Identification and characterization of a novel DNA marker associated with epidemic Burkholderia cepacia strains recovered from patients with cystic fibrosis

The microbiology and pathogenesis of nonfermenting Gram-negative infections

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review provides an overview of most recent evidence about pathogenesis traits and virulence factors contributing to successful colonization or infection by P. aeruginosa , A. baumannii , S. maltophilia and B. cepacia complex, among the most clinically relevant nonfermenting Gram-negative bacteria (NFGNB).

RECENT FINDINGS

The growing clinical importance of NFGNB as important opportunistic pathogens causing difficult-to-treat infections in a fragile patients' population in stressed by numerous studies. Identification of novel virulence factors and deciphering of their mechanisms of action have greatly furthered our understanding of NFGNB pathogenesis, revealing that each pathogen-specific armamentarium of virulence factors (adhesins, motility, capsule, biofilm, lipopolysaccharide, exotoxins, exoenzymes, secretion systems, siderophores) can be likely responsible for the difference in the pathophysiology even in the context of a similar infection site. Emerging evidence of the immunomodulatory effect of some virulence factors is also acknowledged.

SUMMARY

NFGNB continue to be a serious global problem as cause of life-threatening opportunistic infections, owing to a highly heterogeneous content of virulence factors and their extensive number of intrinsic resistance mechanisms. Further efforts in development of novel effective antimicrobials and of alternative strategies targeting key virulence factors are warranted.

A study on the occurrence of Burkholderia cepacia complex in ultrasound gels used in different veterinary clinical settings in India

Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) organisms are emerging multidrug-resistant pathogens. They are opportunistic and cause severe diseases in humans that may result in fatal outcomes. They are mainly reported as nosocomial pathogens, and transmission often occurs through contaminated pharmaceutical products. From 1993 to 2019, 14 Bcc outbreaks caused by contaminated ultrasound gels (USGs) have been reported in several countries, including India. We screened a total of 63 samples of USGs from various veterinary and human clinical care centers across 17 states of India and isolated 32 Bcc strains of Burkholderia cenocepacia (46.8%), B. cepacia (31.3%), B. pseudomultivorans (18.8%) and B. contaminans (3.1%) species. Some isolates were co-existent in a single ultrasound gel sample. The isolation from unopened gel bottles revealed the intrinsic contamination from manufacturing sites. The MALDI-TOF analysis to identify the Bcc at the species level was supported by the partial sequencing of the recA gene for accurate species identification. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that isolates shared clades with human clinical isolates, which is an important situation because of the possible infections of Bcc by USGs both in humans and animals. The pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing identified the genetic variation among the Bcc isolates present in the USGs. The findings indicated USGs as the potential source of Bcc species.

The Isolation and Characterization of a Broad Host Range Bcep22-like Podovirus JC1

Bacteriophage JC1 is a Podoviridae phage with a C1 morphotype, isolated on host strain Burkholderia cenocepacia Van1. Phage JC1 is capable of infecting an expansive range of Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) species. The JC1 genome exhibits significant similarity and synteny to Bcep22-like phages and to many Ralstonia phages. The genome of JC1 was determined to be 61,182 bp in length with a 65.4% G + C content and is predicted to encode 76 proteins and 1 tRNA gene. Unlike the other Lessieviruses, JC1 encodes a putative helicase gene in its replication module, and it is in a unique organization not found in previously analyzed phages. The JC1 genome also harbours 3 interesting moron genes, that encode a carbon storage regulator (CsrA), an N-acetyltransferase, and a phosphoadenosine phosphosulfate (PAPS) reductase. JC1 can stably lysogenize its host Van1 and integrates into the 5′ end of the gene rimO. This is the first account of stable integration identified for Bcep22-like phages. JC1 has a higher global virulence index at 37 °C than at 30 °C (0.8 and 0.21, respectively); however, infection efficiency and lysogen stability are not affected by a change in temperature, and no observable temperature-sensitive switch between lytic and lysogenic lifestyle appears to exist. Although JC1 can stably lysogenize its host, it possesses some desirable characteristics for use in phage therapy. Phage JC1 has a broad host range and requires the inner core of the bacterial LPS for infection. Bacteria that mutate to evade infection by JC1 may develop a fitness disadvantage as seen in previously characterized LPS mutants lacking inner core.

Interactions Between Pathogenic Burkholderia and the Complement System: A Review of Potential Immune Evasion Mechanisms

The genus Burkholderia contains over 80 different Gram-negative species including both plant and human pathogens, the latter of which can be classified into one of two groups: the Burkholderia pseudomallei complex (Bpc) or the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc). Bpc pathogens Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia mallei are highly virulent, and both have considerable potential for use as Tier 1 bioterrorism agents; thus there is great interest in the development of novel vaccines and therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of these infections. While Bcc pathogens Burkholderia cenocepacia, Burkholderia multivorans, and Burkholderia cepacia are not considered bioterror threats, the incredible impact these infections have on the cystic fibrosis community inspires a similar demand for vaccines and therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of these infections as well. Understanding how these pathogens interact with and evade the host immune system will help uncover novel therapeutic targets within these organisms. Given the important role of the complement system in the clearance of bacterial pathogens, this arm of the immune response must be efficiently evaded for successful infection to occur. In this review, we will introduce the Burkholderia species to be discussed, followed by a summary of the complement system and known mechanisms by which pathogens interact with this critical system to evade clearance within the host. We will conclude with a review of literature relating to the interactions between the herein discussed Burkholderia species and the host complement system, with the goal of highlighting areas in this field that warrant further investigation.

Interactions Between Pathogenic Burkholderia and the Complement System: A Review of Potential Immune Evasion Mechanisms

The genus Burkholderia contains over 80 different Gram-negative species including both plant and human pathogens, the latter of which can be classified into one of two groups: the Burkholderia pseudomallei complex (Bpc) or the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc). Bpc pathogens Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia mallei are highly virulent, and both have considerable potential for use as Tier 1 bioterrorism agents; thus there is great interest in the development of novel vaccines and therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of these infections. While Bcc pathogens Burkholderia cenocepacia, Burkholderia multivorans, and Burkholderia cepacia are not considered bioterror threats, the incredible impact these infections have on the cystic fibrosis community inspires a similar demand for vaccines and therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of these infections as well. Understanding how these pathogens interact with and evade the host immune system will help uncover novel therapeutic targets within these organisms. Given the important role of the complement system in the clearance of bacterial pathogens, this arm of the immune response must be efficiently evaded for successful infection to occur. In this review, we will introduce the Burkholderia species to be discussed, followed by a summary of the complement system and known mechanisms by which pathogens interact with this critical system to evade clearance within the host. We will conclude with a review of literature relating to the interactions between the herein discussed Burkholderia species and the host complement system, with the goal of highlighting areas in this field that warrant further investigation.

Endophytic Burkholderia sp. SSG as a potential biofertilizer promoting boxwood growth

Background

Burkholderia sp. SSG is a bacterial endophyte isolated from boxwood leaves showing a resistant response to infection by the boxwood blight pathogen Calonectria pseudonaviculata. SSG acted as a protective and curative biocontrol agent for boxwood blight and as a bio-sanitizer of disease inoculum in the field. Many gene clusters involved in antibiotic production and plant growth promotion (PGP) were found in the genome, giving this endophyte great application potential as a treatment for plant protection. However, the PGP features have not been documented. This study investigated the plant growth promotion activity of SSG in boxwood.

Methods

To determine whether SSG is a plant growth promoting bacterium, four PGP traits, auxin and siderophore production, nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization, were examined in the laboratory with colorimetric or agar plate assays. The plant growth promoting activity of SSG was tested on three boxwood varieties characterized by slow, intermediate and fast growth rates, namely Justin Brouwers, Buddy and Winter Gem, respectively. These plants were drenched with an SSG cell suspension or water and washed plant weight was compared before and after treatment to determine growth changes after 10 months.

Results

The SSG culture was sustainable on nitrogen free media, suggesting that SSG may fix atmospheric nitrogen. It was also a strong phosphate solubilizer and a potent siderophore and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) producer. Significant growth promotion was observed on boxwood cultivars Justin Brouwers, Buddy and Winter Gem 10 months after plant roots were drenched with SSG cells. The growth rate of treated plants was 76.1, 58.3, and 37.3% higher than that of the control, respectively. The degree of growth promotion was significantly different among plant varieties, notably more pronounced with the slow and intermediate growers. This study demonstrates that the SSG bacterium has multiple PGP traits and is a prospective plant biofertilizer.

A Potent Burkholderia Endophyte against Boxwood Blight Caused by Calonectria pseudonaviculata

Calonectria pseudonaviculata (Cps) poses an increasing threat to boxwood, a major nursery crop and iconic landscape plant worldwide. Here, we report on a potent biocontrol agent that produces small sage green (SSG) colonies on potato dextrose agar. SSG is a bacterial strain recovered from Justin Brouwers boxwood leaves with unusual response to Cps inoculation. Water-soaked symptoms developed on leaves 2 days after inoculation then disappeared a few days later. This endophyte affected several major steps of the boxwood blight disease cycle. SSG at 10⁷ cfu/mL lysed all conidia in mixed broth culture. SSG at 10⁸ cfu/mL reduced blight incidence by >98% when applied one day before or 3 h after boxwood were inoculated with Cps. Its control efficacy decreased with decreasing bacterial concentration to 10³ cfu/mL and increasing lead time up to 20 days. When applied on diseased leaf litter under boxwood plants, SSG reduced Cps sporulation and consequently mitigated blight incidence by 90%. SSG was identified as a new member of the Burkholderia cepacia complex with distinct characters from known clinical strains. With these protective, curative, and sanitizing properties, this Burkholderia endophyte offers great promise for sustainable blight management at production and in the landscape.

Impact of clonally-related Burkholderia contaminans strains in two patients attending an Italian cystic fibrosis centre: a case report

Background

Burkholderia contaminans is one of the 20 closely related bacterial of the Burkholderia cepacia complex, a group of bacteria that are ubiquitous in the environment and capable of infecting people with cystic fibrosis (CF). This species is an emerging pathogen and it has been widely isolated from CF patients in Argentina, Spain, Portugal, Australia, Canada, USA with a low prevalence in Ireland, France, Russia, Switzerland, Czech Republic, and Italy. This is the first report of B. contaminans affecting two Italian CF patients attending the same CF Centre. We correlate B. contaminans colonisation with lung function decline and co-infection with other clinically relevant CF pathogens.

Case presentation

B. contaminans was identified by Multi Locus Sequence Typing in routine sputum analysis of two Caucasian CF women homozygous for Phe508del CFTR mutation. Sequence Type 102 was detected in both strains. It is known that B. contaminans ST102 was isolated both from CF and non-CF patients, with an intercontinental spread across the world. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA analysis revealed the genetic relatedness between the two strains. We examined their susceptibility to antimicrobial agents, comparing the latter with that recorded for other B. contaminans isolated from different countries. We also described key virulence factors possibly linked with a clinical outcome. Specifically, we attempted to correlate colonization with the incidence of acute exacerbation of symptoms and lung function decline.

Conclusions

This case presentation suggests that acquisition of B. contaminans ST102 is not directly associated with a lung function decline. We retain that the presence of other CF pathogens (i.e. MRSA and Trichosporon) along with B. contaminans ST102 might have contributed to the worsening of clinical conditions in our CF patients. The circumstances leading to the establishment of B. contaminans ST102 infections are still unknown. We highlight the importance to proper detect and typing bacteria implicated in CF infection by using molecular techniques.

A putative lateral flagella of the cystic fibrosis pathogen Burkholderia dolosa regulates swimming motility and host cytokine production

Burkholderia dolosa caused an outbreak in the cystic fibrosis clinic at Boston Children's Hospital and was associated with high mortality in these patients. This species is part of a larger complex of opportunistic pathogens known as the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc). Compared to other species in the Bcc, B. dolosa is highly transmissible; thus understanding its virulence mechanisms is important for preventing future outbreaks. The genome of one of the outbreak strains, AU0158, revealed a homolog of the lafA gene encoding a putative lateral flagellin, which, in other non-Bcc species, is used for movement on solid surfaces, attachment to host cells, or movement inside host cells. Here, we analyzed the conservation of the lafA gene and protein sequences, which are distinct from those of the polar flagella, and found lafA homologs to be present in numerous β-proteobacteria but notably absent from most other Bcc species. A lafA deletion mutant in B. dolosa showed a greater swimming motility than wild-type due to an increase in the number of polar flagella, but did not appear to contribute to biofilm formation, host cell invasion, or murine lung colonization or persistence over time. However, the lafA gene was important for cytokine production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, suggesting it may have a role in recognition by the human immune response.

Detection of Cystic Fibrosis Serological Biomarkers Using a T7 Phage Display Library

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder affecting the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). CF is characterized by repeated lung infections leading to respiratory failure. Using a high-throughput method, we developed a T7 phage display cDNA library derived from mRNA isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells and leukocytes of sarcoidosis patients. This library was biopanned to obtain 1070 potential antigens. A microarray platform was constructed and immunoscreened with sera from healthy (n = 49), lung cancer (LC) (n = 31) and CF (n = 31) subjects. We built 1,000 naïve Bayes models on the training sets. We selected the top 20 frequently significant clones ranked with student t-test discriminating CF antigens from healthy controls and LC at a False Discovery Rate (FDR) < 0.01. The performances of the models were validated on an independent validation set. The mean of the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the classifiers was 0.973 with a sensitivity of 0.999 and specificity of 0.959. Finally, we identified CF specific clones that correlate highly with sweat chloride test, BMI, and FEV1% predicted values. For the first time, we show that CF specific serological biomarkers can be identified through immunocreenings of a T7 phage display library with high accuracy, which may have utility in development of molecular therapy.

Environmental Burkholderia cenocepacia Strain Enhances Fitness by Serial Passages during Long-Term Chronic Airways Infection in Mice

Burkholderia cenocepacia is an important opportunistic pathogen in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, and has also been isolated from natural environments. In previous work, we explored the virulence and pathogenic potential of environmental B. cenocepacia strains and demonstrated that they do not differ from clinical strains in some pathogenic traits. Here, we investigated the ability of the environmental B. cenocepacia Mex1 strain, isolated from the maize rhizosphere, to persist and increase its virulence after serial passages in a mouse model of chronic infection. B. cenocepacia Mex1 strain, belonging to the recA lineage IIIA, was embedded in agar beads and challenged into the lung of C57Bl/6 mice. The mice were sacrificed after 28 days from infection and their lungs were tested for bacterial loads. Agar beads containing the pool of B. cenocepacia colonies from the four sequential passages were used to infect the mice. The environmental B. cenocepacia strain showed a low incidence of chronic infection after the first passage; after the second, third and fourth passages in mice, its ability to establish chronic infection increased significantly and progressively up to 100%. Colonial morphology analysis and genetic profiling of the Mex1-derived clones recovered after the fourth passage from infected mice revealed that they were indistinguishable from the challenged strain both at phenotypic and genetic level. By testing the virulence of single clones in the Galleria mellonella infection model, we found that two Mex1-derived clones significantly increased their pathogenicity compared to the parental Mex1 strain and behaved similarly to the clinical and epidemic B. cenocepacia LMG16656^T. Our findings suggest that serial passages of the environmental B. cenocepacia Mex1 strain in mice resulted in an increased ability to determine chronic lung infection and the appearance of clonal variants with increased virulence in non-vertebrate hosts.

Taxonomy and pathogenesis of the Burkholderia cepacia complex

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are susceptible to chronic respiratory infection with a number of bacterial pathogens. The Burkholderia cepacia complex bacteria are problematic CF pathogens because (i) they are very resistant to antibiotics, making respiratory infection difficult to treat and eradicate; (ii) infection with these bacteria is associated with high mortality in CF; (iii) they may spread from one CF patient to another, leading to considerable problems for both patients and carers; and (iv) B. cepacia complex bacteria are difficult to identify and nine new species have now been found to constitute isolates originally identified as ‘B. cepacia’ based on their phenotypic properties. Here we review the changes that have occurred in the taxonomy of the B. cepacia complex and the pathogenic factors these bacteria possess. While the taxonomy of the B.cepacia complex has advanced considerably with the development of accurate methods for their identification, the pathogenic mechanisms employed by these CF pathogens are only just beginning to be explored at the molecular level. Several virulence factors have been defined for B. cenocepacia (the dominant CF pathogen within the complex); however, knowledge of the disease mechanisms employed by other B. cepacia complex species is limited. The recent determination of the complete genome sequences for several of the B. cepacia complex species should greatly enhance our ability to study these problematic CF pathogens.

Burkholderia species infections in patients with cystic fibrosis in British Columbia, Canada. 30 years' experience

RATIONALE

We have been collecting Burkholderia species bacteria from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) for the last 30 years. During this time, our understanding of their multispecies taxonomy and infection control has evolved substantially.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the long-term (30 year) epidemiology and clinical outcome of Burkholderia infection in CF, and fully define the risks associated with infection by each species.

METHODS

Isolates from Burkholderia-positive patients (n=107) were speciated and typed annually for each infected patient. Microbiological and clinical data were evaluated by thorough review of patient charts, and statistical analyses performed to define significant epidemiological factors.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Before 1995, the majority of new Burkholderia infections were caused by epidemic clones of Burkholderia cenocepacia. After implementation of new infection control measures in 1995, Burkholderia multivorans became the most prevalent species. Survival analysis showed that patients with CF infected with B. cenocepacia had a significantly worse outcome than those with B. multivorans, and a novel finding was that, after Burkholderia infection, the prognosis for females was significantly worse than for males.

CONCLUSIONS

B. multivorans and B. cenocepacia have been the predominant Burkholderia species infecting people with CF in Vancouver. The implementation of infection control measures were successful in preventing new acquisition of epidemic strains of B. cenocepacia, leaving nonclonal B. multivorans as the most prevalent species. Historically, survival after infection with B. cenocepacia has been significantly worse than B. multivorans infection, and, of new significance, we show that females tend toward worse clinical outcomes.

Development of a multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat typing scheme for genetic fingerprinting of Burkholderia cenocepacia and application to nationwide epidemiological analysis

Organisms of the Burkholderia cepacia complex are especially important pathogens in cystic fibrosis (CF), with a propensity for patient-to-patient spread and long-term respiratory colonization. B. cenocepacia and Burkholderia multivorans account for the majority of infections in CF, and major epidemic clones have been recognized throughout the world. The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate a multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) scheme for B. cenocepacia. Potential VNTR loci were identified upon analysis of the annotated genome sequences of B. cenocepacia strains AU1054, J2315, and MCO-3, and 10 of them were selected on the basis of polymorphisms and size. A collection of 100 B. cenocepacia strains, including epidemiologically related and unrelated strains, as well as representatives of the major epidemic lineages, was used to evaluate typeability, epidemiological concordance, and the discriminatory power of MLVA-10 compared with those of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Longitudinal stability was assessed by testing 39 successive isolates from 14 patients. Typeability ranged from 0.91 to 1, except for that of one marker, which was not amplified in 53% of the B. cenocepacia IIIA strains. The MLVA types were shown to be stable in chronically colonized patients and within outbreak-related strains, with excellent epidemiological concordance. Epidemic and/or globally distributed lineages (epidemic Edinburgh-Toronto electrophoretic type 12 [ET-12], sequence type 32 [ST-32], ST-122, ST-234, and ST-241) were successfully identified. Conversely, the discriminatory power of MLVA was lower than that of PFGE or MLST, although PFGE variations within the epidemic lineages sometimes masked their genetic relatedness. In conclusion, MLVA represents a promising cost-effective first-line tool in B. cenocepacia surveillance.

Extraction and sensitive detection of toxins A and B from the human pathogen Clostridium difficile in 40 seconds using microwave-accelerated metal-enhanced fluorescence

Clostridium difficile is the primary cause of antibiotic associated diarrhea in humans and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Thus the rapid and accurate identification of this pathogen in clinical samples, such as feces, is a key step in reducing the devastating impact of this disease. The bacterium produces two toxins, A and B, which are thought to be responsible for the majority of the pathology associated with the disease, although the relative contribution of each is currently a subject of debate. For this reason we have developed a rapid detection assay based on microwave-accelerated metal-enhanced fluorescence which is capable of detecting the presence of 10 bacteria in unprocessed human feces within 40 seconds. These promising results suggest that this prototype biosensor has the potential to be developed into a rapid, point of care, real time diagnostic assay for C. difficile.

The BCESM genomic region contains a regulator involved in quorum sensing and persistence in Burkholderia cenocepacia J2315

ABSTRACT: 

Aim: In this study, we investigated the function of BCAM0257-8-9 located in the BCESM region of the Burkholderia cenocepacia J2315 genome. Materials & methods: Differential RNA sequencing was used to determine transcription start sites. The phenotype of overexpression mutants was studied and a transcriptome analysis of the BCAM0258 overexpression mutant was performed. Results: BCAM0257 and BCAM0258 were identified as belonging to an operon, positively regulated by BCAM0259. We found that this operon is involved in persistence and that BCAM0258 functions as a regulator influencing quorum sensing and activating pathways related to iron acquisition and biofilm formation. Overexpression of BCAM0257 increased virulence. Conclusion: The BCESM genomic region contains an operon that contributes to quorum sensing and is involved in persistence, biofilm formation and virulence. BCAM0257-8-9 is found in all sequenced B. cenocepacia ET12 genomes and these results may help explain why infections with strains of the B. cenocepacia ET12 lineage are difficult to treat.

Emerging cystic fibrosis pathogens and the microbiome

Cystic fibrosis (CF) respiratory infection is characterised by the presence of typical human bacterial pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus. Less typical pathogens such as Burkholderia, Stenotrophomonas, Achromobacter, Pandorea and Ralstonia have emerged as problematic infections which are largely unique to people with CF. Using molecular methods, two groups of anaerobic bacteria Prevotella species and the Streptococcus milleri group have also recently been shown to be highly prevalent in CF sputum. Collectively, the diversity of microorganisms present in respiratory specimens has been designated the CF microbiome. The challenges posed by emerging CF pathogens and a microbiome-based view of CF infection are discussed in terms of their impact on clinical outcome, diagnosis and therapy.

Biosafety and colonization of Burkholderia multivorans WS-FJ9 and its growth-promoting effects on poplars

Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) is a group of bacteria with conflicting biological characteristics, which make them simultaneously beneficial and harmful to humans. They have been exploited for biocontrol, bioremediation, and plant growth promotion. However, their capacity as opportunistic bacteria that infect humans restricts their biotechnological applications. Therefore, the risks of using these bacteria should be assessed. In this study, Burkholderia multivorans WS-FJ9 originally isolated from pine rhizosphere, which was shown to be efficient in solubilizing phosphate, was evaluated with respect to its biosafety, colonization in poplar rhizosphere, and growth-promoting effects on poplar seedlings. Pathogenicity of B. multivorans WS-FJ9 on plants was determined experimentally using onion and tobacco as model plants. Onion bulb inoculated with B. multivorans WS-FJ9 showed slight hypersensitive responses around the inoculation points, but effects were not detectable based on the inner color and odor of the onion. Tobacco leaves inoculated with B. multivorans WS-FJ9 exhibited slightly water-soaked spots around the inoculation points, which did not expand or develop into lesions even with repeated incubation. Pathogenicity of the strain in alfalfa, which has been suggested as an alternative Bcc model for mice, was not detectable. Results from gene-specific polymerase chain reactions showed that the tested B. multivorans WS-FJ9 strain did not possess the BCESM and cblA virulence genes. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the colonization of the WS-FJ9 strain reached 1.4 × 10(4) colony forming units (cfu) g(-1) rhizosphere soil on day 77 post-inoculation. The B. multivorans WS-FJ9 strain could colonize the rhizosphere as well as the root tissues and cells of poplars. Greenhouse evaluations in both sterilized and non-sterilized soils indicated that B. multivorans WS-FJ9 significantly promoted growth in height, root collar diameter, and plant biomass of inoculated poplar seedlings compared with controls. Phosphorus contents of roots and stems of treated seedlings were 0.57 and 0.55 mg g(-1) higher than those of the controls, respectively. Phosphorus content was lower in the rhizosphere soils by an average of 1.03 mg g(-1) compared with controls. The results demonstrated that B. multivorans WS-FJ9 is a nonpathogenic strain that could colonize the roots and significantly promote the growth of poplar seedlings.

Novel diagnostic PCR assay for Burkholderia cenocepacia epidemic strain ST32 and its utility in monitoring infection in cystic fibrosis patients

BACKGROUND

A highly transmissible Burkholderia cenocepacia sequence type (ST) 32 strain caused a major outbreak at the Prague Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Centre in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Because a large number of CF patients were affected by ST32, a rapid and easy-to-use diagnostic tool for ST32 infection was urgently needed for the detection of new cases as well as for long-term surveillance. The present study sought to identify unique DNA sequences within the ST32 genome to develop an ST32 strain-specific PCR assay.

METHODS

Genomic subtractive hybridisation between B. cenocepacia ST32 and the closely related genome-sequenced strain B. cenocepacia ST28 identified a 325 bp long region that was absent in all but one Burkholderia strain, as demonstrated by our newly designed PCR.

RESULTS

Out of 57 strains, only B. cenocepacia ST33 cross-reacted with ST32, resulting in a PCR specificity of 98.2%. This specificity was further tested by various genotyping methods, which revealed the practical indistinguishibility of ST32 and ST33. The PCR sensitivity, checked on a panel of 50 ST32 clinical isolates, was 100%. A closer examination of the ST32-specific sequence revealed no significant homology apart from a fragment of the ISBmu3 transposase.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel ST32-specific PCR assay allows the rapid and reliable detection of a globally distributed B. cenocepacia epidemic strain. Its routine use is especially well suited to infection surveillance programs for CF populations with a high rate of ST32 infection. This PCR method can also be used to detect ST33, a clonal variant of ST32.

Rapid identification of Burkholderia cepacia complex species recovered from cystic fibrosis patients using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

The aim of this study was to establish the identification ability of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for bacteria of Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) and to compare these results with those obtained by a molecular method (PCR-RFLP). A total of 57 isolates was used in the study. Isolates were collected from 31 patients attending the Regional Cystic Fibrosis Unit from January 2001 to December 2005. For phenotypic identification, both automated and manual systems were used. Using mass spectrometry, we identified all 57 isolates, previously identified by molecular method. Of these, 28 isolates were identified as B. cenocepacia, although not differentiated further into lineages. Moreover, other isolates were identified as B. cepacia (12 isolates), B. stabilis (12 isolates), and B. vietnamiensis (5 isolates). Our data indicate a good correlation between the two approaches.

Identification of functions linking quorum sensing with biofilm formation in Burkholderia cenocepacia H111

Burkholderia cenocepacia has emerged as an important pathogen for patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF). Previous work has shown that this organism employs the CepIR quorum-sensing (QS) system to control the expression of virulence factors as well as the formation of biofilms. To date, however, very little is known about the QS-regulated virulence factors and virtually nothing about the factors that link QS and biofilm formation. Here, we have employed a combined transcriptomic and proteomic approach to precisely define the QS regulon in our model strain B. cenocepacia H111, a CF isolate. Among the identified CepR-activated loci, three were analyzed in better detail for their roles in biofilm development: (i) a gene cluster coding for the BclACB lectins, (ii) the large surface protein BapA, and (iii) a type I pilus. The analysis of defined mutants revealed that BapA plays a major role in biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces while inactivation of the type I pilus showed little effect both in a static microtitre dish-based biofilm assay and in flow-through cells. Inactivation of the bclACB lectin genes resulted in biofilms containing hollow microcolonies, suggesting that the lectins are important for biofilm structural development.

Transmissibility and infection control implications of Burkholderia cepacia in cystic fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

To describe the microbiology and potential virulence factors of Burkholderia cepacia; to discuss the studies that have investigated its mode of transmission among cystic fibrosis patients; and to identify the major risk factors associated with acquisition of this pathogen inside and outside of the hospital environment.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE search of the literature published between 1986 and 1997 using the key words/subject words Pseudomonas cepacia, Burkholderia cepacia, cystic fibrosis, infection control and transmissibility, and the bibliography of selected papers.

DATA EXTRACTION

Selected studies examining epidemiology, microbiology, virulence factors and mode of transmission of B cepacia in cystic fibrosis.

DATA SYNTHESIS AND CONCLUSIONS

B cepacia is a multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacillus that has recently been recognized as a major respiratory pathogen in patients with cystic fibrosis. Colonization by this organism can lead to rapid pulmonary deterioration and premature death. Recent studies based on genomic subtyping techniques have suggested that it can be transmitted from person to person. Close social contact and hospitalization have been identified as risk factors for cross-infection. With the implementation of strict infection control policies such as segregation according to colonization status, the rate of new colonization has substantially decreased in most cystic fibrosis treatment centres.

Trimeric autotransporter adhesins in members of the Burkholderia cepacia complex: a multifunctional family of proteins implicated in virulence

Trimeric autotransporter adhesins (TAAs) are multimeric surface proteins exclusively found in bacteria. They are involved in various biological traits of pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria including adherence, biofilm formation, invasion, survival within eukaryotic cells, serum resistance, and cytotoxicity. TAAs have a modular architecture composed by a conserved membrane-anchored C-terminal domain and a variable number of stalk and head domains. In this study, a bioinformatic approach has been used to analyze the distribution and architecture of TAAs among Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) genomes. Fifteen genomes were probed revealing a total of 74 encoding sequences. Compared with other bacterial species, the Bcc genomes contain a large number of TAAs (two genes to up to eight genes, such as in B. cenocepacia). Phylogenetic analysis showed that the TAAs grouped into at least eight distinct clusters. TAAs with serine-rich repeats are clearly well separated from others, thereby representing a different evolutionary lineage. Comparative gene mapping across Bcc genomes reveals that TAA genes are inserted within conserved synteny blocks. We further focused our analysis on the epidemic strain B. cenocepacia J2315 in which seven TAAs were annotated. Among these, three TAA-encoding genes (BCAM019, BCAM0223, and BCAM0224) are organized into a cluster and are candidates for multifunctional virulence factors. Here we review the current insights into the functional role of BCAM0224 as a model locus.

Burkholderia cepacia complex: beyond pseudomonas and acinetobacter

Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) is an important nosocomial pathogen in hospitalised patients, particularly those with prior broad-spectrum antibacterial therapy. BCC causes infections that include bacteraemia, urinary tract infection, septic arthritis, peritonitis and respiratory tract infection. Due to high intrinsic resistance and being one of the most antimicrobial-resistant organisms encountered in the clinical laboratory, these infections can prove very difficult to treat and, in some cases, result in death. Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and those with chronic granulomatous disease are predisposed to infection by BCC bacteria. BCC survives and multiplies in aqueous hospital environments, including disinfectant agents and intravenous fluids, where it may persist for long periods. Outbreaks and pseudo-outbreaks of BCC septicaemia have been documented in intensive care units, oncology units and renal failure patients. BCC is phenotypically unremarkable, and the complex exhibits an extensive diversity of genotypes. BCC is of increasing importance for agriculture and bioremediation because of their antinematodal and antifungal properties as well as their capability to degrade a wide range of toxic compounds. It has always been a tedious task for a routine microbiological laboratory to identify the nonfermenting gram-negative bacilli, and poor laboratory proficiency in identification of this nonfermenter worldwide still prevails. In India, there are no precise reports of the prevalence of BCC infection, and in most cases, these bacteria have been ambiguously reported as nonfermenting gram-negative bacilli or simply Pseudomonas spp. The International Burkholderia cepacia Working Group is open to clinicians and scientists interested in advancing knowledge of BCC infection/colonisation in persons with CF through the collegial exchange of information and promotion of coordinated approaches to research.

Diversity analysis of Burkholderia cepacia complex in the water bodies of West Lake, Hangzhou, China

A survey of Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) species was conducted in water bodies of West Lake in China. A total of 670 bacterial isolates were recovered on selective media. Out of them, 39.6% (265 isolates) were assigned to the following species: Burkholderia multivorans, Burkholderia cenocepacia recA lineage IIIA, IIIB, Burkholderia stabilis, Burkholderia vietnamiensis, and Burkholderia seminalis while B. cenocepacia is documented as a dominant Bcc species in water of West Lake. In addition, all Bcc isolates tested were PCR negative for the cblA and esmR transmissibility marker genes except B. cenocepacia IIIB A8 which was positive for esmR genelater. The present study raises great concerns on the role of West Lake as a "reservoir" for potential Bcc pathogenic strains.

Burkholderia cenocepacia in cystic fibrosis: epidemiology and molecular mechanisms of virulence

Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) bacteria have gained notoriety as pathogens in cystic fibrosis (CF) because they are difficult to identify and treat, and also have the ability to spread between CF individuals. Of the 17 formally named species within the complex, Burkholderia multivorans and Burkholderia cenocepacia dominate in CF. Multilocus sequence typing has proven to be a very useful tool for tracing the global epidemiology of Bcc bacteria and has shown that B. cenocepacia strains with high transmissibility, such as the ET-12 strain (ST-28) and the Czech strain (ST-32), have spread epidemically within CF populations in Canada and Europe. The majority of research on the molecular pathogenesis of Bcc bacteria has focused on the B. cenocepacia ET-12 epidemic lineage, with gene mutation, genome sequence analysis and, most recently, global gene expression studies shedding considerable light on the virulence and antimicrobial resistance of this pathogen. These studies demonstrate that the ability of B. cenocepacia to acquire foreign DNA (genomic islands, insertion sequences and other mobile elements), regulate gene expression via quorum sensing, compete for iron during infection, and mediate antimicrobial resistance and inflammation via its membrane and surface polysaccharides are key features that underpin the virulence of different strains. With the wealth of molecular knowledge acquired in the last decade on B. cenocepacia strains, we are now in a much better position to develop strategies for the treatment of pathogenic colonization with Bcc and to answer key questions on pathogenesis concerning, for example, the factors that trigger the rapid clinical decline in CF patients.

Clinical significance of microbial infection and adaptation in cystic fibrosis

A select group of microorganisms inhabit the airways of individuals with cystic fibrosis. Once established within the pulmonary environment in these patients, many of these microbes adapt by altering aspects of their structure and physiology. Some of these microbes and adaptations are associated with more rapid deterioration in lung function and overall clinical status, whereas others appear to have little effect. Here we review current evidence supporting or refuting a role for the different microbes and their adaptations in contributing to poor clinical outcomes in cystic fibrosis.

Genome-wide analysis of DNA repeats in Burkholderia cenocepacia J2315 identifies a novel adhesin-like gene unique to epidemic-associated strains of the ET-12 lineage

Members of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) are respiratory pathogens in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Close repetitive DNA sequences often associate with surface antigens to promote genetic variability in pathogenic bacteria. The genome of Burkholderia cenocepacia J2315, a CF isolate belonging to the epidemic lineage Edinburgh–Toronto (ET-12), was analysed for the presence of close repetitive DNA sequences. Among the 422 DNA close repeats, 45 genes potentially involved in virulence were identified and grouped into 12 classes; of these, 13 genes were included in the antigens class. Two trimeric autotransporter adhesins (TAA) among the 13 putative antigens are absent from the other Burkholderia genomes and are clustered downstream of the cci island that is a marker for transmissible B. cenocepacia strains. This cluster contains four adhesins, one outer-membrane protein, one sensor histidine kinase and two transcriptional regulators. By using PCR, we analysed three genes among 47 Bcc isolates to determine whether the cluster was conserved. These three genes were present in the isolates of the ET-12 lineage but absent in all the other members. Furthermore, the BCAM0224 gene was exclusively detected in this epidemic lineage and may serve as a valuable new addition to the field of Bcc diagnostics. The BCAM0224 gene encodes a putative TAA that demonstrates adhesive properties to the extracellular matrix protein collagen type I. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis indicated that BCAM0224 gene expression occurred preferentially for cells grown under high osmolarity, oxygen-limited conditions and oxidative stress. Inactivation of BCAM0224 in B. cenocepacia attenuates the ability of the mutant to promote cell adherence in vitro and impairs the overall bacterial virulence against Galleria mellonella as a model of infection. Together, our data show that BCAM0224 from B. cenocepacia J2315 represents a new collagen-binding TAA with no bacterial orthologues which has an important role in cellular adhesion and virulence.

Identification of potential therapeutic targets for Burkholderia cenocepacia by comparative transcriptomics

Background

Burkholderia cenocepacia is an endemic soil dweller and emerging opportunistic pathogen in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The identification of virulence factors and potential therapeutic targets has been hampered by the genomic diversity within the species as many factors are not shared among the pathogenic members of the species.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In this study, global identification of putative virulence factors was performed by analyzing the transcriptome of two related strains of B. cenocepacia (one clinical, one environmental) under conditions mimicking cystic fibrosis sputum versus soil. Soil is a natural reservoir for this species; hence, genes induced under CF conditions relative to soil may represent adaptations that have occurred in clinical strains. Under CF conditions, several genes encoding proteins thought to be involved in virulence were induced and many new ones were identified. Our analysis, in combination with previous studies, reveals 458 strain-specific genes, 126 clinical-isolate-specific, and at least four species-specific genes that are induced under CF conditions. The chromosomal distribution of the induced genes was disproportionate to the size of the chromosome as genes expressed under soil conditions by both strains were more frequent on the second chromosome and those differentially regulated between strains were more frequent on the third chromosome. Conservation of these induced genes was established using the 11 available Bcc genome sequences to indicate whether potential therapeutic targets would be species-wide.

Conclusions/Significance

Comparative transcriptomics is a useful way to identify new potential virulence factors and therapeutic targets for pathogenic bacteria. We identified eight genes induced under CF conditions that were also conserved in the Bcc and may constitute particularly attractive therapeutic targets due to their signal sequence, predicted cellular location, and homology to known therapeutic targets.

Rapid identification of nitrogen-fixing and legume-nodulating Burkholderia species based on PCR 16S rRNA species-specific oligonucleotides

Several novel N(2)-fixing Burkholderia species associated with plants, including legume-nodulating species, have recently been discovered. Presently, considerable interest exists in studying the diazotrophic Burkholderia species, both for their ecology and their great potential for agro-biotechnological applications. However, the available methods used in the identification of these Burkholderia species are time-consuming and expensive. In this study, PCR species-specific primers based on the 16S rRNA gene were designed, which allowed rapid, easy, and correct identification of most known N(2)-fixing Burkholderia. With this approach, type and reference strains of Burkholderia kururiensis, B. unamae, B. xenovorans, B. tropica, and B. silvatlantica, as well as the legume-nodulating B. phymatum, B. tuberum, B. mimosarum, and B. nodosa, were unambiguously identified. In addition, the PCR species-specific primers allowed the diversity of the diazotrophic Burkholderia associated with field-grown tomato and sorghum plants to be determined. B. tropica and B. xenovorans were the predominant species found in association with tomato, but the occurrence of B. tropica with sorghum plants was practically exclusive. The efficiency of the species-specific primers was validated with the detection of B. tropica and B. xenovorans from DNA directly recovered from tomato rhizosphere soil samples. Additionally, using PCR species-specific primers, all of the legume-nodulating Burkholderia were correctly identified, even from single nodules collected from inoculated common bean plants. These primers could contribute to rapid identification of the diazotrophic and nodulating Burkholderia species associated with important crop plants and legumes, as well as revealing their environmental distribution.

Entry of Burkholderia organisms into respiratory epithelium: CFTR, microfilament and microtubule dependence

BACKGROUND

The pathogenesis of infection with Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) organisms may be linked to its capacity to invade respiratory epithelium.

METHODS

An antibiotic exclusion assay was used to study B. dolosa AU4459 and B. cenocepacia J2315 invasion into wild-type (WT) and CFTR-deficient respiratory epithelial cells. Inhibitors were used to evaluate Bcc invasion dependency on host microtubule (mt) and microfilament (mf) systems.

RESULTS

B. dolosa entered WT-CFTR cells with 5-fold greater efficiency than CFTR deficient cells (25% vs 5%, respectively). Invasion dropped to <0.5% after either mf or mt inhibition. B. cenocepacia entered WT (0.05%) and CFTR-deficient cells (0.07%) with similarly low efficiencies, which significantly decreased with either mf or mt inhibition (0.008% and 0.002%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

B. dolosa and B. cenocepacia enter respiratory epithelial cells in a mf and mt dependent fashion. Mutated CFTR leads to less internalization of B. dolosa, but not B. cenocepacia.

Genetic diversity and multihost pathogenicity of clinical and environmental strains of Burkholderia cenocepacia

A collection of 54 clinical and agricultural isolates of Burkholderia cenocepacia was analyzed for genetic relatedness by using multilocus sequence typing (MLST), pathogenicity by using onion and nematode infection models, antifungal activity, and the distribution of three marker genes associated with virulence. The majority of clinical isolates were obtained from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients in Michigan, and the agricultural isolates were predominantly from Michigan onion fields. MLST analysis resolved 23 distinct sequence types (STs), 11 of which were novel. Twenty-six of 27 clinical isolates from Michigan were genotyped as ST-40, previously identified as the Midwest B. cenocepacia lineage. In contrast, the 12 agricultural isolates represented eight STs, including ST-122, that were identical to clinical isolates of the PHDC lineage. In general, pathogenicity to onions and the presence of the pehA endopolygalacturonase gene were detected only in one cluster of related strains consisting of agricultural isolates and the PHDC lineage. Surprisingly, these strains were highly pathogenic in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans infection model, killing nematodes faster than the CF pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 on slow-kill medium. The other strains displayed a wide range of pathogenicity to C. elegans, notably the Midwest clonal lineage which displayed high, moderate, and low virulence. Most strains displayed moderate antifungal activity, although strains with high and low activities were also detected. We conclude that pathogenicity to multiple hosts may be a key factor contributing to the potential of B. cenocepacia to opportunistically infect humans both by increasing the prevalence of the organism in the environment, thereby increasing exposure to vulnerable hosts, and by the selection of virulence factors that function in multiple hosts.

Chemical and biological features of Burkholderia cepacia complex lipopolysaccharides

The Burkholderia cepacia complex comprises 10 closely related Gram-negative organisms all of which appear capable of causing disease in humans. These organisms appear of particular relevance to patients with cystic fibrosis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an important virulence determinant in Gram-negative pathogens. In this review, we highlight important data within the field commenting on LPS/lipid A structure-to-function relationships and cytokine induction capacity of Burkholderia strains studied so far.

The genome of Burkholderia cenocepacia J2315, an epidemic pathogen of cystic fibrosis patients

Bacterial infections of the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients cause major complications in the treatment of this common genetic disease. Burkholderia cenocepacia infection is particularly problematic since this organism has high levels of antibiotic resistance, making it difficult to eradicate; the resulting chronic infections are associated with severe declines in lung function and increased mortality rates. B. cenocepacia strain J2315 was isolated from a CF patient and is a member of the epidemic ET12 lineage that originated in Canada or the United Kingdom and spread to Europe. The 8.06-Mb genome of this highly transmissible pathogen comprises three circular chromosomes and a plasmid and encodes a broad array of functions typical of this metabolically versatile genus, as well as numerous virulence and drug resistance functions. Although B. cenocepacia strains can be isolated from soil and can be pathogenic to both plants and man, J2315 is representative of a lineage of B. cenocepacia rarely isolated from the environment and which spreads between CF patients. Comparative analysis revealed that ca. 21% of the genome is unique in comparison to other strains of B. cenocepacia, highlighting the genomic plasticity of this species. Pseudogenes in virulence determinants suggest that the pathogenic response of J2315 may have been recently selected to promote persistence in the CF lung. The J2315 genome contains evidence that its unique and highly adapted genetic content has played a significant role in its success as an epidemic CF pathogen.

Plant host and sugar alcohol induced exopolysaccharide biosynthesis in the Burkholderia cepacia complex

The species that presently constitute the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) have multiple roles; they include soil and water saprophytes, bioremediators, and plant, animal and human pathogens. Since the first description of pathogenicity in the Bcc was based on sour skin rot of onion bulbs, this study returned to this plant host to investigate the onion-associated phenotype of the Bcc. Many Bcc isolates, which were previously considered to be non-mucoid, produced copious amounts of exopolysaccharide (EPS) when onion tissue was provided as the sole nutrient. EPS production was not species-specific, was observed in isolates from both clinical and environmental sources, and did not correlate with the ability to cause maceration of onion tissue. Chemical analysis suggested that the onion components responsible for EPS induction were primarily the carbohydrates sucrose, fructose and fructans. Additional sugars were investigated, and all alcohol sugars tested were able to induce EPS production, in particular mannitol and glucitol. To investigate the molecular basis for EPS biosynthesis, we focused on the highly conserved bce gene cluster thought to be involved in cepacian biosynthesis. We demonstrated induction of the bce gene cluster by mannitol, and found a clear correlation between the inability of representatives of the Burkholderia cenocepacia ET12 lineage to produce EPS and the presence of an 11 bp deletion within the bceB gene, which encodes a glycosyltransferase. Insertional inactivation of bceB in Burkholderia ambifaria AMMD results in loss of EPS production on sugar alcohol media. These novel and surprising insights into EPS biosynthesis highlight the metabolic potential of the Bcc and show that a potential virulence factor may not be detected by routine laboratory culture. Our results also highlight a potential hazard in the use of inhaled mannitol as an osmolyte to improve mucociliary clearance in individuals with cystic fibrosis.

Diversity and occurrence of Burkholderia spp. in the natural environment

Both in natural and in managed ecosystems, bacteria are common inhabitants of the phytosphere and the internal tissues of plants. Probably the most diverse and environmentally adaptable plant-associated bacteria belong to the genus Burkholderia. This genus is well-known for its human, animal and plant pathogenic members, including the Burkholderia cepacia complex. However, it also contains species and strains that are beneficial to plants and can be potentially exploited in biotechnological processes. Here we present an overview of plant-associated Burkholderia spp. with special emphasis on beneficial plant-Burkholderia interactions. A discussion of the potential for utilization of stable plant-Burkholderia spp. associations in the development of low-input cropping systems is also provided.

Burkholderia cepacia complex epidemiology in persons with cystic fibrosis from Australia and New Zealand

The Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) is a group of significant opportunistic respiratory pathogens which affect people with cystic fibrosis. In this study, we sought to ascertain the epidemiology and geographic species distribution of 116 Bcc isolates collected from people with CF in Australia and New Zealand. We performed a combination of recA-based PCR, amplified rDNA restriction analysis (ARDRA), pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and repetitive extragenic palindromic PCR on each isolate. Each Burkholderia cenocepacia isolate was also screened by PCR for the presence of the B. cepacia epidemic strain marker. One hundred and fourteen isolates were assigned to a species using recA-based PCR and ARDRA. B. cenocepacia, B. multivorans and B. cepacia accounted for 45.7%, 29.3% and 11.2% of the isolates, respectively. Strain analysis of B. cenocepacia revealed that 85.3% of the isolates were unrelated. One related B. cenocepacia strain was identified amongst 15 people. Whilst full details of person-to-person contact was not available, all patients attended CF centres in Queensland (Qld) and New South Wales (NSW). Although person-to-person transmission of B. cenocepacia strains has occurred in Australia, the majority of CF-related Bcc infections in Australia and New Zealand are most likely acquired from the environment.

Architecture of Burkholderia cepacia complex sigma70 gene family: evidence of alternative primary and clade-specific factors, and genomic instability

BACKGROUND

The Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) groups bacterial species with beneficial properties that can improve crop yields or remediate polluted sites but can also lead to dramatic human clinical outcomes among cystic fibrosis (CF) or immuno-compromised individuals. Genome-wide regulatory processes of gene expression could explain parts of this bacterial duality. Transcriptional sigma70 factors are components of these processes. They allow the reversible binding of the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase to form the holoenzyme that will lead to mRNA synthesis from a DNA promoter region. Bcc genome-wide analyses were performed to investigate the major evolutionary trends taking place in the sigma70 family of these bacteria.

RESULTS

Twenty sigma70 paralogous genes were detected in the Burkholderia cenocepacia strain J2315 (Bcen-J2315) genome, of which 14 were of the ECF (extracytoplasmic function) group. Non-ECF paralogs were related to primary (rpoD), alternative primary, stationary phase (rpoS), flagellin biosynthesis (fliA), and heat shock (rpoH) factors. The number of sigma70 genetic determinants among this genome was of 2,86 per Mb. This number is lower than the one of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a species found in similar habitats including CF lungs. These two bacterial groups showed strikingly different sigma70 family architectures, with only three ECF paralogs in common (fecI-like, pvdS and algU). Bcen-J2315 sigma70 paralogs showed clade-specific distributions. Some paralogs appeared limited to the ET12 epidemic clone (ecfA2), particular Bcc species (sigI), the Burkholderia genus (ecfJ, ecfF, and sigJ), certain proteobacterial groups (ecfA1, ecfC, ecfD, ecfE, ecfG, ecfL, ecfM and rpoS), or were broadly distributed in the eubacteria (ecfI, ecfK, ecfH, ecfB, and rpoD-, rpoH-, fliA-like genes). Genomic instability of this gene family was driven by chromosomal inversion (ecfA2), recent duplication events (ecfA and RpoD), localized (ecfG) and large scale deletions (sigI, sigJ, ecfC, ecfH, and ecfK), and a phage integration event (ecfE).

CONCLUSION

The Bcc sigma70 gene family was found to be under strong selective pressures that could lead to acquisition/deletion, and duplication events modifying its architecture. Comparative analysis of Bcc and Pseudomonas aeruginosa sigma70 gene families revealed distinct evolutionary strategies, with the Bcc having selected several alternative primary factors, something not recorded among P. aeruginosa and only previously reported to occur among the actinobacteria.

Burkholderia cenocepacia, B. multivorans, B. ambifaria and B. vietnamiensis isolates from cystic fibrosis patients have different profiles of exoenzyme production

Knowledge about the virulence mechanisms of species from the Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) is still limited. The genomovar heterogeneity and production of different virulence factors are likely to contribute to the variation in the clinical outcome observed in BCC-infected cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Therefore, in this study we investigated the genetic polimorphism, the presence of genetic makers associated with virulence and transmissibility in BCC, and the profile of exoenzyme production of 59 BCC isolates obtained from 59 CF patients attending the reference CF centre in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The DNA sequence analyses of the recA gene allowed us to identify 40 of these 59 BCC species as being B. cenocepacia, 9 as B. vietnamiensis, 6 as B. multivorans and 4 as B. ambifaria. The assessment of the bacterial genetic polymorphism by PFGE revealed that B. cenocepacia and the B. multivorans isolates belonged to four and two different PFGE profiles with prevalence of two clones, A and B, respectively. All B. vietnamiensis and B. ambifaria belonged to only one PFGE profile (J and E, respectively). None of the isolates exhibited the genetic markers cblA and BCESM, assessed by polymerase chain reaction. In contrast, the profile of enzymatic activity, assessed by phenotypic methods, differed among the BCC species: protease activity was detected only in B. cenocepacia and B. ambifaria isolates, whereas only B. vietnamiensis isolates produced hemolysin. Although the phospholipase C activity was similar among the different species, the level of lipase activity produced by B. multivorans was higher than in the other species. We speculate that the differential characteristics of exoenzyme production may account for the differences in the pathogenic potentials of each BCC species.

Infection Control Practice in Cystic Fibrosis Centers

In this article, the authors outline some of the major historical events that signaled the need to better understand mechanisms of infection in cystic fibrosis (CF). The authors discuss general principles of infection control, focusing on issues of particular importance to patients who have CF. The authors also describe the major pathogens associated with the CF airway, provide a review of findings from inpatient and outpatient studies of infection control, and provide an outline of future directions for investigation.

Clinical and environmental Burkholderia strains: biofilm production and intracellular survival

Bacteria belonging to the Burkholderia species are important pulmonary pathogens in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Their ability to establish chronic and sometimes fatal infections seems linked to the quorum sensing-regulated expression of virulence factors. We examined 23 Burkholderia isolates, 19 obtained from CF patients and 4 from the environment, to evaluate their ability to form biofilm and to penetrate and replicate inside J774 macrophagic cells. Our results indicate that biofilm formation and intracellular survival are behavioral traits frequently expressed by Burkholderia strains isolated from CF patients. Successive isolates obtained from each of four chronically infected patients yielded bacteria consistently belonging to the same strain but showing increasing ability to replicate intracellularly and to produce biofilm, possibly due to in vivo bacterial microevolution driven by the selective lung environmental conditions. Protection against antimicrobials granted to burkholderiae by the expression of these two virulence factors might account for the frequent failures of antibiotic treatment in CF patients.

Evolving epidemiology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the Burkholderia cepacia complex in cystic fibrosis lung infection

The morbidity and mortality of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is primarily determined by chronic and debilitating lung infections caused by a surprisingly narrow spectrum of bacterial pathogens. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is by far the most prevalent life-threatening CF pathogen. In the absence of aggressive early therapy, it infects the majority of adult patients and determines long-term survival. The epidemiology of CF pulmonary infections continues to evolve. Amongst the most recent CF pathogens to have emerged are a group of closely related bacteria, known as the Burkholderia cepacia complex. These organisms are a particular challenge due to inherent antibiotic resistance, the potential for patient-to-patient spread, and the risk of ‘cepacia syndrome’, a rapid fulminating pneumonia sometimes accompanied by bacteremia. Strict cross-infection control was prompted by early epidemiological experience of the B. cepacia complex and is essential in the management of all CF pathogens.

Molecular Typing and Presence of Genetic Markers Among Strains of Banana Finger-Tip Rot Pathogen, Burkholderia cenocepacia, in Taiwan

ABSTRACT Burkholderia cenocepacia (genomovar III of B. cepacia complex), the causal agent of banana finger-tip rot, is a common plant-associated bacterium but also an important opportunistic pathogen of humans. To better understand the nature of B. cenocepacia from banana, the genetic variation among B. cenocepacia isolates from various banana-growing regions in southern Taiwan was examined. Forty-four serial isolates recovered from diseased banana stigmata from three banana-growing regions during the periods ranging from 2002 to 2004 were investigated. All B. cenocepacia isolates picked from quinate-yeast extract tetracycline-polymyxin semiselective medium could cause onion maceration and were polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive for bcscV, which is a type III secretion gene present in all members of the B. cepacia complex except B. cepacia (formerly genomovar I). Genetic diversity was assessed using recA PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism, recA nucleotide sequence analysis, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis assays. The assays revealed the genetic variability among the isolates and also allowed us to trace the relationship among isolates. The isolates all were assigned to genomovar III and consisted of two groups, A and B, which corresponded to recA lineage IIIA and IIIB. The group B strains were separated into B1 and B2 subgroups and the B1 strains were further divided into distinct lineages. The B1 strains were the most frequently detected and occurred in all regions tested. There was no significant difference between strains from each subgroup in the virulence on banana fingers of cv. Cavendish. PCR assays were further used to determine whether B. cenocepacia from banana contained the cable pilus subunit gene (cblA), IS1356, and B. cepacia epidemic strain marker (BCESM), which are DNA markers associated with epidemic B. cepacia clinic strains. The results indicated that cblA and IS1356 were absent but the BCESM was found in all isolates. The present study revealed that banana is a natural reservoir of genetically diversified B. cenocepacia strains.