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Yousuf B, Flint A, Weedmark K, Pagotto F, Ramirez-Arcos S. Comparative virulome analysis of four Staphylococcus epidermidis strains from human skin and platelet concentrates using whole genome sequencing. Access Microbiol 2024; 6:000780.v3. [PMID: 38737800 PMCID: PMC11083402 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000780.v3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidis is one of the predominant bacterial contaminants in platelet concentrates (PCs), a blood component used to treat bleeding disorders. PCs are a unique niche that triggers biofilm formation, the main pathomechanism of S. epidermidis infections. We performed whole genome sequencing of four S. epidermidis strains isolated from skin of healthy human volunteers (AZ22 and AZ39) and contaminated PCs (ST10002 and ST11003) to unravel phylogenetic relationships and decipher virulence mechanisms compared to 24 complete S. epidermidis genomes in GenBank. AZ39 and ST11003 formed a separate unique lineage with strains 14.1 .R1 and SE95, while AZ22 formed a cluster with 1457 and ST10002 closely grouped with FDAAGOS_161. The four isolates were assigned to sequence types ST1175, ST1174, ST73 and ST16, respectively. All four genomes exhibited biofilm-associated genes ebh, ebp, sdrG, sdrH and atl. Additionally, AZ22 had sdrF and aap, whereas ST10002 had aap and icaABCDR. Notably, AZ39 possesses truncated ebh and sdrG and harbours a toxin-encoding gene. All isolates carry multiple antibiotic resistance genes conferring resistance to fosfomycin (fosB), β-lactams (blaZ) and fluoroquinolones (norA). This study reveales a unique lineage for S. epidermidis and provides insight into the genetic basis of virulence and antibiotic resistance in transfusion-associated S. epidermidis strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basit Yousuf
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Annika Flint
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Kelly Weedmark
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Franco Pagotto
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Sandra Ramirez-Arcos
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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Amer MA, Darwish MM, Soliman NS, Amin HM. Resistome, mobilome, and virulome explored in clinical isolates derived from acne patients in Egypt: unveiling unique traits of an emerging coagulase-negative Staphylococcus pathogen. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1328390. [PMID: 38371297 PMCID: PMC10869526 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1328390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are a group of gram-positive staphylococcal species that naturally inhabit the healthy human skin and mucosa. The clinical impact of CoNS-associated infections has recently been regarded as a challenge for diagnosis and therapeutic options. CoNS-associated infections are primarily caused by bacterial resistance to antibiotics and biofilm formation. As antibiotics are still the most used treatment, this problem will likely persist in the future. The present study aimed to investigate the resistance and virulence of CoNS recovered from various acne lesions and explore their genetic basis. Skin swab samples were collected from participants with acne and healthy skin. All samples underwent conventional culture for the isolation of CoNS, MALDI-TOF confirmation, antibiotic susceptibility, and biofilm formation testing. A total of 85 CoNS isolates were recovered from the samples and preliminarily identified as Staphylococcus epidermidis. Isolates from the acne group (n = 60) showed the highest rates of resistance to penicillin (73%), cefoxitin (63%), clindamycin (53.3%), and erythromycin (48%), followed by levofloxacin (36.7%) and gentamycin (31.7%). The lowest rates of resistance were observed against tetracycline (28.3%), doxycycline (11.7%), and minocycline (8.3%). CoNS isolated from mild, moderate acne and healthy isolates did not show strong biofilm formation, whereas the isolates from the severe cases of the acne group showed strong biofilm formation (76.6%). Four extensively drug-resistant and strong biofilm-forming staphylococcal isolates recovered from patients with severe acne were selected for whole-genome sequencing (WGS), and their genomes were investigated using bioinformatics tools. Three of the sequenced genomes were identified as S. epidermidis; however, isolate 29AM was identified as Staphylococcus warneri, which is a newly emerging pathogen that is not commonly associated with acne and was not detected by MALDI-TOF. All the sequenced strains were multidrug-resistant and carried multiple resistance genes, including blaZ, mecA, tet(K), erm(C), lnuA, vgaA, dfrC, fusB, fosBx1, norA, and vanT, which were found to be located on plasmids and chromosomes. Virulence features were detected in all genomes in the presence of genes involved in adherence and biofilm formation (icaA, icaB, icaC, sdrG, sdrH, atl, ebh, and ebp). Only the S. warneri isolate 29AM contained immune evasion genes (capB, capC, acpXL, and manA), an anti-phagocytosis gene (cdsA), and other unique features. As a result of their potential pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance, CoNS must be monitored as an emerging pathogen associated with acne infections. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to isolate, identify, and correlate S. warneri with severe acne infections among Egyptian patients using WGS and bioinformatic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai A. Amer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts, Giza, Egypt
| | - Manal M. Darwish
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts, Giza, Egypt
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Noha S. Soliman
- Clinical and Chemical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Heba M. Amin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts, Giza, Egypt
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D’Angelo C, Trecca M, Carpentieri A, Artini M, Selan L, Tutino ML, Papa R, Parrilli E. Cold-Azurin, a New Antibiofilm Protein Produced by the Antarctic Marine Bacterium Pseudomonas sp. TAE6080. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:61. [PMID: 38393032 PMCID: PMC10890351 DOI: 10.3390/md22020061] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Biofilm is accountable for nosocomial infections and chronic illness, making it a serious economic and public health problem. Staphylococcus epidermidis, thanks to its ability to form biofilm and colonize biomaterials, represents the most frequent causative agent involved in biofilm-associated infections of medical devices. Therefore, the research of new molecules able to interfere with S. epidermidis biofilm formation has a remarkable interest. In the present work, the attention was focused on Pseudomonas sp. TAE6080, an Antarctic marine bacterium able to produce and secrete an effective antibiofilm compound. The molecule responsible for this activity was purified by an activity-guided approach and identified by LC-MS/MS. Results indicated the active protein was a periplasmic protein similar to the Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 azurin, named cold-azurin. The cold-azurin was recombinantly produced in E. coli and purified. The recombinant protein was able to impair S. epidermidis attachment to the polystyrene surface and effectively prevent biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina D’Angelo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy; (C.D.); (A.C.); (M.L.T.)
| | - Marika Trecca
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.T.); (M.A.); (L.S.); (R.P.)
| | - Andrea Carpentieri
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy; (C.D.); (A.C.); (M.L.T.)
| | - Marco Artini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.T.); (M.A.); (L.S.); (R.P.)
| | - Laura Selan
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.T.); (M.A.); (L.S.); (R.P.)
| | - Maria Luisa Tutino
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy; (C.D.); (A.C.); (M.L.T.)
| | - Rosanna Papa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.T.); (M.A.); (L.S.); (R.P.)
| | - Ermenegilda Parrilli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy; (C.D.); (A.C.); (M.L.T.)
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Casillo A, D’Angelo C, Imbimbo P, Monti DM, Parrilli E, Lanzetta R, Gomez d’Ayala G, Mallardo S, Corsaro MM, Duraccio D. Aqueous Extracts from Hemp Seeds as a New Weapon against Staphylococcus epidermidis Biofilms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16026. [PMID: 38003214 PMCID: PMC10671263 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216026] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the antibiofilm activity of water-soluble extracts obtained under different pH conditions from Cannabis sativa seeds and from previously defatted seeds. The chemical composition of the extracts, determined through GC-MS and NMR, revealed complex mixtures of fatty acids, monosaccharides, amino acids and glycerol in ratios depending on extraction pH. In particular, the extract obtained at pH 7 from defatted seeds (Ex7d) contained a larger variety of sugars compared to the others. Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were found in all of the analysed extracts, but linoleic acid (C18:2) was detected only in the extracts obtained at pH 7 and pH 10. The extracts did not show cytotoxicity to HaCaT cells and significantly inhibited the formation of Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms. The exception was the extract obtained at pH 10, which appeared to be less active. Ex7d showed the highest antibiofilm activity, i.e., around 90%. Ex7d was further fractionated by HPLC, and the antibiofilm activity of all fractions was evaluated. The 2D-NMR analysis highlighted that the most active fraction was largely composed of glycerolipids. This evidence suggested that these molecules are probably responsible for the observed antibiofilm effect but does not exclude a possible synergistic contribution by the other components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Casillo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (A.C.); (C.D.); (P.I.); (D.M.M.); (E.P.); (R.L.); (M.M.C.)
| | - Caterina D’Angelo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (A.C.); (C.D.); (P.I.); (D.M.M.); (E.P.); (R.L.); (M.M.C.)
| | - Paola Imbimbo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (A.C.); (C.D.); (P.I.); (D.M.M.); (E.P.); (R.L.); (M.M.C.)
| | - Daria Maria Monti
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (A.C.); (C.D.); (P.I.); (D.M.M.); (E.P.); (R.L.); (M.M.C.)
| | - Ermenegilda Parrilli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (A.C.); (C.D.); (P.I.); (D.M.M.); (E.P.); (R.L.); (M.M.C.)
| | - Rosa Lanzetta
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (A.C.); (C.D.); (P.I.); (D.M.M.); (E.P.); (R.L.); (M.M.C.)
| | - Giovanna Gomez d’Ayala
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB)-CNR, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy;
| | - Salvatore Mallardo
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB)-CNR, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy;
| | - Maria Michela Corsaro
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (A.C.); (C.D.); (P.I.); (D.M.M.); (E.P.); (R.L.); (M.M.C.)
| | - Donatella Duraccio
- Institute of Sciences and Technologies for Sustainable Energy and Mobility (STEMS)-CNR, Strada Delle Cacce 73, 10135 Torino, Italy;
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Bogut A, Koper P, Marczak M, Całka P. The first genomic characterization of a stable, hemin-dependent small colony variant strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from a prosthetic-joint infection. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1289844. [PMID: 37928677 PMCID: PMC10620731 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1289844] [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: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Phenotype switching from a wild type (WT) to a slow-growing subpopulation, referred to as small colony variants (SCVs), supports an infectious lifestyle of Staphylococcus epidermidis, the leading cause of medical device-related infections. Specific mechanisms underlying formation of SCVs and involved in the shaping of their pathogenic potential are of particular interest for stable strains as they have been only rarely cultured from clinical specimens. As the SCV phenotype stability implies the existence of genetic changes, the whole genome sequence of a stable, hemin-dependent S. epidermidis SCV strain (named 49SCV) involved in a late prosthetic joint infection was analyzed. The strain was isolated in a monoculture without a corresponding WT clone, therefore, its genome was compared against five reference S. epidermidis strains (ATCC12228, ATCC14990, NBRC113846, O47, and RP62A), both at the level of the genome structure and coding sequences. According to the Multilocus Sequence Typing analysis, the 49SCV strain represented the sequence type 2 (ST2) regarded as the most prominent infection-causing lineage with a worldwide dissemination. Genomic features unique to 49SCV included the absence of the Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome (SCC), ~12 kb deletion with the loss of genes involved in the arginine deiminase pathway, and frameshift-generating mutations within the poly(A) and poly(T) homopolymeric tracts. Indels were identified in loci associated with adherence, metabolism, stress response, virulence, and cell wall synthesis. Of note, deletion in the poly(A) of the hemA gene has been considered a possible trigger factor for the phenotype transition and hemin auxotrophy in the strain. To our knowledge, the study represents the first genomic characterization of a clinical, stable and hemin-dependent S. epidermidis SCV strain. We propose that previously unreported indels in the homopolymeric tracts can constitute a background of the SCV phenotype due to a resulting truncation of the corresponding proteins and their possible biological dysfunction. Streamline of genetic content evidenced by the loss of the SCC and a large genomic deletion can represent a possible strategy associated both with the SCV phenotype and its adaptation to chronicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Bogut
- Chair and Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Koper
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Marczak
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Paulina Całka
- Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Gu Q, Lin T, Wei X, Zhang Y, Wu S, Yang X, Zhao H, Wang C, Wang J, Ding Y, Zhang J, Wu Q. Prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in a full-scale drinking water treatment plant. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 344:118396. [PMID: 37331316 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118396] [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: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance in drinking water has received increasing attention in recent years. In this study, the occurrence and abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in a drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) was comprehensively investigated using metagenomics. Bioinformatics analysis showed that 381 ARG subtypes belonging to 15 ARG types were detected, and bacitracin had the highest abundance (from 0.26 × 10-2 to 0.86 copies/cell), followed by multidrug (from 0.57 × 10-1 to 0.47 copies/cell) and sulfonamide (from 0.83 × 10-2 to 0.35 copies/cell). Additionally, 933 ARG-carrying contigs (ACCs) were obtained from the metagenomic data, among which 153 contigs were annotated as pathogens. The most abundant putative ARG host was Staphylococcus (7.9%), which most frequently carried multidrug ARGs (43.2%). Additionally, 38 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) were recovered, one of which was identified as Staphylococcus aureus (Bin.624) and harboured the largest number of ARGs (n = 16). Using the cultivation technique, 60 isolates were obtained from DWTP samples, and Staphylococcus spp. (n = 11) were found to be dominant in all isolates, followed by Bacillus spp. (n = 17). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that most Staphylococcus spp. were multidrug resistant (MDR). These results deepen our understanding of the distribution profiles of ARGs and antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) in DWTPs for potential health risk evaluation. Our study also highlights the need for new and efficient water purification technologies that can be introduced and applied in DWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihui Gu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, 510070, PR China
| | - Tao Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, 510070, PR China; School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xianhu Wei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, 510070, PR China
| | - Youxiong Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, 510070, PR China
| | - Shi Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, 510070, PR China
| | - Xiaojuan Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, 510070, PR China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, 510070, PR China
| | - Chufang Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, 510070, PR China
| | - Juan Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, 510070, PR China
| | - Yu Ding
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, 510070, PR China; Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, College of Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jumei Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, 510070, PR China
| | - Qingping Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, 510070, PR China.
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Apostolakos I, Skarlatoudi T, Vatavali K, Giannouli A, Bosnea L, Mataragas M. Genomic and Phenotypic Characterization of Mastitis-Causing Staphylococci and Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Raw Sheep's Milk. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13883. [PMID: 37762186 PMCID: PMC10530712 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Dairy products play a crucial role in human nutrition as they provide essential nutrients. However, the presence of diverse microorganisms in these products can pose challenges to food safety and quality. Here, we provide a comprehensive molecular characterization of a diverse collection of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and staphylococci isolated from raw sheep's milk. Whole-genome sequencing, phenotypic characterization, and bioinformatics were employed to gain insight into the genetic composition and functional attributes of these bacteria. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the presence of various genetic elements. Important toxin-related genes in staphylococci that contribute to their pathogenic potential were identified and confirmed using phenotypic assays, while adherence-related genes, which are essential for attachment to host tissues, surfaces in the dairy environment, and the creation of biofilms, were also present. Interestingly, the Staphylococcus aureus isolates belonged to sequence type 5, which largely consists of methicillin-susceptible isolates that have been involved in severe nosocomial infections. Although genes encoding methicillin resistance were not identified, multiple resistance genes (RGs) conferring resistance to aminoglycosides, macrolides, and fluroquinolones were found. In contrast, LAB had few inherently present RGs and no virulence genes, suggesting their likely safe status as food additives in dairy products. LAB were also richer in bacteriocins and carbohydrate-active enzymes, indicating their potential to suppress pathogens and effectively utilize carbohydrate substrates, respectively. Additionally, mobile genetic elements, present in both LAB and staphylococci, may facilitate the acquisition and dissemination of genetic traits, including RGs, virulence genes, and metabolic factors, with implications for food quality and public health. The molecular and phenotypic characterization presented herein contributes to the effort to mitigate risks and infections (e.g., mastitis) and enhance the safety and quality of milk and products thereof.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Marios Mataragas
- Department of Dairy Research, Institution of Technology of Agricultural Products, Hellenic Agricultural Organization “DIMITRA”, 3rd Ethnikis Antistaseos St., 45221 Ioannina, Greece; (I.A.); (T.S.); (K.V.); (A.G.); (L.B.)
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8
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Štrancar V, Marušić M, Tušar J, Praček N, Kolenc M, Šuster K, Horvat S, Janež N, Peterka M. Isolation and in vitro characterization of novel S. epidermidis phages for therapeutic applications. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1169135. [PMID: 37293203 PMCID: PMC10244729 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1169135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
S. epidermidis is an important opportunistic pathogen causing chronic prosthetic joint infections associated with biofilm growth. Increased tolerance to antibiotic therapy often requires prolonged treatment or revision surgery. Phage therapy is currently used as compassionate use therapy and continues to be evaluated for its viability as adjunctive therapy to antibiotic treatment or as an alternative treatment for infections caused by S. epidermidis to prevent relapses. In the present study, we report the isolation and in vitro characterization of three novel lytic S. epidermidis phages. Their genome content analysis indicated the absence of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors. Detailed investigation of the phage preparation indicated the absence of any prophage-related contamination and demonstrated the importance of selecting appropriate hosts for phage development from the outset. The isolated phages infect a high proportion of clinically relevant S. epidermidis strains and several other coagulase-negative species growing both in planktonic culture and as a biofilm. Clinical strains differing in their biofilm phenotype and antibiotic resistance profile were selected to further identify possible mechanisms behind increased tolerance to isolated phages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vida Štrancar
- Centre of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
- Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Domžale, Slovenia
| | - Monika Marušić
- Centre of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Jasmina Tušar
- Centre of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Neža Praček
- Centre of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Marko Kolenc
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katja Šuster
- Valdoltra Orthopaedic Hospital, Ankaran, Slovenia
| | - Simon Horvat
- Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Domžale, Slovenia
| | - Nika Janež
- Centre of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Matjaž Peterka
- Centre of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
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9
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Asante J, Abia ALK, Anokwah D, Hetsa BA, Fatoba DO, Bester LA, Amoako DG. Phenotypic and Genomic Insights into Biofilm Formation in Antibiotic-Resistant Clinical Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus Species from South Africa. Genes (Basel) 2022; 14:104. [PMID: 36672846 PMCID: PMC9858754 DOI: 10.3390/genes14010104] [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: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The work aims to investigate biofilm formation and biofilm/adhesion-encoding genes in coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) species recovered from blood culture isolates. Eighty-nine clinical CoNS were confirmed using the VITEK 2 system, and antibiotic susceptibility testing of isolates was conducted using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method against a panel of 20 antibiotics. Isolates were qualitatively screened using the Congo red agar medium. Quantitative assays were performed on microtiter plates, where the absorbances of the solubilised biofilms were recorded as optical densities and quantified. In all, 12.4% of the isolates were strong biofilm formers, 68.5% had moderate biofilm capacity, and 17.9% showed weak capacity. A subset of 18 isolates, mainly methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis, were investigated for adherence-related genes using whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. The highest antibiotic resistance rates for strongly adherent isolates were observed against penicillin (100%) and cefoxitin (81.8%), but the isolates showed no resistance to linezolid (0.0%) and tigecycline (0.0%). The icaABC genes involved in biofilm formation were detected in 50% of the screened isolates. Other adherence-related genes, including autolysin gene atl (88.8%), elastin binding protein gene ebp (94.4%), cell wall-associated fibronectin-binding protein gene ebh (66.7%), clumping factor A gene clfA (5.5%), and pili gene ebpC (22.2%) were also found. The insertion sequence IS256, involved in biofilm formation, was found in 10/18 (55.5%) screened isolates. We demonstrate a high prevalence of biofilm-forming coagulase-negative staphylococci associated with various resistance phenotypes and a substantial agreement between the possession of biofilm-associated genes and the biofilm phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Asante
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
- College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Akebe L. K. Abia
- College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
- Environmental Research Foundation, Westville 3630, South Africa
| | - Daniel Anokwah
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Bakoena A. Hetsa
- College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Dorcas O. Fatoba
- College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Linda A. Bester
- Biomedical Resource Unit, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Daniel G. Amoako
- College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
- Biomedical Resource Unit, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
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10
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D’Angelo C, Casillo A, Melchiorre C, Lauro C, Corsaro MM, Carpentieri A, Tutino ML, Parrilli E. CATASAN Is a New Anti-Biofilm Agent Produced by the Marine Antarctic Bacterium Psychrobacter sp. TAE2020. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20120747. [PMID: 36547894 PMCID: PMC9785100 DOI: 10.3390/md20120747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of new approaches to prevent microbial surface adhesion and biofilm formation is an emerging need following the growing understanding of the impact of biofilm-related infections on human health. Staphylococcus epidermidis, with its ability to form biofilm and colonize biomaterials, represents the most frequent causative agent involved in infections of medical devices. In the research of new anti-biofilm agents against S. epidermidis biofilm, Antarctic marine bacteria represent an untapped reservoir of biodiversity. In the present study, the attention was focused on Psychrobacter sp. TAE2020, an Antarctic marine bacterium that produces molecules able to impair the initial attachment of S. epidermidis strains to the polystyrene surface. The setup of suitable purification protocols allowed the identification by NMR spectroscopy and LC-MS/MS analysis of a protein-polysaccharide complex named CATASAN. This complex proved to be a very effective anti-biofilm agent. Indeed, it not only interferes with cell surface attachment, but also prevents biofilm formation and affects the mature biofilm matrix structure of S. epidermidis. Moreover, CATASAN is endowed with a good emulsification activity in a wide range of pH and temperature. Therefore, its use can be easily extended to different biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina D’Angelo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Casillo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Melchiorre
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Concetta Lauro
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi—I.N.B.B., Viale Medaglie d’Oro, 305-00136 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Michela Corsaro
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Carpentieri
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Tutino
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Ermenegilda Parrilli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081674003; Fax: +39-081674113
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11
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Altayb HN, Elbadawi HS, Baothman O, Kazmi I, Alzahrani FA, Nadeem MS, Hosawi S, Chaieb K. Whole-Genome Sequence of Multidrug-Resistant Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis Carrying Biofilm-Associated Genes and a Unique Composite of SCCmec. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11070861. [PMID: 35884115 PMCID: PMC9312184 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11070861] [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: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidis is part of the normal human flora that has recently become an important opportunistic pathogen causing nosocomial infections and tends to be multidrug-resistant. In this investigation, we aimed to study the genomic characteristics of methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis isolated from clinical specimens. Three isolates were identified using biochemical tests and evaluated for drug susceptibility. Genomic DNA sequences were obtained using Illumina, and were processed for analysis using various bioinformatics tools. The isolates showed multidrug resistance to most of the antibiotics tested in this study, and were identified with three types (III(3A), IV(2B&5), and VI(4B)) of the mobile genetic element SCCmec that carries the methicillin resistance gene (mecA) and its regulators (mecI and mecR1). A total of 11 antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) was identified as chromosomally mediated or in plasmids; these genes encode for proteins causing decreased susceptibility to methicillin (mecA), penicillin (blaZ), fusidic acid (fusB), fosfomycin (fosB), tetracycline (tet(K)), aminoglycosides (aadD, aac(6′)-aph(2′’)), fluoroquinolone (MFS antibiotic efflux pump), trimethoprim (dfrG), macrolide (msr(A)), and chlorhexidine (qacA)). Additionally, the 9SE strain belongs to the globally disseminated ST2, and harbors biofilm-formation genes (icaA, icaB, icaC, icaD, and IS256) with phenotypic biofilm production capability. It also harbors the fusidic acid resistance gene (fusB), which could increase the risk of device-associated healthcare infections, and 9SE has been identified as having a unique extra SCC gene (ccrB4); this new composite element of the ccr type needs more focus to better understand its role in the drug resistance mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham N. Altayb
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (O.B.); (I.K.); (F.A.A.); (M.S.N.); (S.H.); (K.C.)
- Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Precision Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +966-549087515
| | - Hana S. Elbadawi
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Soba University Hospital, University of Khartoum, Khartoum 11115, Sudan;
| | - Othman Baothman
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (O.B.); (I.K.); (F.A.A.); (M.S.N.); (S.H.); (K.C.)
| | - Imran Kazmi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (O.B.); (I.K.); (F.A.A.); (M.S.N.); (S.H.); (K.C.)
| | - Faisal A. Alzahrani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (O.B.); (I.K.); (F.A.A.); (M.S.N.); (S.H.); (K.C.)
| | - Muhammad Shahid Nadeem
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (O.B.); (I.K.); (F.A.A.); (M.S.N.); (S.H.); (K.C.)
| | - Salman Hosawi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (O.B.); (I.K.); (F.A.A.); (M.S.N.); (S.H.); (K.C.)
- Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Precision Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kamel Chaieb
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (O.B.); (I.K.); (F.A.A.); (M.S.N.); (S.H.); (K.C.)
- Laboratory of Analysis, Treatment and Valorization of Pollutants of the Environmental and Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir 5000, Tunisia
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12
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Asante J, Hetsa BA, Amoako DG, Abia ALK, Bester LA, Essack SY. Genomic Analysis of Antibiotic-Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis Isolates From Clinical Sources in the Kwazulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:656306. [PMID: 34421833 PMCID: PMC8374169 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.656306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidis has become an important nosocomial pathogen. Multidrug resistance makes S. epidermidis infections difficult to treat. The study aims to describe the genomic characteristics of methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis (MRSE) isolated from clinical sources, to comprehend the genetic basis of antibiotic resistance, virulence, and potential pathogenicity. Sixteen MRSE underwent whole-genome sequencing, and bioinformatics analyses were carried out to ascertain their resistome, virulome, mobilome, clonality, and phylogenomic relationships. In all, 75% of isolates displayed multidrug resistance and were associated with the carriage of multiple resistance genes including mecA, blaZ, tet(K), erm(A), erm(B), erm(C), dfrG, aac(6')-aph(2''), and cat(pC221) conferring resistance to β-lactams, tetracyclines, macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B, aminoglycosides, and phenicols, which were located on both plasmids and chromosomes. Their virulence profiles were evidenced by the presence of genes involved in adherence/biofilm formation (icaA, icaB, icaC, atl, ebh, and ebp), immune evasion (adsA, capC, and manA), and antiphagocytosis (rmlC, cdsA, and A). The community-acquired SCCmec type IV was the most common SCCmec type. The CoNS belonged to seven multilocus sequence types (MLSTs) and carried a diversity of mobile genetic elements such as phages, insertion sequences, and plasmids. The bacterial anti-phage defense systems clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated (CRISPR-Cas) immunity phage system and restriction-modification system (R-M system) and the arginine catabolic mobile element (ACME) involved in immune evasion and transport of virulence genes were also found. The insertion sequence, IS256, linked with virulence, was found in 56.3% of isolates. Generally, the isolates clustered according to STs, with some similarity but also considerable variability within isolates. Whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis provide insights into the likely pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance of S. epidermidis, necessitating surveillance of this emerging pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Asante
- Antimicrobial Research Unit, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Bakoena A Hetsa
- Antimicrobial Research Unit, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Daniel G Amoako
- Antimicrobial Research Unit, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Akebe L K Abia
- Antimicrobial Research Unit, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Linda A Bester
- Biomedical Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sabiha Y Essack
- Antimicrobial Research Unit, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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13
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Staphylococcus epidermidis Phages Transduce Antimicrobial Resistance Plasmids and Mobilize Chromosomal Islands. mSphere 2021; 6:6/3/e00223-21. [PMID: 33980677 PMCID: PMC8125051 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00223-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant strains of S. epidermidis emerge in both nosocomial and livestock environments as the most important pathogens among coagulase-negative staphylococcal species. The study of transduction by phages is essential to understanding how virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes spread in originally commensal bacterial populations. Staphylococcus epidermidis is a leading opportunistic pathogen causing nosocomial infections that is notable for its ability to form a biofilm and for its high rates of antibiotic resistance. It serves as a reservoir of multiple antimicrobial resistance genes that spread among the staphylococcal population by horizontal gene transfer such as transduction. While phage-mediated transduction is well studied in Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis transducing phages have not been described in detail yet. Here, we report the characteristics of four phages, 27, 48, 456, and 459, previously used for S. epidermidis phage typing, and the newly isolated phage E72, from a clinical S. epidermidis strain. The phages, classified in the family Siphoviridae and genus Phietavirus, exhibited an S. epidermidis-specific host range, and together they infected 49% of the 35 strains tested. A whole-genome comparison revealed evolutionary relatedness to transducing S. aureus phietaviruses. In accordance with this, all the tested phages were capable of transduction with high frequencies up to 10−4 among S. epidermidis strains from different clonal complexes. Plasmids with sizes from 4 to 19 kb encoding resistance to streptomycin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol were transferred. We provide here the first evidence of a phage-inducible chromosomal island transfer in S. epidermidis. Similarly to S. aureus pathogenicity islands, the transfer was accompanied by phage capsid remodeling; however, the interfering protein encoded by the island was distinct. Our findings underline the role of S. epidermidis temperate phages in the evolution of S. epidermidis strains by horizontal gene transfer, which can also be utilized for S. epidermidis genetic studies. IMPORTANCE Multidrug-resistant strains of S. epidermidis emerge in both nosocomial and livestock environments as the most important pathogens among coagulase-negative staphylococcal species. The study of transduction by phages is essential to understanding how virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes spread in originally commensal bacterial populations. In this work, we provide a detailed description of transducing S. epidermidis phages. The high transduction frequencies of antimicrobial resistance plasmids and the first evidence of chromosomal island transfer emphasize the decisive role of S. epidermidis phages in attaining a higher pathogenic potential of host strains. To date, such importance has been attributed only to S. aureus phages, not to those of coagulase-negative staphylococci. This study also proved that the described transducing bacteriophages represent valuable genetic modification tools in S. epidermidis strains where other methods for gene transfer fail.
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