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Da Cunda P, Mónaco A, Moreno M, José Gonzalez M, Scavone P, Robino L. In house-development of a rapid immunochromatographic test for the detection of Escherichia coli in urine samples. Rev Argent Microbiol 2024; 56:140-146. [PMID: 38071171 DOI: 10.1016/j.ram.2023.10.001] [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] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common health concern. Urine culture is the "gold standard" for UTI diagnosis but takes 48h. Rapid methods like dipstick tests are used as point-of-care tests. However, their sensitivity and specificity are variable. In this work, a rapid immunochromatographic test (IT) for detecting Escherichia coli in urine was developed, and its performance was evaluated in urine samples from patients with suspected UTI. The "universal lateral flow assay kit" was employed using an E. coli capture antibody. One hundred and five (105) urine samples were analyzed using the IT, dipstick test, and urine culture. The sensitivity of the IT was 74.5%, specificity 88.9%, positive predictive value (PPV) 86.3%, and negative predictive value (NPV) 78.7%. The combination of the IT with the dipstick test increases sensitivity to 94.1%, specificity to 66.7%, PPV to 72.7%, and NPV to 92.3%. Using the IT for detecting E. coli in urine could be a valuable technique for UTI screening, showing better specificity and diagnostic precision but lower sensitivity than the dipstick test. Based on these results, we propose that the combined use of both screening techniques would allow a rapid and more precise diagnosis of UTI, rationalizing the indication for empirical antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Da Cunda
- Departamento de Bacteriología y Virología, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Amy Mónaco
- Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - María Moreno
- Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - María José Gonzalez
- Laboratorio de Biofilms Microbianos, Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Ministerio de Educación y Cultura, Uruguay
| | - Paola Scavone
- Laboratorio de Biofilms Microbianos, Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Ministerio de Educación y Cultura, Uruguay
| | - Luciana Robino
- Departamento de Bacteriología y Virología, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Uruguay.
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2
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Elhoshi M, El-Sherbiny E, Elsheredy A, Aboulela AG. A correlation study between virulence factors and multidrug resistance among clinical isolates of Proteus mirabilis. Braz J Microbiol 2023; 54:1387-1397. [PMID: 37535261 PMCID: PMC10484824 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-01080-5] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of Proteus mirabilis infections is a challenge due to the high abundance of virulence factors and the high intrinsic resistance to antimicrobials. Multidrug resistance (MDR) and extensive drug resistance (XDR) further challenge the control of P. mirabilis infection. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between virulence determinants and multidrug resistance in 100 clinical isolates of P. mirabilis collected in Alexandria from December 2019 to June 2021. Susceptibility to antimicrobials was tested by the Kirby Bauer method. Detection of swarming, urease, protease, hemolysin, and biofilm formation was performed phenotypically and by PCR amplification of zapA, flaA, ureC, mrpA, atfA, ucaA, hpmA, and luxS. MDR and XDR were detected in 34% and 5%, respectively. All isolates were positive for motility, swarming, urease, and protease production. Ninety percent were positive for hemolysin production, while 73% formed biofilm. All isolates possessed the ureC and zapA genes. The luxS, flaA, ucaA, hpmA, mrpA, and atfA genes were detected in 99%, 98%, 96% 90%, 89%, and 84%, respectively. The presence of a single biofilm-related gene was statistically correlated with non-biofilm production (P= 0.018). It was concluded that P. mirabilis isolates from catheterized-urine samples were significantly associated with biofilm formation. MDR and virulence were not statistically correlated. A significant positive correlation was detected between some virulence genes in P. mirabilis. Non-MDR isolates of P. mirabilis had a high abundance of virulence factors with no statistically significant difference from MDR. Most of the MDR and all XDR isolates could produce biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Elhoshi
- Department of Microbiology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Eglal El-Sherbiny
- Department of Microbiology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Amel Elsheredy
- Department of Microbiology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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3
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Roe JM, Seely K, Bussard CJ, Eischen Martin E, Mouw EG, Bayles KW, Hollingsworth MA, Brooks AE, Dailey KM. Hacking the Immune Response to Solid Tumors: Harnessing the Anti-Cancer Capacities of Oncolytic Bacteria. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2004. [PMID: 37514190 PMCID: PMC10384176 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15072004] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic bacteria are a classification of bacteria with a natural ability to specifically target solid tumors and, in the process, stimulate a potent immune response. Currently, these include species of Klebsiella, Listeria, Mycobacteria, Streptococcus/Serratia (Coley's Toxin), Proteus, Salmonella, and Clostridium. Advancements in techniques and methodology, including genetic engineering, create opportunities to "hijack" typical host-pathogen interactions and subsequently harness oncolytic capacities. Engineering, sometimes termed "domestication", of oncolytic bacterial species is especially beneficial when solid tumors are inaccessible or metastasize early in development. This review examines reported oncolytic bacteria-host immune interactions and details the known mechanisms of these interactions to the protein level. A synopsis of the presented membrane surface molecules that elicit particularly promising oncolytic capacities is paired with the stimulated localized and systemic immunogenic effects. In addition, oncolytic bacterial progression toward clinical translation through engineering efforts are discussed, with thorough attention given to strains that have accomplished Phase III clinical trial initiation. In addition to therapeutic mitigation after the tumor has formed, some bacterial species, referred to as "prophylactic", may even be able to prevent or "derail" tumor formation through anti-inflammatory capabilities. These promising species and their particularly favorable characteristics are summarized as well. A complete understanding of the bacteria-host interaction will likely be necessary to assess anti-cancer capacities and unlock the full cancer therapeutic potential of oncolytic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M Roe
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Ivins, UT 84738, USA
| | - Kevin Seely
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Ivins, UT 84738, USA
| | - Caleb J Bussard
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO 80130, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth G Mouw
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Ivins, UT 84738, USA
| | - Kenneth W Bayles
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Michael A Hollingsworth
- Eppley Institute for Cancer Research, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Amanda E Brooks
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Ivins, UT 84738, USA
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO 80130, USA
- Office of Research & Scholarly Activity, Rocky Vista University, Ivins, UT 84738, USA
| | - Kaitlin M Dailey
- Eppley Institute for Cancer Research, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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4
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Scavone P, Iribarnegaray V, González MJ, Navarro N, Caneles-Huerta N, Jara-Wilde J, Härtel S, Zunino P. Role of Proteus mirabilis flagella in biofilm formation. Rev Argent Microbiol 2023; 55:226-234. [PMID: 37076397 DOI: 10.1016/j.ram.2023.01.005] [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: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis(P. mirabilis) is a common etiological agent of urinary tract infections, particularly those associated with catheterization. P. mirabilis efficiently forms biofilms on different surfaces and shows a multicellular behavior called 'swarming', mediated by flagella. To date, the role of flagella in P. mirabilis biofilm formation has been under debate. In this study, we assessed the role of P. mirabilis flagella in biofilm formation using an isogenic allelic replacement mutant unable to express flagellin. Different approaches were used, such as the evaluation of cell surface hydrophobicity, bacterial motility and migration across catheter sections, measurements of biofilm biomass and biofilm dynamics by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy in static and flow models. Our findings indicate that P. mirabilis flagella play a role in biofilm formation, although their lack does not completely avoid biofilm generation. Our data suggest that impairment of flagellar function can contribute to biofilm prevention in the context of strategies focused on particular bacterial targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Scavone
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Victoria Iribarnegaray
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay; Department of Pathobiology, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - María José González
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Nicolás Navarro
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Nicole Caneles-Huerta
- Laboratory for Scientific Image Processing (SCIAN-Lab), Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jorge Jara-Wilde
- Laboratory for Scientific Image Processing (SCIAN-Lab), Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Steffen Härtel
- Laboratory for Scientific Image Processing (SCIAN-Lab), Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Zunino
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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Govindarajan DK, Kandaswamy K. Virulence factors of uropathogens and their role in host pathogen interactions. Cell Surf 2022; 8:100075. [PMID: 35198842 PMCID: PMC8841375 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcsw.2022.100075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens are commonly found in Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), particularly infected in females like pregnant women, elder people, sexually active, or individuals prone to other risk factors for UTI. In this article, we review the expression of virulence surface proteins and their interaction with host cells for the most frequently isolated uropathogens: Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. In addition to the host cell interaction, surface protein regulation was also discussed in this article. The surface protein regulation serves as a key tool in differentiating the pathogen isotypes. Furthermore, it might provide insights on novel diagnostic methods to detect uropathogen that are otherwise easily overlooked due to limited culture-based assays. In essence, this review shall provide an in-depth understanding on secretion of virulence factors of various uropathogens and their role in host-pathogen interaction, this knowledge might be useful in the development of therapeutics against uropathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kumaravel Kandaswamy
- Corresponding author at: Department of Biotechnology, Kumaraguru College of Technology (KCT), Chinnavedampatti, Coimbatore 641049, Tamil Nadu, India.
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6
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Iribarnegaray V, González MJ, Caetano AL, Platero R, Zunino P, Scavone P. Relevance of iron metabolic genes in biofilm and infection in uropathogenic Proteus mirabilis. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2021; 2:100060. [PMID: 34841350 PMCID: PMC8610330 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2021.100060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The microorganisms are found in the environment, forming sessile communities embedded in an extracellular matrix of their own production, called biofilm. These communities have a great relevance in the clinical context, since they are associated with infections caused by biofilm in medical implants, such as urinary catheters. The development of biofilms is a complex process where a great diversity of genes participate. The present work is based on the study of genes related to iron metabolism and its implication in the development of P. mirabilis biofilms and pathogenicity. For this study, two mutant strains defective in biofilm formation were selected, generated by the interruption of genes that encoded non-heme ferritin and TonB-dependent receptor. The mutations influence on the development of the biofilm was evaluated by different approaches. The complexity of the biofilm was analyzed using Confocal Laser Microscopy and image analysis. The mutants infectivity potential was assessed in two experimental mice models of urinary tract infection. The results obtained in the present work show us the role of the ferritin and a TonB-associated porin protein over the initial and later stages of biofilm development. Moreover, in the ascending UTI mouse model, both mutants failed to colonize the urinary tract. In CAUTI models, ferritin mutant damaged the bladder similarly to wild type but the Ton-B mutant was unable to generate infection in the urinary tract. The results obtained in the present work confirm the relevant role that iron metabolism genes have in P. mirabilis biofilm development and for infection in the urinary tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Iribarnegaray
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avda. Italia 3318, Montevideo CP 11600, Uruguay
- Department of Pathobiology, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Alberto Lasplaces 1620, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - MJ González
- Laboratory of Microbial Biofilms, Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avda. Italia 3318, Montevideo CP 11600, Uruguay
| | - AL Caetano
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avda. Italia 3318, Montevideo CP 11600, Uruguay
| | - R Platero
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbial Genomics, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avda. Italia 3318, Montevideo CP 11600, Uruguay
| | - P Zunino
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avda. Italia 3318, Montevideo CP 11600, Uruguay
| | - P Scavone
- Laboratory of Microbial Biofilms, Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avda. Italia 3318, Montevideo CP 11600, Uruguay
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7
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Ameer Al-Kraety IA, Ghani Al-Muhanna S, Banoon SR. Molecular Exploring of Plasmid-mediated Ampc beta Lactamase Gene in Clinical Isolates of Proteus mirabilis. BIONATURA 2021. [DOI: 10.21931/rb/2021.06.03.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Between September to December 2020, thirteen isolates of Proteus mirabilis were recovered among one hundred fifty; MacConkey agar was utilized to purify Gram-negative bacteria isolated from infections of the urinary tract. The primary identification of Proteus mirabilis isolates was relied on “colonial morphology, microscopic examination, and biochemical “tests; however, the confirmation of identification of antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates was conducted utilizing an automated VITEK-2 compact system. The result showed that Proteus mirabilis isolates were highly resistant to most antibiotics, making them multi-drug resistant (MDR). Phenotype methods were used to detect AmpC beta-lactamase. Initial and confirmatory methods showed that eight isolates were AmpC producers. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was employed to detect the blaampC gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israa Abdul Ameer Al-Kraety
- Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Faculty of Medical and Health Techniques, University of Alkafeel, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Sddiq Ghani Al-Muhanna
- Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Faculty of Medical and Health Techniques, University of Alkafeel, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Shaima R. Banoon
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Misan, Maysan, Iraq
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8
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Sanches MS, Rodrigues da Silva C, Silva LC, Montini VH, Lopes Barboza MG, Migliorini Guidone GH, Dias de Oliva BH, Nishio EK, Faccin Galhardi LC, Vespero EC, Lelles Nogueira MC, Dejato Rocha SP. Proteus mirabilis from community-acquired urinary tract infections (UTI-CA) shares genetic similarity and virulence factors with isolates from chicken, beef and pork meat. Microb Pathog 2021; 158:105098. [PMID: 34280499 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis is an opportunistic pathogen associated with a variety of infections in humans, especially those in the urinary tract. The isolation of this pathogen in foods of animal origin such as meat is poorly documented and should not be neglected, in view of the zoonotic risk that this can pose to human health. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, virulence profile, and similarity between P. mirabilis strains isolated from chicken, beef, and pork meat and those causing community-acquired urinary tract infections (UTI-CA), in order to better understand the role of this bacterium as a zoonotic pathogen. P. mirabilis was isolated from the three types of meat and was found to be more prevalent in chicken. All isolates exhibited several genotypic and phenotypic virulence characteristics, such as adhesion capacity in HEp-2 cell culture, biofilm formation, cytotoxicity in Vero cells and genes that express fimbriae (mrpA, pmfA, ucaA, atfA), hemolysin (hpmA), proteases (zapA and ptA) and siderophore receptor (ireA). UTI-CA strains showed a higher prevalence of ucaA and ireA genes, whereas those from the chicken meat had a higher prevalence of the atfA gene compared with the isolates from the beef and pork meat. It was observed that chicken meat and UTI-CA strains mainly formed very strong biofilms, whereas strains isolated from beef and pork formed more weak and moderate biofilms. Several strains from meat showed close genetic similarity to those from UTI-CA and had the same virulence profiles. Thus, meats may be an important source of the dissemination of P. mirabilis responsible for causing UTIs in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Silva Sanches
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Caroline Rodrigues da Silva
- Microorganism Research Center, Department of Dermatological, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Health Sciences Center, Medical School of São José Do Rio Preto, São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luana Carvalho Silva
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Victor Hugo Montini
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Mario Gabriel Lopes Barboza
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | | | - Bruno Henrique Dias de Oliva
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Erick Kenji Nishio
- Laboratory of Basic and Applied Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Ligia Carla Faccin Galhardi
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Eliana Carolina Vespero
- Department of Pathology, Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, University Hospital of Londrina, State University of Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Mara Corrêa Lelles Nogueira
- Microorganism Research Center, Department of Dermatological, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Health Sciences Center, Medical School of São José Do Rio Preto, São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sergio Paulo Dejato Rocha
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil.
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Yuan F, Huang Z, Yang T, Wang G, Li P, Yang B, Li J. Pathogenesis of Proteus mirabilis in Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections. Urol Int 2021; 105:354-361. [PMID: 33691318 DOI: 10.1159/000514097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis (PM) is a Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium and widely exists in the natural environment, and it is most noted for its swarming motility and urease activity. PM is the main pathogen causing complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Clinically, PM can form a crystalline biofilm on the outer surface and inner cavity of the urethral indwelling catheter owing to its ureolytic biomineralization. This leads to catheter encrustation and blockage and, in most cases, is accompanied by urine retention and ascending UTI, causing cystitis, pyelonephritis, and the development of bladder or kidney stones, or even fatal complications such as septicemia and endotoxic shock. In this review, we discuss how PM is mediated by a catheter into the urethra, bladder, and then rose to the kidney causing UTI and the main virulence factors associated with different stages of infection, including flagella, pili or adhesins, urease, hemolysin, metal intake, and immune escape, encompassing both historical perspectives and current advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yuan
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Ziye Huang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Tongxin Yang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Guang Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Pei Li
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Bowei Yang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jiongming Li
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China,
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10
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Virulence, resistance and clonality of Proteus mirabilis isolated from patients with community-acquired urinary tract infection (CA-UTI) in Brazil. Microb Pathog 2020; 152:104642. [PMID: 33246088 PMCID: PMC7938216 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common human infections, both in hospitals and in communities. Proteus mirabilis is known to cause community-acquired urinary tract infection (CA-UTI) and is an important causative agent of nosocomial UTIs. The pathogenesis of this species is related to its ability to manifest virulence factors, such as biofilms, adhesion molecules, urease, proteases, siderophores, and toxins. In this study, we investigated the virulence, sensitivity to antimicrobials, and clonal relationship of 183 strains isolated from the urine of CA-UTI patients in Londrina, Paraná State, Brazil. A total of 100% of the strains were positive for hpmA, ptA, zapA, mrpA, pmfA, ireA, and atfA virulence genes. The ucaA gene was positive in 81.4% of the cases. The strains showed high rates of sensitivity to the evaluated antimicrobials, and only one was ESBL-positive. All the tested bacteria showed the capacity to form biofilms: 73.2% had a very strong intensity, while 25.7% had a strong intensity, and 1.1% had a moderate intensity. Regarding clonality, 40 clonal clusters were found among the microorganisms tested. Our results showed that strains of P. mirabilis isolated from CA-UTI patients have several virulence factors. Although the urinary clinical isolates studied showed high sensitivity to antimicrobials, the strains showed a strong capacity to form biofilms, making antibiotic therapy difficult. In addition, it was observed that there were clones of P. mirabilis circulating in the city of Londrina. All strains presented a variety of virulence genes. It was observed that there were clones of P. mirabilis circulating. 98.1% of strains produced strong or very strong biofilm.
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11
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Wasfi R, Hamed SM, Amer MA, Fahmy LI. Proteus mirabilis Biofilm: Development and Therapeutic Strategies. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:414. [PMID: 32923408 PMCID: PMC7456845 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis is a Gram negative bacterium that is a frequent cause of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Its ability to cause such infections is mostly related to the formation of biofilms on catheter surfaces. In order to form biofilms, P. mirabilis expresses a number of virulence factors. Such factors may include adhesion proteins, quorum sensing molecules, lipopolysaccharides, efflux pumps, and urease enzyme. A unique feature of P. mirabilis biofilms that build up on catheter surfaces is their crystalline nature owing to their ureolytic biomineralization. This leads to catheter encrustation and blockage and, in most cases, is accompanied by urine retention and ascending UTIs. Bacteria embedded in crystalline biofilms become highly resistant to conventional antimicrobials as well as the immune system. Being refractory to antimicrobial treatment, alternative approaches for eradicating P. mirabilis biofilms have been sought by many studies. The current review focuses on the mechanism by which P. mirabilis biofilms are formed, and a state of the art update on preventing biofilm formation and reduction of mature biofilms. These treatment approaches include natural, and synthetic compounds targeting virulence factors and quorum sensing, beside other strategies that include carrier-mediated diffusion of antimicrobials into biofilm matrix. Bacteriophage therapy has also shown successful results in vitro for combating P. mirabilis biofilms either merely through their lytic effect or by acting as facilitators for antimicrobials diffusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reham Wasfi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), Giza, Egypt
| | - Samira M Hamed
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), Giza, Egypt
| | - Mai A Amer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), Giza, Egypt
| | - Lamiaa Ismail Fahmy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), Giza, Egypt
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12
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Sun Y, Wen S, Zhao L, Xia Q, Pan Y, Liu H, Wei C, Chen H, Ge J, Wang H. Association among biofilm formation, virulence gene expression, and antibiotic resistance in Proteus mirabilis isolates from diarrhetic animals in Northeast China. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:176. [PMID: 32503535 PMCID: PMC7275385 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02372-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to investigate the association among biofilm formation, virulence gene expression, and antibiotic resistance in P. mirabilis isolates collected from diarrhetic animals (n = 176) in northeast China between September 2014 and October 2016. Results Approximately 92.05% of the isolates were biofilm producers, whereas 7.95% of the isolates were non-producers. The prevalence of virulence genes in the biofilm producer group was significantly higher than that in the non-producer group. Biofilm production was significantly associated with the expression of ureC, zapA, rsmA, hmpA, mrpA, atfA, and pmfA (P < 0.05). The results of drug susceptibility tests revealed that approximately 76.7% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR). Biofilm production was significantly associated with resistance to doxycycline, tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, kanamycin, and cephalothin (P < 0.05). Although the pathogenicity of the biofilm producers was stronger than that of the non-producers, the biofilm-forming ability of the isolates was not significantly associated with morbidity and mortality in mice (P > 0.05). Conclusion Our findings suggested that a high level of multidrug resistance in P. mirabilis isolates obtained from diarrhetic animals in northeast China. The results of this study indicated that the positive rates of the genes expressed by biofilm-producing P. mirabilis isolates were significantly higher than those expressed by non-producing isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadong Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P.R. China.,Liaoning Vocational College of Ecological Engineering, Shenyang, 110122, P.R. China
| | - Shanshan Wen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P.R. China
| | - Lili Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, 150069, P.R. China
| | - Qiqi Xia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P.R. China
| | - Yue Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P.R. China
| | - Hanghang Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P.R. China
| | - Chengwei Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P.R. China
| | - Hongyan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, 150069, P.R. China
| | - Junwei Ge
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P.R. China.,Northeastern Science Inspection Station, China Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogen Biology, Harbin, 150030, P.R. China
| | - Hongbin Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P.R. China.
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13
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Proteus mirabilis causing cellulitis in broiler chickens. Braz J Microbiol 2020; 51:1353-1362. [PMID: 32067208 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-020-00240-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the need to understand the virulence profile of Proteus mirabilis isolates from cellulitis in broiler chickens and their ability to cause lesions, the present study aimed to characterize genotypically and phenotypically the virulence profiles of two strains of P. mirabilis isolated from cellulitis in broilers, as well as to evaluate their ability to experimentally reproduce the lesions in vivo. The strain with the highest virulence potential (LBUEL-A33) possessed mrpA, pmfA, ucaA, atfA (fimbriae), zapA, ptA (proteases), hpmA (hemolysin), and ireA (siderophore) genes, formed a very strong biofilm, and expressed the pattern of aggregative adhesion and cytotoxicity in Vero cells. The strain with the lowest virulence potential (LBUEL-A34) did not present the pmfA and ucaA genes, but expressed the pattern of aggregative adhesion, formed a strong biofilm, and did not show cytotoxicity. Both strains developed cellulitis in an animal model within 24 h post-inoculation (PI), and the degree of lesions was not significantly altered up to 120 h PI. The LBUEL-A33 strain was also inoculated in combination with an avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC 046), and the lesions showed no significant changes from the individual inoculation of these two strains. Histological analysis showed that the LBUEL-A33 strain developed characteristic cellulitis lesions. Thus, both strains of P. mirabilis isolated in our study have several virulence factors and the ability to develop cellulitis in broilers.
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14
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Assessment of Pathogenic Potential, Virulent Genes Profile, and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Proteus mirabilis from Urinary Tract Infection. Int J Microbiol 2020; 2020:1231807. [PMID: 32089693 PMCID: PMC7029293 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1231807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis is the third most common bacterium that can cause complicated UTI, especially in catheterized patients. Urovirulence genes of P. mirabilis strains are poorly identified among UTI patients. The aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence of the uropathogenic P. mirabilis strains isolated from UTI patients by the detection of several P. mirabilis virulence genes and to characterize the antibiotic susceptibility profile of P. mirabilis isolates. P. mirabilis isolates were collected from urine specimens of patients suffering from UTI. Virulence genes in P. mirabilis, namely, hpmA, hpmB, rsbA, luxS, ureC1, hlyA, rpoA, atfA, atfC, mrpA, and pm1 were detected in the isolates via PCR detection method. All P. mirabilis virulence genes were detected in more than 90% of the isolates except hlyA gene, which was detected in only 23.8% of the isolates. The rate of susceptibility for ceftriaxone was 96.8%, followed by norfloxacin (82.5%), gentamicin (71.4%), ciprofloxacin (69.8%), cephalexin (52.4%), nalidixic acid (42.9%), sulfamethoxazole (39.7%), ampicillin (36.5%), and nitrofurantoin (3.2%). Significant associations (P < 0.05) were detected between antimicrobial susceptibility of each of the following antibiotics and the presence virulence genes. Cephalexin antimicrobial susceptibility was significantly associated with the presence each of ureC1 and atfC. Sulfamethoxazole antimicrobial susceptibility was significantly associated with the presence atfA. Ceftriaxone antimicrobial susceptibility was significantly associated with the presence each of hpmA, ureC1, rpoA, atfC, mrpA, and pm1. Nitrofurantoin antimicrobial susceptibility was significantly associated with the presence each of hpmA, ureC1, rpoA, atfA, atfC, mrpA, and pm1. In conclusion, an association between the presence of urovirulence genes of P. mirabilis and increasing P. mirabilis resistance to antimicrobials has been demonstrated.
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15
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Cochallenge Inoculation with Proteus mirabilis in a Murine Transurethral Urinary Tract Model of Ascending Infection. Methods Mol Biol 2019. [PMID: 31309505 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9601-8_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Determining virulence factors which contribute to the ability of Proteus mirabilis to establish itself as a prominent cause of urinary tract infections is key in developing targets for potential therapies and treatments. Constructing mutants and testing them in a head-to-head in vivo challenge with the parental strain or other mutants enables determination of what, if any, competitive advantage may exist. Here we describe the methods necessary to ensure successful mouse transurethral inoculation and colonization in a cochallenge infection.
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16
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Sanches MS, Baptista AAS, de Souza M, Menck-Costa MF, Koga VL, Kobayashi RKT, Rocha SPD. Genotypic and phenotypic profiles of virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance of Proteus mirabilis isolated from chicken carcasses: potential zoonotic risk. Braz J Microbiol 2019; 50:685-694. [PMID: 31049879 PMCID: PMC6863274 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-019-00086-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis is an opportunistic pathogen often associated with a variety of human infections acquired both in the community and in hospitals. In this context, the present work aimed to evaluate the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of the virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance determinants of 32 P. mirabilis strains isolated from chicken carcasses in a poultry slaughterhouse in the north of the state of Paraná, Brazil, in order to assess a potential zoonotic risk. The isolates presented a variety of virulence genes that contribute to the development of infection in humans. The mrpA, pmfA, atfA (fimbriae), ireA (siderophores receptor), zapA, ptA (Proteases), and hpmA (hemolysin) genes were found in 32 (100%) isolates and ucaA (fimbriae) in 16 (50%). All isolates showed aggregative adherence in HEp-2 cells and formed biofilms. Of all strains, 27 (84.38%) showed cytotoxic effects in Vero cells. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using 20 antimicrobials, in which 25 (78.13%) strains were considered multidrug-resistant. The presence of blaESBL and blaampC genes conferring resistance to β-lactams and qnr to quinolones were also detected in the isolates after presumption in the phenotypic test, in which 7 (21.88%) isolates contained the CTX-M-2 group, 11 (34.38%) contained CIT group and 19 (59.38%) contained qnrD. Therefore, chicken carcasses contaminated with P. mirabilis may pose a health risk to the consumer, as these isolates have a variety of virulence and antimicrobial resistance characteristics that can be found in P. mirabilis strains isolated from human infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Silva Sanches
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Ana Angelita Sampaio Baptista
- Laboratory of Avian Medicine, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural Sciences Center, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Marielen de Souza
- Laboratory of Avian Medicine, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural Sciences Center, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Maísa Fabiana Menck-Costa
- Laboratory of Avian Medicine, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural Sciences Center, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Lumi Koga
- Laboratory of Basic and Applied Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Renata Katsuko Takayama Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Basic and Applied Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Sergio Paulo Dejato Rocha
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil.
- Department of Microbiology, Center of Biological Science, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PO-BOX 6001, Londrina, Paraná, 86051-980, Brazil.
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17
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Iribarnegaray V, Navarro N, Robino L, Zunino P, Morales J, Scavone P. Magnesium-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles alter biofilm formation of Proteus mirabilis. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2019; 14:1551-1564. [PMID: 31166149 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2018-0420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Proteus mirabilis biofilms colonize medical devices, and their role in microbial pathogenesis is well established. Magnesium-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO:MgO NPs) have potential antimicrobial properties; thus, we aimed at evaluating the antibiofilm activity of ZnO:MgO NPs against P. mirabilis biofilm. Materials & methods: After synthesis and characterization of ZnO:MgO NPs and their addition to a polymer film, we evaluated the stages of P. mirabilis biofilm development over glass coverslip covered by different concentrations of ZnO:MgO NPs. Results: Low concentrations of ZnO:MgO NPs affect the development of P. mirabilis biofilm. Descriptors showed reduced values in bacterial number, bacterial volume and extracellular material. Conclusion: Our results highlight this new application of ZnO:MgO NPs as a potential antibiofilm strategy in medical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Iribarnegaray
- Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Av. Italia 3318, PC 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Nicolas Navarro
- Departamento de Ciencias y Tecnologías Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santos Dumont 964, Independencia, Santiago, Chile.,Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luciana Robino
- Departamento de Bacteriología y Virología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Alfredo Navarro 3051, PC 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Pablo Zunino
- Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Av. Italia 3318, PC 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Javier Morales
- Departamento de Ciencias y Tecnologías Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santos Dumont 964, Independencia, Santiago, Chile.,Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paola Scavone
- Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Av. Italia 3318, PC 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
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18
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Abstract
Proteus mirabilis, a Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium most noted for its swarming motility and urease activity, frequently causes catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) that are often polymicrobial. These infections may be accompanied by urolithiasis, the development of bladder or kidney stones due to alkalinization of urine from urease-catalyzed urea hydrolysis. Adherence of the bacterium to epithelial and catheter surfaces is mediated by 17 different fimbriae, most notably MR/P fimbriae. Repressors of motility are often encoded by these fimbrial operons. Motility is mediated by flagella encoded on a single contiguous 54-kb chromosomal sequence. On agar plates, P. mirabilis undergoes a morphological conversion to a filamentous swarmer cell expressing hundreds of flagella. When swarms from different strains meet, a line of demarcation, a "Dienes line," develops due to the killing action of each strain's type VI secretion system. During infection, histological damage is caused by cytotoxins including hemolysin and a variety of proteases, some autotransported. The pathogenesis of infection, including assessment of individual genes or global screens for virulence or fitness factors has been assessed in murine models of ascending urinary tract infections or CAUTIs using both single-species and polymicrobial models. Global gene expression studies performed in culture and in the murine model have revealed the unique metabolism of this bacterium. Vaccines, using MR/P fimbria and its adhesin, MrpH, have been shown to be efficacious in the murine model. A comprehensive review of factors associated with urinary tract infection is presented, encompassing both historical perspectives and current advances.
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19
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Jiang W, Ubhayasekera W, Pearson MM, Knight SD. Structures of two fimbrial adhesins, AtfE and UcaD, from the uropathogenProteus mirabilis. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D-STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2018; 74:1053-1062. [DOI: 10.1107/s2059798318012391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The important uropathogenProteus mirabilisencodes a record number of chaperone/usher-pathway adhesive fimbriae. Such fimbriae, which are used for adhesion to cell surfaces/tissues and for biofilm formation, are typically important virulence factors in bacterial pathogenesis. Here, the structures of the receptor-binding domains of the tip-located two-domain adhesins UcaD (1.5 Å resolution) and AtfE (1.58 Å resolution) from twoP. mirabilisfimbriae (UCA/NAF and ATF) are presented. The structures of UcaD and AtfE are both similar to the F17G type of tip-located fimbrial receptor-binding domains, and the structures are very similar despite having only limited sequence similarity. These structures represent an important step towards a molecular-level understanding ofP. mirabilisfimbrial adhesins and their roles in the complex pathogenesis of urinary-tract infections.
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20
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MrpJ Directly Regulates Proteus mirabilis Virulence Factors, Including Fimbriae and Type VI Secretion, during Urinary Tract Infection. Infect Immun 2018; 86:IAI.00388-18. [PMID: 30082479 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00388-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis is a leading cause of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and urolithiasis. The transcriptional regulator MrpJ inversely modulates two critical aspects of P. mirabilis UTI progression: fimbria-mediated attachment and flagellum-mediated motility. Transcriptome data indicated a network of virulence-associated genes under MrpJ's control. Here, we identify the direct gene regulon of MrpJ and its contribution to P. mirabilis pathogenesis, leading to the discovery of novel virulence targets. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) was used for the first time in a CAUTI pathogen to probe for in vivo direct targets of MrpJ. Selected MrpJ-regulated genes were mutated and assessed for their contribution to UTI using a mouse model. ChIP-seq revealed a palindromic MrpJ binding sequence and 78 MrpJ-bound regions, including binding sites upstream of genes involved in motility, fimbriae, and a type VI secretion system (T6SS). A combinatorial mutation approach established the contribution of three fimbriae (fim8A, fim14A, and pmpA) to UTI and a new pathogenic role for the T6SS in UTI progression. In conclusion, this study (i) establishes the direct gene regulon and an MrpJ consensus binding site and (ii) led to the discovery of new virulence genes in P. mirabilis UTI, which could be targeted for therapeutic intervention of CAUTI.
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21
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Hamilton AL, Kamm MA, Ng SC, Morrison M. Proteus spp. as Putative Gastrointestinal Pathogens. Clin Microbiol Rev 2018; 31:e00085-17. [PMID: 29899011 PMCID: PMC6056842 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00085-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteus species, members of the Enterobacteriaceae family, are usually considered commensals in the gut and are most commonly recognized clinically as a cause of urinary tract infections. However, the recent identification of Proteus spp. as potential pathogens in Crohn's disease recurrence after intestinal resection serves as a stimulus to examine their potential role as gut pathogens. Proteus species possess many virulence factors potentially relevant to gastrointestinal pathogenicity, including motility; adherence; the production of urease, hemolysins, and IgA proteases; and the ability to acquire antibiotic resistance. Gastrointestinal conditions that have been linked to Proteus include gastroenteritis (spontaneous and foodborne), nosocomial infections, appendicitis, colonization of devices such as nasogastric tubes, and Crohn's disease. The association of Proteus species with Crohn's disease was particularly strong. Proteus species are low-abundance commensals of the human gut that harbor significant pathogenic potential; further investigation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Hamilton
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael A Kamm
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Siew C Ng
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mark Morrison
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
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22
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Norsworthy AN, Pearson MM. From Catheter to Kidney Stone: The Uropathogenic Lifestyle of Proteus mirabilis. Trends Microbiol 2016; 25:304-315. [PMID: 28017513 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2016.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis is a model organism for urease-producing uropathogens. These diverse bacteria cause infection stones in the urinary tract and form crystalline biofilms on indwelling urinary catheters, frequently leading to polymicrobial infection. Recent work has elucidated how P. mirabilis causes all of these disease states. Particularly exciting is the discovery that this bacterium forms large clusters in the bladder lumen that are sites for stone formation. These clusters, and other steps of infection, require two virulence factors in particular: urease and MR/P fimbriae. Highlighting the importance of MR/P fimbriae is the cotranscribed regulator, MrpJ, which globally controls virulence. Overall, P. mirabilis exhibits an extraordinary lifestyle, and further probing will answer exciting basic microbiological and clinically relevant questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison N Norsworthy
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Melanie M Pearson
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Urology, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Current address: University of Michigan Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, 5641 Medical Science Building II, 1150 West Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0620, USA.
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23
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Abstract
Proteus mirabilis is a Gram-negative bacterium and is well known for its ability to robustly swarm across surfaces in a striking bulls'-eye pattern. Clinically, this organism is most frequently a pathogen of the urinary tract, particularly in patients undergoing long-term catheterization. This review covers P. mirabilis with a focus on urinary tract infections (UTI), including disease models, vaccine development efforts, and clinical perspectives. Flagella-mediated motility, both swimming and swarming, is a central facet of this organism. The regulation of this complex process and its contribution to virulence is discussed, along with the type VI-secretion system-dependent intra-strain competition, which occurs during swarming. P. mirabilis uses a diverse set of virulence factors to access and colonize the host urinary tract, including urease and stone formation, fimbriae and other adhesins, iron and zinc acquisition, proteases and toxins, biofilm formation, and regulation of pathogenesis. While significant advances in this field have been made, challenges remain to combatting complicated UTI and deciphering P. mirabilis pathogenesis.
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Distinct Residues Contribute to Motility Repression and Autoregulation in the Proteus mirabilis Fimbria-Associated Transcriptional Regulator AtfJ. J Bacteriol 2016; 198:2100-12. [PMID: 27246571 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00193-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Proteus mirabilis contributes to a significant number of catheter-associated urinary tract infections, where coordinated regulation of adherence and motility is critical for ascending disease progression. Previously, the mannose-resistant Proteus-like (MR/P) fimbria-associated transcriptional regulator MrpJ has been shown to both repress motility and directly induce the transcription of its own operon; in addition, it affects the expression of a wide range of cellular processes. Interestingly, 14 additional mrpJ paralogs are included in the P. mirabilis genome. Looking at a selection of MrpJ paralogs, we discovered that these proteins, which consistently repress motility, also have nonidentical functions that include cross-regulation of fimbrial operons. A subset of paralogs, including AtfJ (encoded by the ambient temperature fimbrial operon), Fim8J, and MrpJ, are capable of autoinduction. We identified an element of the atf promoter extending from 487 to 655 nucleotides upstream of the transcriptional start site that is responsive to AtfJ, and we found that AtfJ directly binds this fragment. Mutational analysis of AtfJ revealed that its two identified functions, autoregulation and motility repression, are not invariably linked. Residues within the DNA-binding helix-turn-helix domain are required for motility repression but not necessarily autoregulation. Likewise, the C-terminal domain is dispensable for motility repression but is essential for autoregulation. Supported by a three-dimensional (3D) structural model, we hypothesize that the C-terminal domain confers unique regulatory capacities on the AtfJ family of regulators. IMPORTANCE Balancing adherence with motility is essential for uropathogens to successfully establish a foothold in their host. Proteus mirabilis uses a fimbria-associated transcriptional regulator to switch between these antagonistic processes by increasing fimbrial adherence while simultaneously downregulating flagella. The discovery of multiple related proteins, many of which also function as motility repressors, encoded in the P. mirabilis genome has raised considerable interest as to their functionality and potential redundancy in this organism. This study provides an important advance in this field by elucidating the nonidentical effects of these paralogs on a molecular level. Our mechanistic studies of one member of this group, AtfJ, shed light on how these differing functions may be conferred despite the limited sequence variety exhibited by the paralogous proteins.
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25
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Draft Genome Sequence and Gene Annotation of the Uropathogenic Bacterium Proteus mirabilis Pr2921. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2016; 4:4/3/e00564-16. [PMID: 27340058 PMCID: PMC4919397 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.00564-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Here, we report the genome sequence of Proteus mirabilis Pr2921, a uropathogenic bacterium that can cause severe complicated urinary tract infections. After gene annotation, we identified two additional copies of ucaA, one of the most studied fimbrial protein genes, and other fimbriae related-proteins that are not present in P. mirabilis HI4320.
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26
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Scavone P, Iribarnegaray V, Caetano AL, Schlapp G, Härtel S, Zunino P. Fimbriae have distinguishable roles in Proteus mirabilis biofilm formation. Pathog Dis 2016; 74:ftw033. [PMID: 27091004 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftw033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis is one of the most common etiological agents of complicated urinary tract infections, especially those associated with catheterization. This is related to the ability of P. mirabilis to form biofilms on different surfaces. This pathogen encodes 17 putative fimbrial operons, the highest number found in any sequenced bacterial species so far. The present study analyzed the role of four P. mirabilis fimbriae (MR/P, UCA, ATF and PMF) in biofilm formation using isogenic mutants. Experimental approaches included migration over catheter, swimming and swarming motility, the semiquantitative assay based on adhesion and crystal violet staining, and biofilm development by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. Different assays were performed using LB or artificial urine. Results indicated that the different fimbriae contribute to the formation of a stable and functional biofilm. Fimbriae revealed particular associated roles. First, all the mutants showed a significantly reduced ability to migrate across urinary catheter sections but neither swimming nor swarming motility were affected. However, some mutants formed smaller biofilms compared with the wild type (MRP and ATF) while others formed significantly larger biofilms (UCA and PMF) showing different bioarchitecture features. It can be concluded that P. mirabilis fimbriae have distinguishable roles in the generation of biofilms, particularly in association with catheters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Scavone
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Victoria Iribarnegaray
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Ana Laura Caetano
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Geraldine Schlapp
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Steffen Härtel
- Laboratory for Scientific Image Processing (SCIAN-Lab), Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Pablo Zunino
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
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Chahales P, Thanassi DG. Structure, Function, and Assembly of Adhesive Organelles by Uropathogenic Bacteria. Microbiol Spectr 2015; 3:10.1128/microbiolspec.UTI-0018-2013. [PMID: 26542038 PMCID: PMC4638162 DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.uti-0018-2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria assemble a wide range of adhesive proteins, termed adhesins, to mediate binding to receptors and colonization of surfaces. For pathogenic bacteria, adhesins are critical for early stages of infection, allowing the bacteria to initiate contact with host cells, colonize different tissues, and establish a foothold within the host. The adhesins expressed by a pathogen are also critical for bacterial-bacterial interactions and the formation of bacterial communities, including biofilms. The ability to adhere to host tissues is particularly important for bacteria that colonize sites such as the urinary tract, where the flow of urine functions to maintain sterility by washing away non-adherent pathogens. Adhesins vary from monomeric proteins that are directly anchored to the bacterial surface to polymeric, hair-like fibers that extend out from the cell surface. These latter fibers are termed pili or fimbriae, and were among the first identified virulence factors of uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Studies since then have identified a range of both pilus and non-pilus adhesins that contribute to bacterial colonization of the urinary tract, and have revealed molecular details of the structures, assembly pathways, and functions of these adhesive organelles. In this review, we describe the different types of adhesins expressed by both Gram-negative and Gram-positive uropathogens, what is known about their structures, how they are assembled on the bacterial surface, and the functions of specific adhesins in the pathogenesis of urinary tract infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Chahales
- Center for Infectious Diseases and Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794
| | - David G Thanassi
- Center for Infectious Diseases and Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794
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Role of Proteus mirabilis MR/P fimbriae and flagella in adhesion, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity induction in T24 and Vero cells. Pathog Dis 2015; 73:ftv017. [DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftv017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Isolation and characterization of plant and human pathogenic bacteria from green pepper (Capsicum annum L.) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 3 Biotech 2014; 4:337-344. [PMID: 28324470 PMCID: PMC4145628 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-013-0136-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Forty-three bacterial isolates in five genera were recovered from naturally infected green pepper fruits (38 samples) showing dark brown, irregular-shaped splotches. The pathogenicity test was performed on healthy green pepper fruits and red colonies were from inoculated fruits showing the same symptoms and the infected area developed into soft rot. Their identification was based on phenotypic characters and sequence of the gene fragment coding 16S rRNA. Of 43 isolates, 10 showing splotches on green pepper fruits belonged to genus Serratia on the basis of phenotypic characters. One representative isolate of the genus Serratia has been identified by partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis as belonging to the Serratia rubidaea and has the potential to cause spot on green pepper. Eleven phytopathogenic bacterial isolates were also obtained at the same time but did not induce any splotch symptoms on artificially infected green pepper. Five out of 11 bacterial isolates were identified as Ralstonia on the basis of biochemical tests. Partial sequencing of 16S ribosomal gene of representative isolate revealed that the isolate is Ralstonia solanacearum. The six remaining isolates were related to Xanthomonas vesicatoria on the basis of biochemical tests. Twenty-two of opportunistic human pathogens were isolated at the same time and related to Proteus and Klebsiella. Opportunistic human pathogens did not produce any symptoms on artificially infected green pepper. One representative isolate for each genus was identified as Klebsiella oxytoca and Proteus mirabilis based on their partial 16S rRNA gene sequences. The virulence of the S. rubidaea, the causal agent of green pepper fruits splotches was attributed to the production and secretion of a large variety of enzymes capable of degrading the complex polysaccharides of the plant cell wall and membrane constituents.
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Kuan L, Schaffer JN, Zouzias CD, Pearson MM. Characterization of 17 chaperone-usher fimbriae encoded by Proteus mirabilis reveals strong conservation. J Med Microbiol 2014; 63:911-922. [PMID: 24809384 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.069971-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis is a Gram-negative enteric bacterium that causes complicated urinary tract infections, particularly in patients with indwelling catheters. Sequencing of clinical isolate P. mirabilis HI4320 revealed the presence of 17 predicted chaperone-usher fimbrial operons. We classified these fimbriae into three groups by their genetic relationship to other chaperone-usher fimbriae. Sixteen of these fimbriae are encoded by all seven currently sequenced P. mirabilis genomes. The predicted protein sequence of the major structural subunit for 14 of these fimbriae was highly conserved (≥ 95% identity), whereas three other structural subunits (Fim3A, UcaA and Fim6A) were variable. Further examination of 58 clinical isolates showed that 14 of the 17 predicted major structural subunit genes of the fimbriae were present in most strains (>85%). Transcription of the predicted major structural subunit genes for all 17 fimbriae was measured under different culture conditions designed to mimic conditions in the urinary tract. The majority of the fimbrial genes were induced during stationary phase, static culture or colony growth when compared to exponential-phase aerated culture. Major structural subunit proteins for six of these fimbriae were detected using MS of proteins sheared from the surface of broth-cultured P. mirabilis, demonstrating that this organism may produce multiple fimbriae within a single culture. The high degree of conservation of P. mirabilis fimbriae stands in contrast to uropathogenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica, which exhibit greater variability in their fimbrial repertoires. These findings suggest there may be evolutionary pressure for P. mirabilis to maintain a large fimbrial arsenal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Kuan
- Departments of Microbiology and Urology, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jessica N Schaffer
- Departments of Microbiology and Urology, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christos D Zouzias
- Departments of Microbiology and Urology, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Melanie M Pearson
- Departments of Microbiology and Urology, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Native flagellin does not protect mice against an experimental Proteus mirabilis ascending urinary tract infection and neutralizes the protective effect of MrpA fimbrial protein. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2014; 105:1139-48. [PMID: 24771125 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-014-0175-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis expresses several virulence factors including MR/P fimbriae and flagella. Bacterial flagellin has frequently shown interesting adjuvant and protective properties in vaccine formulations. However, native P. mirabilis flagellin has not been analyzed so far. Native P. mirabilis flagellin was evaluated as a protective antigen and as an adjuvant in co-immunizations with MrpA (structural subunit of MR/P fimbriae) using an ascending UTI model in the mouse. Four groups of mice were intranasally treated with either MrpA, native flagellin, both proteins and PBS. Urine and blood samples were collected before and after immunization for specific antibodies determination. Cytokine production was assessed in immunized mice splenocytes cultures. Mice were challenged with P. mirabilis, and bacteria quantified in kidneys and bladders. MrpA immunization induced serum and urine specific anti-MrpA antibodies while MrpA coadministered with native flagellin did not. None of the animals developed significant anti-flagellin antibodies. Only MrpA-immunized mice showed a significant decrease of P. mirabilis in bladders and kidneys. Instead, infection levels in MrpA-flagellin or flagellin-treated mice showed no significant differences with the control group. IL-10 was significantly induced in splenocytes of mice that received native flagellin or MrpA-flagellin. Native P. mirabilis flagellin did not protect mice against an ascending UTI. Moreover, it showed an immunomodulatory effect, neutralizing the protective role of MrpA. P. mirabilis flagellin exhibits particular immunological properties compared to other bacterial flagellins.
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Umpiérrez A, Scavone P, Romanin D, Marqués JM, Chabalgoity JA, Rumbo M, Zunino P. Innate immune responses to Proteus mirabilis flagellin in the urinary tract. Microbes Infect 2013; 15:688-96. [PMID: 23817034 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2013.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Revised: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Flagella are bacterial virulence factors allowing microorganisms to move over surfaces. Flagellin, the structural component of flagella, is sensed by the host via Toll and NOD-like receptors and triggers pro-inflammatory responses. The use of Toll-like receptors agonists to modulate innate immune responses has aroused great interest as an alternative to improve the treatment of diverse infectious diseases. Proteus mirabilis is a Gram negative bacterium that causes urinary tract infections in humans. In the present work we used different approaches to study the ability of P. mirabilis flagellin to induce an innate immune response. We demonstrated that P. mirabilis flagellin has the ability to induce pro-inflammatory chemokines expression in T24 bladder cultures cells and in the mouse bladder after instillation. It was evidenced also that flagellin from different P. mirabilis strains differed in their capacity to induce an innate immune response in the CacoCCL20-Luc system. Also, flagellin elicited inflammation, with recruitment of leukocytes to the bladder epithelium. Flagellin instillation before an experimental P. mirabilis infection showed that the inflammatory response due to flagellin did not help to clear the infection but favored bacterial colonization. Thus, induction of inflammatory response in the bladder did not contribute to P. mirabilis infection neutralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Umpiérrez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Av. Italia 3318, PC 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
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Pellegrino R, Scavone P, Umpiérrez A, Maskell DJ, Zunino P. Proteus mirabilis uroepithelial cell adhesin (UCA) fimbria plays a role in the colonization of the urinary tract. Pathog Dis 2013; 67:104-7. [PMID: 23620155 DOI: 10.1111/2049-632x.12027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Revised: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections in humans. Proteus mirabilis is an opportunistic pathogen, capable of causing severe UTIs, with serious kidney damage that may even lead to death. Several virulence factors are involved in the pathogenicity of this bacterium. Among these, adherence to the uroepithelium mediated by fimbriae appears to be a significant bacterial attribute related to urovirulence. Proteus mirabilis expresses several types of fimbriae that could be involved in the pathogenesis of UTI, including uroepithelial cell adhesin (UCA). In this report, we used an uropathogenic P. mirabilis wild-type strain and an isogenic ucaA mutant unable to express UCA to study the pathogenic role of this fimbria in UTI. Ability of the mutant to adhere to desquamated uroepithelial cells and to infect mice using different experimental UTI models was significantly impaired. These results allow us to conclude that P. mirabilis UCA plays an important role in the colonization of the urinary tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Pellegrino
- Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Proteus sp. – an opportunistic bacterial pathogen – classification, swarming growth, clinical significance and virulence factors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.2478/fobio-2013-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The genus Proteus belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family, where it is placed in the tribe Proteeae, together with the genera Morganella and Providencia. Currently, the genus Proteus consists of five species: P. mirabilis, P. vulgaris, P. penneri, P. hauseri and P. myxofaciens, as well as three unnamed Proteus genomospecies. The most defining characteristic of Proteus bacteria is a swarming phenomenon, a multicellular differentiation process of short rods to elongated swarmer cells. It allows population of bacteria to migrate on solid surface. Proteus bacteria inhabit the environment and are also present in the intestines of humans and animals. These microorganisms under favorable conditions cause a number of infections including urinary tract infections (UTIs), wound infections, meningitis in neonates or infants and rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, Proteus is known as a bacterial opportunistic pathogen. It causes complicated UTIs with a higher frequency, compared to other uropathogens. Proteus infections are accompanied by a formation of urinary stones, containing struvite and carbonate apatite. The virulence of Proteus rods has been related to several factors including fimbriae, flagella, enzymes (urease - hydrolyzing urea to CO2 and NH3, proteases degrading antibodies, tissue matrix proteins and proteins of the complement system), iron acqusition systems and toxins: hemolysins, Proteus toxin agglutinin (Pta), as well as an endotoxin - lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Proteus rods form biofilm, particularly on the surface of urinary catheters, which can lead to serious consequences for patients. In this review we present factors involved in the regulation of swarming phenomenon, discuss the role of particular pathogenic features of Proteus spp., and characterize biofilm formation by these bacteria.
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Armbruster CE, Mobley HLT. Merging mythology and morphology: the multifaceted lifestyle of Proteus mirabilis. Nat Rev Microbiol 2012; 10:743-54. [PMID: 23042564 DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro2890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis, named for the Greek god who changed shape to avoid capture, has fascinated microbiologists for more than a century with its unique swarming differentiation, Dienes line formation and potent urease activity. Transcriptome profiling during both host infection and swarming motility, coupled with the availability of the complete genome sequence for P. mirabilis, has revealed the occurrence of interbacterial competition and killing through a type VI secretion system, and the reciprocal regulation of adhesion and motility, as well as the intimate connections between metabolism, swarming and virulence. This Review addresses some of the unique and recently described aspects of P. mirabilis biology and pathogenesis, and emphasizes the potential role of this bacterium in single-species and polymicrobial urinary tract infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsie E Armbruster
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, 5641 Medical Science Building II, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
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Schlapp G, Scavone P, Zunino P, Härtel S. Development of 3D architecture of uropathogenic Proteus mirabilis batch culture biofilms-A quantitative confocal microscopy approach. J Microbiol Methods 2011; 87:234-40. [PMID: 21864585 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2011.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2011] [Revised: 07/25/2011] [Accepted: 07/28/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
This work studies the development of the 3D architecture of batch culture P. mirabilis biofilms on the basis of morpho-topological descriptors calculated from confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) stacks with image processing routines. A precise architectonical understanding of biofilm organization on a morpho-topological level is necessary to understand emergent interactions with the environment and the appearance of functionally different progeny swarmer cells. P. mirabilis biofilms were grown on glass coverslips for seven days on LB broth and subjected to in situ immunofluorescence. Confocal image stacks were deconvolved prior to segmentation of regions of interest (ROI) that identify individual bacteria and extracellular material, followed by 3D reconstruction and calculation of different morpho-topological key descriptors. Results showed that P. mirabilis biofilm formation followed a five stage process: (i) reversible adhesion to the surface characterized by slow growth, presence of elongated bacteria, and absence of extracellular material, (ii) irreversible bacterial adhesion concomitant to decreasing elongation, and the beginning of extracellular polymer production, (iii) accelerated bacterial growth concomitant to continuously decreasing elongation and halting of extracellular polymer production, (iv) maturation of biofilm defined by maximum bacterial density, volume, minimum elongation, maximum extracellular material, and highest compaction, and (v) decreased bacterial density and extracellular material through detachment and dispersion. Swarmer cells do not play a role in P. mirabilis biofilm formation under the applied conditions. Our approach sets the basis for future studies of 3D biofilm architecture using dynamic in vivo models and different environmental conditions that assess clinical impacts of P. mirabilis biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Schlapp
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avda. Italia 3318, Montevideo, Uruguay
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D'Alessandro B, Lery LMS, Krüger WMA, Lima A, Piccini C, Zunino P. Proteomic analysis of Proteus mirabilis outer membrane proteins reveals differential expression in vivo vs. in vitro conditions. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 63:174-82. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2011.00839.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno D'Alessandro
- Departamento de Microbiología; Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable; Montevideo; Uruguay
| | - Leticia M. S. Lery
- Unidade Multidisciplinar de Genômica; Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho; Centro de Ciencias da Saúde - Bloco G Lab; Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Rio de Janeiro; Brazil
| | - Wanda M. A. Krüger
- Unidade Multidisciplinar de Genômica; Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho; Centro de Ciencias da Saúde - Bloco G Lab; Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Rio de Janeiro; Brazil
| | - Analía Lima
- Unidad de Bioquímica y Proteómica Analíticas; Institut Pasteur de Montevideo/Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable; Montevideo; Uruguay
| | - Claudia Piccini
- Departamento de Microbiología; Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable; Montevideo; Uruguay
| | - Pablo Zunino
- Departamento de Microbiología; Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable; Montevideo; Uruguay
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Scavone P, Umpiérrez A, Maskell DJ, Zunino P. Nasal immunization with attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium expressing an MrpA-TetC fusion protein significantly reduces Proteus mirabilis colonization in the mouse urinary tract. J Med Microbiol 2011; 60:899-904. [PMID: 21415205 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.030460-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of effective strategies to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) has become an important goal in public health. Proteus mirabilis is commonly associated with complicated UTIs and expresses several virulence factors, including mannose-resistant Proteus-like (MR/P) fimbriae. Here, a fusion protein formed from MrpA, the structural protein of MR/P fimbriae, and TetC, a non-toxic but highly immunogenic fragment of tetanus toxin, to be delivered by an attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium mutant in vivo was constructed. The ability of this strain to induce an immune response and to protect mice against a urinary tract challenge with P. mirabilis was investigated. The protein was successfully expressed in S. Typhimurium. After two immunization doses, intra-nasally vaccinated mice showed a significant increase in specific serum IgG against MrpA and against Salmonella lipopolysaccharide, as well as a significant decrease in kidney and bladder colonization by P. mirabilis after challenge. However, no significant correlation was observed between antibody response and kidney or bladder colonization. MrpA fused to TetC and expressed in S. Typhimurium effectively protected mice against an experimental P. mirabilis UTI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Scavone
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Ana Umpiérrez
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Duncan J Maskell
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Pablo Zunino
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
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Abstract
The urinary tract is a common site of bacterial infections; nearly half of all women experience at least one urinary tract infection (UTI) during their lifetime. These infections are classified based on the condition of the host. Uncomplicated infections affect otherwise healthy individuals and are most commonly caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli, whereas complicated infections affect patients with underlying difficulties, such as a urinary tract abnormality or catheterization, and are commonly caused by species such as Proteus mirabilis. Virulence and fitness factors produced by both pathogens include fimbriae, toxins, flagella, iron acquisition systems, and proteins that function in immune evasion. Additional factors that contribute to infection include the formation of intracellular bacterial communities by E. coli and the production of urease by P. mirabilis, which can result in urinary stone formation. Innate immune responses are induced or mediated by pattern recognition receptors, antimicrobial peptides, and neutrophils. The adaptive immune response to UTI is less well understood. Host factors TLR4 and CXCR1 are implicated in disease outcome and susceptibility, respectively. Low levels of TLR4 are associated with asymptomatic bacteriuria while low levels of CXCR1 are associated with increased incidence of acute pyelonephritis. Current research is focused on the identification of additional virulence factors and therapeutic or prophylactic targets that might be used in the generation of vaccines against both uropathogens.
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40
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Scavone P, Rial A, Umpierrez A, Chabalgoity A, Zunino P. Effects of the administration of cholera toxin as a mucosal adjuvant on the immune and protective response induced by Proteus mirabilis MrpA fimbrial protein in the urinary tract. Microbiol Immunol 2009; 53:233-40. [PMID: 19714860 DOI: 10.1111/j.1348-0421.2009.00111.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis is commonly associated with complicated UTI and expresses several virulence factors, including MR/P fimbriae. In the present study mice were immunised nasally with MrpA, the structural subunit of MR/P, with or without CT as a mucosal adjuvant. The animals were then challenged with P. mirabilis and induction of specific serum and urine IgG and IgA, IFN-gamma production and bacterial kidney and bladder colonization were assessed. MrpA-immunised mice exhibited significant induction of serum IgA and urine IgA and IgG. MrpA/CT-immunised mice showed both significant serum and urine IgA and IgG production. Only this group showed significant IFN-y production. Both groups of animals had significant decrease in bacterial colonization of kidneys but not of bladders. No correlation between specific antibody induction in serum and CFU decrease was observed in any group of animals. Our results suggest that a mucosal adjuvant (CT) in the urinary tract enhanced humoral and cytokine response although it did not influence the degree of protection against UTI provided by MrpA. Further studies are necessary to understand immune modulation in the urinary tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Scavone
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Investigations Clemente Estable, UdelaR, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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Complicated catheter-associated urinary tract infections due to Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis. Clin Microbiol Rev 2008; 21:26-59. [PMID: 18202436 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00019-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 477] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) represent the most common type of nosocomial infection and are a major health concern due to the complications and frequent recurrence. These infections are often caused by Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis. Gram-negative bacterial species that cause CAUTIs express a number of virulence factors associated with adhesion, motility, biofilm formation, immunoavoidance, and nutrient acquisition as well as factors that cause damage to the host. These infections can be reduced by limiting catheter usage and ensuring that health care professionals correctly use closed-system Foley catheters. A number of novel approaches such as condom and suprapubic catheters, intermittent catheterization, new surfaces, catheters with antimicrobial agents, and probiotics have thus far met with limited success. While the diagnosis of symptomatic versus asymptomatic CAUTIs may be a contentious issue, it is generally agreed that once a catheterized patient is believed to have a symptomatic urinary tract infection, the catheter is removed if possible due to the high rate of relapse. Research focusing on the pathogenesis of CAUTIs will lead to a better understanding of the disease process and will subsequently lead to the development of new diagnosis, prevention, and treatment options.
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Nuccio SP, Bäumler AJ. Evolution of the chaperone/usher assembly pathway: fimbrial classification goes Greek. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2007; 71:551-75. [PMID: 18063717 PMCID: PMC2168650 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00014-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Many Proteobacteria use the chaperone/usher pathway to assemble proteinaceous filaments on the bacterial surface. These filaments can curl into fimbrial or nonfimbrial surface structures (e.g., a capsule or spore coat). This article reviews the phylogeny of operons belonging to the chaperone/usher assembly class to explore the utility of establishing a scheme for subdividing them into clades of phylogenetically related gene clusters. Based on usher amino acid sequence comparisons, our analysis shows that the chaperone/usher assembly class is subdivided into six major phylogenetic clades, which we have termed alpha-, beta-, gamma-, kappa-, pi-, and sigma-fimbriae. Members of each clade share related operon structures and encode fimbrial subunits with similar protein domains. The proposed classification system offers a simple and convenient method for assigning newly discovered chaperone/usher systems to one of the six major phylogenetic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean-Paul Nuccio
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616-8645, USA
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Sosa V, Schlapp G, Zunino P. Proteus mirabilis isolates of different origins do not show correlation with virulence attributes and can colonize the urinary tract of mice. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2006; 152:2149-2157. [PMID: 16804188 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.28846-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis has been described as an aetiological agent in a wide range of infections, playing an important role in urinary tract infections (UTIs). In this study, a collection of P. mirabilis isolates obtained from clinical and non-clinical sources was analysed in order to determine a possible correlation between origin, virulence factors and in vivo infectivity. Isolates were characterized in vitro, assessing several virulence properties that had been previously associated with P. mirabilis uropathogenicity. Swarming motility, urease production, growth in urine, outer-membrane protein patterns, ability to grow in the presence of different iron sources, haemolysin and haemagglutinin production, and the presence and expression of diverse fimbrial genes, were analysed. In order to evaluate the infectivity of the different isolates, the experimental ascending UTI model in mice was used. Additionally, the Dienes test and the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR assay were performed to assess the genetic diversity of the isolates. The results of the present study did not show any correlation between distribution of the diverse potential urovirulence factors and isolate source. No significant correlation was observed between infectivity and the origin of the isolates, since they all similarly colonized the urinary tract of the challenged mice. Finally, all isolates showed unique ERIC-PCR patterns, indicating that the isolates were genetically diverse. The results obtained in this study suggest that the source of P. mirabilis strains cannot be correlated with pathogenic attributes, and that the distribution of virulence factors between isolates of different origins may correspond to the opportunistic nature of the organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Sosa
- Laboratorio de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, CP11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Geraldine Schlapp
- Laboratorio de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, CP11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Pablo Zunino
- Laboratorio de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, CP11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
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Fraga M, Scavone P, Zunino P. Preventive and therapeutic administration of an indigenous Lactobacillus sp. strain against Proteus mirabilis ascending urinary tract infection in a mouse model. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2005; 88:25-34. [PMID: 15928974 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-004-5475-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2004] [Accepted: 12/08/2004] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Probiotics are increasingly being considered as non-pharmaceutical and safe potential alternatives for the treatment and prevention of a variety of pathologies including urinary tract infections. These are the most common infections in medical practice and are frequently treated with antibiotics, which have generated an intense selective pressure over bacterial populations. Proteus mirabilis is a common cause of urinary tract infections in catheterised patients and people with abnormalities of the urinary tract. In this work we isolated, identified and characterised an indigenous Lactobacillus murinus strain (LbO2) from the vaginal tract of a female mouse. In vitro characterisation of LbO2 included acid and bile salts tolerance, growth in urine, adherence to uroepithelial cells and in vitro antimicrobial activity. The selected strain showed interesting properties, suitable for its use as a probiotic. The ability of LbO2 to prevent and even treat ascending P. mirabilis urinary tract infection was assessed using an experimental model in the mouse. Kidney and bladder P. mirabilis counts were significantly lower in mice preventively treated with the probiotic than in non-treated mice. When LbO2 was used for therapeutic treatment, bladder counts of treated mice were significantly lower although no significant differences were detected in P. mirabilis kidney colonisation of treated and non-treated animals. These results are encouraging and prompt further research related to probiotic strains and the basis of their effects for their use in human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martín Fraga
- Laboratorio de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avda. Italia 3318, CP 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Kadurugamuwa JL, Modi K, Yu J, Francis KP, Purchio T, Contag PR. Noninvasive biophotonic imaging for monitoring of catheter-associated urinary tract infections and therapy in mice. Infect Immun 2005; 73:3878-87. [PMID: 15972473 PMCID: PMC1168591 DOI: 10.1128/iai.73.7.3878-3887.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections acquired by humans, particularly in catheterized patients. A major problem with catheterization is the formation of bacterial biofilms on catheter material and the risk of developing persistent UTIs that are difficult to monitor and eradicate. To better understand the course of UTIs and allow more accurate studies of in vivo antibiotic efficacy, we developed a catheter-based biofilm infection model with mice, using bioluminescently engineered bacteria. Two important urinary tract pathogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis, were made bioluminescent by stable insertion of a complete lux operon. Segments of catheter material (precolonized or postimplant infected) with either pathogen were placed transurethrally in the lumen of the bladder by using a metal stylet without surgical manipulation. The bioluminescent strains were sufficiently bright to be readily monitored from the outside of infected animals, using a low-light optical imaging system, including the ability to trace the ascending pattern of light-emitting bacteria through ureters to the kidneys. Placement of the catheter in the bladder not only resulted in the development of strong cystitis that persisted significantly longer than in mice challenged with bacterial suspensions alone but also required prolonged antibiotic treatment to reduce the level of infection. Treatment of infected mice for 4 days with ciprofloxacin at 30 mg/kg of body weight twice a day cured cystitis and renal infection in noncatheterized mice. Similarly, ciprofloxacin reduced the bacterial burden to undetectable levels in catheterized mice but did not inhibit rebound of the infection upon cessation of antibiotic therapy. This methodology easily allows spatial information to be monitored sequentially throughout the entire disease process, including ascending UTI, treatment efficacy, and relapse, all without exogenous sampling, which is not possible with conventional methods.
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Jansen AM, Lockatell V, Johnson DE, Mobley HLT. Mannose-resistant Proteus-like fimbriae are produced by most Proteus mirabilis strains infecting the urinary tract, dictate the in vivo localization of bacteria, and contribute to biofilm formation. Infect Immun 2004; 72:7294-305. [PMID: 15557655 PMCID: PMC529131 DOI: 10.1128/iai.72.12.7294-7305.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis, an etiologic agent of complicated urinary tract infections, expresses mannose-resistant Proteus-like (MR/P) fimbriae whose expression is phase variable. Here we examine the role of these fimbriae in biofilm formation and colonization of the urinary tract. The majority of wild-type P. mirabilis cells in transurethrally infected mice produced MR/P fimbriae. Mutants that were phase-locked for either constitutive expression (MR/P ON) or the inability to express MR/P fimbriae (MR/P OFF) were phenotypically distinct and swarmed at different rates. The number of P. mirabilis cells adhering to bladder tissue did not appear to be affected by MR/P fimbriation. However, the pattern of adherence to the bladder surface was strikingly different. MR/P OFF colonized the lamina propria underlying exfoliated uroepithelium, while MR/P ON colonized the luminal surfaces of bladder umbrella cells and not the exfoliated regions. Wild-type P. mirabilis was usually found colonizing intact uroepithelium, but it occasionally adhered to exfoliated areas. MR/P ON formed significantly more biofilm than either P. mirabilis HI4320 (P = 0.03) or MR/P OFF (P = 0.05). MR/P OFF was able to form a biofilm similar to that of the wild type. MR/P ON formed a three-dimensional biofilm structure as early as 18 h after the initiation of the biofilm, while MR/P OFF and the wild type did not. After 7 days, however, P. mirabilis HI4320 formed a 65-mum-thick biofilm, while the thickest MR/P ON and MR/P OFF biofilms were only 12 mum thick. We concluded that MR/P fimbriae are expressed by most P. mirabilis cells infecting the urinary tract, dictate the localization of bacteria in the bladder, and contribute to biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Jansen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0620, USA
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Zunino P, Sosa V, Allen AG, Preston A, Schlapp G, Maskell DJ. Proteus mirabilis fimbriae (PMF) are important for both bladder and kidney colonization in mice. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2004; 149:3231-3237. [PMID: 14600235 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.26534-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis expresses different types of fimbriae simultaneously. Several fimbrial types have been described and their role in the colonization of the urinary tract is under study. Previously, P. mirabilis fimbriae (PMF) have been shown to be associated with bacterial colonization of the lower urinary tract but not of the kidneys. In this study, a pmfA mutant was generated and used in several in vivo and in vitro studies. Two different urinary tract infection models in the mouse and two in vitro assays of bacterial adhesion to uroepithelial cells were performed. Expression of PmfA in a collection of P. mirabilis strains of different sources was also assessed. The results shown here indicate that PMF are involved in both bladder and kidney colonization by P. mirabilis and that these fimbriae are widely distributed among P. mirabilis isolates from different origins since all strains tested expressed PmfA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Zunino
- Laboratorio de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avda. Italia 3318, CP11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Vanessa Sosa
- Laboratorio de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avda. Italia 3318, CP11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Andrew G Allen
- Centre for Veterinary Science, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Andrew Preston
- Centre for Veterinary Science, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Geraldine Schlapp
- Laboratorio de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avda. Italia 3318, CP11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Duncan J Maskell
- Centre for Veterinary Science, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
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Li X, Lockatell CV, Johnson DE, Lane MC, Warren JW, Mobley HLT. Development of an intranasal vaccine to prevent urinary tract infection by Proteus mirabilis. Infect Immun 2004; 72:66-75. [PMID: 14688082 PMCID: PMC343968 DOI: 10.1128/iai.72.1.66-75.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2003] [Revised: 09/03/2003] [Accepted: 09/17/2003] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis commonly infects the complicated urinary tract and is associated with urolithiasis. Stone formation is caused by bacterial urease, which hydrolyzes urea to ammonia, causing local pH to rise, and leads to the subsequent precipitation of magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite) and calcium phosphate (apatite) crystals. To prevent these infections, we vaccinated CBA mice with formalin-killed bacteria or purified mannose-resistant, Proteus-like (MR/P) fimbriae, a surface antigen expressed by P. mirabilis during experimental urinary tract infection, via four routes of immunization: subcutaneous, intranasal, transurethral, and oral. We assessed the efficacy of vaccination using the CBA mouse model of ascending urinary tract infection. Subcutaneous or intranasal immunization with formalin-killed bacteria and intranasal or transurethral immunization with purified MR/P fimbriae significantly protected CBA mice from ascending urinary tract infection by P. mirabilis (P < 0.05). To investigate the potential of MrpH, the MR/P fimbrial tip adhesin, as a vaccine, the mature MrpH peptide (residues 23 to 275, excluding the signal peptide), and the N-terminal receptor-binding domain of MrpH (residues 23 to 157) were overexpressed as C-terminal fusions to maltose-binding protein (MBP) and purified on amylose resins. Intranasal immunization of CBA mice with MBP-MrpH (residues 23 to 157) conferred effective protection against urinary tract infection by P. mirabilis (P < 0.002).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
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Pellegrino R, Galvalisi U, Scavone P, Sosa V, Zunino P. Evaluation of Proteus mirabilis structural fimbrial proteins as antigens against urinary tract infections. FEMS IMMUNOLOGY AND MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 2003; 36:103-10. [PMID: 12727373 DOI: 10.1016/s0928-8244(03)00103-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis is a common cause of urinary tract infection (UTI) and produce several types of different fimbriae, including mannose-resistant/Proteus-like fimbriae, uroepithelial cell adhesin (UCA), and P. mirabilis fimbriae (PMF). Different authors have related these fimbriae with different aspects of P. mirabilis pathogenesis, although the precise role of fimbriae in UTI has not yet been elucidated. In this work we expressed and purified recombinant structural fimbrial proteins of these fimbriae (MrpA, UcaA, and PmfA) and assessed their role as protective antigens using an ascending and a haematogenous model of UTI in the mouse. MrpA protected subcutaneously immunised mice in both models, suggesting that it could be taken into account as a promising vaccine candidate against P. mirabilis UTI. UcaA could also be an interesting subunit to be studied although it only protected mice that were challenged intravenously. All subunits elicited a strong specific serum IgG response but there was no significant correlation between antibody levels and protection. Only PmfA-immunised mice elicited a significant urinary antibody response but this protein was unable to confer protection against P. mirabilis experimental challenges. These results may contribute to the development of vaccines against P. mirabilis, an important cause of complicated UTI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Pellegrino
- Laboratorio de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Av. Italia 3318, P.O. Box 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
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