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Mangiaterra G, Cedraro N, Vaiasicca S, Citterio B, Frangipani E, Biavasco F, Vignaroli C. Involvement of Acquired Tobramycin Resistance in the Shift to the Viable but Non-Culturable State in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11618. [PMID: 37511375 PMCID: PMC10380639 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent and viable but non-culturable (VBNC) Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells are mainly responsible for the recurrence and non-responsiveness to antibiotics of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung infections. The sub-inhibitory antibiotic concentrations found in the CF lung in between successive therapeutic cycles can trigger the entry into the VBNC state, albeit with a strain-specific pattern. Here, we analyzed the VBNC cell induction in the biofilms of two CF P. aeruginosa isolates, exposed to starvation with/without antibiotics, and investigated the putative genetic determinants involved. Total viable bacterial cells were quantified by the validated ecfX-targeting qPCR protocol and the VBNC cells were estimated as the difference between qPCR and cultural counts. The isolates were both subjected to whole genome sequencing, with attention focused on their carriage of aminoglycoside resistance genes and on identifying mutated toxin-antitoxin and quorum sensing systems. The obtained results suggest the variable contribution of different antibiotic resistance mechanisms to VBNC cell abundance, identifying a major contribution from tobramycin efflux, mediated by MexXY efflux pump overexpression. The genome analysis evidenced putative mutation hotspots, which deserve further investigation. Therefore, drug efflux could represent a crucial mechanism through which the VBNC state is entered and a potential target for anti-persistence strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianmarco Mangiaterra
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via S. Chiara 27, 61029 Urbino, Italy
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Nicholas Cedraro
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Salvatore Vaiasicca
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Tronto 10/a, 60020 Ancona, Italy
| | - Barbara Citterio
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via S. Chiara 27, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Emanuela Frangipani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via S. Chiara 27, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Francesca Biavasco
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Carla Vignaroli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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2
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Di Cesare A, Frangipani E, Citterio B, Sabatino R, Corno G, Fontaneto D, Mangiaterra G, Bencardino D, Zoppi S, Di Blasio A, Desiato R, Ru G, Marchis D. Class 1 integron and Enterococcus spp. abundances in swine farms from the " Suckling piglets" to the "Fatteners" production category. Vet Microbiol 2022; 274:109576. [PMID: 36155350 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2022.109576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Swine farms are considered a hotspot of antimicrobial resistance and may contribute to the spread of antibiotic-resistant and/or pathogenic bacteria into the environment as well as to farm workers. In this study, swine fecal samples have been collected over the primary production, selecting three categories, i.e., "Suckling piglets", "Weaning pigs" and "Fatteners", in six intensive swine farms, for two years. Feces were analysed for the detection and abundance of class 1 integrons (used as proxy of antibiotic resistance and of anthropogenic pollution), and of enterococci [fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and potentially pathogenic for humans] by quantitative Real Time PCR. Furthermore, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium were isolated, analysed for the presence of the intI1 gene by Real Time PCR and genetically typed by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis. Both enterococci and class 1 integrons were significantly more abundant in the Suckling piglets (p = 0.0316 and 0.0242, respectively). About 8% of the isolated enterococci were positive for the intI1 gene by Real Time PCR. E. faecalis and E. faecium were found genetically heterogeneous and no specific pattern could be identified as the driver for their presence along the pig primary production. These findings suggest that the "Suckling piglets" category of production represents the key point where to mitigate the risk of transmission of enterococci and class 1 integrons with associated antibiotic resistance genes to humans and spread into the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Di Cesare
- Water Research Institute (IRSA) - MEG Molecular Ecology Group, CNR - National Research Council of Italy, Largo Tonolli 50, 28922, Verbania, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Frangipani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Barbara Citterio
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Raffaella Sabatino
- Water Research Institute (IRSA) - MEG Molecular Ecology Group, CNR - National Research Council of Italy, Largo Tonolli 50, 28922, Verbania, Italy
| | - Gianluca Corno
- Water Research Institute (IRSA) - MEG Molecular Ecology Group, CNR - National Research Council of Italy, Largo Tonolli 50, 28922, Verbania, Italy
| | - Diego Fontaneto
- Water Research Institute (IRSA) - MEG Molecular Ecology Group, CNR - National Research Council of Italy, Largo Tonolli 50, 28922, Verbania, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Bencardino
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Simona Zoppi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Torino, Italy
| | - Alessia Di Blasio
- S.C. Sanità Animale, Servizio Veterinario ASL TO3, Pinerolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Rosanna Desiato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Torino, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ru
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Torino, Italy
| | - Daniela Marchis
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Torino, Italy
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Tiboni M, Elmowafy E, El-Derany MO, Benedetti S, Campana R, Verboni M, Potenza L, Palma F, Citterio B, Sisti M, Duranti A, Lucarini S, Soliman ME, Casettari L. A combination of sugar esters and chitosan to promote in vivo wound care. Int J Pharm 2022; 616:121508. [PMID: 35123002 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, researchers are exploring innovative green materials fabricated from renewable natural substances to meet formulation needs. Among them, biopolymers like chitosans and biosurfactants such as sugar fatty acid esters are of potential interest due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, functionality, and cost-effectiveness. Both classes of biocompounds possess the ability to be efficiently employed in wound dressing to help physiological wound healing, which is a bioprocess involving uncontrolled oxidative damage and inflammation, with an associated high risk of infection. In this work, we synthesized two different sugar esters (i.e., lactose linoleate and lactose linolenate) that, in combination with chitosan and sucrose laurate, were evaluated in vitro for their cytocompatibility, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities and in vivo as wound care agents. Emphasis on Wnt/β-catenin associated machineries was also set. The newly designed lactose esters, sucrose ester, and chitosan possessed sole biological attributes, entailing considerable blending for convenient formulation of wound care products. In particular, the mixture composed of sucrose laurate (200 µM), lactose linoleate (100 µM), and chitosan (1%) assured its superiority in terms of efficient wound healing prospects in vivo together with the restoring of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, compared with the marketed wound healing product (Healosol®), and single components as well. This innovative combination of biomaterials applied as wound dressing could effectively break new ground in skin wound care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Tiboni
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza del Rinascimento, 6, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy
| | - Enas Elmowafy
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Monazzamet Elwehda Elafrikeya Street, Abbaseyya, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Marwa O El-Derany
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Monazzamet Elwehda Elafrikeya Street, Abbaseyya, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Serena Benedetti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza del Rinascimento, 6, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy
| | - Raffaella Campana
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza del Rinascimento, 6, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy
| | - Michele Verboni
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza del Rinascimento, 6, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy
| | - Lucia Potenza
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza del Rinascimento, 6, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy
| | - Francesco Palma
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza del Rinascimento, 6, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy
| | - Barbara Citterio
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza del Rinascimento, 6, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy
| | - Maurizio Sisti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza del Rinascimento, 6, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy
| | - Andrea Duranti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza del Rinascimento, 6, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy
| | - Simone Lucarini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza del Rinascimento, 6, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy
| | - Mahmoud E Soliman
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Monazzamet Elwehda Elafrikeya Street, Abbaseyya, Cairo 11566, Egypt; Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (EJUST), New Borg El Arab, Alexandria 21934, Egypt
| | - Luca Casettari
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza del Rinascimento, 6, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy.
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Sisti D, Pazienza V, Piccini F, Citterio B, Baffone W, Donati Zeppa S, Biavasco F, Prospero E, De Luca A, Artico M, Taurone S, Minelli A, Perri F, Binda E, Pracella R, Santolini R, Amatori S, Sestili P, Rocchi MBL, Gobbi P. A proposal for the reference intervals of the Italian microbiota "scaffold" in healthy adults. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3952. [PMID: 35273317 PMCID: PMC8913673 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08000-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous factors, ranging from genetics, age, lifestyle, and dietary habits to local environments, contribute to the heterogeneity of the microbiota in humans. Understanding the variability of a “healthy microbiota” is a major challenge in scientific research. The gut microbiota profiles of 148 healthy Italian volunteers were examined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing to determine the range and diversity of taxonomic compositions in the gut microbiota of healthy populations. Possible driving factors were evaluated through a detailed anamnestic questionnaire. Microbiota reference intervals were also calculated. A “scaffold” of a healthy Italian gut microbiota composition was identified. Differences in relative quantitative ratios of microbiota composition were detected in two clusters: a bigger cluster (C2), which included 124 subjects, was characterized by more people from the northern Italian regions, who habitually practised more physical activity and with fewer dietary restrictions. Species richness and diversity were significantly higher in this cluster (C2) than in the other one (C1) (C1: 146.67 ± 43.67; C2: 198.17 ± 48.47; F = 23.40; P < 0.001 and C1: 16.88 ± 8.66; C2: 35.01 ± 13.40; F = 40.50; P < 0.001, respectively). The main contribution of the present study was the identification of the existence of a primary healthy microbiological framework that is only marginally affected by variations. Taken together, our data help to contextualize studies on population-specific variations, including marginal aspects, in human microbiota composition. Such variations must be related to the primary framework of a healthy microbiota and providing this perspective could help scientists to better design experimental plans and develop strategies for precision tailored microbiota modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Sisti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza Rinascimento 7, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Valerio Pazienza
- Division of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" Hospital, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Citterio
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza Rinascimento 7, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Wally Baffone
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza Rinascimento 7, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Sabrina Donati Zeppa
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza Rinascimento 7, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Francesca Biavasco
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121, Ancona, Italy
| | - Emilia Prospero
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121, Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonio De Luca
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Artico
- Department of Sense Organs, La Sapienza University, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Samanta Taurone
- Department of Sense Organs, La Sapienza University, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Minelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza Rinascimento 7, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Francesco Perri
- Division of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" Hospital, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Elena Binda
- Cancer Stem Cells Unit ISBReMIT, IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" Hospital, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pracella
- Cancer Stem Cells Unit ISBReMIT, IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" Hospital, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Riccardo Santolini
- Department of Humanities, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Stefano Amatori
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza Rinascimento 7, 61029, Urbino, Italy.
| | - Piero Sestili
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza Rinascimento 7, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Marco B L Rocchi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza Rinascimento 7, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Pietro Gobbi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza Rinascimento 7, 61029, Urbino, Italy
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5
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Mangiaterra G, Cedraro N, Laudadio E, Minnelli C, Citterio B, Andreoni F, Mobbili G, Galeazzi R, Biavasco F. The Natural Alkaloid Berberine Can Reduce the Number of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Tolerant Cells. J Nat Prod 2021; 84:993-1001. [PMID: 33848161 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c01151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The eradication of recurrent Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) lung infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients may be hampered by the development of persistent bacterial forms, which can tolerate antibiotics through efflux pump overexpression. After demonstrating the efflux pump inhibitory effect of the alkaloid berberine on the PA MexXY-OprM efflux pump, in this study, we tested its ability (80/320 μg/mL) to enhance tobramycin (20xMIC/1000xMIC) activity against PA planktonic/biofilm cultures. Preliminary investigations of the involvement of MexY in PA tolerance to tobramycin treatment, performed on the isogenic pair PA K767 (wild type)/K1525 (ΔmexY) growing in planktonic and biofilm cultures, demonstrated that the ΔmexY mutant K1525 produced a lower (100 and 10 000 times, respectively) amount of tolerant cells than that of the wild type. Next, we grew broth cultures of PAO1, PA14, and 20 PA clinical isolates (of which 13 were from CF patients) in the presence of 20xMIC tobramycin with and without berberine 80 μg/mL. Accordingly, most strains showed a greater (from 10- to 1000-fold) tolerance reduction in the presence of berberine. These findings highlight the involvement of the MexXY-OprM system in the tobramycin tolerance of PA and suggest that berberine may be used in new valuable therapeutic combinations to counteract persister survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianmarco Mangiaterra
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60131, Italy
| | - Nicholas Cedraro
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60131, Italy
| | - Emiliano Laudadio
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60131, Italy
| | - Cristina Minnelli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60131, Italy
| | - Barbara Citterio
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, sect. Biotechnology, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Fano 61032, Italy
| | - Francesca Andreoni
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, sect. Biotechnology, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Fano 61032, Italy
| | - Giovanna Mobbili
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60131, Italy
| | - Roberta Galeazzi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60131, Italy
| | - Francesca Biavasco
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60131, Italy
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Mangiaterra G, Carotti E, Vaiasicca S, Cedraro N, Citterio B, La Teana A, Biavasco F. Contribution of Drugs Interfering with Protein and Cell Wall Synthesis to the Persistence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms: An In Vitro Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041628. [PMID: 33562782 PMCID: PMC7914939 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) persisters, including viable but non-culturable (VBNC) forms, subpopulations of tolerant cells that can survive high antibiotic doses, is the main reason for PA lung infections failed eradication and recurrence in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients, subjected to life-long, cyclic antibiotic treatments. In this paper, we investigated the role of subinhibitory concentrations of different anti-pseudomonas antibiotics in the maintenance of persistent (including VBNC) PA cells in in vitro biofilms. Persisters were firstly selected by exposure to high doses of antibiotics and their abundance over time evaluated, using a combination of cultural, qPCR and flow cytometry assays. Two engineered GFP-producing PA strains were used. The obtained results demonstrated a major involvement of tobramycin and bacterial cell wall-targeting antibiotics in the resilience to starvation of VBNC forms, while the presence of ciprofloxacin and ceftazidime/avibactam lead to their complete loss. Moreover, a positive correlation between tobramycin exposure, biofilm production and c-di-GMP levels was observed. The presented data could allow a deeper understanding of bacterial population dynamics during the treatment of recurrent PA infections and provide a reliable evaluation of the real efficacy of the antibiotic treatments against the bacterial population within the CF lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianmarco Mangiaterra
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (E.C.); (S.V.); (N.C.); (A.L.T.); (F.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-071-220-4622; Fax: +39-071-220-4316
| | - Elisa Carotti
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (E.C.); (S.V.); (N.C.); (A.L.T.); (F.B.)
| | - Salvatore Vaiasicca
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (E.C.); (S.V.); (N.C.); (A.L.T.); (F.B.)
| | - Nicholas Cedraro
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (E.C.); (S.V.); (N.C.); (A.L.T.); (F.B.)
| | - Barbara Citterio
- Department of Biomolecular Science, Biotechnology Section, University of Urbino “Carlo Bo”, via Arco d’Augusto 2, 61032 Fano, Italy;
| | - Anna La Teana
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (E.C.); (S.V.); (N.C.); (A.L.T.); (F.B.)
| | - Francesca Biavasco
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (E.C.); (S.V.); (N.C.); (A.L.T.); (F.B.)
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7
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Campana R, Mangiaterra G, Tiboni M, Frangipani E, Biavasco F, Lucarini S, Citterio B. A Fluorinated Analogue of Marine Bisindole Alkaloid 2,2-Bis(6-bromo-1 H-indol-3-yl)ethanamine as Potential Anti-Biofilm Agent and Antibiotic Adjuvant Against Staphylococcus aureus. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13090210. [PMID: 32859056 PMCID: PMC7557854 DOI: 10.3390/ph13090210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections represent a major global healthcare problem. Therapeutic options are often limited by the ability of MRSA strains to grow as biofilms on medical devices, where antibiotic persistence and resistance is positively selected, leading to recurrent and chronic implant-associated infections. One strategy to circumvent these problems is the co-administration of adjuvants, which may prolong the efficacy of antibiotic treatments, by broadening their spectrum and lowering the required dosage. The marine bisindole alkaloid 2,2-bis(6-bromo-1H-indol-3-yl)ethanamine (1) and its fluorinated analogue (2) were tested for their potential use as antibiotic adjuvants and antibiofilm agents against S. aureus CH 10850 (MRSA) and S. aureus ATCC 29213 (MSSA). Both compounds showed antimicrobial activity and bisindole 2 enabled 256-fold reduction (ΣFICs = 0.5) in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of oxacillin for the clinical MRSA strain. In addition, these molecules inhibited biofilm formation of S. aureus strains, and compound 2 showed greater eradicating activity on preformed biofilm compared to 1. None of the tested molecules exerted a viable but non-culturable cells (VBNC) inducing effect at their MIC values. Moreover, both compounds exhibited no hemolytic activity and a good stability in plasma, indicating a non-toxic profile, hence, in particular compound 2, a potential for in vivo applications to restore antibiotic treatment against MRSA infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Campana
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (R.C.); (M.T.); (E.F.)
| | - Gianmarco Mangiaterra
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (G.M.); (F.B.)
| | - Mattia Tiboni
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (R.C.); (M.T.); (E.F.)
| | - Emanuela Frangipani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (R.C.); (M.T.); (E.F.)
| | - Francesca Biavasco
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (G.M.); (F.B.)
| | - Simone Lucarini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (R.C.); (M.T.); (E.F.)
- Correspondence: (S.L.); (B.C.); Tel.: +39-0722-303-333 (S.L.); +39-0722-304-962 (B.C.)
| | - Barbara Citterio
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (R.C.); (M.T.); (E.F.)
- Correspondence: (S.L.); (B.C.); Tel.: +39-0722-303-333 (S.L.); +39-0722-304-962 (B.C.)
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8
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Mangiaterra G, Cedraro N, Vaiasicca S, Citterio B, Galeazzi R, Laudadio E, Mobbili G, Minnelli C, Bizzaro D, Biavasco F. Role of Tobramycin in the Induction and Maintenance of Viable but Non-Culturable Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an In Vitro Biofilm Model. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9070399. [PMID: 32664334 PMCID: PMC7400124 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9070399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The recurrence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) biofilm infections is a major issue in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. A pivotal role is played by the presence of antibiotic-unresponsive persisters and/or viable but non-culturable (VBNC) forms, whose development might be favored by subinhibitory antibiotic concentrations. The involvement of tobramycin and ciprofloxacin, widely used to treat CF PA lung infections, in the abundance of VBNC cells was investigated in PA biofilms models. In vitro biofilms of the laboratory strain PAO1-N and the clinical strain C24 were developed and starved by subculture for 170 days in a non-nutrient (NN) broth, unsupplemented or supplemented with one-quarter minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of tobramycin or ciprofloxacin. VBNC cells abundance, estimated as the difference between total live (detected by qPCR and flow cytometry) and colony forming unit (CFU) counts, showed a strain- and drug-specific pattern. A greater and earlier abundance of VBNC PAO1-N cells was detected in all conditions. Exposure of the C24 strain to NN and NN + ciprofloxacin induced only a transient VBNC subpopulation, which was more abundant and stable until the end of the experiment in tobramycin-exposed biofilms. The same response to tobramycin was observed in the PAO1-N strain. These findings suggest that low tobramycin concentrations might contribute to PA infection recurrence by favoring the development of VBNC forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianmarco Mangiaterra
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (N.C.); (S.V.); (R.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (D.B.); (F.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-071-220-4622; Fax: +39-071-220-4316
| | - Nicholas Cedraro
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (N.C.); (S.V.); (R.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (D.B.); (F.B.)
| | - Salvatore Vaiasicca
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (N.C.); (S.V.); (R.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (D.B.); (F.B.)
| | - Barbara Citterio
- Department of Biomolecular Science, Biotechnology Section, University of Urbino “Carlo Bo”, via Arco d’Augusto 2, 61032 Fano, Italy;
| | - Roberta Galeazzi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (N.C.); (S.V.); (R.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (D.B.); (F.B.)
| | - Emiliano Laudadio
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Mobbili
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (N.C.); (S.V.); (R.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (D.B.); (F.B.)
| | - Cristina Minnelli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (N.C.); (S.V.); (R.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (D.B.); (F.B.)
| | - Davide Bizzaro
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (N.C.); (S.V.); (R.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (D.B.); (F.B.)
| | - Francesca Biavasco
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (N.C.); (S.V.); (R.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (D.B.); (F.B.)
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Citterio B, Andreoni F, Simoni S, Carloni E, Magnani M, Mangiaterra G, Cedraro N, Biavasco F, Vignaroli C. Plasmid Replicon Typing of Antibiotic-Resistant Escherichia coli From Clams and Marine Sediments. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1101. [PMID: 32528456 PMCID: PMC7266932 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike human isolates, environmental Escherichia coli isolates have not been thoroughly investigated for the diversity and transferability of antibiotic-resistant plasmids. In this study, antibiotic-resistant strains from marine sediment (n = 50) and clams (n = 53) were analyzed (i) for their plasmid content using a PCR-based plasmid replicon typing (PBRT) kit and (ii) for the transferability of plasmid-associated antibiotic resistance (AR) traits by mating experiments. Fifteen of the thirty replicons targeted by the PBRT kit were detected in the isolates; 8/15 were identified in both sediment and clam isolates, although at different frequencies. The most frequent replicons in sediment (74%) and in clam strains (66%) alike, were FIA, FIB, or FII, which are associated with the IncF group, followed by the I1α replicon, which was more frequent in clam (24.5%) than in sediment (10%) strains. More than 50% of the strains contained multiple replicons; although 15 were untypable, S1-PFGE analysis demonstrated that 14/15 carried no plasmids. All cryptic strains were successfully typed and were positive for IncF or IncI replicons. Antibiotic-resistant strains accounted for 63% of all isolates and were significantly (p < 0.05) more frequent in phylogroup A. Most (35%) multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains belonged to phylogroup A, too. Although 25/26 MDR strains were positive for IncF plasmids (the exception being a clam strain), the FII-FIB rep combination was predominant (63%) among the sediment isolates, whereas most clam isolates (40%) carried the FII replicon alone. In mating experiments, selected MDR strains carrying FIB, FII, and I1α replicons, used as the donors, transferred multiple ARs together with the IncF or IncI plasmids at high frequency. Since IncI plasmids are common in E. coli and Salmonella enterica isolates from poultry, our findings suggest an animal origin to the E. coli clam strains carrying IncI plasmids. They also suggest a role for IncI plasmids in the spread of ARs among environmental Enterobacteriaceae and, through the food chain, to human isolates. In conclusion, the PBRT kit proved to be a useful tool to identify plasmids carrying antibiotic-resistant genes and to shed light on the factors underpinning their diffusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Citterio
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Biotechnology Section, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Francesca Andreoni
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Biotechnology Section, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Serena Simoni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Elisa Carloni
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Biotechnology Section, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Biotechnology Section, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Mangiaterra
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Nicholas Cedraro
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Biavasco
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Carla Vignaroli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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Citterio B, Mangiaterra G, Meli MA, Cedraro N, Roselli C, Vignaroli C, Rocchi M, Biavasco F. Gastrointestinal survival and adaptation of antibiotic-resistant enterococci subjected to an in vitro digestion model. Food Control 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2019.107033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Amabili P, Biavasco F, Brenciani A, Citterio B, Corbisiero D, Ferrazzano L, Fioriti S, Guerra G, Orena M, Rinaldi S. Simple amphiphilic α-hydrazido acids: Rational design, synthesis, and in vitro bioactivity profile of a novel class of potential antimicrobial compounds. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 189:112072. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Mangiaterra G, Cedraro N, Citterio B, Simoni S, Vignaroli C, Biavasco F. Diffusion and Characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Aminoglycoside Resistance in an Italian Regional Cystic Fibrosis Centre. Adv Exp Med Biol 2020; 1323:71-80. [PMID: 32654097 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2020_570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Extensively-drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa constitutes a serious threat to patients suffering from Cystic Fibrosis (CF). In these patients, P. aeruginosa lung infection is commonly treated with aminoglycosides, but treatments are largely unsuccessful due a variety of resistance mechanisms. Here we investigate the prevalence of resistance to gentamicin, amikacin and tobramycin and the main aminoglycoside resistance genes found in P. aeruginosa strains isolated at a regional CF centre. RESULTS A total number of 147 randomly selected P. aeruginosa strains isolated from respiratory samples sent by the Marche regional Cystic Fibrosis Centre to the Microbiology lab, were included in this study. Of these, 78 (53%) were resistant to at least one of the three aminoglycosides tested and 27% were resistant to all three antibiotics, suggesting a major involvement of a chromosome-encoded mechanism, likely MexXY-OprM efflux pump overexpression. A specific pathogenic clone (found in 7/78 of the aminoglycoside resistant strains) carrying ant(2″)-Ia was isolated over time from the same patient, suggesting a role for this additional resistance gene in the antibiotic unresponsiveness of CF patients. CONCLUSIONS The MexXY-OprM efflux pump is confirmed as the resistance determinant involved most frequently in P. aeruginosa aminoglycoside resistance of CF lung infections, followed by the ant(2″)-Ia-encoded adenylyltransferase. The latter may prove to be a novel target for new antimicrobial combinations against P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianmarco Mangiaterra
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Nicholas Cedraro
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Barbara Citterio
- Department of Biomolecular Science sect. Biotechnology, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Serena Simoni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Carla Vignaroli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Biavasco
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.
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Pasquaroli S, Citterio B, Mangiaterra G, Biavasco F, Vignaroli C. Influence of sublethal concentrations of vancomycin and quinupristin/dalfopristin on the persistence of viable but non-culturable Staphylococcus aureus growing in biofilms. J Antimicrob Chemother 2019; 73:3526-3529. [PMID: 30169641 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dky338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Pasquaroli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Barbara Citterio
- Department of Biomolecular Science, Biotechnology Section University of Urbino 'Carlo Bo', Urbino, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Mangiaterra
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Biavasco
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Carla Vignaroli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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14
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Milanović V, Osimani A, Cardinali F, Litta-Mulondo A, Vignaroli C, Citterio B, Mangiaterra G, Aquilanti L, Garofalo C, Biavasco F, Cocolin L, Ferrocino I, Di Cagno R, Turroni S, Lazzi C, Pellegrini N, Clementi F. Erythromycin-resistant lactic acid bacteria in the healthy gut of vegans, ovo-lacto vegetarians and omnivores. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220549. [PMID: 31374082 PMCID: PMC6677300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Diet can affect the diversity and composition of gut microbiota. Usage of antibiotics in food production and in human or veterinary medicine has resulted in the emergence of commensal antibiotic resistant bacteria in the human gut. The incidence of erythromycin-resistant lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the feces of healthy vegans, ovo-lacto vegetarians and omnivores was analyzed. Overall, 155 LAB were isolated and characterized for their phenotypic and genotypic resistance to erythromycin. The isolates belonged to 11 different species within the Enterococcus and Streptococcus genera. Enterococcus faecium was the dominant species in isolates from all the dietary categories. Only 97 out of 155 isolates were resistant to erythromycin after Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) determination; among them, 19 isolates (7 from vegans, 4 from ovo-lacto vegetarians and 8 from omnivores) carried the erm(B) gene. The copresence of erm(B) and erm(A) genes was only observed in Enterococcus avium from omnivores. Moreover, the transferability of erythromycin resistance genes using multidrug-resistant (MDR) cultures selected from the three groups was assessed, and four out of six isolates were able to transfer the erm(B) gene. Overall, isolates obtained from the omnivore samples showed resistance to a greater number of antibiotics and carried more tested antibiotic resistance genes compared to the isolates from ovo-lacto vegetarians and vegans. In conclusion, our results show that diet does not significantly affect the occurrence of erythromycin-resistant bacteria and that commensal strains may act as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance (AR) genes and as a source of antibiotic resistance spreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Milanović
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Osimani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Federica Cardinali
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alice Litta-Mulondo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Carla Vignaroli
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Barbara Citterio
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Biotechnology Section, University of Urbino ‘Carlo Bo’, Urbino, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Mangiaterra
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Lucia Aquilanti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Cristiana Garofalo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Biavasco
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Luca Cocolin
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Science (DISAFA), University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Ilario Ferrocino
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Science (DISAFA), University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Raffaella Di Cagno
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Libera Università di Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Silvia Turroni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Camilla Lazzi
- Department of Food Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Clementi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
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Laudadio E, Cedraro N, Mangiaterra G, Citterio B, Mobbili G, Minnelli C, Bizzaro D, Biavasco F, Galeazzi R. Natural Alkaloid Berberine Activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa MexXY-Mediated Aminoglycoside Resistance: In Silico and in Vitro Studies. J Nat Prod 2019; 82:1935-1944. [PMID: 31274312 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.9b00317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The multidrug efflux system MexXY-OprM, inside the resistance-nodulation-division family, is a major determinant of aminoglycoside resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In the fight aimed to identify potential efflux pump inhibitors among natural compounds, the alkaloid berberine emerged as a putative inhibitor of MexXY-OprM. In this work, we elucidated its interaction with the extrusor protein MexY and assessed its synergistic activity with aminoglycosides. In particular, we built an in silico model for the MexY protein in its trimeric association using both AcrB (E. coli) and MexB (P. aeruginosa) as 3D templates. This model has been stabilized in the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane using a molecular dynamics approach and used for ensemble docking to obtain the binding site mapping. Then, through dynamic docking, we assessed its binding affinity and its synergism with aminoglycosides focusing on tobramycin, which is widely used in the treatment of pulmonary infections. In vitro assays validated the data obtained: the results showed a 2-fold increase of the inhibitory activity and 2-4 log increase of the killing activity of the association berberine-tobramycin compared to those of tobramycin alone against 13/28 tested P. aeruginosa clinical isolates. From hemolytic assays, we preliminarily assessed berberine's low toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliano Laudadio
- Dipartimento S.I.M.A.U. , Università Politecnica delle Marche , Via Brecce Bianche , 60131 , Ancona , Italy
| | - Nicholas Cedraro
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente , Università Politecnica delle Marche , Via Brecce Bianche , 60131 , Ancona , Italy
| | - Gianmarco Mangiaterra
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente , Università Politecnica delle Marche , Via Brecce Bianche , 60131 , Ancona , Italy
| | - Barbara Citterio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, sez. di Biotecnologie , Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo" , 61029 , Urbino , Italy
| | - Giovanna Mobbili
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente , Università Politecnica delle Marche , Via Brecce Bianche , 60131 , Ancona , Italy
| | - Cristina Minnelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente , Università Politecnica delle Marche , Via Brecce Bianche , 60131 , Ancona , Italy
| | - Davide Bizzaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente , Università Politecnica delle Marche , Via Brecce Bianche , 60131 , Ancona , Italy
| | - Francesca Biavasco
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente , Università Politecnica delle Marche , Via Brecce Bianche , 60131 , Ancona , Italy
| | - Roberta Galeazzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente , Università Politecnica delle Marche , Via Brecce Bianche , 60131 , Ancona , Italy
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Morroni G, Brenciani A, Litta-Mulondo A, Vignaroli C, Mangiaterra G, Fioriti S, Citterio B, Cirioni O, Giovanetti E, Biavasco F. Characterization of a new transferable MDR plasmid carrying thepbp5gene from a clade B commensalEnterococcus faecium. J Antimicrob Chemother 2019; 74:843-850. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dky549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Morroni
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Brenciani
- Unit of Microbiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche Medical School, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alice Litta-Mulondo
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Carla Vignaroli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Mangiaterra
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Simona Fioriti
- Unit of Microbiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche Medical School, Ancona, Italy
| | - Barbara Citterio
- Department of Biomolecular Science, Biotechnology Section, University of Urbino ‘Carlo Bo’, Urbino, Italy
| | - Oscar Cirioni
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Eleonora Giovanetti
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Biavasco
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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17
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Mangiaterra G, Amiri M, Di Cesare A, Pasquaroli S, Manso E, Cirilli N, Citterio B, Vignaroli C, Biavasco F. Detection of viable but non-culturable Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis by qPCR: a validation study. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:701. [PMID: 30587160 PMCID: PMC6307279 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3612-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Routine culture-based diagnosis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients can be hampered by the phenotypic variability of the microorganism, including its transition to a Viable But Non-Culturable (VBNC) state. The aim of this study was to validate an ecfX-targeting qPCR protocol developed to detect all viable P. aeruginosa bacteria and to identify VBNC forms in CF sputum samples. Methods The study involved 115 P. aeruginosa strains of different origins and 10 non-P. aeruginosa strains and 88 CF sputum samples, 41 Culture-Positive (CP) and 47 Culture-Negative (CN). Spiking assays were performed using scalar dilutions of a mixture of live and dead P. aeruginosa ATCC 9027 and a pooled P. aeruginosa-free sputum batch. Total DNA from sputum samples was extracted by a commercial kit, whereas a crude extract was obtained from the broth cultures. Extracellular DNA (eDNA) interference was evaluated by comparing the qPCR counts obtained from DNase-treated and untreated aliquots of the same samples. The statistical significance of the results was assessed by the Wilcoxon test and Student’s t test. Results The newly-developed qPCR protocol identified 96.6% of the P. aeruginosa isolates; no amplification was obtained with strains belonging to different species. Spiking assays supported protocol reliability, since counts always matched the amount of live bacteria, thus excluding the interference of dead cells and eDNA. The protocol sensitivity threshold was 70 cells/ml of the original sample. Moreover, qPCR detected P. aeruginosa in 9/47 CN samples and showed higher bacterial counts compared with the culture method in 10/41 CP samples. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate the reliability of the newly-developed qPCR protocol and further highlight the need for harnessing a non-culture approach to achieve an accurate microbiological diagnosis of P. aeruginosa CF lung infection and a greater understanding of its evolution. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-018-3612-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianmarco Mangiaterra
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Mehdi Amiri
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Cesare
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Europa, 26, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sonia Pasquaroli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Esther Manso
- Microbiology Laboratory, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Ospedali Riuniti Umberto I°- G.M. Lancisi - G. Salesi, Ancona, Italy
| | - Natalia Cirilli
- Mother-Child Department, Cystic Fibrosis Referral Care Center, United Hospitals, Ancona, Italy
| | - Barbara Citterio
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences sect. Biotechnology, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Carla Vignaroli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Biavasco
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
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Vignaroli C, Pasquaroli S, Citterio B, Di Cesare A, Mangiaterra G, Fattorini D, Biavasco F. Antibiotic and heavy metal resistance in enterococci from coastal marine sediment. Environ Pollut 2018; 237:406-413. [PMID: 29502003 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.02.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Sediment samples from three coastal sites - two beach resorts (Beach 1 and Beach 2 sites) and an area lying between an oil refinery and a river estuary (Estuarine site) - were analyzed for antibiotic- and heavy metal (HM)-resistant enterococci. A total of 123 enterococci, 36 E. faecium, 34 E. casseliflavus, 33 E. hirae, 5 E. faecalis, 3 E. durans, 3 E. gallinarum, and 9 Enterococcus spp, were recovered. Strains resistant to erythromycin, tetracycline and quinupristin/dalfopristin (Q/D) were recovered from all sites, whereas multidrug-resistant isolates were recovered only from "Beach 2" (14%) and "Estuarine" (3.7%). As regards HM resistance, the strains showed a high frequency (68%) of cadmium and/or copper resistance and uniform susceptibility to mercury. The prevalence of cadmium-resistant strains was significantly higher among erythromycin-resistant than among erythromycin-susceptible strains. A significant association between cadmium or copper resistance and Q/D resistance was also observed at "Estuarine" site. The levels of the two HMs in sediment from all sites were fairly low, ranging from 0.070 to 0.126 μg/g, for cadmium and from 1.00 to 7.64 μg/g for copper. Mercury was always undetectable. These findings are consistent with reports that low HM concentrations may contribute to co-selection of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, including enterococci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Vignaroli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Sonia Pasquaroli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Barbara Citterio
- Department of Biomolecular Science, Biotechnology Section, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Cesare
- Microbial Ecology Group, CNR - Institute of Ecosystem Study, Verbania, Italy; Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Mangiaterra
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Daniele Fattorini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Biavasco
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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Citterio B, Pasquaroli S, Mangiaterra G, Vignaroli C, Di Sante L, Leoni F, Chierichetti S, Ottaviani D, Rocchi M, Biavasco F. Venus clam (Chamelea gallina): A reservoir of multidrug-resistant enterococci. Food Control 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2017.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Turolla A, Sabatino R, Fontaneto D, Eckert EM, Colinas N, Corno G, Citterio B, Biavasco F, Antonelli M, Mauro A, Mangiaterra G, Di Cesare A. Defence strategies and antibiotic resistance gene abundance in enterococci under stress by exposure to low doses of peracetic acid. Chemosphere 2017; 185:480-488. [PMID: 28715758 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Peracetic acid (PAA) is an organic compound used efficiently as disinfectant in wastewater treatments. Yet, at low doses it may cause selection; thus, the effect of low doses of PAA on Enterococcus faecium as a proxy of human-related microbial waste was evaluated. Bacteria were treated with increasing doses of PAA (from 0 to 25 mg L-1 min) and incubated in regrowth experiments under non-growing, limiting conditions and under growing, favorable conditions. The changes in bacterial abundance, in bacterial phenotype (number and composition of small cell clusters), and in the abundance of an antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) was evaluated. The experiment demonstrated that the selected doses of PAA efficiently removed enterococci, and induced a long-lasting effect after PAA inactivation. The relative abundance of small clusters increased during the experiment when compared with that of the inoculum. Moreover, under growing favorable conditions the relative abundance of small clusters decreased and the number of cells per cluster increased with increasing PAA doses. A strong stability of the measured ARG was found, not showing any effect during the whole experiment. The results demonstrated the feasibility of low doses of PAA to inactivate bacteria. However, the stress induced by PAA disinfection promoted a bacterial adaptation, even if potentially without affecting the abundance of the ARG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Turolla
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA) - Environmental Section, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Raffaella Sabatino
- Laboratory of Metabolic Research, Ospedale San Giuseppe, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Strada Cadorna 90, 28988, Piancavallo di Oggebbio, Italy; Laboratory of Clinical Neurobiology, Ospedale San Giuseppe, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Strada Cadorna 90, 28988, Piancavallo di Oggebbio, Italy
| | - Diego Fontaneto
- Microbial Ecology Group, National Research Council - Institute of Ecosystem Study (CNR-ISE), Largo Tonolli 50, 28922, Verbania, Italy
| | - Ester M Eckert
- Microbial Ecology Group, National Research Council - Institute of Ecosystem Study (CNR-ISE), Largo Tonolli 50, 28922, Verbania, Italy
| | - Noemi Colinas
- Microbial Ecology Group, National Research Council - Institute of Ecosystem Study (CNR-ISE), Largo Tonolli 50, 28922, Verbania, Italy
| | - Gianluca Corno
- Microbial Ecology Group, National Research Council - Institute of Ecosystem Study (CNR-ISE), Largo Tonolli 50, 28922, Verbania, Italy.
| | - Barbara Citterio
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Biotechnology Section, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", via Arco d'Augusto 2, 61032, Fano, Italy
| | - Francesca Biavasco
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Manuela Antonelli
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA) - Environmental Section, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauro
- Laboratory of Clinical Neurobiology, Ospedale San Giuseppe, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Strada Cadorna 90, 28988, Piancavallo di Oggebbio, Italy; Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Mangiaterra
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Cesare
- Microbial Ecology Group, National Research Council - Institute of Ecosystem Study (CNR-ISE), Largo Tonolli 50, 28922, Verbania, Italy
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Vignaroli C, Di Sante L, Leoni F, Chierichetti S, Ottaviani D, Citterio B, Biavasco F. Multidrug-resistant and epidemic clones of Escherichia coli from natural beds of Venus clam. Food Microbiol 2016; 59:1-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Citterio
- a Department of Biomolecular Sciences; Toxicological, Hygienistic, and Environmental Sciences; University of Urbino "Carlo Bo" ; Urbino , Italy
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Sabatino R, Di Cesare A, Pasquaroli S, Vignaroli C, Citterio B, Amiri M, Rossi L, Magnani M, Mauro A, Biavasco F. Adherence and intracellular survival within human macrophages of Enterococcus faecalis isolates from coastal marine sediment. Microbes Infect 2015; 17:660-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Citterio B, Albertini MC, Ghibelli L, Falcieri E, Battistelli M, Canonico B, Rocchi MBL, Teodori L, Ciani M, Piatti E. Multiparameter analysis of apoptosis in puromycin-treated Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Arch Microbiol 2015; 197:773-80. [PMID: 25868793 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-015-1110-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a typical apoptotic phenotype is induced by some stress factors such as sugars, acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, aspirin and age. Nevertheless, no data have been reported for apoptosis induced by puromycin, a damaging agent known to induce apoptosis in mammalian cells. We treated S. cerevisiae with puromycin to induce apoptosis and evaluated the percentage of dead cells by using Hoechst 33342 staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Annexin V flow cytometry (FC) analysis. Hoechst 33342 fluorescence images were processed to acquire parameters to use for multiparameter analysis [and perform a principal component analysis, (PCA)]. Cell viability was evaluated by Rhodamine 123 (Rh 123) and Acridine Orange microscope fluorescence staining. The results show puromycin-induced apoptosis in S. cerevisiae, and the PCA analysis indicated that the increasing percentage of apoptotic cells delineated a well-defined graph profile. The results were supported by TEM and FC. This study gives new insights into yeast apoptosis using puromycin as inducer agent, and PCA analysis may complement molecular analysis facilitating further studies to its detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Citterio
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
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Canonico B, Candiracci M, Citterio B, Curci R, Squarzoni S, Mazzoni A, Papa S, Piatti E. Honey flavonoids inhibit Candida albicans morphogenesis by affecting DNA behavior and mitochondrial function. Future Microbiol 2014; 9:445-56. [PMID: 24810344 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.14.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Candida albicans is a pathogenic yeast, which forms a range of polarized and expanded cell shapes. We aimed to determine the correlation between honey extract (HFE) activity and changes in C. albicans cell cycle, morphology and subcellular organelles. MATERIALS & METHODS HFE anticandidal properties were investigated using flow cytometry and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS Flow cytometry and scanning electron microscopy analyses indicated that HFE may inhibit the growth of the three phenotypes displayed by C. albicans and reduce infection by affecting membrane integrity. HFE affects hyphal transition by reducing the G0/G1 phase and increasing the G2/M phase. Conversely, yeast and pseudohyphae do not appear to be affected. Modifications of vacuolization and mitochondrial activity, during yeast-hypha transition establish the involvement of vacuole and mitochondria. CONCLUSION HFE improved mitochondrial functionality and reduced the vacuolization, modifying the branching process associated with virulence. It is hypothesized that HFE induces changes in cell cycle progress, membrane integrity, mitochondrial function and biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Canonico
- Department of Earth, Life & Environmental Sciences, Urbino, Italy
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Andreozzi E, Di Cesare A, Sabatini L, Chessa E, Sisti D, Rocchi M, Citterio B. Role of biofilm in protection of the replicative form of Legionella pneumophila. Curr Microbiol 2014; 69:769-74. [PMID: 25023637 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-014-0648-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The dual nature of Legionella pneumophila enables its survival in free and intracellular environments and underpins its infection and spread mechanisms. Experiments using bacterial cultures and improved RTqPCR protocols were devised to gain fresh insights into the role of biofilm in protecting the replicative form of L. pneumophila. mip gene expression was used as a marker of virulence in sessile (biofilm-bound) and planktonic (free-floating) cells of L. pneumophila serotype 1 ATCC 33152. The ratio of mip gene expression to transcriptionally active Legionella cells increased both in sessile and free-floating cells demonstrating an up-regulation of mip gene under nutrient depletion. However, a different trend was observed between the two forms, in planktonic cells the mip gene expression/transcriptionally active Legionella cells increased until the end of the experiment, while in the biofilm such increase was observed at the end of the experiment. These findings suggest a possible association between the switch to the transmissive phase of Legionella and a mip up-regulation and a role for biofilm in preserving Legionella cells in replicative form. Moreover, it has been shown that improved RTqPCR protocols are valuable tools to explore bacterial virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Andreozzi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Section of Toxicological, Hygienistic and Environmental Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
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Pasquaroli S, Di Cesare A, Vignaroli C, Conti G, Citterio B, Biavasco F. Erythromycin- and copper-resistant Enterococcus hirae from marine sediment and co-transfer of erm(B) and tcrB to human Enterococcus faecalis. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2014; 80:26-8. [PMID: 25017384 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2014.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 04/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
An erythromycin-, copper- and cadmium-resistant isolate of Enterococcus hirae from marine sediment was shown to harbor the plasmid pRE25 and to co-transfer erm(B) and tcrB to Enterococcus faecalis JH2-2. These data highlight the scope for antibiotic resistance selection by the marine environment through heavy metals and its possible involvement in antibiotic-resistant enterococcal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Pasquaroli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Andrea Di Cesare
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Carla Vignaroli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giulia Conti
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Barbara Citterio
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences sect. Toxicological, Hygiene, and Environmental Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo - Urbino (PU), Italy
| | - Francesca Biavasco
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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Sabatini L, Pianetti A, Cecchetti G, Bruner A, Citterio B, Barbieri F, Bruscolini F. Chemical and microbiological monitoring of air in two waste incineration plants. Ig Sanita Pubbl 2013; 69:13-37. [PMID: 23532158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The study evaluated emissions from two incinerator plants and occupational exposure of workers during a six-year monitoring period (2004-2009). Chemical and microbiological analyses were performed by collecting environmental and staff individual air samples. Inspirable and respirable particulate and metals were measured in both environmental and staff samples; concentrations of Volatile Organic Compounds and the presence of microorganisms were investigated only in environmental samples. The concentrations of all organic and inorganic compounds investigated were very low and always below the Italian legal limits and the threshold limits recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. In addition, microbial contamination was generally low in all the working areas considered. Study results revealed a good quality of air in the incineration plants and no apparent risk situation for the workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigia Sabatini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences sec. Tossicological Hygienistic and Environmental Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo - Urbino (PU), Italy
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Pianetti A, Battistelli M, Barbieri F, Bruscolini F, Falcieri E, Manti A, Sabatini L, Citterio B. Changes in adhesion ability of Aeromonas hydrophila during long exposure to salt stress conditions. J Appl Microbiol 2012; 113:974-82. [PMID: 22805151 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2012.05399.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Revised: 06/29/2012] [Accepted: 07/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Stressful environmental conditions influence both bacterial growth and expression of virulence factors. In the present study, we evaluated the influence of NaCl on Aeromonas hydrophila adhesiveness at two temperatures. This agent is often involved in clinical cases; however, its pathogenic potential is still not fully understood. METHODS AND RESULTS Bacteria were grown in presence of 1·7%, 3·4%, 6·0% NaCl over a 188 day period and then reinoculated in fresh Nutrient Broth with incubation at 4 and 24°C. Bacterial adhesiveness was tested on Hep-2 cells, and specimens were processed for light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Adhesive capacity decreased over time with an increase in reduction percentages depending on NaCl concentrations. At 1·7% NaCl, the reduction was apparently temporary and adhesiveness rapidly recovered in revitalized bacteria, while 3·4%, 6·0% NaCl seemed to be detrimental. Normal, elongated and filamentous bacteria retained adhesiveness capability, although with reduced expression, while in spherical cells, this property seemed to be lost or dramatically reduced. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that high osmolarity plays a significant role in adhesion inhibition, therefore having possible implications in the pathogenesis of the infections by Aer. hydrophila. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This study intends to give a contribution to a better understanding of the pathogenic role of this bacterium whose pathogenicity is still under debate.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pianetti
- Biomolecular Sciences Department, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy.
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Canesi L, Betti M, Ciacci C, Citterio B, Pruzzo C, Gallo G. Tyrosine kinase-mediated cell signalling in the activation of Mytilus hemocytes: possible role of STAT-like proteins. Biol Cell 2012; 95:603-13. [PMID: 14720463 DOI: 10.1016/j.biolcel.2003.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In bivalve molluscs, cell-mediated immunity is carried out by circulating hemocytes, resembling the monocyte/macrophage lineage of vertebrates, that can kill the microbes through phagocytosis and various cytotoxic reactions. Previous data demonstrated that activation of MAPKs (Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases) is involved in the response of mussel hemocytes (Mytilus galloprovincialis Lam.) to bacterial challenge. In this work, the possibility that modulation of components of tyrosine kinase-mediated cell signalling may participate in the activation of mussel hemocytes was investigated. Cell pre-treatment with the macrophage activator IFN gamma significantly increased the bactericidal activity of mussel hemocytes towards E. coli. Human recombinant IFN gamma stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of different members of STAT-like proteins (Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription), as evaluated by Western blotting of hemocyte protein extracts with specific anti-phospho-STAT antibodies. A similar increase in phosphorylation of immunoreactive STATs was observed in hemocytes incubated with E. coli, this indicating that tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT-like members represents a physiological step in hemocyte activation. IFN gamma lead to persistent phosphorylation of immunoreactive STAT1, a transcription factor that plays a critical role in innate immunity towards Gram negative bacteria in mammalian systems; moreover, hemocyte pretreatment with IFN gamma significantly increased bacteria-induced STAT1 phosphorylation, whereas IFN alpha did not. IFN gamma also transiently affected the phosphorylation state of different MAPKs. The extent and time course of MAPK phosphorylation induced by IFN gamma were distinct from those elicited by either IFN alpha or bacterial challenge. Overall, the results indicate that the hemocyte function can be modulated by heterologous cytokines and bacterial signals that act in concert through tyrosine kinase-mediated transduction pathways converging on STAT- and MAPK-like members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Canesi
- Istituto di Scienze Fisiologiche, Università di Urbino, Loc. Crocicchia, Urbino, 61029 (PU), Italy.
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Candiracci M, Citterio B, Diamantini G, Blasa M, Accorsi A, Piatti E. Honey Flavonoids, Natural Antifungal Agents AgainstCandida Albicans. International Journal of Food Properties 2011. [DOI: 10.1080/10942910903453355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Ottaviani D, Parlani C, Citterio B, Masini L, Leoni F, Canonico C, Sabatini L, Bruscolini F, Pianetti A. Putative virulence properties of Aeromonas strains isolated from food, environmental and clinical sources in Italy: A comparative study. Int J Food Microbiol 2011; 144:538-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2010.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2010] [Revised: 11/09/2010] [Accepted: 11/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Ciacci C, Betti M, Canonico B, Citterio B, Roch P, Canesi L. Specificity of anti-Vibrio immune response through p38 MAPK and PKC activation in the hemocytes of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. J Invertebr Pathol 2010; 105:49-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2010.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2010] [Revised: 05/06/2010] [Accepted: 05/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Battistelli S, Citterio B, Baldelli B, Parlani C, Malatesta M. Histochemical and morpho-metrical study of mouse intestine epithelium after a long term diet containing genetically modified soybean. Eur J Histochem 2010; 54:e36. [PMID: 20819774 PMCID: PMC3167318 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2010.e36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2010] [Revised: 06/23/2010] [Accepted: 06/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Diet can influence the structural characteristics of both small and large intestine. In this study, we investigated the duodenum and colon of mice fed on genetically modified (GM) soybean during their whole life span (1-24 months) by focusing our attention on the histological and ultrastructural characteristics of the epithelium, the histochemical pattern of goblet cell mucins, and the growth profile of the coliform population. Our results demonstrate that controls and GM-soybean fed mice are similarly affected by ageing. Moreover, the GM soybean-containing diet does not induce structural alterations in duodenal and colonic epithelium or in coliform population, even after a long term intake. On the other hand, the histochemical approach revealed significant diet-related changes in mucin amounts in the duodenum. In particular, the percentage of villous area occupied by acidic and sulpho-mucin granules decreased from controls to GM-fed animals, whereas neutral mucins did not change.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Battistelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Clinical Biochemistry Section, University of Urbino, Via Ubaldini 7, Urbino (PU), Italy.
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Ciacci C, Citterio B, Betti M, Canonico B, Roch P, Canesi L. Functional differential immune responses of Mytilus galloprovincialis to bacterial challenge. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2009; 153:365-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2009.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2009] [Revised: 04/20/2009] [Accepted: 04/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Citterio B, Patrone V, Baldelli B, Malatesta M. Adhesion of ectomycorrhizal bacteria to plant cells: an in vitro evidence. Eur J Histochem 2009. [DOI: 10.4081/887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Pianetti A, Battistelli M, Citterio B, Parlani C, Falcieri E, Bruscolini F. Morphological changes of Aeromonas hydrophila in response to osmotic stress. Micron 2009; 40:426-33. [PMID: 19264494 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2009.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2008] [Revised: 01/27/2009] [Accepted: 01/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The adaptive response of bacteria to stressful environmental situations may lead to a modification of physiological and phenotypical characteristics, including morphology. The aim of this study was the analysis of the ultrastructural changes in Aeromonas hydrophila exposed to different NaCl concentrations (1.7%, 3.4%, 6%) at 4 and 24 degrees C for 188 days. Bacterial cultures were processed for scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and specimens were analysed at different times during osmotic stress. SEM reveals the presence of three predominant morphotypes: rod, filamentous and spherical forms, depending on the time and culture conditions. Normal rod cells prevail in 1.7% NaCl growth conditions, maintaining high rates until the end of the trial at 4 degrees C. The most favourable conditions for the elongated morphotype are 3.4% NaCl at 4 degrees C. Spherical forms appear later, increase with time and are the prevalent population at the end of the trial at 24 degrees C, in all culture conditions. TEM reveals the presence of normal, necrotic-like and apoptotic-like forms; these latter forms increase with time according to salt concentration and temperature. Initially, a detachment of the external membrane appears, with cytoplasmic clumping into small, dense masses; as the process continues, both these features become more evident with increasing salt concentrations. This behaviour has been compared to that of eukaryotic cells undergoing growth factor deprivation-induced apoptosis. Occasionally, surface blebs are observed. In conclusion, the study suggests that the exposure of A. hydrophila to stressful conditions (osmolarity, temperature and nutrients) leads to the generation of varying morphotypes, which promote cell survival in adverse conditions and a rapid repopulation in post-stress environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pianetti
- Dip. di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino Carlo Bo, Italy.
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Pianetti A, Manti A, Boi P, Citterio B, Sabatini L, Papa S, Rocchi MBL, Bruscolini F. Determination of viability of Aeromonas hydrophila in increasing concentrations of sodium chloride at different temperatures by flow cytometry and plate count technique. Int J Food Microbiol 2008; 127:252-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2008.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2008] [Revised: 07/05/2008] [Accepted: 07/16/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Pianetti A, Sabatini L, Citterio B, Sisti E, Pierfelici L, Bruscolini F. Inactivation of Legionella pneumophila by combined systems of copper and silver ions and free chlorine. Ig Sanita Pubbl 2008; 64:27-40. [PMID: 18379604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of copper and silver ions and of free chlorine in different combinations and concentrations (0.4 to 0.8-0.04 to 0.08 mg/l Cu(2+) Ag(+); 0.4 to 0.8-0.04 to 0.08-0.2 mg/l Cu(2+) Ag(+) Cl; 0.4 to 0.8-0.04 to 0.08-2 mg/l Cu(2+) Ag(+) Cl; 0.4 to 0.8-0.04 to 0.08-4 mg/l Cu(2+) Ag(+) Cl; 2-20 mg/l Cl), in inactivating Legionella pneumophila in drinking and distilled water after a contact time of 24-hours. Treatment with chlorine alone at 20 mg/l concentration was found to be the most effective treatment leading to complete killing of bacteria within 4 minutes in all water samples. On the other hand, at 2 mg/l concentration complete inactivation was obtained after 3 hours. The association of copper and silver ions at concentrations of 0.4-0.04 mg/l was found to be less effective and live bacteria could still be identified in all water samples after a 24 hour contact time. When testing copper and silver ions in combination, at concentrations of 0.8-0.08 mg/l and different combinations of the three disinfectants, results varied according to the various concentrations and type of water. The combination of copper and silver with 2 mg/l of chlorine was found to be more effective than 2mg/l of chlorine alone; a synergistic effect can therefore be hypothesized. The physical and chemical properties of drinking water, in particular its chlorine content, may have affected the water disinfection process when disinfecting agents were used in low concentrations. In conclusion, this study confirms the efficacy of shock hyperchlorination in the inactivation of Legionella pneumophila. However, the combination of free chlorine with metal (copper and silver) ions may represent a valid option for reducing the concentration of disinfectants to safer levels for human health and avoiding damage to water distribution systems especially in facilities such as hotels and hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pianetti
- Toxicological, Hygienic and Environmental Sciences Institute, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy.
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Pianetti A, Citterio B, Sabatini L, Pierfelici L, Colantoni P, Bruscolini F. Techniques for the recovery of enteric viruses from artificially contaminated marine sediments. Ig Sanita Pubbl 2007; 63:419-31. [PMID: 17912278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Viruses are an important component of aquatic microbial communities and marine sediments may represent an optimal means for their survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate different methods for virus recovery from marine sediments. Three methods were used for virus recovery from artificially contaminated sediments: elution and centrifugation technique, sonication technique, and mechanical disgregation followed by elution and centrifuge technique. The sonication technique obtained the highest virus recovery percentages (94,25%). Eluent 2 provided more efficient recovery of enteric viruses than eluent 1 presumably due to the presence, in eluent 2, of NANO3, a chaotropic agent that enhances the solubilization of hydrophobic compounds in water. Finally, the authors confirm the importance of searching for viruses in sediments, which protect them from inactivation by biological, chemical and physical factors and allow them to survive longer than in the overlaying water column.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pianetti
- Toxicological, Hygienic and Environmental Science Institute, Italy.
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Pianetti A, Bruscolini F, Rocchi MBL, Sabatini L, Citterio B. Influence of different concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorous on Aeromonas spp. growth. Ig Sanita Pubbl 2006; 62:609-22. [PMID: 17256017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
This paper evaluates the influence of nitrogen and phosphorous on the growth of Aeromonas previously isolated from irrigation water. Three strains respectively of three species of Aeromonas (A. hydrophila, A. caviae, A. sobria) (nine strains) were individually inoculated in a microcosm added with ammonium, nitrate and phosphate using different combinations (NH4-N + NO3-N and NH4-N + NO3-N + PO4-P) and concentrations (NH4-N: from 20 to 2500 microg l-1; NO3-N: from 200 to 22000 microg l-1; PO4-P: from 20 to 1200 microg l-1). A positive correlation was found between bacterial growth and NH4-N charge, but not a strict correlation with NO3-N. The addition of PO4-P at concentrations from 20 to 200 microg l-1 stimulated the bacterial growth; inversely, concentrations of 500 and 1200 microg l-1 were inhibitory. Ammonium, nitrate and phosphate influence in different way Aeromonas growth; so, their various concentrations can partially explain the different recovery of these bacteria from aquatic environments. There is discordance in literature about the influence of environmental parameters on Aeromonas growth in aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, this study contributes to a better understanding about interactions of some chemical parameters and Aeromonas growth, which are at the basis of the varied relationship described for environmental factors governing aeromonads densities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pianetti
- Toxicological, Hygienic and Environmental Sciences Institute, University of Urbino, Italy.
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Albertini MC, Accorsi A, Teodori L, Pierfelici L, Uguccioni F, Rocchi MBL, Burattini S, Citterio B. Use of multiparameter analysis for Vibrio alginolyticus viable but nonculturable state determination. Cytometry A 2006; 69:260-5. [PMID: 16528721 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.20263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vibrio alginolyticus is known to enter into a viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state in response to environmental conditions unfavorable to the growth. Cells in VBNC condition pose a public health threat because they are potentially pathogenic. METHODS We constructed a pathway for the identification of the most significant variables and the characterization of those variables able to discriminate the groups under investigation. Different parameters measured by the image processing software were chosen as the most representative of V. alginolyticus cell morphology (length index for dimension) and metabolic activity (density profile indexes). To detect relationships between the groups of treatment performed, we carried out a principal components analysis (PCA). RESULTS The PCA analysis indicated that increasing coccoid shape transformation was related to both metabolic and dimension variations, delineating a well defined graph profile. Indeed, we discovered that specific morphological variations occur when cells in the culturable state pass into VBNC condition, namely comma-shaped culturable bacteria are converted into coccoid-shaped VBNC cells. The results were also supported by scanning electron microscopy analysis. CONCLUSIONS This technique allows the analysis of a large number of vibrio samples in a short period of time. The obtained multiparameter information may complement genetic/molecular analyses facilitating, in an automatic fashion, further studies to evaluate the potential risk of this pathogen in the environment. It may also be a useful tool for large-scale cell biology studies and high content screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Albertini
- Istituto di Chimica Biologica G. Fornaini, Università degli Studi di Urbino, Via Saffi 2, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy.
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Baffone W, Casaroli A, Citterio B, Pierfelici L, Campana R, Vittoria E, Guaglianone E, Donelli G. Campylobacter jejuni loss of culturability in aqueous microcosms and ability to resuscitate in a mouse model. Int J Food Microbiol 2006; 107:83-91. [PMID: 16290304 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2005.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2003] [Revised: 05/30/2005] [Accepted: 08/07/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Water is known as one of the main transmission routes of Campylobacter and contributes to increase the number of sporadic infections and outbreaks. Campylobacter jejuni persists in the environment, especially in water, in a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) form that is thought to be a possible cause of water-borne outbreaks. In this study, we evaluated the loss of culturability and viability of 9 C. jejuni strains of clinical origin and one ATCC reference strain when kept at 4 degrees C in artificial sea water (ASW). Culturability was measured as colony-forming units while viability was evaluated by CTC-DAPI double staining and the combined CTC-specific fluorescent antibody technique (CTC-FA). When cultured on Columbia Agar plates, strains exhibited different growth profiles which allowed to classify them into three different groups. Both techniques used to monitor the viability of the bacterial cells showed that C. jejuni strains survived in the VBNC form in the microcosms through a period lasting from 138 to 152 days. The recovery of C. jejuni VBNC forms to culturability, as evidenced by cell division, was obtained by passage in the mouse intestine. Our results indicate that C. jejuni VBNC cells were able to remain in this state for a few months and regain their culturability after in vivo passage depending on their lasting in the VBNC state, which affects the number of respiring bacteria. In fact, the resuscitation was achieved when the number of respiring bacteria became higher than 10(4) cell/ml. Therefore, a relatively high microbial titer of respiring bacteria in the VBNC state seems to be important for the resuscitation and subsequent intestinal colonisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wally Baffone
- Istituto di Scienze Tossicologiche, Igienistiche ed Ambientali, Università di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Via S. Chiara 27, 61029 Urbino, Italy.
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Baffone W, Vittoria E, Campana R, Citterio B, Casaroli A, Pierfelici L. Occurrence and expression of virulence-related properties by environmental halophilic Vibrio spp. in in vitro and in vivo systems. Food Control 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2004.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Baffone W, Casaroli A, Campana R, Citterio B, Vittoria E, Pierfelici L, Donelli G. ‘In vivo’ studies on the pathophysiological mechanism of Vibrio parahaemolyticus TDH+—induced secretion. Microb Pathog 2005; 38:133-7. [PMID: 15748815 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2004.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2004] [Revised: 11/12/2004] [Accepted: 11/22/2004] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The thermostable direct haemolysin (TDH) is considered to be the major virulence factors of Vibrio parahaemolyticus; however, poor information is available about its mechanism of action. In our study we examined the capacity of two V. parahaemolyticus TDH-producers (strains 2067 and 3305) to induce fluid secretion in rat ileal loop and to reveal the role of calcium ions (Ca(2+)), calmodulin (CaM), and protein kinase C (PKC) in V. parahaemolyticus TDH(+)-induced fluid secretion. The results show that V. parahaemolyticus TDH(+) strains were able to induce secretion in small intestine; on the contrary, this ability was not evidenced in the V. parahaemolyticus TDH(-) strain used as negative control. The data suggest an enterotoxic activity of haemolysin. Calcium ionophore A23187 and 1-verapamil (calcium channel blocker), when injected alone, induced fluid accumulation in the control loops. A further increase in fluid accumulation (P<0.001) was noted when calcium ionophore was injected along with bacterial suspension of both TDH(+) strains and a significant decrease (P<0.001) in experimental loops when 1-verapamil was inoculated along with bacterial suspension. The other modulating agents increased fluid accumulation in both control and experimental loops, without significant differences with respect to the positive control. Our findings suggest that Ca(2+) appears to be an important messenger involved in the stimulation of intestinal secretion, contrary to PKC and calmodulin which do not appear to have any role.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Baffone
- Istituto di Scienze Tossicologiche, Igienistiche ed Ambientali, University of Urbino, via S. Chiara 27, 61029 Urbino, Italy.
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Citterio B, Casaroli A, Pierfelici L, Battistelli M, Falcieri E, Baffone W. Morphological changes and outer membrane protein patterns in Helicobacter pylori during conversion from bacillary to coccoid form. New Microbiol 2004; 27:353-60. [PMID: 15646049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Conversion from bacillary to fully coccoid form via an intermediate U-and V-shaped form has been described in prolonged cultures of H. pylori. This morphological transformation may be the expression of transitory adaptation to a particular environment and may play an important role in antibiotic resistance and the difficulty to eradicate the pathogen. The aim of this study was to evaluate morphological and outer membrane protein changes in H. pylori during ageing-induced conversion to coccoid morphology. We used two H. pylori strains (the reference NCTC 11639 and a fresh clinical isolate) cultivated in microaerophilic environment at 37 degrees C, monitoring their morphological and biochemical evolutions for 11 days. Microscopic examination revealed the passage from spiral to U- and V-shaped form after 5-8 days of incubation, the conversion to coccoid form and the entry into viable but non-culturable state (VBNC) between days 9 and 11. Protein pattern difference appeared at 97.4 to 45 and 30 kDa molecular weight. Biochemical tests demonstrated not only a modification of outer membrane protein profiles, but also an intra-specific variability by comparison between the two analysed strains. Our findings suggest that structural and outer membrane changes associated with coccoid transformation represent a typical response in H. pylori and may constitute a survival strategy in adverse environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Citterio
- Istituto di Scienze Tossicologiche Igienistiche ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Urbino, Urbino, Italy
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Citterio B, Patrone V, Baldelli B, Malatesta M. Adhesion of ectomycorrhizal bacteria to plant cells: an in vitro evidence. Eur J Histochem 2004; 48:185-90. [PMID: 15208089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study we have investigated, by combining microbial and microscopical techniques, the adhesion ability of bacteria present in Tuber borchii ectomycorrhizosphere. Our data demonstrate that a common pool of bacteria - Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Micrococcus and Moraxella - occurs in all ectomycorrhizal homogenates and that most of these bacteria are able to attach in vitro to plant cells.
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Baffone W, Citterio B, Vittoria E, Casaroli A, Campana R, Falzano L, Donelli G. Retention of virulence in viable but non-culturable halophilic Vibrio spp. Int J Food Microbiol 2003; 89:31-9. [PMID: 14580971 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-1605(03)00102-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The viable but non-culturable (VBNC) forms of two environmental strains of Vibrio alginolyticus 1 and Vibrio parahaemolyticus 66 and one strain of V. parahaemolyticus ATCC 43996 showing virulence characteristics (hemolysin production, adhesive and/or cytotoxic ability, in vivo enteropathogenicity) were obtained by culturing bacteria in a microcosm consisting of artificial sea water (ASW) and incubating at 5 degrees C with shaking. Every 2 days, culturability of the cells in the microcosm was monitored by spread plates on BHI agar and total count and the percentage of viable cells were determined by double staining with DAPI and CTC. When cell growth was not detectable (<0.1 CFU/ml), the population was considered non-culturable and, then, the VBNC forms were resuscitated in a murine model. For each strain, eight male Balb/C mice were intragastrically inoculated with 0.1 ml of concentrated ASW bacterial culture. Two mice from each group were sacrificed at 2, 4, 8, and 12 days after challenge for autopsy and re-isolation of the microorganisms from the intestinal tissue cultures. Isolation was obtained in 25% of the animals challenged with the VBNC V. alginolyticus strain, in 37.5% of those challenged with the VBNC V. parahaemolyticus strain of environmental origin and in 50% of the animals infected with VBNC V. parahaemolyticus ATCC 43996. The strains thus isolated were again subjected to biological assays to determine the retention of pathogenicity. The virulence characteristics that seemed to disappear after resuscitation in the mouse were subsequently reactivated by means of two consecutive passages of the strains in the rat ileal loop model. The results obtained indicate that VBNC forms of the strains examined can be resuscitated and retain their virulence properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Baffone
- Istituto di Scienze Tossicologiche, Igienistiche ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Urbino, Via Santa Chiara, 27, 61029 Urbino (PU), Rome, Italy.
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Albertini MC, Accorsi A, Citterio B, Burattini S, Piacentini MP, Uguccioni F, Piatti E. Morphological and biochemical modifications induced by a static magnetic field on Fusarium culmorum. Biochimie 2003; 85:963-70. [PMID: 14644551 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2003.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The effects of the exposure to a static magnetic field (sMF) of 0.3 +/- 0.03 T on the Fusarium culmorum were investigated in vitro. sMF inhibition of mycelia growth was accompanied by morphological and biochemical changes. Fungal conidia germination and cell viability were also reduced. We provide evidence of the influence of sMF on Ca(2+)-dependent signal transduction pathways involved in conidia germination. Perturbation of these pathways by adding different compounds (i.e. CaCl(2), phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, neomycin, EGTA, LiCl) to the medium, suggested that exposed conidia are unable to mobilise calcium from intracellular stores and that the hindered mechanism may be IP(3)-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Albertini
- Istituto di Chimica Biologica Giorgio Fornaini, Università degli Studi di Urbino, via Saffi 2, 6102, Urbino, Italy
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