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Miliotis G, Sengupta P, Hameed A, Chuvochina M, McDonagh F, Simpson AC, Parker CW, Singh NK, Rekha PD, Morris D, Raman K, Kyrpides NC, Hugenholtz P, Venkateswaran K. Novel spore-forming species exhibiting intrinsic resistance to third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins and description of Tigheibacillus jepli gen. nov., sp. nov. mBio 2024; 15:e0018124. [PMID: 38477597 PMCID: PMC11005411 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00181-24] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive microbial surveillance was conducted at NASA's Mars 2020 spacecraft assembly facility (SAF), where whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 110 bacterial strains was performed. One isolate, designated 179-BFC-A-HST, exhibited less than 80% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to known species, suggesting a novel organism. This strain demonstrated high-level resistance [minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) >256 mg/L] to third-generation cephalosporins, including ceftazidime, cefpodoxime, combination ceftazidime/avibactam, and the fourth-generation cephalosporin cefepime. The results of a comparative genomic analysis revealed that 179-BFC-A-HST is most closely related to Virgibacillus halophilus 5B73CT, sharing an ANI of 78.7% and a digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) value of 23.5%, while their 16S rRNA gene sequences shared 97.7% nucleotide identity. Based on these results and the recent recognition that the genus Virgibacillus is polyphyletic, strain 179-BFC-A-HST is proposed as a novel species of a novel genus, Tigheibacillus jepli gen. nov., sp. nov (type strain 179-BFC-A-HST = DSM 115946T = NRRL B-65666T), and its closest neighbor, V. halophilus, is proposed to be reassigned to this genus as Tigheibacillus halophilus comb. nov. (type strain 5B73CT = DSM 21623T = JCM 21758T = KCTC 13935T). It was also necessary to reclassify its second closest neighbor Virgibacillus soli, as a member of a novel genus Paracerasibacillus, reflecting its phylogenetic position relative to the genus Cerasibacillus, for which we propose Paracerasibacillus soli comb. nov. (type strain CC-YMP-6T = DSM 22952T = CCM 7714T). Within Amphibacillaceae (n = 64), P. soli exhibited 11 antibiotic resistance genes (ARG), while T. jepli encoded for 3, lacking any known β-lactamases, suggesting resistance from variant penicillin-binding proteins, disrupting cephalosporin efficacy. P. soli was highly resistant to azithromycin (MIC >64 mg/L) yet susceptible to cephalosporins and penicillins. IMPORTANCE The significance of this research extends to understanding microbial survival and adaptation in oligotrophic environments, such as those found in SAF. Whole-genome sequencing of several strains isolated from Mars 2020 mission assembly cleanroom facilities, including the discovery of the novel species Tigheibacillus jepli, highlights the resilience and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in clinically relevant antibiotic classes of microbes in nutrient-scarce settings. The study also redefines the taxonomic classifications within the Amphibacillaceae family, aligning genetic identities with phylogenetic data. Investigating ARG and virulence factors (VF) across these strains illuminates the microbial capability for resistance under resource-limited conditions while emphasizing the role of human-associated VF in microbial survival, informing sterilization practices and microbial management in similar oligotrophic settings beyond spacecraft assembly cleanrooms such as pharmaceutical and medical industry cleanrooms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Miliotis
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Ecology Group, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Centre for One Health, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Pratyay Sengupta
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Center for Integrative Biology and Systems mEdicine (IBSE), Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (RBCDSAI), Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Asif Hameed
- Division of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Maria Chuvochina
- The University of Queensland, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Francesca McDonagh
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Ecology Group, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Anna C. Simpson
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Ceth W. Parker
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Nitin K. Singh
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Punchappady D. Rekha
- Division of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Dearbháile Morris
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Ecology Group, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Centre for One Health, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Karthik Raman
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Center for Integrative Biology and Systems mEdicine (IBSE), Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (RBCDSAI), Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Nikos C. Kyrpides
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Berkeley, California, USA
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Philip Hugenholtz
- The University of Queensland, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
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Sengupta P, Muthamilselvi Sivabalan SK, Singh NK, Raman K, Venkateswaran K. Genomic, functional, and metabolic enhancements in multidrug-resistant Enterobacter bugandensis facilitating its persistence and succession in the International Space Station. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:62. [PMID: 38521963 PMCID: PMC10960378 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01777-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The International Space Station (ISS) stands as a testament to human achievement in space exploration. Despite its highly controlled environment, characterised by microgravity, increased CO2 levels, and elevated solar radiation, microorganisms occupy a unique niche. These microbial inhabitants play a significant role in influencing the health and well-being of astronauts on board. One microorganism of particular interest in our study is Enterobacter bugandensis, primarily found in clinical specimens including the human gastrointestinal tract, and also reported to possess pathogenic traits, leading to a plethora of infections. RESULTS Distinct from their Earth counterparts, ISS E. bugandensis strains have exhibited resistance mechanisms that categorise them within the ESKAPE pathogen group, a collection of pathogens recognised for their formidable resistance to antimicrobial treatments. During the 2-year Microbial Tracking 1 mission, 13 strains of multidrug-resistant E. bugandensis were isolated from various locations within the ISS. We have carried out a comprehensive study to understand the genomic intricacies of ISS-derived E. bugandensis in comparison to terrestrial strains, with a keen focus on those associated with clinical infections. We unravel the evolutionary trajectories of pivotal genes, especially those contributing to functional adaptations and potential antimicrobial resistance. A hypothesis central to our study was that the singular nature of the stresses of the space environment, distinct from any on Earth, could be driving these genomic adaptations. Extending our investigation, we meticulously mapped the prevalence and distribution of E. bugandensis across the ISS over time. This temporal analysis provided insights into the persistence, succession, and potential patterns of colonisation of E. bugandensis in space. Furthermore, by leveraging advanced analytical techniques, including metabolic modelling, we delved into the coexisting microbial communities alongside E. bugandensis in the ISS across multiple missions and spatial locations. This exploration revealed intricate microbial interactions, offering a window into the microbial ecosystem dynamics within the ISS. CONCLUSIONS Our comprehensive analysis illuminated not only the ways these interactions sculpt microbial diversity but also the factors that might contribute to the potential dominance and succession of E. bugandensis within the ISS environment. The implications of these findings are twofold. Firstly, they shed light on microbial behaviour, adaptation, and evolution in extreme, isolated environments. Secondly, they underscore the need for robust preventive measures, ensuring the health and safety of astronauts by mitigating risks associated with potential pathogenic threats. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratyay Sengupta
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, Tamil Nadu, India
- Center for Integrative Biology and Systems mEdicine (IBSE), Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, Tamil Nadu, India
- Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (RBCDSAI), Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Nitin Kumar Singh
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, M/S 89-2, 4800 Oak Grove Dr, Pasadena, 91109, CA, USA
| | - Karthik Raman
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Center for Integrative Biology and Systems mEdicine (IBSE), Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (RBCDSAI), Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600036, India.
| | - Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, M/S 89-2, 4800 Oak Grove Dr, Pasadena, 91109, CA, USA.
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Keshri J, Smith KM, Svendsen MK, Keillor HR, Moss ML, Jordan HJ, Larkin AM, Garrish JK, Line JE, Ball PN, Oakley BB, Seal BS. Phenotypic Characterization and Draft Genome Sequence Analyses of Two Novel Endospore-Forming Sporosarcina spp. Isolated from Canada Goose ( Branta canadensis) Feces. Microorganisms 2023; 12:70. [PMID: 38257897 PMCID: PMC10818898 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010070] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In an attempt to isolate new probiotic bacteria, two Gram-variable, spore-forming, rod-shaped aerobic bacteria designated as strain A4 and A15 were isolated from the feces of Canada geese (Branta canadensis). Strain A4 was able to grow in high salt levels and exhibited lipase activity, while A15 did not propagate under these conditions. Both were positive for starch hydrolysis, and they inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. The strains of the 16S rRNA sequence shared only 94% similarity to previously identified Sporosarcina spp. The ANI (78.08%) and AAI (82.35%) between the two strains were less than the species threshold. Searches for the most similar genomes using the Mash/Minhash algorithm showed the nearest genome to strain A4 and A15 as Sporosarcina sp. P13 (distance of 21%) and S. newyorkensis (distance of 17%), respectively. Sporosarcina spp. strains A4 and A15 contain urease genes, and a fibronectin-binding protein gene indicates that these bacteria may bind to eukaryotic cells in host gastrointestinal tracts. Phenotypic and phylogenetic data, along with low dDDH, ANI, and AAI values for strains A4 and A15, indicate these bacteria are two novel isolates of the Sporosarcina genus: Sporosarcina sp. A4 sp. nov., type strain as Sporosarcina cascadiensis and Sporosarcina sp. A15 sp. nov., type strain Sporosarcina obsidiansis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitendra Keshri
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA;
| | - Kristina M. Smith
- Biology Program, Oregon State University Cascades, Bend, OR 97702, USA; (K.M.S.); (M.K.S.); (H.R.K.); (M.L.M.); (H.J.J.); (A.M.L.); (P.N.B.)
| | - Molly K. Svendsen
- Biology Program, Oregon State University Cascades, Bend, OR 97702, USA; (K.M.S.); (M.K.S.); (H.R.K.); (M.L.M.); (H.J.J.); (A.M.L.); (P.N.B.)
| | - Haley R. Keillor
- Biology Program, Oregon State University Cascades, Bend, OR 97702, USA; (K.M.S.); (M.K.S.); (H.R.K.); (M.L.M.); (H.J.J.); (A.M.L.); (P.N.B.)
| | - Madeline L. Moss
- Biology Program, Oregon State University Cascades, Bend, OR 97702, USA; (K.M.S.); (M.K.S.); (H.R.K.); (M.L.M.); (H.J.J.); (A.M.L.); (P.N.B.)
| | - Haley J. Jordan
- Biology Program, Oregon State University Cascades, Bend, OR 97702, USA; (K.M.S.); (M.K.S.); (H.R.K.); (M.L.M.); (H.J.J.); (A.M.L.); (P.N.B.)
| | - Abigail M. Larkin
- Biology Program, Oregon State University Cascades, Bend, OR 97702, USA; (K.M.S.); (M.K.S.); (H.R.K.); (M.L.M.); (H.J.J.); (A.M.L.); (P.N.B.)
| | - Johnna K. Garrish
- Poultry Microbiological Safety & Processing Research Unit, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Athens, GA 30605, USA; (J.K.G.); (J.E.L.)
| | - John Eric Line
- Poultry Microbiological Safety & Processing Research Unit, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Athens, GA 30605, USA; (J.K.G.); (J.E.L.)
| | - Patrick N. Ball
- Biology Program, Oregon State University Cascades, Bend, OR 97702, USA; (K.M.S.); (M.K.S.); (H.R.K.); (M.L.M.); (H.J.J.); (A.M.L.); (P.N.B.)
| | - Brian B. Oakley
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA;
| | - Bruce S. Seal
- Biology Program, Oregon State University Cascades, Bend, OR 97702, USA; (K.M.S.); (M.K.S.); (H.R.K.); (M.L.M.); (H.J.J.); (A.M.L.); (P.N.B.)
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