Dietary supplementation of Bacillus subtilis influenced intestinal health of weaned pigs experimentally infected with a pathogenic E. coli

Background: There is growing evidence to support the beneficial effects of supplementing direct-fed microbials(DFM) on performance, health status, and immune responses of weaned pigs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate dietary supplementation of Bacillus subtilis(DSM 25841) on growth performance, diarrhea, gut permeability and immunity of weaned pigs experimentally infected with a pathogenic F-18 Escherichia coli(E. coli).Results: The F18 E. coli infection reduced(P < 0.05) growth performance and intestinal villi height, whereas increased(P < 0.05) diarrhea and transcellular and paracellular permeability in the jejunum compared with non-challenged control. Supplementation of Bacillus subtilis linearly enhanced average daily gain of E. coli infected pigs from d 0 to 5 post-inoculation(PI)(P < 0.05) and d 0 to 11 PI(P = 0.058). Supplementation of high dose of Bacillus subtilis reduced(P < 0.05) both transcellular and paracellular permeability on d 5 and d11 PI compared with the E. coli infected pigs fed with control diet. E. coli infection up-regulated(P < 0.05)the m RNA expression of SLC5 A10(soluble carrier family 5 member 10) and MUC2(mucin 2) on d 5 PI, but down-regulated(P < 0.05) expression of SLC5 A10, MUC2, and CLDN1 on d 11 PI in jejunal mucosa when pigs were fed with the control diet. Supplementation of Bacillus subtilis linearly up-regulated(P < 0.05) the m RNA expression of CFTR and ZO1 on d 5 PI and SLC5 A10 and MUC2 on d 11 PI in jejunal mucosa of E. coli infected pigs. In addition, E. coli infection increased(P < 0.05) the m RNA expression of several immune genes(IL1 A, IL1 B, and IL7 on d 5 PI, and IL1 B, IL6, IL7, and TNF on d 11 PI) in the ileal mucosa of weaned pigs. Inclusion of Bacillus subtilis to control diet linearly down-regulated gene expression of IL1 A on d 5 PI(P = 0.07) and IL6 on d 11 PI(P < 0.05) in ileal mucosa of E. coli infected pigs.Conclusions: Supplementation of Bacillus subtilis(DSM 25841) enhanced growth rate and improved gut barrier function of weaned pigs experimentally infected with a pathogenic E. coli.

The virulence regulator AbsR in avian pathogenic Escherichia coli has pleiotropic effects on bacterial physiology

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli(APEC)belonging to extraintestinal pathogenic E.coli(ExPEC)can cause severe infections in extraintestinal tissues in birds and humans,such as the lungs and blood.MprA(microcin production regulation,locus A,herein renamed AbsR,a blood survival regulator),a member of the MarR(multiple antibiotic resistance regulator)transcriptional regulator family,governs the expression of capsule biosynthetic genes in human ExPEC and represents a promising druggable target for antimicrobials.However,a deep understanding of the AbsR regulatory mechanism as well as its regulon is lacking.In this study,we present a systems-level analysis of the APEC AbsR regulon using ChIP-Seq(chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing)and RNA-Seq(RNA sequencing)methods.We found that AbsR directly regulates 99 genes and indirectly regulates 667 genes.Furthermore,we showed that:1)AbsR contributes to antiphagocytotic effects by macrophages and virulence in a mouse model for systemic infection by directly activating the capsular gene cluster;2)AbsR positively impacts biofilm formation via direct regulation of the T2SS(type II secretion system)but plays a marginal role in virulence;and 3)AbsR directly upregulates the acid tolerance signaling system EvgAS to withstand acid stress but is dispensable in ExPEC virulence.Finally,our data indicate that the role of AbsR in virulence gene regulation is relatively conserved in ExPEC strains.Altogether,this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the AbsR regulon and regulatory mechanism,and our data suggest that AbsR likely influences virulence primarily through the control of capsule production.Interestingly,we found that AbsR severely represses the expression of the type I-F CRISPR(clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-Cas(CRISPR associated)systems,which could have implications in CRISPR biology and application.

Impact of an oligosaccharide-based polymer on the metabolic profiles and microbial ecology of weanling pigs experimentally infected with a pathogenic E.coli

Background Our previous study has reported that supplementation of oligosaccharide-based polymer enhances gut health and disease resistance of pigs infected with enterotoxigenic E.coli(ETEC)F18 in a manner similar to carbadox.The objective of this study was to investigate the impacts of oligosaccharide-based polymer or antibiotic on the host metabolic profiles and colon microbiota of weaned pigs experimentally infected with ETEC F18.Results Multivariate analysis highlighted the differences in the metabolic profiles of serum and colon digesta which were predominantly found between pigs supplemented with oligosaccharide-based polymer and antibiotic.The relative abundance of metabolic markers of immune responses and nutrient metabolisms,such as amino acids and carbohydrates,were significantly differentiated between the oligosaccharide-based polymer and antibiotic groups(q<0.2 and fold change>2.0).In addition,pigs in antibiotic had a reduced(P<0.05)relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Lactobacillaceae,whereas had greater(P<0.05)Clostridiaceae and Streptococcaceae in the colon digesta on d 11 post-inoculation(PI)compared with d 5 PI.Conclusions The impact of oligosaccharide-based polymer on the metabolic and microbial profiles of pigs is not fully understood,and further exploration is needed.However,current research suggest that various mechanisms are involved in the enhanced disease resistance and performance in ETEC-challenged pigs by supplementing this polymer.

重组体pET-28a-alkB/E.coli降解页岩油泥石油烃的功能研究

为了降解页岩油泥中的石油烃,构建基因工程菌,表达石油烃降解关键酶以提高油泥的降解效果。以Pseudomonas qingdaonensis基因组为模板扩增alkB基因,连接至载体pET-28a,转化至E.coli BL21(DE3)中,SDS-PAGE和Western-blot鉴定表达的外源蛋白。pET-28a-alkB/E.coli处理原油和页岩油泥,采用气相色谱法评估降解效果。发现alkB基因在大肠杆菌中能表达外源蛋白,且14 d原油及页岩油泥的降解率分别为47.5%和47.1%,表明重组体pET-28a-alkB/E.coli具备降解页岩油泥石油烃的功能。

Exploring the modulatory role of bovine lactoferrin on the microbiome and the immune response in healthy and Shiga toxin‑producing E.coli challenged weaned piglets

Background Post-weaned piglets suffer from F18+Escherichia coli(E.coli)infections resulting in post-weaning diar-rhoea or oedema disease.Frequently used management strategies,including colistin and zinc oxide,have contrib-uted to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.Novel antimicrobials capable of directly interacting with pathogens and modulating the host immune responses are being investigated.Lactoferrin has shown promising results against porcine enterotoxigenic E.coli strains,both in vitro and in vivo.Results We investigated the influence of bovine lactoferrin(bLF)on the microbiome of healthy and infected weaned piglets.Additionally,we assessed whether bLF influenced the immune responses upon Shiga toxin-producing E.coli(STEC)infection.Therefore,2 in vivo trials were conducted:a microbiome trial and a challenge infection trial,using an F18+STEC strain.BLF did not affect theα-andβ-diversity.However,bLF groups showed a higher relative abundance(RA)for the Actinobacteria phylum and the Bifidobacterium genus in the ileal mucosa.When analysing the immune response upon infection,the STEC group exhibited a significant increase in F18-specific IgG serum levels,whereas this response was absent in the bLF group.Conclusion Taken together,the oral administration of bLF did not have a notable impact on theα-andβ-diversity of the gut microbiome in weaned piglets.Nevertheless,it did increase the RA of the Actinobacteria phylum and Bifi-dobacterium genus,which have previously been shown to play an important role in maintaining gut homeostasis.Furthermore,bLF administration during STEC infection resulted in the absence of F18-specific serum IgG responses.

Characteristics of β-Lactamase Synthesis in E. coli and K. pneumanie Strains in Nosocomial Infections

Background: Recently micro-organisms that synthesize extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBLs) were increased. The peculiarities of ESBL synthesis of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains that cause nosocomial urinary tract infections, surgical site infections and pneumonia in surgical clinic were studied. ESBL synthesis were observed 38.9% of E. coli strains obtained from urine, 92.3% of strains obtained from surgical site infections, and 50% of strains obtained from sputum. ESBL synthesis were observed 37.5% of K. pneumoniae strains obtained from urine, 85.7% of strains obtained from surgical site infections, and 60% of strains obtained from sputum. Different levels of ESBL synthesize of E. coli and K. pneumoniae strains isolated from different pattern is discussed. Conclusion. ESBL synthesis is common in E. coli and K. pneumoniae strains, which cause nosocomial infections. The frequency of occurrence of ESBL s synthesis among of these strains depends on clinical forms of nosocomial infections.

E.coli HPI通过NLRP3/caspase-1信号通路诱导细胞焦亡而促进肠道炎症

目的:探究大肠埃希菌(Escherichia coli,E.coli)强毒力岛(high-pathogenicity island,HPI)对细胞焦亡及肠道炎症的影响。方法:用含HPI的E.coli株(HPI+)、HPI缺失的E.coli株(△HPI)和脂多糖(lipopolysaccharide,LPS)分别处理昆明小鼠和IPEC-J2细胞(猪小肠上皮细胞)。测定小鼠肠道乳酸脱氢酶(lactate dehydrogenase,LDH)活性、超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase,SOD)活性、IgA表达和分泌性IgA(secretory IgA,SIgA)含量;HE和TUNEL染色观察肠道损伤;RT-qPCR、免疫组织化学染色和Western blot检测小鼠肠组织和IPEC-J2细胞中核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域样受体蛋白3(nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3,NLRP3)/caspase-1信号通路关键调控点的表达;ELISA检测小鼠血清和IPEC-J2细胞培养上清液中白细胞介素1β(interleukin-1β,IL-1β)和IL-18含量;共聚焦显微镜观察NLRP3与caspase-1的共定位。siRNA沉默IPEC-J2细胞的NLRP3,验证NLRP3在E.coli HPI感染中的关键调控功能。结果:相对于△HPI感染,E.coli HPI显著降低小鼠肠道SOD活性,增加IgA+B细胞,并促进LDH的释放和SIgA的分泌;ELISA、HE染色和TUNEL染色结果显示,E.coli HPI促进了小鼠肠道上皮细胞DNA断裂、组织损伤和炎症;Western blot结果显示,相对于△HPI,E.coli HPI感染使得小鼠肠道消皮素D的N端片段(gasdermin D N-terminal fragment,GSDMD-N)蛋白水平显著升高;RT-qPCR和免疫组织化学染色结果显示,E.coli HPI显著促进了小鼠肠道和IPEC-J2细胞中NLRP3、含caspase募集结构域的凋亡相关斑点样蛋白(apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain,ASC)、caspase-1、GSDMD、IL-1β和IL-18的mRNA和蛋白表达,IL-1β和IL-18分泌增加;共聚焦显微镜观察发现,相对于△HPI感染,E.coli HPI显著促进了NLRP3炎症小体的组装,使得NLRP3与caspase-1发生共定位;此外,在NLRP3沉默的IPEC-J2细胞中观察到E.coli HPI诱导的细胞炎症、细胞损伤及NLRP3/caspase-1信号通路的激活被缓解。结论:HPI的存在增强了E.coli的毒力水平,促进肠道炎症;NLRP3/caspase-1信号通路调控的细胞焦亡参与了E.coli HPI诱导的肠道损伤。

The Transport and Persistence of Escherichia coli in Leachate from Poultry Litter Amended Soils

Fecal coliform bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) are one of the main sources of groundwater pollution. An assessment of the transport and Persistence of E. coli in poultry litter amended Decatur silty Clay soil and Hartsells Sandy soil was conducted using soil columns and simulated groundwater leaching. Enumeration of initial E. coli was determined to range from 2.851 × 103 to 3.044 × 103 CFU per gram of soil. These results have been used in a batch study to determine the persistence rate of E. coli in Decatur silty Clay soil and Hartsells Sandy soil. Results prove that E. coli survival growth rate increases for clay soil later than and at a higher rate than sandy soil. The column study has determined that E. coli was transported at a rate of 3.7 × 106 CFU for Decatur silty loam and 6.3 × 106 CFU for Hartsells sandy per gram of soil. Further, linear regression analysis predictions show higher porosity and soil moisture content affect transport, and Hartsells sandy soil has higher transport of E. coli due to its higher porosity and lower volumetric water content.

Growth Inhibition of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis from Various Types of Honey

Honey has long been considered a wound treatment used to keep cuts and other epidermal injuries clean. This study tested that claim by comparing manuka honey used in medicine today, local unprocessed honey taken straight from a hive, and pasteurized honey found at a store, on strains of E. coli and S. epidermidis. The study evaluated the effects these honeys had on bacterial growth to determine which had the greatest inhibition of bacterial growth. To determine this, plates streaked with strains of E. coli or S. epidermidis bacteria and agar wells filled with one of the honeys were incubated and subsequently the diameter of the zone of inhibition was measured. After 20 trials using each honey and bacteria type, manuka and unprocessed were shown to have a statistically significant advantage over the pasteurized honey at inhibiting the growth of E. coli and S. epidermidis, though it was variable whether manuka had an advantage over the unprocessed honey.

Evaluating the Potential of Nitrofurantoin and Fosfomycin for E.coli UTIs: A Susceptibility Study

This study was designed to find the susceptibility of Nitrofurantoin and Fosfomycin among urinary isolates of Escherichia.coli.Four hundred(400)urine samples were collected for susceptibility of nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin among urinary isolates of E.coli.All indoor and outdoor patients'urinary samples yielded growth of E.coli.Mid-stream urine specimens were inoculated on blood agar and CLED agar and incubated at 35±2°C.Growth was observed,and Escherichia coli was identified by Gram staining,Catalase,Motility test and API 20E(Bio murex)as per standard procedure.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolates for nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin was carried out by the modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines ATCC 25922.E.coli was used as a quality control strain.A total of 400 samples were tested susceptibility of nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin among urinary isolates of E.coli during this period.A total of 400 samples yielded the growth of E.coli,out of which 178(44.5%)were male and 222(55.5%)were female samples.Among males,18(10%)were tolerant to nitrofurantoin,and 2(1.1%)were tolerant to fosfomycin.Among females,9(4.09%)were susceptible to nitrofurantoin while 6(2.72%)were susceptible to fosfomycin.Among age groups below 45 years old,6(4.76%)were tolerant to nitrofurantoin,and 2(1.58%)were sensitive to fosfomycin.Between 46-66 years old,4(2.81%)were sensitive to nitrofurantoin,and 3(2.11%)were sensitive to fosfomycin.Between 67-90 years old,17(12.87%)were sensitive to nitrofurantoin,and 4(3.03%)were tolerant to fosfomycin.Fosfomycin and nitrofurantoin showed good susceptibility in urinary isolates of E.coli and can be used empirically in our setup.

E.coli O78和LAB对牦牛肠道上皮细胞MAPK/Zonulin通路的影响

为探究牦牛致病性大肠杆菌(E.coli O78)和乳酸杆菌(LAB)对牦牛肠道上皮屏障MAPK/Zonulin通路的影响作用,采用牦牛上皮细胞作为实验模型,Transwell构建单层上皮细胞屏障,设立阴性对照组(Control组)、阳性对照组(Model组,加入1×10^(5)CFU E.coli O78)、低剂量组乳酸杆菌组(LLAB组,加入1×10^(5)CFU E.coli O78和1×10^(5)CFU LAB)、高剂量乳酸杆菌组(HLAB组,加入加入1×10^(5)CFU E.coli O78和1×10^(7)CFU LAB),采用RT-qPCR和Western-blot技术测定各组P38、ERK、JNK、Zonulin的基因和蛋白表达水平。结果:与Control组相比,Model组的P38、ERK、JNK、Zonulin的基因表达水平极显著上升(P<0.01),而其蛋白表达水平呈现显著上升的趋势(P<0.05);与Model组相比,LLAB组P38的基因表达水平极显著下降(P<0.01),ERK、JNK、Zonulin的基因表达水平表现显著下降的趋势(P<0.05),P38、ERK、Zonulin的蛋白表达水平则呈现极显著下降的趋势(P<0.01),JNK的蛋白表达水平表现为显著下降(P<0.05);与Model组相比,HALB组P38、ERK、JNK的基因的表达水平表现为显著下降(P<0.05),Zonulin的基因表达水平表现为极显著下降(P<0.01),P38、ERK、JNK、Zonulin的蛋白表达水平呈现极显著下降的趋势(P<0.01)。结论:E.coli O78可通过上调MAPK通路关键基因P38、ERK、JNK的基因表达水平,同时上调Zonulin蛋白使肠道屏障受损;LAB可以减轻E.coli O78引起的肠道屏障受损,这一作用是通过下调MAPK通路关键基因P38、ERK、JNK的基因表达水平,同时下调Zonulin蛋白表达水平来实现的。

Development of a Multivalent Inactivated Vaccine against Pathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in Forest Musk Deer

A multivalent inactivated Escherichia coli vaccine for forest musk deer by using serotypes O4,O26,and O139 with Al（OH）3 adjuvant was prepared.The vaccine did not cause any adverse reactions in forest musk deer.The immunogenic effects of the vaccine were experimentally investigated in pregnant and young forest musk deer.The serum antibody titers of pregnant and young forest musk deer were determined by performing the micro-agglutination test.The serum antibody titers of pregnant forest musk deer were more stable from 35th to 68th d after the third vaccination,and the serum antibody titers of four pregnant forest musk deer were maintained 25,25,25,and 24 on 68th d after the third vaccination.Young forest musk deer showed serum antibody titers which were obtained due to nursing.Young forest musk deer were administered the first intramuscular vaccine injection at an age of approximately 60 days due to a fall in maternal antibody titers.The serum antibody titers of young forest musk deer were higher after the third vaccination and maintained at approximately the same level until they were 137 days old.The maternal antibodies and the antibodies produced by young forest musk deer could be helpful for protecting the young musk deer from the infections of pathogenic Escherichia coli strains（serotypes O4,O26,and O139）for 137 days after birth（during the nursing period and the period when the forest musk deer were susceptible to diseases）.

Isolation and Identification of a Pathogenic E.coli Strain Causing Diarrhea in Foxes

[Objectives] The study aimed to identify the pathogenic E. coli strain that caused diarrhea in foxes and to analyze its drug sensitivity.[Methods] A pathogenic E. coli strain was isolated from dead foxes with diarrhea. By conventional bacterial isolation and culture, morphological observation, pathogenicity test and K-B disc method, the isolated strain was identified as pathogenic E. coli .[Results] The isolated pathogen was highly sensitive to ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin and lincomycin, moderately sensitive to enrofloxacin, neomycin, gentamycin, spectinomycin, florfenicol, amikacin and polymyxin, and resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin and doxycycline.[Conclusions] This study provided reference for the prevention and control of diarrheal diseases in foxes in Qinhuangdao region.

Detection of High Pathogenicity Island(HPI) in Pathogenic Escherichia coli of Mink by PCR

[Objective] The paper was to analyze the carrying status of high pathogenicity island （HPI） in pathogenic Escherichia coli of mink. [Method] Eight strains of E. coli were isolated from dead mink, and conducted pathogenicity test of artificial infection. The carrying status of HPI （irp2, fyuA） was detected by PCR. [Result] Eight strains of E. coli were pathogenic E. coli, and the carrying rate of HPI （irp2, fyuA） was 100%, positively correlated with the pathogenicity. [Conclusion] The results lay a foundation for further exploring the pathogenic mechanism of E. coli..

禽致病性大肠杆菌HlyE蛋白的免疫原性研究

为评估禽致病性大肠杆菌(APEC)溶血素HlyE蛋白的免疫原性,本研究对APEC溶血素HlyE蛋白进行原核表达和纯化,并对表达的重组蛋白进行SDS-PAGE和western blot分析,将纯化蛋白利用透析袋在4℃透析后,利用血琼脂平板对其溶血活性进行检测。SDS-PAGE和western blot结果显示,表达并纯化到分子量约为36 ku的重组HlyE蛋白(rHlyE),经ND-2000超微量核酸蛋白测定仪测定纯化后蛋白浓度为0.65 mg/mL;溶血活性检测结果显示,rHlyE具有溶血活性。以透析后的rHlyE作为抗原,按照50μg/只的剂量免疫小鼠,对照组于相同时间点注射等量PBS,共免疫3次间隔14 d,并于首免后不同时间采血,采用间接ELISA方法检测两组小鼠血清特异性抗体水平,并于三免后18 d以2 LD_(50)的APEC菌液攻毒小鼠,观察7 d内小鼠的死亡情况;于首免后28 d剖杀各组小鼠取其脾脏制备脾淋巴细胞,采用流式细胞术分别检测CD3^(+)、CD4^(+)、CD8^(+)T淋巴细胞亚型比率,对rHlyE的免疫原性进行评估。间接ELISA检测结果显示,该蛋白能够诱导机体产生体液免疫应答,分泌高表达量的IgG抗体,抗体水平于三免后15 d达到最高水平。rHlyE免疫攻毒保护试验结果显示,免疫组小鼠基本无明显临床症状,7 d内存活率达80%;而对照组小鼠表现明显临床症状,于攻毒后3 d内全部死亡。流式细胞术结果显示,与对照组相比,免疫组小鼠的CD3^(+)、CD4^(+)和CD8^(+)T淋巴细胞亚型比率均升高。上述结果表明,rHlyE在大肠杆菌BL21中为部分可溶性表达,将其免疫小鼠后可诱导小鼠产生较高水平的体液免疫应答,并且可对小鼠产生较好的免疫保护效果。本研究明确了APEC HlyE蛋白的免疫原性,为APEC免疫保护蛋白的筛选以及疫苗研发提供了借鉴与参考。

Distribution of Virulence-Associated Genes of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli Isolates in China

216 avian pathogenic Escherichia coli （APEC） isolates were obtained from poultry with colibacillosis in different areas of China. Among them, 195 were serotyped as 078, 088, and 093. Thirteen virulence-associated genes, including fimC, iucD, iss, tsh, fyuA, irp2, eaeA, hlyE, colV, papC, stx2f, vat, and astA, were submitted to PCR amplification. The fimC gene was the most prevalent with a detection rate of 93.6%, followed by iucD （70.8%）, iss （58.8%）, and tsh （51.4%） in APEC isolates. The detection rate of high pathogenicity islands （HPI）-associatedfyuA and irp2 genes were both 44.9%, with no LEE （the locus of enterocyte effacement） island-associated gene eaeA detected. In terms of distribution patterns of the 13 virulence-associated genes, 5 isolates harborbed 10 genes, 19 isolates contained onlyfimC gene, and only 4 isolates had no virulence-associated gene detected. Different correlations of the virulence-associated genes with O serotypes were also investigated and 50% 078 isolates had a gene distribution patterns of fimC^＋iucD^＋irp2^＋fyuA^＋iss^＋colV^＋tsh^＋.

Solar photocatalytic pathogenic disinfection:Fundamentals to state-of-the-art

It is necessary to treat pathogen-infected water before its utilisation.Of conventionally used treatment methods,solar photocatalysis has gained considerable momentum owing to its operational simplicity and capacity to use freely and abundantly available solar energy.This article systematically reviewed the disinfection of water with photocatalysis.It addressed the concerns of microbial infection of water and the fundamentals behind its treatment with photocatalysis.It presented an in-depth description of pathogenic deactivation with powerful reactive oxygen species.Special emphasis was given to process intensification as it is an attractive technique that provides multifunctionality and/or equipment miniaturisation.Solar reactor design regarding mobilised/immobilised photocatalysts and compound parabolic concentrators were elucidated.Finally,key parameters governing photoperformance,corresponding trade-offs,and the need for their optimisation were discussed.Overall,this article is a single point of reference for researchers,environmentalists,and industrialists who address the ever-severing challenge of providing clean water whilst also maintaining energy sustainability.

撒坝猪源E.coli高致病性毒力岛通过NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1途径诱导IPEC-J2细胞焦亡

旨在研究撒坝猪源E.coli高致病性毒力岛(highly pathogenic virulence island,HPI)诱导IPEC-J2细胞焦亡的机制,本研究以LPS+ATP为阳性对照,将实验室前期筛选的E.coli HPI及通过CRISPR/Cas9基因敲除技术构建完成的E.coliΔHPI感染IPEC-J2细胞,观察细胞损伤情况;RT-qPCR测定各组作用0.5、3、6、9、12 h后细胞内焦亡通路中关键因子NOD样受体家族热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3,NLRP3)、凋亡相关斑点样蛋白(apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD,ASC)、胱天蛋白酶-1(caspase-1)、消皮素D(gasderminD,GSDMD)及炎性因子白介素-18(IL-18)、白介素-1β(IL-1β)的mRNA转录水平;激光共聚焦观察NLRP3/Caspase-1炎性复合体组装及表达情况;Western blot测定GSDMD及其活化形式GSDMD-N蛋白表达水平,PI染色检测胞膜完整性。结果表明:LPS+ATP处理显著促进细胞焦亡的发生,阴性对照组细胞正常生长、轮廓清晰,E.coli感染组及LPS+ATP组细胞出现变形、脱落、边界模糊等明显细胞病变效应(cytopathic effect,CPE),且HE染色显示,E.coliHPI感染相较于E.coliΔHPI感染对细胞的损伤更严重;E.coli HPI组中的焦亡通路关键因子及炎性因子mRNA水平在3~9 h均显著(P<0.05)或极显著(P<0.01)高于E.coliΔHPI组;NLRP3/Caspase-1炎性复合体在细胞质中发生组装,且E.coli HPI组NLRP3/Caspase-1蛋白荧光强度、GSDMD、GSDMD-N蛋白表达水平及PI染色阳性率均极显著(P<0.01)高于E.coliΔHPI组;E.coli HPI组的CPE、HE染色、焦亡通路关键因子及炎性因子mRNA水平、GSDMD及GSDMD-N蛋白表达量、NLRP3/Caspase-1共定位情况均与LPS+ATP组相似。结果提示,撒坝猪源E.coliHPI通过上调NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1信号通路中关键因子mRNA水平,诱导NLRP3/Caspase-1炎性复合体的组装,促进焦亡标志蛋白GSDMD及GSDMD-N的表达,并对IPEC-J2细胞膜进行打孔,从而诱导细胞发生焦亡。

Evidence and Potential Antibacterial Mechanism of Chinese Traditional Medicine Compounds for the Development of E. coli

Astragalus membranaceus (huangqi), Allium sativum (garlic), Cinnamomum cassia (cinnamon), and Dolichos lablab L. (white hyacinth bean) are the traditional Chinese herbs that were used in prescriptions in treating diarrhea caused by bacterial infection. These herbs are relatively safe for use and investigation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Astragalus membranaceus, Allium sativum, Cinnamomum cassia, and Dolichos lablab L. on the metabolism of Escherichia coli (E. coli). The growth rate of E. coli was monitored under the influence of each herb, revealing that Astragalus membranaceus and Allium sativum exhibited significant antibacterial activity, whereas Cinnamomum cassia and Dolichos lablab L. demonstrated moderate inhibitory effects on E. coli growth. Further inhibition zone testing allowed for the evaluation of each herb’s potency and the number of generations required for E. coli to develop resistance. Additionally, the impact of the four herbs on the expression of outer membrane protein A (OmpA) in E. coli was examined by using qPCR. The findings revealed that Astragalus membranaceus acted as a sustainable bactericide by inhibiting the growth and metabolism of E. coli MG1655 through the suppression of OmpA expression. These results suggest that Astragalus membranaceus has potential as a natural antimicrobial agent for treating E. coli infections.

Diarrheic Escherichia coli: A Predominant Etiological Agent of Gastroenteritis, a Case Study in Douala, Cameroon

Context: Gastroenteritis remains an infectious disease with high morbidity and mortality particularly in low incomes countries, where the capacity to search all etiological agents, especially pathogenic Escherichia coli, is very limited. We investigated the contribution of pathogenic Escherichia coli and their antibiotic resistance profiles in cases of gastroenteritis. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on human stool samples from October 2021 to June 2022 at Laquintinie Hospital. Samples were received from patients of all age groups and screened for bacteriological and parasitological identification by microscopy, bacterial culture, biochemical identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Results: A total of 296 patients with gastroenteritis complaints, were enrolled in the study with ages ranging from 5 months to 90 years old (Median = 35.5;SD = 20.8). Among the samples analyzed, 1.7% (n = 5/296) were positive for parasites and 27% (n = 80/296) were positive for bacterial pathogens. Parasites were found in mono parasitism, mainly Entamoeba histolytica (60%;n = 3/5), followed by Trichomonas intestinalis (20%;n = 1/5), and Giardia intestinalis (20%;n = 1/5). Three species of bacterial pathogens were identified with no co-infection: diarrheic Escherichia coli (DEC), Salmonella sp, and Shigella sp with respective proportions of 90% (n = 72/80), 6.3% (n = 5/80), and 3.7% (n = 3/80). For antibiotic resistance profiles (ARPs) of the 72 isolates of DEC, high levels of resistance were observed globally with amoxicillin (93.1%;n = 67/72), followed by ciprofloxacin (75%;n = 54/72), and to trimethoprim + sulfamethazole (73.6%;n = 53/72). In contrast, DEC showed low resistance rates with nitrofurans (6.9%;n = 5/72) and imipenem (2.8%;n = 2/72). The strains had 56 distinct ARPs, of which 88.9% (n = 64/72) were MDR. Salmonella sp and Shigella sp showed high levels of resistance to amoxicillin and trimethoprim + sulfamethazole. Conclusion: These results emphasize the need to consider DEC as the main cause of consultation in cases of gastroenteritis and reiterate the urgent need to rationalize antibiotic use in Cameroon.