV, and the anorectal microbiome. These data could open new perspectives for the control and prevention of STIs in MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Ceccarani
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Segrate, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center S.c.a.r.l., Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Gaspari
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sara Morselli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Microbiology, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marielle Ezekielle Djusse
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Microbiology, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simona Venturoli
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Tania Camboni
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Segrate, Italy
| | - Marco Severgnini
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Segrate, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center S.c.a.r.l., Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudio Foschi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Microbiology, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Clarissa Consolandi
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Segrate, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center S.c.a.r.l., Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonella Marangoni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Microbiology, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Zhong F, Reik ME, Ragusa MJ, Pletneva EV. The structure of the diheme cytochrome c 4 from Neisseria gonorrhoeae reveals multiple contributors to tuning reduction potentials. J Inorg Biochem 2024; 253:112496. [PMID: 38330683 PMCID: PMC11034767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2024.112496] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Cytochrome c4 (c4) is a diheme protein implicated as an electron donor to cbb3 oxidases in multiple pathogenic bacteria. Despite its prevalence, understanding of how specific structural features of c4 optimize its function is lacking. The human pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) thrives in low oxygen environments owing to the activity of its cbb3 oxidase. Herein, we report characterization of Ng c4. Spectroelectrochemistry experiments of the wild-type (WT) protein have shown that the two Met/His-ligated hemes differ in potentials by ∼100 mV, and studies of the two His/His-ligated variants provided unambiguous assignment of heme A from the N-terminal domain of the protein as the high-potential heme. The crystal structure of the WT protein at 2.45 Å resolution has revealed that the two hemes differ in their solvent accessibility. In particular, interactions made by residues His57 and Ser59 in Loop1 near the axial ligand Met63 contribute to the tight enclosure of heme A, working together with the surface charge, to raise the reduction potential of the heme iron in this domain. The structure reveals a prominent positively-charged patch, which encompasses surfaces of both domains. In contrast to prior findings with c4 from Pseudomonas stutzeri, the interdomain interface of Ng c4 contributes minimally to the values of the heme iron potentials in the two domains. Analyses of the heme solvent accessibility, interface properties, and surface charges offer insights into the interplay of these structural elements in tuning redox properties of c4 and other multiheme proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Zhong
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, United States
| | - Morgan E Reik
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, United States
| | - Michael J Ragusa
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, United States
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Liao Y, Xie Q, Yin X, Li X, Xie J, Wu X, Tang S, Liu M, Zeng L, Pan Y, Yang J, Feng Z, Qin X, Zheng H. penA profile of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Guangdong, China: Novel penA alleles are related to decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone or cefixime. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2024; 63:107101. [PMID: 38325722 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2024.107101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs) has become a public health concern with the spread of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and increasing antimicrobial resistance. Mutation of penA, encoding penicillin-binding protein 2, represents a mechanism of ESC resistance. This study sought to assess penA alleles and mutations associated with decreased susceptibility (DS) to ESCs in N. gonorrhoeae. MATERIALS AND METHODS In 2021, 347 gonococci were collected in Guangdong, China. Minimum inhibitory concentations (MICs) of ceftriaxone and cefixime were determined, and whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) and conventional resistance determinants such as penA, mtrR, PonA and PorB were analysed. penA was genotyped and sequence-aligned using PubMLST. RESULTS Genome-wide phylogenetic analysis revealed that the prevalence of DS to ESCs was highest in Clade 11.1 (100.0%), Clade 2 (66.7%) and Clade 0 (55.7%), and the leading cause was strains with penA-60.001 or new penA alleles in clades. The penA phylogenetic tree is divided into two branches: non-mosaic penA and mosaic penA. The latter contained penA-60.001, penA-10 and penA-34. penA profile analysis indicated that A311V and T483S are closely related to DS to ESCs in mosaic penA. The new alleles NEIS1753_2840 and NEIS1753_2837 are closely related to penA-60.001, with DS to ceftriaxone and cefixime of 100%. NEIS1753_2660, a derivative of penA-10 (A486V), has increased DS to ceftriaxone. NEIS1753_2846, a derivative of penA-34.007 (G546S), has increased DS to cefixime. CONCLUSION This study identified critical penA alleles related to elevated MICs, and trends of gonococcus-evolved mutated penA associated with DS to ESCs in Guangdong.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Liao
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qinghui Xie
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaona Yin
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Li
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junhui Xie
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiang Xi, China
| | - Xingzhong Wu
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Sanmei Tang
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingjing Liu
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lihong Zeng
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuying Pan
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianjiang Yang
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhanqin Feng
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaolin Qin
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Sexually Transmitted Disease Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Heping Zheng
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Sexually Transmitted Disease Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Jones RA, Jerse AE, Tang CM. Gonococcal PorB: a multifaceted modulator of host immune responses. Trends Microbiol 2024; 32:355-364. [PMID: 37891023 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a human-specific pathogen responsible for the sexually transmitted infection, gonorrhoea. N. gonorrhoeae promotes its survival by manipulating both innate and adaptive immune responses. The most abundant gonococcal outer-membrane protein is PorB, an essential porin that facilitates ion exchange. Importantly, gonococcal PorB has several immunomodulatory properties. To subvert the innate immune response, PorB suppresses killing mechanisms of macrophages and neutrophils, and recruits negative regulators of complement to the gonococcal cell surface. For manipulation of adaptive immune responses, gonococcal PorB suppresses the capability of dendritic cells to stimulate proliferation of T cells. As gonococcal PorB is highly abundant in outer-membrane vesicles, consideration of the immunomodulatory properties of this porin is critical when designing gonococcal vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah A Jones
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Ann E Jerse
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christoph M Tang
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK.
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Belagal P. Current alternative therapies for treating drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae causing ophthalmia neonatorum. Future Microbiol 2024; 19:631-647. [PMID: 38512111 PMCID: PMC11229588 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2023-0251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Ophthalmia neonatorum is a microbial contraction, damaging eyesight, occurring largely among neonates. Infants are particularly vulnerable to bacterial infections acquired during birth from infected mothers, especially from Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. Over the decades, N. gonorrhoeae is alarmingly developing a resistance to most antibiotics currently prescribed. To counter this challenge, it is imperative to find potent and cost-effective therapeutic agents for prophylaxis and treatment, to which the N. gonorrhoeae cannot easily develop resistance. This review showcases alternate therapies such as antimicrobial-fatty acids, -peptides, -nano-formulations etc., currently evident against N. gonorrhoeae-mediated ophthalmia neonatorum, which remains a major cause of ocular morbidity, blindness and even death among neonates in developing countries.
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32
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Zeng J, Wu T, Wang L, Yu L, Lin H, Chen Z. Characteristics of reproductive tract infections caused by common pathogens among the outpatients of reproductive medicine center in Putian: retrospective study. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:315. [PMID: 38486167 PMCID: PMC10941379 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09180-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to explore the infection and age distribution of Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Herpes simplex virus type II (HSV II) among the outpatients of Reproductive Medicine Center in Putian, Fujian Province to provide a clinical basis for the early diagnosis and treatment of various reproductive tract diseases and infertility in this region. METHODS A total of 1736 samples of secretions and exfoliated cervical cells were collected from the outpatients of the Reproductive Medicine Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Putian University from December 2021 to April 2023. The infections of UU, CT, NG and HSVII were detected by real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the infection statuses of the patients with different genders, ages and diagnoses were analysed. RESULTS Among the 1736 patients, 611 were male and 1125 were female. The male patients had higher UU infection rate but lower HSV II infection rate than the female patients. No significant difference in CT and NG infection rates was observed between the genders. The CT infection rate gradually decreased with the increase in the age. The difference in UU, NG and HSV II infection rates among the different age groups was not statistically significant. For UU infection, the male infertile patients had the highest rate of 37.72% (172/456). Meanwhile, the differences in CT, NG and HSV II infection rates among the different diagnosis groups were not statistically significant. Among the male and female infertile patients, the CT infection rate was the highest in the 21-25 years of age group at 11.11% (2/18) and 9.47% (9/95), respectively. No statistically significant difference in UU, CT, NG and HSV II infection rates was observed among the different age groups of patients diagnosed in relation to the family planning guidance and between the male and female patients with other diagnoses results. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that UU was the most frequently identified pathogen in infertile men in Putian, Fujian Province. The CT infection rate was the highest in people under 20 years old, and the infection showed a tendency toward young individuals. Therefore, the publicity of sexual health knowledge must be strengthened, and the prevention and treatment of venereal diseases among young and middle-aged people must be improved. Moreover, the pathogen infection is related to infertility to a certain extent, which is conducive to clinical diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiancheng Zeng
- The Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, Putian University, No.999 Dongzhen East Road, Licheng District, Putian, Fujian, China
| | - Tingli Wu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, Putian University, No.999 Dongzhen East Road, Licheng District, Putian, Fujian, China
| | - Laiping Wang
- Comprehensive Technology Service Center of Quanzhou Customs, Inspection and Quarantine Bureau Building, South Section of Citong East Road, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Liumin Yu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, Putian University, No.999 Dongzhen East Road, Licheng District, Putian, Fujian, China
| | - Hua Lin
- The Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, Putian University, No.999 Dongzhen East Road, Licheng District, Putian, Fujian, China.
- Key Laboratory of Medical Microecology (Putian University), Fujian Province University, No.1133 Xueyuan Middle Street, Chengxiang District, Putian, Fujian, China.
| | - Zhanfei Chen
- The Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, Putian University, No.999 Dongzhen East Road, Licheng District, Putian, Fujian, China.
- Key Laboratory of Medical Microecology (Putian University), Fujian Province University, No.1133 Xueyuan Middle Street, Chengxiang District, Putian, Fujian, China.
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Klaper K, Tlapák H, Selb R, Jansen K, Heuer D. Integrated molecular, phenotypic and epidemiological surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Germany. Int J Med Microbiol 2024; 314:151611. [PMID: 38309143 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2024.151611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Numbers of infections with Neisseria gonorrhoeae are among the top three sexually transmitted infections (STI) worldwide. In addition, the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae pose an important public-health issue. The integration of genomic, phenotypic and epidemiological data to monitor Neisseria gonorrhoeae fosters our understanding of the emergence and spread of AMR in Neisseria gonorrhoeae and helps to inform therapy guidelines and intervention strategies. Thus, the Gonococcal resistance surveillance (Go-Surv-AMR) was implemented at the Robert Koch Institute in Germany in 2021 to obtain molecular, phenotypic and epidemiological data on Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated in Germany. Here, we describe the structure and aims of Go-Surv-AMR. Furthermore, we point out future directions of Go-Surv-AMR to improve the integrated genomic surveillance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In this context we discuss current and prospective sequencing approaches and the information derived from their application. Moreover, we highlight the importance of combining phenotypic and WGS data to monitor the evolution of AMR in Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Germany. The implementation and constant development of techniques and tools to improve the genomic surveillance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae will be important in coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Klaper
- Department Infectious Diseases, Unit 18 `Sexually transmitted bacterial pathogens and HIV´, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hana Tlapák
- Department Infectious Diseases, Unit 18 `Sexually transmitted bacterial pathogens and HIV´, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Regina Selb
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Unit 34 `'HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections´, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Jansen
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Unit 34 `'HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections´, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dagmar Heuer
- Department Infectious Diseases, Unit 18 `Sexually transmitted bacterial pathogens and HIV´, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.
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Gao S, Gao L, Yuan D, Lin X, van der Veen S. Gonococcal OMV-delivered PorB induces epithelial cell mitophagy. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1669. [PMID: 38396029 PMCID: PMC10891091 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45961-1] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The bacterial pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae is able to invade epithelial cells and survive intracellularly. During this process, it secretes outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), however, the mechanistic details for interactions between gonococcal OMVs and epithelial cells and their impact on intracellular survival are currently not established. Here, we show that gonococcal OMVs induce epithelial cell mitophagy to reduce mitochondrial secretion of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhance intracellular survival. We demonstrate that OMVs deliver PorB to mitochondria to dissipate the mitochondrial membrane potential, resulting in mitophagy induction through a conventional PINK1 and OPTN/NDP52 mechanism. Furthermore, PorB directly recruits the E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF213, which decorates PorB lysine residue 171 with K63-linked polyubiquitin to induce mitophagy in a p62-dependent manner. These results demonstrate a mechanism in which polyubiquitination of a bacterial virulence factor that targets mitochondria directs mitophagy processes to this organelle to prevent its secretion of deleterious ROS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Gao
- Department of Microbiology, and Department of Dermatology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Lingyu Gao
- Department of Microbiology, and Department of Dermatology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Dailin Yuan
- Department of Microbiology, and Department of Dermatology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University, Haining, PR China
| | - Xu'ai Lin
- Department of Microbiology, and Department of Dermatology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Stijn van der Veen
- Department of Microbiology, and Department of Dermatology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China.
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Microbial Biochemistry and Metabolic Engineering, Hangzhou, PR China.
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Potter AD, Criss AK. Dinner date: Neisseria gonorrhoeae central carbon metabolism and pathogenesis. Emerg Top Life Sci 2024; 8:15-28. [PMID: 37144661 PMCID: PMC10625648 DOI: 10.1042/etls20220111] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the causative agent of the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea, is a human-adapted pathogen that does not productively infect other organisms. The ongoing relationship between N. gonorrhoeae and the human host is facilitated by the exchange of nutrient resources that allow for N. gonorrhoeae growth in the human genital tract. What N. gonorrhoeae 'eats' and the pathways used to consume these nutrients have been a topic of investigation over the last 50 years. More recent investigations are uncovering the impact of N. gonorrhoeae metabolism on infection and inflammatory responses, the environmental influences driving N. gonorrhoeae metabolism, and the metabolic adaptations enabling antimicrobial resistance. This mini-review is an introduction to the field of N. gonorrhoeae central carbon metabolism in the context of pathogenesis. It summarizes the foundational work used to characterize N. gonorrhoeae central metabolic pathways and the effects of these pathways on disease outcomes, and highlights some of the most recent advances and themes under current investigation. This review ends with a brief description of the current outlook and technologies under development to increase understanding of how the pathogenic potential of N. gonorrhoeae is enabled by metabolic adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee D. Potter
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA USA
| | - Alison K. Criss
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA USA
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Juárez Rodríguez MD, Marquette M, Youngblood R, Dhungel N, Escobar AT, Ivanov S, Dragoi AM. Characterization of Neisseria gonorrhoeae colonization of macrophages under distinct polarization states and nutrients environment. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.08.579566. [PMID: 38370795 PMCID: PMC10871323 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.08.579566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) is a uniquely adapted human pathogen and the etiological agent of gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease. Ng has developed numerous mechanisms to avoid and actively suppress innate and adaptive immune responses. Ng successfully colonizes and establishes topologically distinct colonies in human macrophages and avoids phagocytic killing. During colonization, Ng manipulates the actin cytoskeleton to invade and create an intracellular niche supportive of bacterial replication. The cellular reservoir(s) supporting bacterial replication and persistence in gonorrhea infections are poorly defined. The manner in which gonococci colonize macrophages points to this innate immune phagocyte as a strong candidate for a cellular niche during natural infection. Here we investigate whether nutrients availability and immunological polarization alter macrophage colonization by Ng . Differentiation of macrophages in pro-inflammatory (M1-like) and tolerogenic (M2-like) phenotypes prior to infection reveals that Ng can invade macrophages in all activation states, albeit with lower efficiency in M1-like macrophages. These results suggest that during natural infection, bacteria could invade and grow within macrophages regardless of the nutrients availability and the macrophage immune activation status.
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Hooks GM, Ayala JC, Holley CL, Dhulipala V, Beggs GA, Perfect JR, Schumacher MA, Shafer WM, Brennan RG. Hormonal steroids induce multidrug resistance and stress response genes in Neisseria gonorrhoeae by binding to MtrR. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1153. [PMID: 38326294 PMCID: PMC10850145 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45195-1] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional regulator MtrR inhibits the expression of the multidrug efflux pump operon mtrCDE in the pathogenic bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Here, we show that MtrR binds the hormonal steroids progesterone, β-estradiol, and testosterone, which are present at urogenital infection sites, as well as ethinyl estrogen, a component of some hormonal contraceptives. Steroid binding leads to the decreased affinity of MtrR for cognate DNA, increased mtrCDE expression, and enhanced antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, we solve crystal structures of MtrR bound to each steroid, thus revealing their binding mechanisms and the conformational changes that induce MtrR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace M Hooks
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Julio C Ayala
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- STD Laboratory Reference and Research Branch, Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Concerta L Holley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Vijaya Dhulipala
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Grace A Beggs
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - John R Perfect
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Maria A Schumacher
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - William M Shafer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Laboratories of Microbial Pathogenesis, VA Medical Research Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA
- Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Richard G Brennan
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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Lakhanpal G, Tiwari H, Shukla MK, Kumar D. In silico exploration of hypothetical proteins in Neisseria gonorrhoeae for identification of therapeutic targets. In Silico Pharmacol 2024; 12:10. [PMID: 38327876 PMCID: PMC10844189 DOI: 10.1007/s40203-023-00186-w] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a World Health Organization (WHO) declared superbug and the second-most frequent cause of bacterial sexually transmitted infections worldwide is responsible for gonorrhea. Hypothetical proteins are gene products that are predicted to be encoded by a particular gene based on the DNA sequence, but their specific functions and characteristics have not been experimentally determined or verified. In the context of this research, annotating hypothetical proteins is crucial for identifying their potential as therapeutic targets. Without proper annotation, these proteins would remain vague, hindering efforts to understand their roles in disease. The methodology used aims to bridge this gap by employing algorithm-based tools and software to annotate hypothetical proteins and assess their suitability as therapeutic targets based on factors such as essentiality, virulence, subcellular localization, and druggability. Out of 716 N. gonorrhoeae hypothetical proteins reported in UniProt, assessment of crucial pathogenic factors, including essentiality, virulence, subcellular localization, and druggability, effectively filtered and prioritized the hypothetical proteins for further therapeutic exploration and lead to 5 proteins being chosen as targets. The molecular docking studies conducted identified 10 hits targeting the five targets. Conclusively, this study aided in identification of targets and hit compounds for therapeutic targeting of gonorrhea disease. Graphical abstract Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-023-00186-w.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Harshita Tiwari
- Drug Chemistry Research Centre, Kanadia Road, Indore, Madhya Pradesh 452003 India
| | - Monu Kumar Shukla
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173212 India
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173212 India
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Roberts A, Johnson S, Lee BC. Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Infection Caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae: An Unusual Complication of Pharyngeal Gonorrhea. Sex Transm Dis 2024; 51:132-134. [PMID: 38290157 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a human obligate pathogen whose clinical expression of disease ranges from localized genital infection to involvement of extragenital sites such as the conjunctiva and throat. We describe the second case of a thyroglossal duct abscess due to N. gonorrhoeae, an uncommon complication of pharyngeal gonococcal infection. The fortuitous occurrence in the same individual of these 2 conditions that both exhibit an occult clinical presentation likely accounts for rarity of this infection. We discuss the pertinent gonococcal and host factors that underlie the clinical manifestations of this infection. A particular focus is the fundamental role that the binding of the gonococcal opacity-associated protein to the ubiquitous human carcinoembryonic cell adhesion molecule plays in the pathogenesis of pharyngeal gonorrhea.
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40
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Demissie E, Amare A, Birhanu M, Gizachew M. Neisseria gonorrhoeae antimicrobial resistance patterns and associated risk factors in women of childbearing potential in northwestern Ethiopia. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:82. [PMID: 38297305 PMCID: PMC10829321 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-02898-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes gonorrhea and poses public health problems, including antimicrobial resistance. Current data on gonorrhea in prenatal participants in the study area are required. Thus, we aimed to identify gonorrhea prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and risk factors among antenatal care clinic visitors in northwestern Ethiopia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2022 at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. We recruited 278 study participants using convenient sampling techniques. Sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral risk factors were recorded using pre-tested questionnaires. Endocervical swabs were collected by a physician, transported to the microbiology laboratory, immediately inoculated into modified Thayer-Martin medium, and it was incubated at 37 °C for 24-48 hours. Gram staining and biochemical tests were used to identify the organism. AMR testing was performed using disc diffusion and E-test methods. Data were entered in EPI-info version 7 and exported and analyzed in SPSS version 26. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results were presented in words, tables and figure. RESULTS Of 278 subjects enrolled, majority (44.6%) were 26-35 years, with a mean age of 29.9 (SD = ±7.2) years, 69.4% were urban residents, and 70.5% were married. Twenty-one (7.6%) participants had gonorrhea. Overall antimicrobial resistance ranged from 19 to 100%. High resistant to tetracycline (100%) and penicillin (85.7%) were observed by both tests. Ciprofloxacin resistance was 52.4% by disc diffusion and 85.7% by E-test. By E-test, all isolates were sensitive to ceftriaxone, cefixime, azithromycin and spectinomycin; however, 7 (33.3%), 9 (42.9%), 9 (42.9%) and 5 (23.8%) isolates showed resistant to these antibiotics with disk method. Prevalence of beta-lactamase producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae was 85.7%. Alcohol consumption (p = 0.032), condom-free sexual practice (p = 0.010), multiple sexual partners (p < 0.001), pelvic pain (p = 0.018), and dysuria (p = 0.021) revealed increased risk of infection. CONCLUSIONS Compared with many previous studies in Ethiopia, we found high prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and beta-lactamase-positive isolates. Multiple sexual partners, alcohol consumption, not using condom, pelvic pain and dysuria were predictors of this infection. Continuous large-scale monitoring of pathogen is essential for its prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Engdawork Demissie
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Jigjiga University, Jijiga, Ethiopia
| | - Azanaw Amare
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Muluken Birhanu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Addis Ababa University, and Assosa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mucheye Gizachew
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
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Joshi D, Shah S, Chbib C, Uddin MN. Potential of DPD ((S)-4,5-dihydroxy-2,3-pentanedione) Analogs in Microparticulate Formulation as Vaccine Adjuvants. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:184. [PMID: 38399399 PMCID: PMC10891675 DOI: 10.3390/ph17020184] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The molecule (S)-4,5-dihydroxy-2,3-pentanedione (DPD) is produced by many different species of bacteria and is involved in bacterial communication. DPD is the precursor of signal molecule autoinducer-2 (AI-2) and has high potential to be used as a vaccine adjuvant. Vaccine adjuvants are compounds that enhance the stability and immunogenicity of vaccine antigens, modulate efficacy, and increase the immune response to a particular antigen. Previously, the microparticulate form of (S)-DPD was found to have an adjuvant effect with the gonorrhea vaccine. In this study, we evaluated the immunogenicity and adjuvanticity of several synthetic analogs of the (S)-DPD molecule, including ent-DPD((R)-4,5-dihydroxy-2,3-pentanedione), n-butyl-DPD ((S)-1,2-dihydroxy-3,4-octanedione), isobutyl-DPD ((S)-1,2-dihydroxy-6-methyl-3,4-heptanedione), n-hexyl-DPD ((S)-1,2-dihydroxy-3,4-decanedione), and phenyl-DPD ((S)-3,4-dihydroxy-1-phenyl-1,2-butanedione), in microparticulate formulations. The microparticulate formulations of all analogs of (S)-DPD were found to be noncytotoxic toward dendritic cells. Among these analogs, ent-DPD, n-butyl-DPD, and isobutyl-DPD were found to be immunogenic toward antigens and showed adjuvant efficacy with microparticulate gonorrhea vaccines. It was observed that n-hexyl-DPD and phenyl-DPD did not show any adjuvant effect. This study shows that synthetic analogs of (S)-DPD molecules are capable of eliciting adjuvant effects with vaccines. A future in vivo evaluation will further confirm that these analogs are promising vaccine adjuvants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devyani Joshi
- Center for Drug Delivery Research, Vaccine Nanotechnology Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA; (D.J.); (S.S.)
| | - Sarthak Shah
- Center for Drug Delivery Research, Vaccine Nanotechnology Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA; (D.J.); (S.S.)
| | - Christiane Chbib
- College of Pharmacy, Larkin University, 18301 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33169, USA;
| | - Mohammad N. Uddin
- Center for Drug Delivery Research, Vaccine Nanotechnology Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA; (D.J.); (S.S.)
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Pan J, Singh A, Hanning K, Hicks J, Williamson A. A role for the ATP-dependent DNA ligase lig E of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in biofilm formation. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:29. [PMID: 38245708 PMCID: PMC10799422 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03193-9] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ATP-dependent DNA ligase Lig E is present as an accessory DNA ligase in numerous proteobacterial genomes, including many disease-causing species. Here we have constructed a genomic Lig E knock-out in the obligate human pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae and characterised its growth and infection phenotype. RESULTS This demonstrates that N. gonorrhoeae Lig E is a non-essential gene and its deletion does not cause defects in replication or survival of DNA-damaging stressors. Knock-out strains were partially defective in biofilm formation on an artificial surface as well as adhesion to epithelial cells. In addition to in vivo characterisation, we have recombinantly expressed and assayed N. gonorrhoeae Lig E and determined the crystal structure of the enzyme-adenylate engaged with DNA substrate in an open non-catalytic conformation. CONCLUSIONS These findings, coupled with the predicted extracellular/ periplasmic location of Lig E indicates a role in extracellular DNA joining as well as providing insight into the binding dynamics of these minimal DNA ligases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolyn Pan
- School of Science, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Avi Singh
- School of Science, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Kyrin Hanning
- School of Science, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Joanna Hicks
- School of Health, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Adele Williamson
- School of Science, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand.
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Ball LM, Bronstein E, Liechti GW, Maurelli AT. Neisseria gonorrhoeae drives Chlamydia trachomatis into a persistence-like state during in vitro co-infection. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0017923. [PMID: 38014981 PMCID: PMC10790821 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00179-23] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) globally. Despite frequent co-infections in patients, few studies have investigated how mono-infections may differ from co-infections. We hypothesized that a symbiotic relationship between the pathogens could account for the high rates of clinical co-infection. During in vitro co-infection, we observed an unexpected phenotype where the C. trachomatis developmental cycle was impaired by N. gonorrhoeae. C. trachomatis is an obligate intracellular pathogen with a unique biphasic developmental cycle progressing from infectious elementary bodies (EB) to replicative reticulate bodies (RB), and back. After 12 hours of co-infection, we observed fewer EBs than in a mono-infection. Chlamydial genome copy number remained equivalent between mono- and co-infections. This is a hallmark of Chlamydial persistence. Chlamydial persistence alters inclusion morphology but varies depending on the stimulus/stress. We observed larger, but fewer, Chlamydia during co-infection. Tryptophan depletion can induce Chlamydial persistence, but tryptophan supplementation did not reverse the co-infection phenotype. Only viable and actively growing N. gonorrhoeae produced the inhibition phenotype in C. trachomatis. Piliated N. gonorrhoeae had the strongest effect on C. trachomatis, but hyperpiliated or non-piliated N. gonorrhoeae still produced the phenotype. EB development was modestly impaired when N. gonorrhoeae were grown in transwells above the infected monolayer. C. trachomatis serovar L2 was not impaired during co-infection. Chlamydial impairment could be due to cytoskeletal or osmotic stress caused by an as-yet-undefined mechanism. We conclude that N. gonorrhoeae induces a persistence-like state in C. trachomatis that is serovar dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise M. Ball
- Emerging Pathogens Institute and Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ellis Bronstein
- F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - George W. Liechti
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Anthony T. Maurelli
- Emerging Pathogens Institute and Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Giovane R, Pernia L, Guy T, Blevins H. An Infected Dog Bite With Neisseria canis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Cureus 2024; 16:e52712. [PMID: 38384600 PMCID: PMC10880041 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Neisseria is a common bacteria that colonizes in humans. Of the 11 species, only two, N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhea, are pathogenic. Although sparse, there are case reports of other Neisseria species causing infections in humans. Neisseria canis, which is a part of normal flora in the mouths of dogs and cats, has been shown to have potential to be pathogenic in humans. The standard treatment for dog and cat bites is oral amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (Augmentin) or IV ampicillin/sulbactam (Unasyn). However, in cases where the patient has multiple antibiotic allergies, careful antibiotic selection must be made to ensure resolution of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luis Pernia
- Plastic Surgery, DCH Regional Medical Center, Tuscaloosa, USA
| | - Traci Guy
- Pharmacology, Northport Medical Center Pharmacy Department, Northport, USA
| | - Hannah Blevins
- Pharmacology, Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Birmingham, USA
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45
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Bishi MA, Kaur P, Vyas M, Sharma S. Ameliorating Gonorrhea: Recent Therapeutic Adaptations and Scope to Improve its Prevailing Condition. Infect Disord Drug Targets 2024; 24:e180124225807. [PMID: 38243969 DOI: 10.2174/0118715265258305231124105334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. According to recent research, the prevalence of gonorrhea has been increasing in many parts of the world, with some areas reporting high rates of antibiotic resistance. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the number of reported gonorrhea cases increased by 56% between 2015 and 2019. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that there were 87 million new cases of gonorrhea in 2016, with the highest burden of infection in low- and middle-income countries. Research has also shown that gonorrhea is becoming increasingly resistant to conventional antibiotics, increasing the prevalence of gonorrhea. This raises concerns and challenges in disease management. OBJECTIVES The present review gives updated insight on the current state of the disease, challenges, and shortcomings of existing approaches along with the modern and alternative direction like vaccine development, its challenges, and scope to confront the existing state of drug resistance and increased rate of incidence. Alternative strategies like immunotherapy and phage therapy along with recent antibiotics researched for the treatment of gonorrhea. CONCLUSION The review provides a thorough insight into the current state of the disease and various available methods used currently and recommended by WHO. To overcome disease prevalence, various alternate therapies are coming into the limelight. However, scientists and researchers show a lack of interest in the drug development and research of gonorrhea, due to less commercial scope, lack of funding, and limited scope in the scientific scenario. These hurdles need to be overcome to meet the WHO vision of reducing gonorrhea by 90% by 2030. So, there is a need to optimize the drug therapy (optimizing dosing schedule, and precision monitoring) to reduce the chance of drug resistance. Also, there is a wide scope for drug and therapeutic system development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munyaradzi Amon Bishi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144401, India
| | - Palwinder Kaur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144401, India
| | - Manish Vyas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144401, India
| | - Sandeep Sharma
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144401, India
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Harris-Jones TN, Pérez Medina KM, Hackett KT, Schave MA, Klimowicz AK, Schaub RE, Dillard JP. Mutation of mltG increases peptidoglycan fragment release, cell size, and antibiotic susceptibility in Neisseria gonorrhoeae. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0027723. [PMID: 38038461 PMCID: PMC10729727 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00277-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Neisseria gonorrhoeae is unusual in that the bacteria release larger amounts of cell wall material as they grow as compared to related bacteria, and the released cell wall fragments induce inflammation that leads to tissue damage in infected people. The study of MltG revealed the importance of this enzyme for controlling cell wall growth, cell wall fragment production, and bacterial cell size and suggests a role for MltG in a cell wall synthesis and degradation complex. The increased antibiotic sensitivities of mltG mutants suggest that an antimicrobial drug inhibiting MltG would be useful in combination therapy to restore the sensitivity of the bacteria to cell wall targeting antibiotics to which the bacteria are currently resistant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany N. Harris-Jones
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Krizia M. Pérez Medina
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Kathleen T. Hackett
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Melanie A. Schave
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Amy K. Klimowicz
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ryan E. Schaub
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Joseph P. Dillard
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Gray MC, Thomas KS, Lamb ER, Werner LM, Connolly KL, Jerse AE, Criss AK. Evaluating vaccine-elicited antibody activities against Neisseria gonorrhoeae: cross-protective responses elicited by the 4CMenB meningococcal vaccine. Infect Immun 2023; 91:e0030923. [PMID: 37991382 PMCID: PMC10715150 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00309-23] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The bacterial pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae is an urgent global health problem due to increasing numbers of infections, coupled with rampant antibiotic resistance. Vaccines against gonorrhea are being prioritized to combat drug-resistant N. gonorrhoeae. Meningococcal serogroup B vaccines such as four-component meningococcal B vaccine (4CMenB) are predicted by epidemiology studies to cross-protect individuals from natural infection with N. gonorrhoeae and elicit antibodies that cross-react with N. gonorrhoeae. Evaluation of vaccine candidates for gonorrhea requires a suite of assays for predicting efficacy in vitro and in animal models of infection, including the role of antibodies elicited by immunization. Here, we present the development and optimization of assays to evaluate antibody functionality after immunization of mice: antibody binding to intact N. gonorrhoeae, serum bactericidal activity, and opsonophagocytic killing activity using primary human neutrophils [polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs)]. These assays were developed with purified antibodies against N. gonorrhoeae and used to evaluate serum from mice that were vaccinated with 4CMenB or given alum as a negative control. Results from these assays will help prioritize gonorrhea vaccine candidates for advanced preclinical to early clinical studies and will contribute to identifying correlates and mechanisms of immune protection against N. gonorrhoeae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C. Gray
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Keena S. Thomas
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Evan R. Lamb
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Lacie M. Werner
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Kristie L. Connolly
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ann E. Jerse
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Alison K. Criss
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Hofkens N, Gestels Z, Abdellati S, De Baetselier I, Gabant P, Martin A, Kenyon C, Manoharan-Basil SS. Microbisporicin (NAI-107) protects Galleria mellonella from infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0282523. [PMID: 37823634 PMCID: PMC10715042 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02825-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE We screened 66 bacteriocins to see if they exhibited anti-gonococcal activity. We found 12 bacteriocins with anti-gonococcal effects, and 4 bacteriocins showed higher anti-gonococcal activity. Three bacteriocins, lacticin Z, lacticin Q, and Garvicin KS (ABC), showed in vitro anti-gonococcal activity but no in vivo inhibitory effects against the Neisseria gonorrhoeae (WHO-P) isolate. On the other hand, NAI-107 showed in vivo anti-gonococcal activity. The findings suggest that NAI-107 is a promising alternative to treat gonorrhea infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nele Hofkens
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Zina Gestels
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Said Abdellati
- Clinical Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Irith De Baetselier
- Clinical Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | - Christopher Kenyon
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Szczykutowicz J. Ligand Recognition by the Macrophage Galactose-Type C-Type Lectin: Self or Non-Self?-A Way to Trick the Host's Immune System. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17078. [PMID: 38069400 PMCID: PMC10707269 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The cells and numerous macromolecules of living organisms carry an array of simple and complex carbohydrates on their surface, which may be recognized by many types of proteins, including lectins. Human macrophage galactose-type lectin (MGL, also known as hMGL/CLEC10A/CD301) is a C-type lectin receptor expressed on professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) specific to glycans containing terminal GalNAc residue, such as Tn antigen or LacdiNAc but also sialylated Tn antigens. Macrophage galactose-type lectin (MGL) exhibits immunosuppressive properties, thus facilitating the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Hence, MGL is exploited by tumors and some pathogens to trick the host immune system and induce an immunosuppressive environment to escape immune control. The aims of this article are to discuss the immunological outcomes of human MGL ligand recognition, provide insights into the molecular aspects of these interactions, and review the MGL ligands discovered so far. Lastly, based on the human fetoembryonic defense system (Hu-FEDS) hypothesis, this paper raises the question as to whether MGL-mediated interactions may be relevant in the development of maternal tolerance toward male gametes and the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Szczykutowicz
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunochemistry, Division of Chemistry and Immunochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Sklodowskiej-Curie 48/50, 50-369 Wroclaw, Poland
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50
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Jurado P, Uruén C, Martínez S, Lain E, Sánchez S, Rezusta A, López V, Arenas J. Essential oils of Pinus sylvestris, Citrus limon and Origanum vulgare exhibit high bactericidal and anti-biofilm activities against Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Streptococcus suis. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115703. [PMID: 37857249 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a worldwide problem that urges novel alternatives to treat infections. In attempts to find novel molecules, we assess the antimicrobial potential of seven essential oils (EO) of different plants (Pinus sylvestris, Citrus limon, Origanum vulgare, Cymbopogon martini, Cinnamomum cassia, Melaleuca alternifolia and Eucalyptus globulus) against two multidrug-resistant bacteria species, i.e. Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Streptococcus suis. EOs of P. sylvestris and C. limon revealed higher bactericidal activity (MIC ≤ 0.5 mg/mL) and capacity to rapidly disperse biofilms of several N. gonorrhoeae clinical isolates than other EOs. Examination of biofilms exposed to both EO by electron microscopy revealed a reduction of bacterial aggregates, high production of extracellular vesicles, and alteration of cell integrity. This activity was dose-dependent and was enhanced in DNase I-treated biofilms. Antibiotic susceptibility studies confirmed that both EOs affected the outer membrane permeability, and analysis of EO- susceptibility of an LPS-deficient mutant suggested that both EO target the LPS bilayer. Further analysis revealed that α- and β-pinene and d-limonene, components of both EO, contribute to such activity. EO of C. martini, C. cassia, and O. vulgare exhibited promising antimicrobial activity (MIC ≤ 0.5 mg/mL) against S. suis, but only EO of O. vulgare exhibited a high biofilm dispersal activity, which was also confirmed by electron microscopy studies. To conclude, the EO of P. sylvestris, C. limon and O. vulgare studied in this work exhibit bactericidal and anti-biofilm activities against gonococcus and streptococcus, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Jurado
- Unit of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, IIS Aragón, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Cristina Uruén
- Unit of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, IIS Aragón, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sara Martínez
- Unit of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Elena Lain
- Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sandra Sánchez
- Departament of Microbiology y Parasitology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | | | - Víctor López
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, IIS Aragón, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain; Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad San Jorge, 50830 Villanueva de Gállego (Zaragoza), Spain
| | - Jesús Arenas
- Unit of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, IIS Aragón, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain.
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