Analysis of the Zonula occludens Toxin Found in the Genome of the Chilean Non-toxigenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus Strain PMC53.7

Virulence phenotypes differ between toxigenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from western coasts of Europe

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is the leading bacterial cause of gastroenteritis associated with seafood consumption worldwide. Not all members of the species are thought to be pathogenic, thus identification of virulent organisms is essential to protect public health and the seafood industry. Correlations of human disease and known genetic markers (e.g. thermostable direct hemolysin (TDH), TDH-related hemolysin (TRH)) appear complex. Some isolates recovered from patients lack these factors, while their presence has become increasingly noted in isolates recovered from the environment. Here, we used whole-genome sequencing in combination with mammalian and insect models of infection to assess the pathogenic potential of V. parahaemolyticus isolated from European Atlantic shellfish production areas. We found environmental V. parahaemolyticus isolates harboured multiple virulence-associated genes, including TDH and/or TRH. However, carriage of these factors did not necessarily reflect virulence in the mammalian intestine, as an isolate containing TDH and the genes coding for a type 3 secretion system (T3SS) 2α virulence determinant, appeared avirulent. Moreover, environmental V. parahaemolyticus lacking TDH or TRH could be assigned to groups causing low and high levels of mortality in insect larvae, with experiments using defined bacterial mutants showing that a functional T3SS1 contributed to larval death. When taken together, our findings highlight the genetic diversity of V. parahaemolyticus isolates found in the environment, their potential to cause disease and the need for a more systematic evaluation of virulence in diverse V. parahaemolyticus to allow better genetic markers.

Prophages carrying Zot toxins on different Vibrio genomes: A comprehensive assessment using multilayer networks

Vibrios, a group of bacteria that are among the most abundant in marine environments, include several species such as Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which can be pathogenic to humans. Some species of Vibrio contain prophages within their genomes. These prophages can carry genes that code for toxins, such as the zonula occludens toxin (Zot), which contribute to bacterial virulence. Understanding the association between different Vibrio species, prophages and Zot genes can provide insights into their ecological interactions. In this study, we evaluated 4619 Vibrio genomes from 127 species to detect the presence of prophages carrying the Zot toxin. We found 2030 potential prophages with zot-like genes in 43 Vibrio species, showing a non-random association within a primarily modular interaction network. Some prophages, such as CTX or Vf33, were associated with specific species. In contrast, prophages phiVCY and VfO3K6 were found in 28 and 20 Vibrio species, respectively. We also identified six clusters of Zot-like sequences in prophages, with the ZOT2 cluster being the most frequent, present in 34 Vibrio species. This analysis helps to understand the distribution patterns of zot-containing prophages across Vibrio genomes and the potential routes of Zot-like toxin dissemination.

H. Shyu D, Chen YY, Zala D. Whole Genome Sequencing and Pan-Genomic Analysis of Multidrug-Resistant Vibrio cholerae VC01 Isolated from a Clinical Sample

Cholera, a disease caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria, threatens public health worldwide. The organism mentioned above has a significant historical record of being identified as a prominent aquatic environmental pollutant capable of adapting its phenotypic and genotypic traits to react to host patients effectively. This study aims to elucidate the heterogeneity of the sporadic clinical strain of V. cholerae VC01 among patients residing in Silvasa. The study involved conducting whole-genome sequencing of the isolate obtained from patients exhibiting symptoms, including those not commonly observed in clinical practice. The strain was initially identified through a combination of biochemical analysis, microscopy, and 16s rRNA-based identification, followed by type strain-based identification. The investigation demonstrated the existence of various genetic alterations and resistance profiles against multiple drugs, particularly chloramphenicol (catB9), florfenicol (floR), oxytetracycline (tet(34)), sulfonamide (sul2), and Trimethoprim (dfrA1). The pan-genomic analysis indicated that 1099 distinct clusters were detected within the genome sequences of recent isolates worldwide. The present study helps to establish a correlation between the mutation and the coexistence of antimicrobial resistance toward current treatment.

Ancient Yersinia pestis genomes lack the virulence-associated YpfΦ prophage present in modern pandemic strains

Yersinia pestis is the causative agent of at least three major plague pandemics (Justinianic, Medieval and Modern). Previous studies on ancient Y. pestis genomes revealed that several genomic alterations had occurred approximately 5000-3000 years ago and contributed to the remarkable virulence of this pathogen. How a subset of strains evolved to cause the Modern pandemic is less well-understood. Here, we examined the virulence-associated prophage (YpfΦ), which had been postulated to be exclusively present in the genomes of strains associated with the Modern pandemic. The analysis of two new Y. pestis genomes from medieval/early modern Denmark confirmed that the phage is absent from the genome of strains dating to this time period. An extended comparative genome analysis of over 300 strains spanning more than 5000 years showed that the prophage is found in the genomes of modern strains only and suggests an integration into the genome during recent Y. pestis evolution. The phage-encoded Zot protein showed structural homology to a virulence factor of Vibrio cholerae. Similar to modern Y. pestis, we observed phages with a common origin to YpfΦ in individual strains of other bacterial species. Our findings present an updated view on the prevalence of YpfΦ, which might contribute to our understanding of the host spectrum, geographical spread and virulence of Y. pestis responsible for the Modern pandemic.

Comparative Genomic Analysis of a Novel Vibrio sp. Isolated from an Ulcer Disease Event in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)

Ulcer diseases are a recalcitrant issue at Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) aquaculture cage-sites across the North Atlantic region. Classical ulcerative outbreaks (also called winter ulcer disease) refer to a skin infection caused by Moritella viscosa. However, several bacterial species are frequently isolated from ulcer disease events, and it is unclear if other undescribed pathogens are implicated in ulcer disease in Atlantic salmon. Although different polyvalent vaccines are used against M. viscosa, ulcerative outbreaks are continuously reported in Atlantic salmon in Canada. This study analyzed the phenotypical and genomic characteristics of Vibrio sp. J383 isolated from internal organs of vaccinated farmed Atlantic salmon displaying clinical signs of ulcer disease. Infection assays conducted on vaccinated farmed Atlantic salmon and revealed that Vibrio sp. J383 causes a low level of mortalities when administered intracelomic at doses ranging from 10⁷-10⁸ CFU/dose. Vibrio sp. J383 persisted in the blood of infected fish for at least 8 weeks at 10 and 12 °C. Clinical signs of this disease were greatest 12 °C, but no mortality and bacteremia were observed at 16 °C. The Vibrio sp. J383 genome (5,902,734 bp) has two chromosomes of 3,633,265 bp and 2,068,312 bp, respectively, and one large plasmid of 201,166 bp. Phylogenetic and comparative analyses indicated that Vibrio sp. J383 is related to V. splendidus, with 93% identity. Furthermore, the phenotypic analysis showed that there were significant differences between Vibrio sp. J383 and other Vibrio spp, suggesting J383 is a novel Vibrio species adapted to cold temperatures.

Zonulin as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis Disorders: Encouraging Results and Emerging Questions

The relationship between dysbiosis and central nervous diseases has been proved in the last 10 years. Microbial alterations cause increased intestinal permeability, and the penetration of bacterial fragment and toxins induces local and systemic inflammatory processes, affecting distant organs, including the brain. Therefore, the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier plays a central role in the microbiota-gut-brain axis. In this review, we discuss recent findings on zonulin, an important tight junction regulator of intestinal epithelial cells, which is assumed to play a key role in maintaining of the blood-brain barrier function. In addition to focusing on the effect of microbiome on intestinal zonulin release, we also summarize potential pharmaceutical approaches to modulate zonulin-associated pathways with larazotide acetate and other zonulin receptor agonists or antagonists. The present review also addresses the emerging issues, including the use of misleading nomenclature or the unsolved questions about the exact protein sequence of zonulin.

Genomic analysis of Vibrio harveyi strain PH1009, a potential multi-drug resistant pathogen due to acquisition of toxin genes

In has increasingly been observed that viral and bacterial coinfection frequently occurs among cultured shrimp and this coinfection could exacerbate the disease phenotype. Here, we describe a newly discovered bacterial strain, Vibrio harveyi PH1009 collected from Masbate Island, Philippines that was found to be co-infecting with the White Spot Syndrome virus in a sample of black tiger prawn, Penaeus monodon. The genome of V. harveyi PH1009 was sequenced, assembled, and annotated. Average Nucleotide identity calculation with Vibrio harveyi strains confirmed its taxonomic identity. It is a potential multi-drug and multi-heavy metal resistant strain based on the multiple antibiotic and heavy metal resistance determinants annotated on its genome. Two prophage regions were identified in its genome. One contained genes for Zona occludens toxin (Zot) and Accessory cholera toxin (Ace), essential toxins of toxigenic V. cholerae strains apart from CTX toxins. Pan-genome analysis of V. harveyi strains, including PH1009, revealed an "open" pan-genome for V. harveyi and a core genome mainly composed of genes necessary for growth and metabolism. Phylogenetic tree based on the core genome alignment revealed that PH1009 was closest to strains QT520, CAIM 1754, and 823tez1. Published virulence factors present on the strain QT520 suggest similar pathogenicity with PH1009. However, PH1009 Zot was not found on related strains but was present in strains HENC-01 and CAIM 148. Most unique genes found in the PH1009 strain were identified as hypothetical proteins. Further annotation showed that several of these hypothetical proteins were phage transposases, integrases, and transcription regulators, implying the role of bacteriophages in the distinct genomic features of the PH1009 genome. The PH1009 genome will serve as a valuable genomic resource for comparative genomic studies and in understanding the disease mechanism of the Vibrio harveyi species.

Global diversity and distribution of prophages are lineage-specific within the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex

Background

Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) strains are destructive plant pathogenic bacteria and the causative agents of bacterial wilt disease, infecting over 200 plant species worldwide. In addition to chromosomal genes, their virulence is mediated by mobile genetic elements including integrated DNA of bacteriophages, i.e., prophages, which may carry fitness-associated auxiliary genes or modulate host gene expression. Although experimental studies have characterised several prophages that shape RSSC virulence, the global diversity, distribution, and wider functional gene content of RSSC prophages are unknown. In this study, prophages were identified in a diverse collection of 192 RSSC draft genome assemblies originating from six continents.

Results

Prophages were identified bioinformatically and their diversity investigated using genetic distance measures, gene content, GC, and total length. Prophage distributions were characterised using metadata on RSSC strain geographic origin and lineage classification (phylotypes), and their functional gene content was assessed by identifying putative prophage-encoded auxiliary genes. In total, 313 intact prophages were identified, forming ten genetically distinct clusters. These included six prophage clusters with similarity to the Inoviridae, Myoviridae, and Siphoviridae phage families, and four uncharacterised clusters, possibly representing novel, previously undescribed phages. The prophages had broad geographical distributions, being present across multiple continents. However, they were generally host phylogenetic lineage-specific, and overall, prophage diversity was proportional to the genetic diversity of their hosts. The prophages contained many auxiliary genes involved in metabolism and virulence of both phage and bacteria.

Conclusions

Our results show that while RSSC prophages are highly diverse globally, they make lineage-specific contributions to the RSSC accessory genome, which could have resulted from shared coevolutionary history.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08909-7.

Expression of putative effectors of different Xylella fastidiosa strains triggers cell death-like responses in various Nicotiana model plants

The wide host range of Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) indicates the existence of yet uncharacterized virulence mechanisms that help pathogens to overcome host defences. Various bioinformatics tools combined with prediction of the functions of putative virulence proteins are valuable approaches to study microbial pathogenicity. We collected a number of putative effectors from three Xf strains belonging to different subspecies: Temecula-1 (subsp. fastidiosa), CoDiRO (subsp. pauca), and Ann-1 (subsp. sandyi). We designed an in planta Agrobacterium-based expression system that drives the expressed proteins to the cell apoplast, in order to investigate their ability to activate defence in Nicotiana model plants. Multiple Xf proteins differentially elicited cell death-like phenotypes in different Nicotiana species. These proteins are members of different enzymatic groups: (a) hydrolases/hydrolase inhibitors, (b) serine proteases, and (c) metal transferases. We also classified the Xf proteins according to their sequential and structural similarities via the I-TASSER online tool. Interestingly, we identified similar proteins that were able to differentially elicit cell death in different cultivars of the same species. Our findings provide a basis for further studies on the mechanisms that underlie both defence activation in Xf resistant hosts and pathogen adaptation in susceptible hosts.

Adaptations of Vibrio parahaemolyticus to Stress During Environmental Survival, Host Colonization, and Infection

Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp) is an aquatic Gram-negative bacterium that may infect humans and cause gastroenteritis and wound infections. The first pandemic of Vp associated infection was caused by the serovar O3:K6 and epidemics caused by the other serovars are increasingly reported. The two major virulence factors, thermostable direct hemolysin (TDH) and/or TDH-related hemolysin (TRH), are associated with hemolysis and cytotoxicity. Vp strains lacking tdh and/or trh are avirulent and able to colonize in the human gut and cause infection using other unknown factors. This pathogen is well adapted to survive in the environment and human host using several genetic mechanisms. The presence of prophages in Vp contributes to the emergence of pathogenic strains from the marine environment. Vp has two putative type-III and type-VI secretion systems (T3SS and T6SS, respectively) located on both the chromosomes. T3SS play a crucial role during the infection process by causing cytotoxicity and enterotoxicity. T6SS contribute to adhesion, virulence associated with interbacterial competition in the gut milieu. Due to differential expression, type III secretion system 2 (encoded on chromosome-2, T3SS2) and other genes are activated and transcribed by interaction with bile salts within the host. Chromosome-1 encoded T6SS1 has been predominantly identified in clinical isolates. Acquisition of genomic islands by horizontal gene transfer provides enhanced tolerance of Vp toward several antibiotics and heavy metals. Vp consists of evolutionarily conserved targets of GTPases and kinases. Expression of these genes is responsible for the survival of Vp in the host and biochemical changes during its survival. Advanced genomic analysis has revealed that various genes are encoded in Vp pathogenicity island that control and expression of virulence in the host. In the environment, the biofilm gene expression has been positively correlated to tolerance toward aerobic, anaerobic, and micro-aerobic conditions. The genetic similarity analysis of toxin/antitoxin systems of Escherichia coli with VP genome has shown a function that could induce a viable non-culturable state by preventing cell division. A better interpretation of the Vp virulence and other mechanisms that support its environmental fitness are important for diagnosis, treatment, prevention and spread of infections. This review identifies some of the common regulatory pathways of Vp in response to different stresses that influence its survival, gut colonization and virulence.

Whole genome analysis unveils genetic diversity and potential virulence determinants in Vibrio parahaemolyticus associated with disease outbreak among cultured Litopenaeus vannamei (Pacific white shrimp) in India

Vibrio parahaemolyticus has caused widespread mortality in Indian shrimp aquaculture in recent years. However, there are insufficient genome data for the isolates from Indian shrimp vibriosis to analyze genetic diversity and track the acquisition of genetic features that could be involved in virulence and fitness. In this study, we have performed genome analysis of V. parahaemolyticus isolated from moribund shrimps collected from shrimp farms along coastal Karnataka, India, for better understanding of their diversity and virulence. Five newly sequenced genomes of V. parahaemolyticus along with 40 genomes retrieved from NCBI were subjected to comparative genome analysis. The sequenced genomes had an overall genome size of 5.2 Mb. MLST analysis and core genome phylogenomic analysis revealed considerable genetic diversity among the isolates obtained from the moribund shrimps. Interestingly, none of the V. parahaemolyticus isolates possessed the classical features (PirAB) of the strains associated with Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND). This study also revealed the presence of multiple virulence attributes, including ZOT, ACE and RTX toxins, secretion systems, and mobile genetic elements. The findings of this study provide insights into the possible transition of an environmental V. parahaemolyticus to emerge as pathogens of aquaculture species by increasing its virulence and host adaptation. Future studies focusing on continuous genomic surveillance of V. parahaemolyticus are required to study the evolution and transmission of new variants in shrimp aquaculture, as well as to design and implement biosecurity programs to prevent disease outbreaks.

Use of Short-Chain Fatty Acids for the Recovery of the Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Affected by Bacterial Toxins

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are carboxylic acids produced as a result of gut microbial anaerobic fermentation. They activate signaling cascades, acting as ligands of G-protein-coupled receptors, such as GPR41, GPR43, and GPR109A, that can modulate the inflammatory response and increase the intestinal barrier integrity by enhancing the tight junction proteins functions. These junctions, located in the most apical zone of epithelial cells, control the diffusion of ions, macromolecules, and the entry of microorganisms from the intestinal lumen into the tissues. In this sense, several enteric pathogens secrete diverse toxins that interrupt tight junction impermeability, allowing them to invade the intestinal tissue and to favor gastrointestinal colonization. It has been recently demonstrated that SCFAs inhibit the virulence of different enteric pathogens and have protective effects against bacterial colonization. Here, we present an overview of SCFAs production by gut microbiota and their effects on the recovery of intestinal barrier integrity during infections by microorganisms that affect tight junctions. These properties make them excellent candidates in the treatment of infectious diseases that cause damage to the intestinal epithelium.