1
|
Magome TG, Surleac M, Hassim A, Bezuidenhout CC, van Heerden H, Lekota KE. Decoding the anomalies: a genome-based analysis of Bacillus cereus group strains closely related to Bacillus anthracis. Front Microbiol 2025; 16:1527049. [PMID: 39973926 PMCID: PMC11835882 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1527049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2025] [Indexed: 02/21/2025] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Bacillus cereus group encompasses a complex group of closely related pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacterial species. Key members include B. anthracis, B. cereus, and B. thuringiensis organisms that, despite genetic proximity, diverge significantly in morphology and pathogenic potential. Taxonomic challenges persist due to inconsistent classification methods, particularly for B. cereus isolates that resemble B. anthracis in genetic clustering. Methods This study investigated B. cereus group isolates from blood smears of animal carcasses in Kruger National Park, uncovering an unusual isolate with B. cereus features based on classical microbiological tests yet B. anthracis-like genomic similarities with an Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) of ≥95%. Using comparative genomics, pan-genomics and whole genome Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (wgSNP) analysis, a total of 103 B. cereus group genomes were analyzed, including nine newly sequenced isolates from South Africa and a collection of isolates that showed some classification discrepancies, thus classified as "anomalous." Results and discussion Of the 36 strains identified as B. anthracis in GenBank, 26 clustered phylogenetically with the four confirmed B. anthracis isolates from South Africa and shared 99% ANI. Isolates with less than 99% ANI alignment to B. anthracis exhibited characteristics consistent with B. cereus and/or B. thuringiensis, possessing diverse genetic profiles, insertion elements, resistance genes, and virulence genes features, contrasting with the genetic uniformity of typical B. anthracis. The findings underscore a recurrent acquisition of mobile genetic elements within B. cereus and B. thuringiensis, a process infrequent in B. anthracis. Conclusion This study highlights the pressing need for standardized taxonomic criteria in B. cereus group classification, especially as anomalous isolates emerge. This study supports the existing nomenclature framework which offers an effective solution for classifying species into genomospecies groups. We recommend isolates with ANI ≥99% to standard reference B. anthracis be designated as typical B. anthracis in GenBank to maintain taxonomic clarity and precision.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thuto Gomolemo Magome
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Microbiology, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Marius Surleac
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Matei Balș”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ayesha Hassim
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | | | - Henriette van Heerden
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Kgaugelo Edward Lekota
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Microbiology, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ochai SO, Hassim A, Dekker EH, Magome T, Lekota KE, Makgabo SM, de Klerk-Loris LM, van Schalkwyk LO, Kamath PL, Turner WC, van Heerden H. Comparing microbiological and molecular diagnostic tools for the surveillance of anthrax. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012122. [PMID: 39571005 PMCID: PMC11620650 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 12/05/2024] [Accepted: 10/28/2024] [Indexed: 12/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of anthrax, a zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis can be complicated by detection of closely related species. Conventional diagnosis of anthrax involves microscopy, culture identification of bacterial colonies and molecular detection. Genetic markers used are often virulence gene targets such as B. anthracis protective antigen (pagA, also called BAPA, occurring on plasmid pXO1), lethal factor (lef, on pXO1), capsule-encoding capB/C (located on pXO2) as well as chromosomal Ba-1. Combinations of genetic markers using real-time/quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) are used to confirm B. anthracis from culture but can also be used directly on diagnostic samples to avoid propagation and its associated biorisks and for faster identification. We investigated how the presence of closely related species could complicate anthrax diagnoses with and without culture to standardise the use of genetic markers using qPCR for accurate anthrax diagnosis. Using blood smears from 2012-2020 from wildlife mortalities (n = 1708) in Kruger National Park in South Africa where anthrax is endemic, we contrasted anthrax diagnostic results based on qPCR, microscopy, and culture. From smears, 113/1708 grew bacteria in culture, from which 506 isolates were obtained. Of these isolates, only 24.7% (125 isolates) were positive for B. anthracis based on genetic markers or microscopy. However, among these, merely 4/125 (3.2%) were confirmed B. anthracis isolates (based on morphology, microscopy, and sensitivity testing to penicillin and gamma-phage) from the blood smear, likely due to poor survival of spores on stored smears. This study identified B. cereus sensu lato, which included B. cereus and B. anthracis, Peribacillus spp., and Priestia spp. clusters using gyrB gene in selected bacterial isolates positive for pagA region using BAPA probe. Using qPCR on blood smears, 52.1% (890 samples) tested positive for B. anthracis based on one or a combination of genetic markers which included the 25 positive controls. Notably, the standard lef primer set displayed the lowest specificity and accuracy. The Ba-1+BAPA+lef combination showed 100% specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy. Various marker combinations, such as Ba-1+capB, BAPA+capB, Ba-1+BAPA+capB+lef, and BAPA+lef+capB, all demonstrated 100.0% specificity and 98.7% accuracy, while maintaining a sensitivity of 96.6%. Using Ba-1+BAPA+lef+capB, as well as Ba-1+BAPA+lef with molecular diagnosis accurately detects B. anthracis in the absence of bacterial culture. Systematically combining microscopy and molecular markers holds promise for notably reducing false positives. This significantly enhances the detection and surveillance of diseases like anthrax in southern Africa and beyond and reduces the need for propagation of the bacteria in culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunday Ochonu Ochai
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
- Antimicrobial Research Unit, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions, Copenhagen S, 2300, Denmark
| | - Ayesha Hassim
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Edgar H. Dekker
- Office of the State Veterinarian, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Government of South Africa, Skukuza, South Africa
| | - Thuto Magome
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Microbiology, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Kgaugelo Edward Lekota
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Microbiology, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - S. Marcus Makgabo
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa (UNISA), Florida Campus, Roodepoort, 1709, South Africa
| | - Lin-Mari de Klerk-Loris
- Antimicrobial Research Unit, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Louis O. van Schalkwyk
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
- Office of the State Veterinarian, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Government of South Africa, Skukuza, South Africa
- Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Radolfzell, Germany
| | - Pauline L. Kamath
- School of Food and Agriculture, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, United States of America
- Maine Center for Genetics in the Environment, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, United States of America
| | - Wendy C. Turner
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Henriette van Heerden
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lekota KE, Mabeo RO, Ramatla T, Van Wyk DAB, Thekisoe O, Molale-Tom LG, Bezuidenhout CC. Genomic insight on Klebsiella variicola isolated from wastewater treatment plant has uncovered a novel bacteriophage. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:986. [PMID: 39438783 PMCID: PMC11494819 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10906-x] [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: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2024] [Indexed: 10/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella variicola is considered an emerging pathogen, which may colonize a variety of hosts, including environmental sources. Klebsiella variicola investigated in this study was obtained from an influent wastewater treatment plant in the North-West Province, South Africa. Whole genome sequencing was conducted to unravel the genetic diversity and antibiotic resistance patterns of K. variicola. Whole genome core SNP phylogeny was employed on publicly available 170 genomes. Furthermore, capsule types and antibiotic resistance genes, particularly beta-lactamase and carbapenems genes were investigated from the compared genomes. A 38 099 bp bacteriophage was uncovered alongside with K. variicola genome. Whole genome sequencing revealed that the extended beta-lactamase blaLEN (75.3%) of the beta-lactamase is dominant among compared K. variicola strains. The identified IncF plasmid AA035 confers resistance genes of metal and heat element subtypes, i.e., silver, copper, and tellurium. The capsule type KL107-D1 is a predominant capsule type present in 88.2% of the compared K. variicola genomes. The phage was determined to be integrase-deficient consisting of a fosB gene associated with fosfomycin resistance and clusters with the Wbeta genus Bacillus phage group. In silico analysis showed that the phage genome interacts with B. cereus as opposed to K. variicola strain T2. The phage has anti-repressor proteins involved in the lysis-lysogeny decision. This phage will enhance our understanding of its impact on bacterial dissemination and how it may affect disease development and antibiotic resistance mechanisms in wastewater treatment plants. This study highlights the need for ongoing genomic epidemiological surveillance of environmental K. variicola isolates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kgaugelo E Lekota
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - Refilwe O Mabeo
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Tsepo Ramatla
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Deidre A B Van Wyk
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Oriel Thekisoe
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Lesego G Molale-Tom
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Cornelius C Bezuidenhout
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Covington AL, Cerqueira FM, Pavia JE, Reynoso D, Ren P. Complex trauma sequelae: Mycobacterium goodii and Priestia endophytica Hardware infection in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:1064. [PMID: 39333951 PMCID: PMC11438204 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09970-1] [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: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
A 26-year-old man with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, recurrent otitis externa, and chronic otitis media sustained a left lower extremity amputation and open femur fracture with internal hardware fixation after a motor vehicle collision in Arizona. He presented to the emergency department at our institution with severe left leg pain and purulent discharge despite receiving two unidentified antibiotics upon discharge. Evaluations revealed an abscess and malunion of the femur. Initial cultures yielded scant Priestia endophytica, leading to daptomycin treatment. His condition worsened until Gram-positive bacilli identified as Mycobacterium goodii, a rare nosocomial mycobacterial species, were found. Significant improvement occurred with appropriate antibiotics. This case highlights the challenges in diagnosing and managing M. goodii infections in immunocompromised patients with orthopedic complications and notes P. endophytica as a previously unreported, possibly opportunistic human pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Covington
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Filipe M Cerqueira
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan E Pavia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - David Reynoso
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Ping Ren
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Magome TG, Ochai SO, Hassim A, Bezuidenhout CC, van Heerden H, Lekota KE. A genome-based investigation of the Priestia species isolated from anthrax endemic regions in Kruger National Park. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 123:105649. [PMID: 39059732 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Priestia is a genus that was renamed from the genus Bacillus based on the conserved signature indels (CSIs) in protein sequences that separate Priestia species from Bacillus, with the latter only including species closely related to B. subtilis and B. cereus. Diagnosis of anthrax, a zoonotic disease, is implicated by tripartite anthrax virulence genes (lef, pagA, and cya) and poly-γ-D-glutamic acid capsular genes cap-ABCDE of Bacillus anthracis. Due to the amplification of anthrax virulence genes in Priestia isolates, the search for homologous anthrax virulence genes within the Priestia genomes (n = 9) isolated from animal blood smears was embarked upon through whole genome sequencing. In silico taxonomic identification of the isolates was conducted using genome taxonomy database (GTDB), average nucleotide identity (ANI), and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), which identified the genomes as P. aryabhattai (n = 5), P. endophytica (n = 2) and P. megaterium (n = 2). A pan-genome analysis was further conducted on the Priestia genomes, including the screening of virulence, antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements on the sequenced genomes. The oligoribonuclease NrnB protein sequences showed that Priestia spp. possess a unique CSI that is absent in other Bacillus species. Furthermore, the CSI in P. endophytica is unique from other Priestia spp. Pan-genomic analysis indicates that P. endophytica clusters separately from P. aryabhattai and P. megaterium. In silico BLASTn genome analysis using the SYBR primers, Taqman probes and primers that target the chromosomal marker (Ba-1), protective antigen (pagA), and lethal factor (lef) on B. anthracis, showed partial binding to Priestia regions encoding for hypothetical proteins, pyridoxine biosynthesis, hydrolase, and inhibitory proteins. The antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) profile of Priestia spp. showed that the genomes contained no more than two ARGs. This included genes conferring resistance to rifamycin and fosfomycin on P. endophytica, as well as clindamycin on P. aryabhattai and P. megaterium. Priestia genomes lacked B. anthracis plasmids and consisted of plasmid replicon types with unknown functions. Furthermore, the amplification of Priestia strains may result in false positives when qPCR is used to detect the virulence genes of B. anthracis in soil, blood smears, and/or environmental samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thuto Gomolemo Magome
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Microbiology, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - Sunday Ochonu Ochai
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa; International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions, Copenhagen S, 2300, Denmark; Antimicrobial Research Unit, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ayesha Hassim
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | | | - Henriette van Heerden
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Kgaugelo Edward Lekota
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Microbiology, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lekota KE, Hassim A, Ledwaba MB, Glover BA, Dekker EH, van Schalkwyk LO, Rossouw J, Beyer W, Vergnaud G, van Heerden H. Bacillus anthracis in South Africa, 1975-2013: are some lineages vanishing? BMC Genomics 2024; 25:742. [PMID: 39080521 PMCID: PMC11290001 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10631-5] [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: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The anthrax-causing bacterium Bacillus anthracis comprises the genetic clades A, B, and C. In the northernmost part (Pafuri) of Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa, both the common A and rare B strains clades occur. The B clade strains were reported to be dominant in Pafuri before 1991, while A clade strains occurred towards the central parts of KNP. The prevalence of B clade strains is currently much lower as only A clade strains have been isolated from 1992 onwards in KNP. In this study 319 B. anthracis strains were characterized with 31-loci multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA-31). B clade strains from soil (n = 9) and a Tragelaphus strepsiceros carcass (n = 1) were further characterised by whole genome sequencing and compared to publicly available genomes. The KNP strains clustered in the B clade before 1991 into two dominant genotypes. South African strains cluster into a dominant genotype A.Br.005/006 consisting of KNP as well as the other anthrax endemic region, Northern Cape Province (NCP), South Africa. A few A.Br.001/002 strains from both endemic areas were also identified. Subclade A.Br.101 belonging to the A.Br.Aust94 lineage was reported in the NCP. The B-clade strains seems to be vanishing, while outbreaks in South Africa are caused mainly by the A.Br.005/006 genotypes as well as a few minor clades such as A.Br.001/002 and A.Br.101 present in NCP. This work confirmed the existence of the rare and vanishing B-clade strains that group in B.Br.001 branch with KrugerB and A0991 KNP strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kgaugelo Edward Lekota
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Veterinary Tropical diseases, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management: Microbiology, North-West University, Potchefstroom campus, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
| | - Ayesha Hassim
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Veterinary Tropical diseases, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Maphuti Betty Ledwaba
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Veterinary Tropical diseases, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
- Department of Agriculture & Animal Health, College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, 28 Pioneer Street, Florida Park, Roodepoort, 1710, South Africa
| | - Barbara A Glover
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Veterinary Tropical diseases, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Edgar H Dekker
- Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development, Office of the State Veterinarian, Skukuza, Mpumalanga, 1350, South Africa
| | - Louis Ockert van Schalkwyk
- Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development, Office of the State Veterinarian, Skukuza, Mpumalanga, 1350, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Rossouw
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases a Division of the National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Wolfgang Beyer
- Institute of Environmental and Animal Hygiene, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Gilles Vergnaud
- CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, 91198, France
| | - Henriette van Heerden
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Veterinary Tropical diseases, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kollath DR, Morales MM, Itogawa AN, Mullaney D, Lee NR, Barker BM. Combating the Dust Devil: Utilizing Naturally Occurring Soil Microbes in Arizona to Inhibit the Growth of Coccidioides spp., the Causative Agent of Valley Fever. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9030345. [PMID: 36983513 PMCID: PMC10056400 DOI: 10.3390/jof9030345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The fungal disease Valley fever causes a significant medical and financial burden for affected people in the endemic region, and this burden is on the rise. Despite the medical importance of this disease, little is known about ecological factors that influence the geographic point sources of high abundance of the pathogens Coccidioides posadasii and C. immitis, such as competition with co-occurring soil microbes. These “hot spots”, for instance, those in southern Arizona, are areas in which humans are at greater risk of being infected with the fungus due to consistent exposure. The aim of this study was to isolate native microbes from soils collected from Tucson, Arizona (endemic area for C. posadasii) and characterize their relationship (antagonistic, synergistic, or neutral) to the fungal pathogen with in vitro challenge assays. Secreted metabolites from the microbes were extracted and described using analytical techniques including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry. Bacteria belonging to the genus Bacillus and fungi in the Fennellomyces and Ovatospora genera were shown to significantly decrease the growth of Coccidioides spp. In vitro. In contrast, other bacteria in the Brevibacillus genus, as well as one species of Bacillus bacteria, were shown to promote growth of Coccidioides when directly challenged. The metabolites secreted from the antagonistic bacteria were described using HPLC and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The microbes identified in this study as antagonists to Coccidioides and/or the metabolites they secrete have the potential to be used as natural biocontrol agents to limit the amount of fungal burden at geographic point sources, and therefore limit the potential for human infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R. Kollath
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-708-280-5867
| | - Matthew M. Morales
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Ashley N. Itogawa
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Dustin Mullaney
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Naomi R. Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Bridget M. Barker
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fono-Tamo EUK, Kamika I, Dewar JB, Lekota KE. Comparative Genomics Revealed a Potential Threat of Aeromonas rivipollensis G87 Strain and Its Antibiotic Resistance. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:131. [PMID: 36671332 PMCID: PMC9855013 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12010131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Aeromonas rivipollensis is an emerging pathogen linked to a broad range of infections in humans. Due to the inability to accurately differentiate Aeromonas species using conventional techniques, in-depth comparative genomics analysis is imperative to identify them. This study characterized 4 A. rivipollensis strains that were isolated from river water in Johannesburg, South Africa, by whole-genome sequencing (WGS). WGS was carried out, and taxonomic classification was employed to profile virulence and antibiotic resistance (AR). The AR profiles of the A. rivipollensis genomes consisted of betalactams and cephalosporin-resistance genes, while the tetracycline-resistance gene (tetE) was only determined to be in the G87 strain. A mobile genetic element (MGE), transposons TnC, was determined to be in this strain that mediates tetracycline resistance MFS efflux tetE. A pangenomic investigation revealed the G87 strain's unique characteristic, which included immunoglobulin A-binding proteins, extracellular polysialic acid, and exogenous sialic acid as virulence factors. The identified polysialic acid and sialic acid genes can be associated with antiphagocytic and antibactericidal properties, respectively. MGEs such as transposases introduce virulence and AR genes in the A. rivipollensis G87 genome. This study showed that A. rivipollensis is generally resistant to a class of beta-lactams and cephalosporins. MGEs pose a challenge in some of the Aeromonas species strains and are subjected to antibiotics resistance and the acquisition of virulence genes in the ecosystem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esther Ubani K. Fono-Tamo
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida Campus, Johannesburg 1709, South Africa
| | - Ilunga Kamika
- Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability (iNanoWS), School of Science, College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET), University of South Africa, Florida Campus, Johannesburg 1709, South Africa
| | - John Barr Dewar
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida Campus, Johannesburg 1709, South Africa
| | - Kgaugelo Edward Lekota
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management: Microbiology, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ramatla T, Tawana M, Lekota KE, Thekisoe O. Antimicrobial resistance genes of Escherichia coli, a bacterium of "One Health" importance in South Africa: Systematic review and meta-analysis. AIMS Microbiol 2023; 9:75-89. [PMID: 36891533 PMCID: PMC9988412 DOI: 10.3934/microbiol.2023005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
This is a systematic review and meta-analysis that evaluated the prevalence of Escherichia coli antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) in animals, humans, and the environment in South Africa. This study followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to search and use literature published between 1 January 2000 to 12 December 2021, on the prevalence of South African E. coli isolates' ARGs. Articles were downloaded from African Journals Online, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar search engines. A random effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the antibiotic-resistant genes of E. coli in animals, humans, and the environment. Out of 10764 published articles, only 23 studies met the inclusion criteria. The obtained results indicated that the pooled prevalence estimates (PPE) of E. coli ARGs was 36.3%, 34.4%, 32.9%, and 28.8% for blaTEM-M-1 , ampC, tetA, and bla TEM, respectively. Eight ARGs (blaCTX-M , blaCTX-M-1 , blaTEM , tetA, tetB, sul1, sulII, and aadA) were detected in humans, animals and the environmental samples. Human E. coli isolate samples harboured 38% of the ARGs. Analyzed data from this study highlights the occurrence of ARGs in E. coli isolates from animals, humans, and environmental samples in South Africa. Therefore, there is a necessity to develop a comprehensive "One Health" strategy to assess antibiotics use in order to understand the causes and dynamics of antibiotic resistance development, as such information will enable the formulation of intervention strategies to stop the spread of ARGs in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsepo Ramatla
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2531, South Africa
| | - Mpho Tawana
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2531, South Africa
| | - Kgaugelo E Lekota
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2531, South Africa
| | - Oriel Thekisoe
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2531, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li Z, Wen W, Qin M, He Y, Xu D, Li L. Biosynthetic Mechanisms of Secondary Metabolites Promoted by the Interaction Between Endophytes and Plant Hosts. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:928967. [PMID: 35898919 PMCID: PMC9309545 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.928967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Endophytes is a kind of microorganism resource with great potential medicinal value. The interactions between endophytes and host not only promote the growth and development of each other but also drive the biosynthesis of many new medicinal active substances. In this review, we summarized recent reports related to the interactions between endophytes and hosts, mainly regarding the research progress of endophytes affecting the growth and development of host plants, physiological stress and the synthesis of new compounds. Then, we also discussed the positive effects of multiomics analysis on the interactions between endophytes and their hosts, as well as the application and development prospects of metabolites synthesized by symbiotic interactions. This review may provide a reference for the further development and utilization of endophytes and the study of their interactions with their hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaogao Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Weie Wen
- Department of Cell Biology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Ming Qin
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yuqi He
- Engineering Research Center of Key Technology Development for Gui Zhou Provincial Dendrobium Nobile Industry, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- *Correspondence: Yuqi He,
| | - Delin Xu
- Department of Cell Biology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Delin Xu,
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Lin Li,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xu Y, Yang L, Wang H, Wei X, Shi Y, Liang D, Cao M, He N. Putative functions of EpsK in teichuronic acid synthesis and phosphate starvation in Bacillus licheniformis. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2022; 7:815-823. [PMID: 35475252 PMCID: PMC9018123 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) are extracellular macromolecules in bacteria, which function in cell growth and show potential for mechanism study and biosynthesis application. However, the biosynthesis mechanism of EPS is still not clear. We herein chose Bacillus licheniformis CGMCC 2876 as a target strain to investigate the EPS biosynthesis. epsK, a member of eps cluster, the predicted polysaccharide synthesis cluster, was overexpressed and showed that the overexpression of epsK led to a 26.54% decrease in the production of EPS and resulted in slenderer cell shape. Transcriptome analysis combined with protein-protein interactions analysis and protein modeling revealed that epsK was likely responsible for the synthesis of teichuronic acid, a substitute cell wall component of teichoic acid when the strain was suffering phosphate limitation. Further cell cultivation showed that either phosphate limitation or the overexpression of teichuronic acid synthesis genes, tuaB and tuaE could similarly lead to EPS reduction. The enhanced production of teichuronic acid induced by epsK overexpression triggered the endogenous phosphate starvation, resulting in the decreased EPS synthesis and biomass, and the enhanced bacterial chemotaxis. This study presents an insight into the mechanism of EPS synthesis and offers the potential in controllable synthesis of target products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiyuan Xu
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
- The Key Lab for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
| | - Lijie Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
- The Key Lab for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
- The Key Lab for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
| | - Xiaoyu Wei
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
- The Key Lab for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
| | - Yanyan Shi
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
- The Key Lab for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
| | - Dafeng Liang
- Institute of Bioengineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510316, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Mingfeng Cao
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
- The Key Lab for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
- Corresponding author. Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China.
| | - Ning He
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
- The Key Lab for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
- Corresponding author. Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Trivedi K, Kumar R, Vijay Anand KG, Bhojani G, Kubavat D, Ghosh A. Structural and functional changes in soil bacterial communities by drifting spray application of a commercial red seaweed extract as revealed by metagenomics. Arch Microbiol 2021; 204:72. [PMID: 34951686 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-021-02644-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed extract (KSWE) is known to enhance crop productivity and impart stress tolerance. Close to one quarter of foliar spray applied to maize falls on the soil, either as drift or from leaf as drip. It was hypothesized that the drift spray would profoundly influence soil microbes under stress. An experiment was conducted with five treatments, with or without KSWE application at critical stages of maize grown under soil moisture stress and compared with an irrigated control. An Illumina platform was employed for the analysis of the V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA gene from the soil metagenome. A total of 345,552 operational taxonomic units were generated which were classified into 55 phyla, 152 classes, 240 orders, 305 families and 593 genera. Shannon's index and Shannon's equitability indicated increased soil bacterial diversity after multiple KSWE applications under conditions of abiotic duress. The abundance of the genera Alicyclobacillus, Anaerolinea, Bacillus, Balneimonas, Nitrospira, Rubrobacter and Steroidobacter decreased (49-79%) under drought imposed at the V5,10 and 15 stages of maize over the irrigated control, while it significantly improved when followed by KSWE application under drought. Flavobacterium, Nitrosomonas, Nitrosovibrio, Rubrobacter genera and several other bacterial taxa which are important for plant growth promotion and nutrient cycling were found to be enriched by KSWE application under drought conditions. Treatments having enriched microbial abundance due to KSWE application under stress recorded higher soil enzymatic activities and plant cob yield, suggesting the contribution of altered soil ecology mediated by KSWE as one of the reasons for improvement of yield.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khanjan Trivedi
- Applied Phycology and Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, GB Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364 002, India
| | - Ranjeet Kumar
- ICMR-Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - K G Vijay Anand
- Applied Phycology and Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, GB Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364 002, India
| | - Gopal Bhojani
- Applied Phycology and Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, GB Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364 002, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Denish Kubavat
- Applied Phycology and Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, GB Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364 002, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Arup Ghosh
- Applied Phycology and Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, GB Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364 002, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lekota KE, Hassim A, van Heerden H. Genomic sequence data and single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping of Bacillus anthracis strains isolated from animal anthrax outbreaks in Northern Cape Province, South Africa. Data Brief 2019; 28:105040. [PMID: 31970271 PMCID: PMC6965700 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2019.105040] [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: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This report presents genomic data on sequence reads and draft genomes of Bacillus anthracis isolates from anthrax outbreaks in animals in an endemic region of South Africa as well as genotyping of the strains using canonical single nucleotide polymorphisms (canSNPs). It is derived from an article entitle "Phylogenomic structure of B. anthracis strains in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa revealed novel single nucleotide polymorphisms". Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of twenty-three B. anthracis strains isolated during 1998 and 2009 anthrax outbreaks in the Northern Cape Province (NCP), as well as a strain from Botswana (6102_6B) and one from Namibia-South Africa transfrontier conservation area (Sendlingsdrift, 6461_SP2) were obtained using both the HiSeq 2500 and MiSeq Illumina platforms. Mismatch amplification mutation assay (melt-MAMA) qPCR were used to identify the canSNP genotypes within the global population of B. anthracis. DNA sequencing data is available at NCBI Sequence Read Archive and GenBank database under accession N0. PRJNA580142 and PRJNA510736 respectively. A phylogenetic tree and CanSNP typing profiles of the isolates are presented within this article.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kgaugelo Edward Lekota
- University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.,College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida Campus, Florida, 1710, South Africa
| | - Ayesha Hassim
- University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Henriette van Heerden
- University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Phylogenomic structure of Bacillus anthracis isolates in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa revealed novel single nucleotide polymorphisms. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 80:104146. [PMID: 31866402 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.104146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis, the aetiological agent of anthrax, is regarded as a highly monomorphic pathogen that presents a low genetic diversity using standard molecular techniques. Whole genome sequencing and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are definitive signatures for subtyping of B. anthracis. Here we employed whole genome single nucleotide polymorphism (wgSNP) analysis to investigate the genetic diversity of B. anthracis in the historically endemic region of Northern Cape Province (NCP), South Africa. Twenty-six isolates from anthrax outbreaks that occurred between 1998 and 2008/9 in NCP as well as from Namibia-South Africa Transfontier Conservation area and Botswana were compared to global B. anthracis genomes. Most NCP B. anthracis strains (n = 22) clustered in the A.Br.003/004 (A.Br.101) branch and are closely related to the Zimbabwe and Mozambique strains (A.Br.102 branch). A total of 4923 parsimony informative-SNPs accurately established the A.Br.003/004 phylogenetic relationships of the NCP isolates into two distinct sub-clades and SNP markers designated as A.Br.172 and A.Br.173 were developed. Other NCP strains (n = 2) grouped in the A.Br.001/002 (Sterne) branch while strains (n = 2) from the Namibia-South Africa Transfontier Conservation area and Botswana clustered in A.Br.005/006 (Ancient A) branch. The sequenced B. anthracis strains (A0094, A0096 and A0097) that clustered in the A.Br.064 (V770) clade were isolated from Vaalbos National Park and similar strains have not been isolated. The B. anthracis A0088 strain cluster with the NCP strains in the A.Br.003/004 (A.Br.172) SNP branch which has been isolated in NCP, South Africa. This study highlights the phylogenetic structure of NCP B. anthracis strains with distinctive SNP branches important for forensic tracing and novel SNP discovery purposes. The sequenced strains will serve as a means to further trace the dissemination of B. anthracis outbreaks in NCP, South Africa, and on the continent, as well as for forensic tracking on a global scale.
Collapse
|