甘草提取物对Staphylococcus aureus的抑菌活性及作用机理

食源性病菌为食品安全带来了巨大挑战,甘草提取物作为食品添加剂对金黄色葡萄球菌(Staphylococcus aureus)具有良好的抑菌作用,可作为天然食品防腐剂的候选原料,但目前对其抑菌机理的研究还不深入,影响了其应用。为探究甘草提取物对S.aureus的抑菌机理,该研究通过生长曲线、氧化损伤实验、细胞膜壁分析、蛋白质分析和DNA分析,评价了甘草提取物对S.aureus的抑菌作用机制。结果表明,甘草提取物导致S.aureus核酸渗漏,说明其膜完整性被破坏;同时,甘草提取物降低了几种能量代谢酶:琥珀酸脱氢酶(succinate dehydrogenase,SDH)和总ATP酶的活力;此外,光谱和竞争分析表明,甘草提取物与DNA发生了静电结合和凹槽结合。总之,甘草提取物主要是通过对S.aureus细胞壁膜、蛋白质合成、细菌代谢活力和遗传物质发挥作用,从而抑制其生长。该研究为甘草提取物在食品防腐方面的应用提供了理论基础。

Elimination of methicillin‑resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms on titanium implants via photothermally‑triggered nitric oxide and immunotherapy for enhanced osseointegration

Background:Treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)biofilm infections in implant placement surgery is limited by the lack of antimicrobial activity of titanium(Ti)implants.There is a need to explore more effective approaches for the treatment of MRSA biofilm infections.Methods:Herein,an interfacial functionalization strategy is proposed by the integration of mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles(PDA),nitric oxide(NO)release donor sodium nitroprusside(SNP)and osteogenic growth peptide(OGP)onto Ti implants,denoted as Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP.The physical and chemical properties of Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP were assessed by scanning electron microscopy,X-ray photoelectron spectroscope,water contact angle,photothermal property and NO release behavior.The synergistic antibacterial effect and elimination of the MRSA biofilms were evaluated by 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate probe,1-N-phenylnaphthylamine assay,adenosine triphosphate intensity,O-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside hydrolysis activity,bicinchoninic acid leakage.Fluorescence staining,assays for alkaline phosphatase activity,collagen secretion and extracellular matrix mineralization,quantitative real‑time reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)were used to evaluate the inflammatory response and osteogenic ability in bone marrow stromal cells(MSCs),RAW264.7 cells and their co-culture system.Giemsa staining,ELISA,micro-CT,hematoxylin and eosin,Masson's trichrome and immunohistochemistry staining were used to evaluate the eradication of MRSA biofilms,inhibition of inflammatory response,and promotion of osseointegration of Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP in vivo.Results:Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP displayed a synergistic photothermal and NO-dependent antibacterial effect against MRSA following near-infrared light(NIR)irradiation,and effectively eliminated the formed MRSA biofilms by inducing reactive oxygen species(ROS)-mediated oxidative stress,destroying bacterial membrane integrity and causing leakage of intracellular components(P<0.01).In vitro experiments revealed that Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP not only facilitated osteogenic differentiation of MSCs,but also promoted the polarization of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages to the anti-inflammatory M2-phenotype(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The favorable osteo-immune microenvironment further facilitated osteogenesis of MSCs and the anti-inflammation of RAW264.7 cells via multiple paracrine signaling pathways(P<0.01).In vivo evaluation confirmed the aforementioned results and revealed that Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP induced ameliorative osseointegration in an MRSA-infected femoral defect implantation model(P<0.01).Conclusions:Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP is a promising multi-functional material for the high-efficient treatment of MRSA infections in implant replacement surgeries.

Staphylococcus aureus and biofilms:transmission, threats, and promising strategies in animal husbandry

Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) is a common pathogenic bacterium in animal husbandry that can cause diseases such as mastitis, skin infections, arthritis, and other ailments. The formation of biofilms threatens and exacerbates S. aureus infection by allowing the bacteria to adhere to pathological areas and livestock product surfaces, thus triggering animal health crises and safety issues with livestock products. To solve this problem, in this review, we provide a brief overview of the harm caused by S. aureus and its biofilms on livestock and animal byproducts(meat and dairy products). We also describe the ways in which S. aureus spreads in animals and the threats it poses to the livestock industry. The processes and molecular mechanisms involved in biofilm formation are then explained. Finally, we discuss strategies for the removal and eradication of S. aureus and biofilms in animal husbandry, including the use of antimicrobial peptides, plant extracts, nanoparticles, phages, and antibodies. These strategies to reduce the spread of S. aureus in animal husbandry help maintain livestock health and improve productivity to ensure the ecologically sustainable development of animal husbandry and the safety of livestock products.

Structural insights on anti-biofilm mechanism of heated slightly acidic electrolyzed water technology against multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilm on food contact surface

Slightly acidic electrolyzed water(SAEW)has proven to be an efficient and novel sanitizer in food and agriculture field.This study assessed the efficacy of SAEW(30 mg/L)at 40℃on the inactivation of foodbome pathogens and detachment of multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)biofilm.Furthermore.the underlying mechanism of MRS A biofilm under heated SAEW at 40℃treatment on metabolic profiles was investigated.The results showed that the heated SAEW at 40℃significantly effectively against foodbome pathogens of 1.96-7.56(lg(CFU/g))reduction in pork,chicken,spinach,and lettuce.The heated SAEW at 40℃treatment significantly reduced MRS A biofilm cells by 2.41(lg(CFU/cm^(2))).The synergistic effect of SAEW treatment showed intense anti-biofilm activity in decreasing cell density and impairing biofilm cell membranes.Global metabolic response of MRSA biofilms,treated by SAEW at 40℃,revealed the alterations of intracellular metabolites,including amino acids,organic acid,fatty acid,and lipid.Moreover,signaling pathways involved in amino acid metabolism,energy metabolism,nucleotide synthesis,carbohydrate metabolites,and lipid biosynthesis were functionally disrupted by the SAEW at 40℃treatment.As per our knowledge,this is the first research to uncover the potential mechanism of heated SAEW treatment against MRSA biofilm on food contact surface.

Eugenol targeting CrtM inhibits the biosynthesis of staphyloxanthin in Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus is a serious foodborne pathogen threatening food safety and public health.Especially the emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)increased the difficulty of S.aureus treatment.Staphyloxanthin is a crucial virulence factor of S.aureus.Blocking staphyloxanthin production could help the host immune system counteract the invading S.aureus cells.In this study,we first screened for staphyloxanthin inhibitors using a virtual screening method.The outcome of the virtual screening method resulted in the identification of eugenol(300μg/mL),which significantly inhibits the staphyloxanthin production in S.aureus ATCC 29213,S.aureus Newman,MRSA ATCC 43300 and MRSA ATCC BAA1717by 84.2%,63.5%,68.1%,and 79.5%,respectively.The outcome of the growth curve assay,field-emission scanning electron,and confocal laser scanning microscopy analyses confirmed that eugenol at the test concentration did not affect the morphology and growth of S.aureus.Moreover,the survival rate of S.aureus ATCC 29213 and MRSA ATCC 43300 under H_(2)O_(2) pressure decreased to 51.9%and 45.5%in the presence of eugenol,respectively.The quantitative RT-PCR and molecular simulation studies revealed that eugenol targets staphyloxanthin biosynthesis by downregulating the transcription of the crtM gene and inhibiting the activity of the CrtM enzyme.Taken together,we first determined that eugenol was a prominent compound for staphyloxanthin inhibitor to combat S.aureus especially MRSA infections.

Electrochemical and colorimetric dual-signal detection of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B based on AuPt bimetallic nanoparticles loaded Fe-N-C single atom nanocomposite

Sensitive detection of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B(SEB)is of importance for preventing food poisoning from threatening human health.In this work,an electrochemical and colorimetric dual-signal detection assay of SEB was developed.The probe(Ab2/AuPt@Fe-N-C)was bound to SEB captured by Ab1,where the Ab2/AuPt@Fe-N-C triggered methylene blue degradation and resulted in the decrease of electrochemical signal.Furthermore,the probe catalyzed the oxidation of 3,3’,5,5’-tetramethyl biphenyl to generate a colorimetric absorbance at 652 nm.Once the target was captured and formed a sandwich-like complex,the color changed from colorless to blue.SEB detection by colorimetric and electrochemical methods showed a linear relationship in the concentration ranges of 0.0002-10.0000 and 0.0005-10.0000 ng/mL,with limits of detection of 0.0667 and 0.1670 pg/mL,respectively.The dual-signal biosensor was successfully used to detect SEB in milk and water samples,which has great potential in toxin detection in food and the environment.

Antibiotic resistance and molecular typing of clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates from Malaysian military hospital

Objective:To determine the antibiotic resistance profile(ARP)of Staphylococcus(S.)aureus isolates and molecular typing of the methicillin-resistant S.aureus(MRSA)isolates from Tuanku Mizan Armed Forces Hospital(TMAFH),Kuala Lumpur.Methods:The ARP and presence of the pvl gene were determined for 209 S.aureus isolates from clinical specimens.Of these,123 were methicillin-susceptible S.aureus(MSSA)isolates and 86 were MRSA isolates.All MRSA isolates were characterized using SCCmec typing and spa typing.Descriptive analysis was performed to compare the demographic data with the phenotypic and genotypic variables of the S.aureus isolates.Results:No vancomycin-intermediate and-resistant S.aureus(VISA and VRSA,respectively)were detected among the study isolates.The MSSA isolates showed low resistance rates to all tested antibiotics,were commonly invasive(28/42,66.7%),and mostly harboured pvl(35/42,83.3%).Meanwhile,MRSA isolates showed high resistance to penicillin(86/86,100%),ampicillin(86/86,100%),sulbactam/ampicillin(86/86,100%),cefuroxime(81/86,94.19%),cefoperazone(76/86,88.37%),azithromycin(56/86,65.12%),and erythromycin(54/86,62.79%).The majority of MRSA isolates were of SCCmec type IVh(65/86,75.58%),spa type t032(55/85,63.95%),and grouped into spaCC-t022(66/85,77.65%).The t032 type was found to be associated with resistance traits to azithromycin and erythromycin(P<0.05).We also found several spa types that are typically associated with hospital-,community-,and livestock-associated MRSA co-existing in our MRSA population.Conclusions:This study reflected the consistent absence of VISA and VRSA and corroborated the clonal shifting of MRSA isolates in the Malaysian MRSA isolates.

Characterization of genetic humanized mice with transgenic HLA DP401 or DRA but deficient in endogenous murine MHC classⅡgenes upon Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia

Background:Staphylococcus aureus can cause serious infections by secreting many superantigen exotoxins in“carrier”or“pathogenic”states.HLA DQ and HLA DR humanized mice have been used as a small animal model to study the role of two molecules during S.aureus infection.However,the contribution of HLA DP to S.aureus infection is unknown yet.Methods:In this study,we have produced HLA DP401 and HLA DRA0101 humanized mice by microinjection of C57BL/6J zygotes.Neo-floxed IAβ+/-mice were crossbred with Ella-Cre and further crossbred with HLA DP401 or HLA-DRA0101 humanized mice.After several rounds of traditional crossbreeding,we finally obtained HLA DP401-IAβ-/-and HLA DRA-IAβ-/-humanized mice,in which human DP401 or DRA0101 molecule was introduced into IAβ-/-mice deficient in endogenous murine MHC classⅡmolecules.A transnasal infection murine model of S.aureus pneumonia was induced in the humanized mice by administering 2×108CFU of S.aureus Newman dropwise into the nasal cavity.The immune responses and histopathology changes were further assessed in lungs in these infected mice.Results:We evaluated the local and systemic effects of S.aureus delivered intranasally in HLA DP401-IAβ-/-and HLA DRA-IAβ-/-transgenic mice.S.aureus Newman infection significantly increased the m RNA level of IL 12p40 in lungs in humanized mice.An increase in IFN-γand IL-6 protein was observed in HLA DRA-IAβ-/-mice.We observed a declining trend in the percentage of F4/80+macrophages in lungs in HLA DP401-IAβ-/-mice and a decreasing ratio of CD4+to CD8+T cells in lungs in IAβ-/-mice and HLA DP401-IAβ-/-mice.A decreasing ratio of Vβ3+to Vβ8+T cells was also found in the lymph node of IAβ-/-mice and HLA DP401-IAβ-/-mice.S.aureus Newman infection resulted in a weaker pathological injury in lungs in IAβ-/-genetic background mice.Conclusion:These humanized mice will be an invaluable mouse model to resolve the pathological mechanism of S.aureus pneumonia and study what role DP molecule plays in S.aureus infection.

Discovery of Kaempferol,a Novel ADAM10 Inhibitor,as a Potential Treatment for Staphylococcus aureus Infection

Host-directed therapy(HDT)is an emerging novel approach for treating multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus)infection.Functioning as the indispensable specific cellular receptor for a-toxin(Hla),a-disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10(ADAM10)is exploited to accelerate S.aureus infection through diverse mechanisms.The extraordinary contribution of ADAM10 to S.aureus pathogenesis renders it an attractive HDT target for combating S.aureus infection.Our study is the first to demonstrate the indispensable role of ADAM10 in S.aureus-induced necroptosis,and it enhances our knowledge of the role of ADAM10 in S.aureus infection.Using a fluorogenic substrate assay,we further identified kaempferol as a potent ADAM10 inhibitor that effectively protected mice from S.aureus infection by suppressing Hla-mediated barrier disruption and necroptosis.Collectively,our work presents a novel hostdirected therapeutic strategy for using the promising candidate kaempferol to treat S.aureus infection and other diseases relevant to the disordered upregulation of ADAM10.

Healthcare-associated Staphylococcus aureus infections in children in Turkey:A six-year retrospective,single-center study

Objective:To describe clinical and epidemiological characteristics,antimicrobial susceptibility and mortality-associated factors of healthcare-associated infections(HCAIs)caused by Staphylococcus(S.)aureus in children.Methods:We conducted a retrospective,single-centre study of pediatric HCAIs caused by S.aureus from a tertiary care hospital in Turkey between February 2014 and December 2019.The clinical and epidemiological characteristics and antimicrobial susceptibility of the methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant S.aureus(MSSA and MRSA)isolates was evaluated.Results:A total of 310 pediatric patients were examined.Overall,225(72.6%)isolates were MSSA and 85(27.4%)were MRSA.All S.aureus isolates were susceptible to teicoplanin,vancomycin,linezolid,tigecycline,mupirocin,and daptomycin.Penicillin resistance rates were high(89.0%),while fosfomycin,gentamicin,and clindamycin resistance rates were low(1.3%,1.0%,and 2.3%,respectively).Except susceptibility to fosfomycin,which was significantly lower in 2014 compared to 2018 and 2019,no significant difference was found in the antimicrobial susceptibility of S.aureus isolates between the years.Baseline characteristics and mortality rate were similar comparing MRSA and MSSA causing HCAIs.The mortality rate of HCAIs caused by S.aureus was 6.5%(20 patients).Malignancy was an independent risk factor associated with mortality in the multivariate analysis(OR 5.446,95%CI 1.573-18.849).Conclusions:Our findings demonstrate that MSSA remained the most causative agent of HCAIs caused by S.aureus.The mortality rate was 6.5%,the antibiotic resistance rate was quite high for penicillin and diagnosis of malignancy was the main risk factor for increasing mortality in children.These findings could help improve the management of HCAIs caused by S.aureus in children.

Neonatal methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia-related recurrent fatal pyopneumothorax: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Although neonatal Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia is common and usually curable,it can also be refractory and life-threatening.Herein,we report a case of severe neonatal community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(CA-MRSA)necrotizing pneumonia with bilateral recurrent pyopneumothorax,respiratory failure,heart failure,and cardiac arrest.We hope our report will add to the understanding of this disease.CASE SUMMARY An 18-d-old boy presented with cough for five days,fever for three days,and dyspnea for two days.Preadmission chest radiograph revealed high-density shadows in both lungs.On admission,his oxygen saturation fluctuated around 90%under synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation.He was unconscious,with dyspnea,weak heart sounds and hepatomegaly.Moist crackles were present throughout his left lung,while the breath sounds in the right lung were decreased.After high-frequency oscillatory ventilation,empiric antimicrobials(meropenem and vancomycin),improved circulation,and right pleural cavity drainage for right pneumothorax(approximately 90%compression),his oxygen saturation level stayed above 95%,and recruitment of the right lung was observed.His condition did not deteriorate until the 5th day of hospitalization(DOH 5).On the morning of DOH 5,his oxygen saturation decreased.Subsequent chest radiograph showed bilateral pneumothorax with nearly 100%compression of the left lung.Desaturation was not relieved after urgent left pleural cavity drainage,and cardiac arrest occurred soon thereafter.Although his spontaneous heartbeat returned through emergency resuscitation and salvage antibacterial therapy(linezolid and levofloxacin)was administered given the detection and antimicrobial susceptibility of MRSA,he showed no improvement,with recurrent pyopneumothorax and continued drainage of purulent fluid and necrotic lung tissue fragments from the pleural cavity.Eventually,his parents refused extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO)and gave up all the treatments,and the newborn passed away soon after withdrawal on DOH 13.CONCLUSION Neonatal MRSA pneumonia can be refractory and lethal,especially in cases where necrotizing pneumonia leads to extensive lung necrosis and recurrent pneumothorax.Despite treatment with linezolid and other medical measures,it may still be ineffective.Currently,ECMO has been a remedial therapy,but if the lung tissue is too severely eroded to be repaired,it may be useless unless the infection can be controlled and lung transplantation can be performed.Regardless of whether ECMO is initiated,the key to successful treatment is to achieve control over the pneumonia caused by MRSA as soon as possible and to reverse lung injury as much as possible.

Therapeutic Effect of Daphnetin on Mastitis Induced by Staphylococcus aureus in Mice

[Objectives]To observe the effects of daphnetin on mastitis induced by Staphylococcus aureus in mice.[Methods]18 postpartum ICR female mice were used to establish mastitis animal model,and were randomly divided into three groups(A,B,and C)with 6 mice in each group.Group A:blank control group;group B:S.Aureus model group;group C:S.Aureus model+daphnetin group.The experimental groups were injected 1 mL of 1.0×104 CFU/100μL of S.aureus of along the nipple catheter.The suspension was placed in the 3 rd and 4 th pairs of mammary glands,and the control group was injected with the same dose of normal saline.On the second day after infection,the rats in group A,B and C were given drugs by gavage,while the rats in group A and B were given normal saline and the rats in group C were given daphnetin once a day for 6 consecutive days.Blood samples were collected from living eyeballs,and blood cells were analyzed by automatic flow cytometer after anticoagulation.[Results]The NLR and Systemie Immune Inflammati-on Index(SII)in the blood of mastitis mice induced by S.aureus were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.01),suggesting that neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio(NLR)and SII can be used as diagnostic indicators of mastitis,and the levels of NLR and SII decreased significantly after daphnetin intervention.[Conclusions]NLR and SII showed high levels in mastitis mice,which are valuable for the diagnosis of mastitis and the evaluation of its prognosis.After the intervention of daphnetin,both of them decreased significantly,indicating that daphnetin has a good prognosis trend in mastitis mice induced by S.aureus.

Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Clinical Specimens by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry

Objective To develop a matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry （MALDI-TOF-MS） approach to identify Staphylococcus aureus （5. aureus） and differentiate methicillin-resistant 5. aureus （MRSA） from methicillin-sensitive S. aureus （MSSA）. Methods A total of 100 5. aureus strains isolated from clinical specimens and farm workers were collected and analyzed by MALDI-TOF-MS. And data obtained were interpreted with biotyper software. Results Ninety-two strains were identified by MALDI-TOF-MS as 5. aureus at a level of secure genus and probable species, and 4 strains were identified at probable genus after their cultivation, spectral collection and data preprocessing. One strain was identified as 5. aureus with lower score. It was revealed that identification of 5. aureus by MALDI-TOF-MS was highly correlated with typing by biochemical and serological methods with an accuracy as high as 97%. The biotyper cluster analysis showed that 100 isolates were divided into 2 types at the distance level of 400. Higher peak intensity in the mass of both 3784 Da and 5700 Da was observed in MRSA, whereas that was absent from MSSA. Conclusion MALDI-TOF-MS is considered as a simple, high-throughput and accuracy for the identification of S from MSSA. rapid and highly reproducible technique with aureus and it can reliably differentiate MRSA

Genotypic Characterization of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Pigs and Retail Foods in China

Objective To investigate the genotypic diversity of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus （MRSA） isolated from pigs and retail foods from different geographical areas in China and further to study the routes and rates of transmission of this pathogen from animals to food. Methods Seventy-one MRSA isolates were obtained from pigs and retail foods and then characterized by multi-locus sequencing typing （MLST）, spa typing, multiple-locus variable number of tandem repeat analysis （MLVA）, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis （PFGE）, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Results All isolated MRSA exhibited multi-drug resistance （MDR）. Greater diversity was found in food-associated MRSA （7 STs, 8 spa types, and 10 MLVA patterns） compared to pig-associated MRSA （3 STs, 1 spa type, and 6 MLVA patterns）. PFGE patterns were more diverse for pig-associated MRSA than those of food-associated isolates （40 vs. 11 pulse types）. Among the pig-associated isolates, CC9-ST9-t899-MC2236 was the most prevalent clone （96.4%）, and CC9-ST9-t437-MC621 （20.0%） was the predominant clone among the food-associated isolates. The CC9-ST9 isolates showed significantly higher antimicrobial resistance than other clones. Interestingly, CC398-ST398-t034 clone was identified from both pig- and food-associated isolates. Of note, some community- and hospital-associated MRSA strains （t030, t172, t1244, and t4549） were also identified as food-associated isolates. Conclusion CC9-ST9-t899-MC2236-MDR was the most predominant clone in pigs, but significant genetic diversity was observed in food-associated MRSA. Our results demonstrate the great need for improved surveillance of MRSA in livestock and food and effective prevention strategies to limit MDR-MRSA infections in China.

Genetic characterization of antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine mastitis cases in Northwest China

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common etiological pathogen of bovine mastitis. The resistant strains make the disease difficult to cure. The aim of this study was to characterize the genetic nature of the antimicrobial resistance in S. aureus cultured from bovine mastitis in Northwest China in 2014. A total of 44 S. aureus were isolated for antimicrobial resistance and resistance-related genes. Antimicrobial resistance was determined by disc diffusion and the corresponding resistance genes were detected by PCR. Phenotype indicated that S. aureus isolates were resistant to penicillin （84.09%）, erythromycin （20.45%）, tetracycline （15.91%）, gentamicin （9.09%）, tobramycin （6.82%）, kanamycin （6.82%） and methicillin （2.27%）. 9.09% of the S. aureus isolates were classified as multidrug resistant. In addition, genotypes showed that the isolates were resistant to rifampicin （100%, rpoB）, penicillin （95.45%, blaZ）, tetracycline （22.73%, tetK, tetM, alone or in combination）, erythromycin （22.73%, ermB or ermC）, gentamicin/tobramycin/kanamycin （2.27%, aacA-aphD）, methicillin （2.27%, mecA） and vancomycin （2.27%, vanA）. Resistance to tetracycline was attributed to the genes tetK and tetM （r=0.558, P〈0.001）. This study noted high-level geno- and phenotypic antimicrobial resistance in S. aureus isolates from bovine mastitis cases in Northwest China.

基于全基因组重测序技术的浙江近岸海域耐盐金黄色葡萄球菌(Staphylococcus aureus)耐药机制解析

金黄色葡萄球菌(Staphylococcus aureus)是近岸海域海水中的主要病原菌,严重威胁接触者的安全。抗生素处理是治疗金黄色葡萄球菌感染的重要手段,其耐药性的发生受到了高度重视。采用全基因组重测序与KEGG富集分析结合的方法,对红霉素(erythromycin)、氯霉素(chloramphenicol)和万古霉素(vancomycin)处理后的耐盐金黄色葡萄球菌(S.aureus ZS01)和不耐盐金黄色葡萄球菌(S.aureus 502A)进行耐药机制研究。结果表明,S.aureus 502A经抗生素处理后发生突变的程度大于S.aureus ZS01,二者在经过氯霉素处理发生了更大程度的突变。红霉素、氯霉素和万古霉素处理主要影响了金黄色葡萄球菌的致病能力;红霉素和氯霉素可能通过影响金黄色葡萄球菌脂类的代谢引起其耐药性的变化。除此之外,三种抗生素处理均出现了较多TIGR01741家族蛋白和假设蛋白基因的突变,推测与菌株的耐药性和致病性相关。耐盐金黄色葡萄球菌可通过外排系统作用产生红霉素耐药性,不耐盐菌株因细胞壁成分相关基因的突变提高了对万古霉素的耐受性。研究结果可为耐盐和不耐盐金黄色葡萄球菌的耐药机制及抗生素对金黄色葡萄球菌致病性影响的研究提供基础数据。

Engineered Biomimetic Platelet Membrane-Coated Nanoparticles Block Staphylococcus aureus Cytotoxicity and Protect Against Lethal Systemic Infection

Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus)is a leading human pathogen capable of producing severe invasive infections such as bacteremia,sepsis,and endocarditis with high morbidity and mortality,exacerbated by the increasingly widespread antibiotic resistance exemplified by methicillin-resistant strains(MRSA).S.aureus pathogenesis is fueled by the secretion of toxins—such as the membrane-damaging pore-forming atoxin,which have diverse cellular targets including the epithelium,endothelium,leukocytes,and platelets.Here,we examine the use of human platelet membrane-coated nanoparticles(PNPs)as a biomimetic decoy strategy to neutralize S.aureus toxins and preserve host cell defense functions.The PNPs blocked platelet damage induced by S.aureus secreted toxins,thereby supporting platelet activation and bactericidal activity.Likewise,the PNPs blocked macrophage damage induced by S.aureus secreted toxins,thus supporting macrophage oxidative burst,nitric oxide production,and bactericidal activity,and diminishing MRSA-induced neutrophil extracellular trap release.In a mouse model of MRSA systemic infection,PNP administration reduced bacterial counts in the blood and protected against mortality.Taken together,the results from the present work provide a proof of principle of the therapeutic benefit of PNPs in toxin neutralization,cytoprotection,and increased host resistance to invasive S.aureus infection.

Identification of novel molecular markers of mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus using gene expression profiling in two consecutive generations of Chinese Holstein dairy cattle

Background: Mastitis in dairy cows caused by Staphylococcus aureus is a major problem hindering economic growth in dairy farms worldwide. It is difficult to prevent or eliminate due to its asymptomatic nature and long persistence of infection. Although transcriptomic responses of bovine mammary gland cells to pathogens that cause mastitis have been studied, the common responses of peripheral blood leukocytes to S. aureus infection across two consecutive generations of dairy cattle have not been investigated.Methods: In the current study, RNA-Seq was used to profile the transcriptomes of peripheral blood leukocytes sampled from S. aureus-infected mothers and their S. aureus-infected daughters, and also healthy non-infected mothers and their healthy daughters. Differential gene expression was evaluated as follows: 1) S. aureus-infected cows versus healthy non-infected cows(S vs. H, which include all the mothers and daughters), 2) S. aureus-infected mothers versus healthy non-infected mothers(SM vs. HM), and 3) S. aureus-infected daughters versus healthy noninfected daughters(SMD vs. HMD).Results: Analysis of all identified expressed genes in the four groups(SM, SMD, HM, and HMD) showed that EPOR,IL9, IFNL3, CCL26, IL26 were exclusively expressed in both the HM and HMD groups, and that they were significantly(P < 0.05) enriched for the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway. A total of 17, 13 and 10 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)(FDR Padj. < 0.1 and |FC| > 1.2) were detected in the three comparisons, respectively. DEGs with P < 0.05 and |FC| > 2 were used for functional enrichment analyses. For the S vs. H comparison, DEGs detected included CCL20, IL13 and MMP3, which are associated with the IL-17 signaling pathway. In the SM vs. HM and SMD vs. HMD comparisons, five(BLA-DQB, C1 R, C2, FCGR1 A, and KRT10) and six(BLA-DQB, C3 AR1, CFI, FCAR, FCGR3 A, and LOC10498484) genes, respectively, were involved in the S. aureus infection pathway.Conclusions: Our study provides insights into the transcriptomic responses of bovine peripheral blood leukocytes across two generations of cattle naturally infected with S. aureus. The genes highlighted in this study could serve as expression biomarkers for mastitis and may also contain sequence variation that can be used for genetic improvement of dairy cattle for resilience to mastitis.

Mechanism of antagonistic effects of Andrographis paniculata methanolic extract against Staphylococcus aureus

Objective: To investigate the effects of Andrographis paniculata(Burm.f.) Wall. Ex Nees(A. paniculata) on expressions and activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and alkylhydroperoxide reductase C in Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) with respect to its survival in vitro. Methods: Antioxidative property of methanolic leaves extract of A. paniculata(0.06 mg/m L). Minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC) was determined by its ability to reduce hydrogen peroxide(H_2O_2) toxicity against S. aureus ATCC 25923(3.8×10~8 cfu/m L). Effects of the extract on expressions of kat A(encoding catalase), sod A and sod M [encoding superoxide dismutases(SODs)], and ahp C [encoding alkylhydroperoxide reductase C(AhpC)] in S. aureuswere determined by RT-q PCR and corresponding enzyme activity assays were performed. Nitroblue tetrazolium reduction(NBT) assay was performed to determine effects of the extract on intracellular and extracellular levels of O_2-in S. aureus. Results: Cells challenged with 7.5 mmol/L H_2O_2 showed 0% survival in 30 min whereas 25% survived after treatment with the extract and H_2O_2. Cells that were treated with the extract alone had 43% survival in the same exposure period. Expressions of sod A and sod M genes in extract-treated cells were lowered 0.8-fold and 0.7-fold, respectively with decrease in total SOD activity of 26.8 U compared to untreated cells, 32.4 U(P<0.05). In contrast, extract-treated S. aureus cells showed 3.3-fold increase in kat A expression with corresponding increase in catalase activity of 1.828 U compared to untreated cells which was 1.248 U,(P<0.05). More profoundly, ahp C expression was increased 61-fold in extract-treated cells,(P<0.05) with corresponding increase in Ahp C activity of 0.018 U compared to untreated cells, 0.012U,(P<0.05). Extract-treated cells had significantly lower intra-and extracellular O_2-levels with absorbance readings(A_(575nm)) of 0.340 and 0.524 compared to untreated cells which were 0.516 and 0.928(P<0.05), respectively. Conclusions: Taken together these results suggest that the low MIC of A. paniculatamethanolic leaves extract(0.06 mg/m L) reduce H_2O_2 toxicity and more importantly, was in itself effectively inhibitory against S. aureus. Further, our observations suggest that a probable mode of its inhibitory mechanism against S. aureus is by reducing total SOD activity through downregulation of sod A and sod M expressions.

Penicillin-resistant characterization of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine mastitis in Gansu,China

Bovine mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus is difficult to treat because of increasing resistance against antibiotics, especially penicillin. β-Lactamase and biofilm are responsible for penicillin resistance of S. aureus. The aim of this study was to investigate the β-lactamase activity and biofilm formation capacity of 37 penicillin-resistant S. aureus strains （35 were blaZ positive and 2 were blaZ negative） from bovine mastitis in Gansu Province, China, as well as to measure the intercellular adhesion genes icaA and icaD of these strains. β-Lactamase Test Kit was used to determine the β-lactamase activity, biofilm formation was tested by semi-quantitative adherence assay method. Moreover, the presence of icaA and icaD were measured by PCR. A total of 32 penicillin-resistant S. aureus strains, including the two blaZ-negative strains, were identified as β-lactamase producers. All tested S. aureus isolates produced biofilm in the microtiter plate assay. Meanwhile, all these strains were PCR-positive for the ica locus, icaA and icaD. The study indicated high prevalence of β-lactamase activity, biofilm-forming capacity, and the ica genes among the penicillin-resistant S. aureus isolates, and implied that S. aureus resistant to penicillin was attributed to multiple mechanisms.