Browsing tag: virulence genes

TRYPSIN-ACTIVATED PARASPORAL PROTEINS FROM NATIVE BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS ISOLATES REDUCE STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS VIRULENCE AND BIOFILM FORMATION IN VITRO


Talat A. El-kersh, Nada F. Almebairik, Hazem K. Ghneim, Abdullah A. Alyousef, Yazeed A. Al-Sheikh and Mourad A. M. Aboul-Soud

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Abstract: Antibiotics are pivotal for treating Staphylococcus aureus infections, but overuse has led to multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains, necessitating alternative strategies. Targeting virulence factors, rather than bacterial survival, offers a promising approach to combat resistance. This study evaluated the in vitro effects of native, non-insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) parasporal crystal proteins (PCPs), in protoxin (PT) and trypsin-activated (AT) forms, on S. aureus virulence gene expression and biofilm formation. Fourteen Bt PCPs were isolated and prepared as PT and AT forms. Their impact was assessed using LacZ promoter fusion assays for hla (alpha-hemolysin), spa (protein A), and RNAIII (a key virulence regulator), supplemented by quantitative β-galactosidase assays. Biofilm formation was quantified and normalized to planktonic growth (Normalized Biofilm Index, NBI) to distinguish specific antibiofilm activity from growth inhibition. AT-PCPs from Bt strains M11, M78, M91, M154t1, and A11 significantly downregulated hla, spa, and RNAIII expression (log₂ fold changes up to –4.88, p < 0.001) and reduced biofilm formation (NBI reduction up to 57%, p < 0.001). AT proteins exhibited no hemolytic activity and had MIC values >100 μg/mL, confirming antivirulence effects at sub-inhibitory concentrations. PCR screening revealed the absence of cyt1 genes in four of five active isolates, supporting Cry-mediated targeting. These in vitro findings suggest that trypsin-activated PCPs can disrupt critical virulence pathways in S. aureus. Trypsin-activated Bt PCPs attenuate virulence and biofilm formation in S. aureus in vitro, highlighting their potential as leads for novel antivirulence strategies. These proteins show potential as candidates for standalone or adjuvant strategies alongside conventional antibiotics in the fight against MDR infections, pending further validation. Further research is needed to elucidate their mechanisms, assess their efficacy in vivo, and evaluate enzymatic activation by host-derived proteases. These in vitro results highlight the potential of Bt-derived PCPs as novel virulence-targeting leads, though further research is needed to identify the active component(s), elucidate mechanisms, and evaluate efficacy in vivo.

DETECTION OF VIRULENCE GENES AND ABC GENOTYPES IN CANDIDA ALBICANS ISOLATES FROM CANDIDEMIA PATIENTS


Burak Pural, Sevda Ozel Yildiz, Gonca Erkose Genc

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Abstract: Candidemia is the most common form of invasive fungal infection, and is associated with high mortality rates particularly in intensive care patients. In this study, 50 C. albicans strains isolated from blood samples were genotyped by 25S intron analysis, and the presence of virulence genes was investigated by PCR. Genotyping revealed that 28 isolates (56%) were genotype A, 14 (28%) genotype B, and eight (16%) genotype C. The SAP1 gene was detected in 96% of isolates, SAP2 and SAP4 in 98%, ALS1 and HWP1 in 92%, and PLB1 in 94%. A comprehensive understanding of Candida virulence factors, particularly in C. albicans which is the most prevalent Candida species acting as both a commensal organism and an opportunistic pathogen, is essential for improving diagnostic methods, and guiding the design of novel antifungal agents targeting virulence mechanisms.