Project description:The exchange of mobile genomic islands (MGIs) between microorganisms is often mediated by phages. As a consequence, not only phage genes are transferred, but also genes that have no particular function in the phage's lysogenic cycle. If they provide benefits to the phage's host, such genes are referred to as ‘morons’. The present study was aimed at characterizing a set of Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli isolates with exceptional antibiotic resistance phenotypes from patients in a neonatal ward. Unexpectedly, these analyses unveiled the existence of a novel family of closely related MGIs in Enterobacteriaceae. The respective MGI from E. cloacae was named MIR17-GI. Importantly, our observations show that MIR17-GI-like MGIs harbor genes associated with high-level resistance to cephalosporins. Further, we show that MIR17-GI-like islands are associated with integrated P4-like prophages. This implicates phages in the spread of cephalosporin resistance amongst Enterobacteriaceae. The discovery of a novel family of MGIs spreading ‘cephalosporinase morons’ is of high clinical relevance, because high-level cephalosporin resistance has serious implications for the treatment of patients with Enterobacteriaceal infections.
2018-08-21 | PXD007113 | Pride
Project description:Extended-spectrum cephalosporin resistant Escherichia coli isolated from raccoons
| PRJNA662117 | ENA
Project description:Extended spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli on dairy farms
| PRJNA491471 | ENA
Project description:Extended-spectrum cephalosporin resistant Escherichia coli isolated from domestic dogs
Project description:To demonstrate plasmid transferability by conjugation, cultures of the donor S. Infantis, and recipient Escherichia coli (E. coli) K12 were mated. S. Infantis and transconjugant were screened for resistance genes.
Project description:Production of cephalosporin precursors with recombinant strains of Penicillium chrysogenum has improved the economics and reduced the environmental impact of industrial cephalosporin production. The engineered P. chrysogenum strains used in these processes express heterologous enzymes that convert the intermediate acyl-6-aminopenicillanic acid into different tailor-made compounds. Activation of the cephalosporin side-chain precursor to its corresponding CoA thioester is an essential step for its incorporation into the β-lactam backbone. To identify the acyl-CoA ligase involved in activation of adipic acid, a frequently used cephalosporin side-chain precursor, we searched the genome of P.chrysogenum for putative structural genes encoding acyl-CoA ligases. Chemostat-based transcriptome analysis was then used to identify the one presenting the highest expression level when cells were grown in the presence of adipic acid. Deletion of the gene renamed aclA, led to a 32% decreased specific rate of adipic acid consumption and a three-fold reduction of adipoyl-6-aminopenicillanic acid levels in chemostat cultures of P. chrysogenum, but did not affect penicillin production. After cloning the gene and overexpressing it in Escherichia coli, its purified protein product was shown to have adipoyl-CoA ligase, but no phenylacetyl-CoA ligtase activity. Finally, by fusing the gene to a sequence encoding cyan fluorescent protein, the resulting fusion protein localized to microbodies, which indicates that activation of the side-chain precursor adipic acid takes place in this compartment, where also the subsequent acyltransferase step takes place. Identification and functional characterization of this adipoyl-CoA ligtase gene may aid in developing future metabolic engineering strategies for improving the production of different cephalosporins.
Project description:Primary objectives: The study investigates whether a Escherichia coli Nissle-suspenison has a (preventive) antidiarrheal effect in patients with tumors who are treated with chemotherapeutic schemes which are associated with increased occurances of diarrhea. Diarrhea caused by treatment are thought to be reduced in intensity and/or frequency by the treatment with Escherichia coli Nissle-Suspension.
Primary endpoints: Common toxicity criteria (CTC) for diarrhea
| 2534265 | ecrin-mdr-crc
Project description:Cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli from dog feces
Project description:The emergence of colistin resistance in carbapenem-resistant and extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria is a significant threat to human health, and new treatment strategies are urgently required. Here we investigated the ability of the safe-for-human use ionophore PBT2 to restore antibiotic sensitivity in several polymyxin-resistant, ESBL-producing, carbapenem resistant Gram-negative human pathogens. PBT2 was observed to resensitize Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to last-resort polymyxin class antibiotics, including a ‘next generation’ polymyxin derivative, FADDI-287. To gain additional insight into the potential mechanism of action of PBT2, we analyzed the transcriptome of K. pneumoniae and E. coli in the presence of sub-inhibitory concentrations of PBT2. Treatment with PBT2 was associated with multiple stress responses in both K. pneumoniae and E. coli. Significant changes in the transcription of transition metal ion homeostasis genes were observed in both strains.