Heterogeneity of SOS response expression in clinical isolates of Escherichia coli influences adaptation to antimicrobial stress.

In recent years, new evidence has shown that the SOS response plays an important role in the response to antimicrobials, with involvement in the generation of clinical resistance. Here we evaluate the impact of heterogeneous expression of the SOS response in clinical isolates of Escherichia coli on response to the fluoroquinolone, ciprofloxacin. In silico analysis of whole genome sequencing data showed remarkable sequence conservation of the SOS response regulators, RecA and LexA. Despite the genetic homogeneity, our results revealed a marked differential heterogeneity in SOS response activation, both at population and single-cell level, among clinical isolates of E. coli in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of ciprofloxacin. Four main stages of SOS response activation were identified and correlated with cell filamentation. Interestingly, there was a correlation between clinical isolates with higher expression of the SOS response and further progression to resistance. This heterogeneity in response to DNA damage repair (mediated by the SOS response) and induced by antimicrobial agents could be a new factor with implications for bacterial evolution and survival contributing to the generation of antimicrobial resistance.

Impact of suppression of the SOS response on protein expression in clinical isolates of Escherichia coli under antimicrobial pressure of ciprofloxacin.

Introduction/objective: Suppression of the SOS response in combination with drugs damaging DNA has been proposed as a potential target to tackle antimicrobial resistance. The SOS response is the pathway used to repair bacterial DNA damage induced by antimicrobials such as quinolones. The extent of lexA-regulated protein expression and other associated systems under pressure of agents that damage bacterial DNA in clinical isolates remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of this strategy consisting on suppression of the SOS response in combination with quinolones on the proteome profile of Escherichia coli clinical strains. Materials and methods: Five clinical isolates of E. coli carrying different chromosomally- and/or plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance mechanisms with different phenotypes were selected, with E. coli ATCC 25922 as control strain. In addition, from each clinical isolate and control, a second strain was created, in which the SOS response was suppressed by deletion of the recA gene. Bacterial inocula from all 12 strains were then exposed to 1xMIC ciprofloxacin treatment (relative to the wild-type phenotype for each isogenic pair) for 1 h. Cell pellets were collected, and proteins were digested into peptides using trypsin. Protein identification and label-free quantification were done by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in order to identify proteins that were differentially expressed upon deletion of recA in each strain. Data analysis and statistical analysis were performed using the MaxQuant and Perseus software. Results: The proteins with the lowest expression levels were: RecA (as control), AphA, CysP, DinG, DinI, GarL, PriS, PsuG, PsuK, RpsQ, UgpB and YebG; those with the highest expression levels were: Hpf, IbpB, TufB and RpmH. Most of these expression alterations were strain-dependent and involved DNA repair processes and nucleotide, protein and carbohydrate metabolism, and transport. In isolates with suppressed SOS response, the number of underexpressed proteins was higher than overexpressed proteins. Conclusion: High genomic and proteomic variability was observed among clinical isolates and was not associated with a specific resistant phenotype. This study provides an interesting approach to identify new potential targets to combat antimicrobial resistance.

Evaluation of temocillin efficacy against KPC-2-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in a hollow-fibre infection model.

BACKGROUND: Temocillin is an old antimicrobial that is resistant to hydrolysis by ESBLs but has variable activity against carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. The current EUCAST susceptibility breakpoints for Enterobacterales are set at ≤16 mg/L (susceptible with increased exposure) based on a dose of 2 g q8h, but there is limited information on the efficacy of this dose against temocillin-susceptible carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of this dose using a hollow-fibre infection model (HFIM) against six KPC-2-producing clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae. METHODS: The isolates were characterized by WGS and temocillin susceptibility was determined using standard and high inoculum temocillin. Mutant frequencies were estimated and temocillin activity was tested in time-kill assays and in the HFIM. At standard conditions, three of the isolates were classified as susceptible (MIC ≤ 16 mg/L) and three as resistant (MIC > 16 mg/L). The HFIM was performed over 3 days to mimic human-like pharmacokinetics of 2 g q8h. Bacterial counts were performed by plating on Mueller-Hinton agar (MHA) and MHA containing 64 mg/L temocillin to detect resistant subpopulations. RESULTS: All isolates showed a reduction in bacterial population of at least 3 log cfu/mL within the first 8 h of simulated treatment in the hollow-fibre assay. Regrowth was observed for the three resistant isolates and one of the susceptible ones. The MIC value for these isolates was higher by at least two dilutions compared with their initial values. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that an optimized pharmacokinetic regimen may be of clinical interest for the treatment of KPC-2-producing K. pneumoniae susceptible to temocillin. These data showed activity of temocillin against KPC-2-producing K. pneumoniae susceptible to temocillin; however, a dose of 2g q8h administered over 30 min may be inadequate to prevent the emergence of resistant variants.

Implications of two-component systems EnvZ/OmpR and BaeS/BaeR in in vitro temocillin resistance in Escherichia coli.

BACKGROUND: BaeS/BaeR is a two-component system of Escherichia coli that controls the expression of porins and efflux pumps. Its role in beta-lactam resistance is limited. OBJECTIVES: To study the role of baeS/baeR two-component system in temocillin resistance in E. coli. METHODS: E. coli strain BW25113 and single-gene deletion mutants related to two-component systems were collected from the KEIO collection. Double-gen deletion mutants were generated. Temocillin-resistant mutant frequencies were determined at 32 mg/L. E. coli BW25113 mutants were selected by selective pressure from serial passages. Biological costs were analysed by growth curves. Genomes of the generated mutants were sequenced. The expression level of the mdtA, mdtB, mdtC, acrD and tolC in the ΔbaeS mutant was determined by RT-PCR (with/without temocillin exposure). RESULTS: The frequency of temocillin mutants ranged from 2.12 × 10-8 to 4.51 × 10-8 in single-porin mutants. No mutants were recovered from E. coli BW25113 (>10-9). Selection of temocillin-resistant variants by serial passage yielded mutants up to 128 mg/L. Mutations were found in the baeS gene. Temocillin MICs ranged from 4 to 32 mg/L (highest MICs for ΔbaeS and ΔompR). The efflux pumps mdtA, mdtB, mdtC and acrD pumps were overexpressed 3-10-fold in the presence of temocillin in ΔbaeS compared to control. CONCLUSIONS: Mutations in the sensor histidine kinase, baeS, may be involved in temocillin resistance through the expression of the efflux pumps mdtABC and acrD. In addition, the low mutation rate may be a good predictor of temocillin activity.

Effectiveness of fosfomycin trometamol as oral step-down therapy for bacteraemic urinary tract infections due to MDR Escherichia coli: a post hoc analysis of the FOREST randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Fosfomycin is a potentially attractive option as step-down therapy for bacteraemic urinary tract infections (BUTI), but available data are scarce. Our objective was to compare the effectiveness and safety of fosfomycin trometamol and other oral drugs as step-down therapy in patients with BUTI due to MDR Escherichia coli (MDR-Ec). METHODS: Participants in the FOREST trial (comparing IV fosfomycin with ceftriaxone or meropenem for BUTI caused by MDR-Ec in 22 Spanish hospitals from June 2014 to December 2018) who were stepped-down to oral fosfomycin (3 g q48h) or other drugs were included. The primary endpoint was clinical and microbiological cure (CMC) 5-7 days after finalization of treatment. A multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression to estimate the association of oral step-down with fosfomycin with CMC adjusted for confounders. RESULTS: Overall, 61 patients switched to oral fosfomycin trometamol and 47 to other drugs (cefuroxime axetil, 28; amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, 7 each; ciprofloxacin, 5) were included. CMC was reached by 48/61 patients (78.7%) treated with fosfomycin trometamol and 38/47 (80.9%) with other drugs (difference, -2.2; 95% CI: -17.5 to 13.1; P = 0.38). Subgroup analyses provided similar results. Relapses occurred in 9/61 (15.0%) and 2/47 (4.3%) of patients, respectively (P = 0.03). The adjusted OR for CMC was 1.11 (95% CI: 0.42-3.29, P = 0.75). No relevant differences in adverse events were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Fosfomycin trometamol might be a reasonable option as step-down therapy in patients with BUTI due to MDR-Ec but the higher rate of relapses would need further assessment.

Penicillin-Binding Protein Occupancy Dataset for 18 ß-Lactams and 4 ß-Lactamase Inhibitors in Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

The lack of effective first-line antibiotic treatments against Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and the worldwide dissemination of resistant strains, are the main drivers of a worsening global health crisis. ß-lactam antibiotics have been the backbone of therapeutic armamentarium against gonococci. However, we are lacking critical insights to design rationally optimized therapies. In the present work, we generated the first PBP-binding data set on 18 currently available and clinically relevant ß-lactams and 4 ß-lactamase inhibitors in two N. gonorrhoeae ATCC type collection strains, 19424 and 49226 (PBP2 type XXII and A39T change in mtrR). PBP binding (IC50) was determined via the Bocillin FL binding assay in isolated membrane preparations. Three clusters of differential PBP IC50s were identified and were mostly consistent across both strains, but with quantitative differences. Carbapenems were coselective for PBP2 and PBP3 (0.01 to 0.03 mg/L). Third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins cefixime, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, cefepime, and ceftriaxone showed the lowest IC50 values for PBP2 (0.01 mg/L), whereas cefoxitin, ceftaroline, and ceftolozane required higher concentrations (0.04 to >2 mg/L). Aztreonam was selective for PBP2 in both strains (0.03 to 0.07 mg/L); amdinocillin bound this PBP at higher concentrations (1.33 to 2.94 mg/L). Penicillins specifically targeted PBP2 in strain ATCC 19424 (0.02 to 0.19 mg/L) and showed limited inhibition in strain ATCC 49226 (0.01 to >2 mg/L). Preferential PBP2 binding was observed by ß-lactam-based ß-lactamase inhibitors sulbactam and tazobactam (1.07 to 6.02 mg/L); meanwhile, diazabicyclooctane inhibitors relebactam and avibactam were selective for PBP3 (1.27 to 5.40 mg/L). This data set will set the bar for future studies that will help the rational use and translational development of antibiotics against multidrug-resistant (MDR) N. gonorrhoeae. IMPORTANCE The manuscript represents the first N. gonorrhoeae PBP-binding data set for 22 chemically different drugs in two type strains with different genetic background. We have identified three clusters of drugs according to their PBP binding IC50s and highlighted the binding differences across the two strains studied. With the currently available genomic information and the PBP-binding data, we have been able to correlate the target attainment differences and the mutations that affect the drug uptake with the MIC changes. The results of the current work will allow us to develop molecular tools of great practical use for the study and the design of new rationally designed therapies capable of combating the growing MDR gonococci threat.

Recommendations of the Spanish Antibiogram Committee (COESANT) for in vitro susceptibility testing of antimicrobial agents by disk diffusion.

Disk diffusion is a well standardized method that provides reliable categorical results to guide antimicrobial therapy in numerous types of infections. Based on the guidelines of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST), which are widely implemented in Spain, the Spanish Antibiogram Committee (COESANT) has drawn up recommendations for antimicrobial selection by the disk diffusion technique, including selective reporting and its use for the detection of resistance mechanisms. Factors affecting disk diffusion results, along with advantages and shortcomings of the method, are also discussed.

Spanish Antibiogram Committee (COESANT) recommendations for cumulative antibiogram reports.

The Spanish Antibiogram Committee (Comité Español del Antibiograma, COESANT) presents in this document a series of recommendations intending to unify how cumulative antibiogram reports must be made in Clinical Microbiology Spanish laboratories. This article is based on the information included in the Clinical Microbiology Procedure No. 51, «Preparation of cumulative reports on antimicrobial susceptibility¼ of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC), published in 2014. The recommendations also include the modifications in the definition of clinical interpretive categories recently published by the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) in 2019. Its final objective is to establish a homogeneous way of preparing these summaries to compare results from different centers or aggregate the information from these in order to carry out an adequate local or even national surveillance regarding the evolution of antimicrobial susceptibility.

Effect of Glycerol on Fosfomycin Activity against Escherichia coli.

Fosfomycin is an antimicrobial that inhibits the biosynthesis of peptidoglycan by entering the bacteria through two channels (UhpT and GlpT). Glycerol is clinically used as a treatment for elevated intracranial pressure and induces the expression of glpT in Escherichia coli. Glycerol might offer synergistic activity by increasing fosfomycin uptake. The present study evaluates the use of glycerol at physiological concentrations in combination with fosfomycin against a collection of isogenic mutants of fosfomycin-related genes in E. coli strains. Induction of fosfomycin transporters, susceptibility tests, interaction assays, and time-kill assays were performed. Our results support the notion that glycerol allows activation of the GlpT transporter, but this induction is delayed over time and is not homogeneous across the bacterial population, leading to contradictory results regarding the enhancement of fosfomycin activity. The susceptibility assays showed an increase in fosfomycin activity with glycerol in the disk diffusion assay but not in the agar dilution or broth microdilution assays. Similarly, in the time-kill assays, the effect of glycerol was absent by the emergence of fosfomycin-resistant subpopulations. In conclusion, glycerol may not be a good candidate for use as an adjuvant with fosfomycin.

Role of inorganic phosphate concentrations in in vitro activity of fosfomycin.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of fosfomycin under different physiological concentrations of inorganic phosphate (Pi). METHODS: The wild-type BW25113 strain, four isogenic mutants (ΔglpT, ΔuhpT, ΔglpT-uhpT, and ΔphoB) and six clinical isolates of Escherichia coli with different fosfomycin susceptibilities were used. EUCAST breakpoints were used. Susceptibility was evaluated by agar dilution using standard Mueller-Hinton agar (Pi concentration of 1 mM similar to human plasma concentration) and supplemented with Pi (13 and 42 mM, minimum and maximum urinary Pi concentrations) and/or glucose-6-phosphate (25 mg/L). Fosfomycin transporter promoter activity was assayed using PglpT::gfpmut2 or PuhpT::gfpmut2 promoter fusions in standard Mueller-Hinton Broth (MHB), supplemented with Pi (13 or 42 mM) ± glucose-6-phosphate. Fosfomycin activity was quantified, estimating fosfomycin EC50 under different Pi concentrations (1, 13 and 42 mM + glucose-6-phosphate) and in time-kill assays using fosfomycin concentrations of 307 (maximum plasma concentration (Cmax)), 1053 and 4415 mg/L (urine Cmax range), using MHB with 28 mM Pi (mean urine Pi concentration) + 25 mg/L glucose-6-phosphate. RESULTS: All the strains showed decreased susceptibility to fosfomycin linked to increased Pi concentrations: 1-4 log2 dilution differences from 1 to 13 mM, and 1-8 log2 dilution differences at 42 mM Pi. Changes in phosphate concentration did not affect the expression of fosfomycin transporters. By increasing Pi concentrations higher fosfomycin EC50 bacterial viability was observed, except against ΔglpT-uhpT. The increase in Pi reduced the bactericidal effect of fosfomycin. DISCUSSION: Pi variations in physiological fluids may reduce fosfomycin activity against E. coli. Elevated Pi concentrations in urine may explain oral fosfomycin failure in non-wild-type but fosfomycin-susceptible E. coli strains.

Amikacin Combined with Fosfomycin for Treatment of Neonatal Sepsis in the Setting of Highly Prevalent Antimicrobial Resistance.

Antimicrobial resistance (particularly through extended-spectrum ß-lactamase and aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme production) in neonatal sepsis is a global problem, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, with significant mortality rates. High rates of resistance are reported for the current WHO-recommended first-line antibiotic regimen for neonatal sepsis, i.e., ampicillin and gentamicin. We assessed the utility of fosfomycin and amikacin as a potential alternative regimen to be used in settings of increasingly prevalent antimicrobial resistance. The combination was studied in a 16-arm dose-ranged hollow-fiber infection model (HFIM) experiment. The combination of amikacin and fosfomycin enhanced bactericidal activity and prevented the emergence of resistance, compared to monotherapy with either antibiotic. Modeling of the experimental quantitative outputs and data from checkerboard assays indicated synergy. We further assessed the combination regimen at clinically relevant doses in the HFIM with nine Enterobacterales strains with high fosfomycin and amikacin MICs and demonstrated successful kill to sterilization for 6/9 strains. From these data, we propose a novel combination breakpoint threshold for microbiological success for this antimicrobial combination against Enterobacterales strains, i.e., MICF × MICA < 256 (where MICF and MICA are the fosfomycin and amikacin MICs, respectively). Monte Carlo simulations predict that a standard fosfomycin-amikacin neonatal regimen would achieve >99% probability of pharmacodynamic success for strains with MICs below this threshold. We conclude that the combination of fosfomycin with amikacin is a viable regimen for the empirical treatment of neonatal sepsis and is suitable for further clinical assessment in a randomized controlled trial.

Population Pharmacokinetics of Piperacillin in Non-Critically Ill Patients with Bacteremia Caused by Enterobacteriaceae.

This study analyzes the pharmacokinetic variability of piperacillin in non-critically ill patients with Enterobacteriaceae bloodstream infections (EBSI) and explores predicted clinical outcomes and piperacillin-related neurotoxicity under different renal conditions. Hospitalized, non-critically ill patients treated with piperacillin-tazobactam for EBSI were included. Four serum samples per patient were collected and analyzed. A population pharmacokinetic model was developed using the Pmetrics package for R. Monte Carlo simulations of various dosage regimens of 4 g piperacillin, administered q8 h or q12 h by short (0.5 h) or long (4 h) infusion, following the different glomerular filtration rate (GFR) categories used to classify chronic kidney disease (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes, KDIGO) to determine the probability of target attainment (PTA) using a free drug concentrations above the minimal inhibitory concentration (fT > MIC) of 50% for efficacy and targets for piperacillin-associated neurotoxicity. Twenty-seven patients (102 samples) were included. Extended piperacillin infusions reached a PTA > 90% (50%fT > MIC) within the susceptibility range, although a loading dose did not greatly improve the expected outcome. Long infusions reduced the expected toxicity in patients with severe renal impairment. The study supports the use of extended infusions of piperacillin in non-critically ill patients with EBSI. No benefits of a loading dose were expected in our population. Finally, extended infusions may reduce the risk of toxicity in patients with severe renal impairment.

Disbalancing Envelope Stress Responses as a Strategy for Sensitization of Escherichia coli to Antimicrobial Agents.

Disbalancing envelope stress responses was investigated as a strategy for sensitization of Escherichia coli to antimicrobial agents. Seventeen isogenic strains were selected from the KEIO collection with deletions in genes corresponding to the σE, Cpx, Rcs, Bae, and Psp responses. Antimicrobial activity against 20 drugs with different targets was evaluated by disk diffusion and gradient strip tests. Growth curves and time-kill curves were also determined for selected mutant-antimicrobial combinations. An increase in susceptibility to ampicillin, ceftazidime, cefepime, aztreonam, ertapenem, and fosfomycin was detected. Growth curves for Psp response mutants showed a decrease in optical density (OD) using sub-MIC concentrations of ceftazidime and aztreonam (ΔpspA and ΔpspB mutants), cefepime (ΔpspB and ΔpspC mutants) and ertapenem (ΔpspB mutant). Time-kill curves were also performed using 1xMIC concentrations of these antimicrobials. For ceftazidime, 2.9 log10 (ΔpspA mutant) and 0.9 log10 (ΔpspB mutant) decreases were observed at 24 and 8 h, respectively. For aztreonam, a decrease of 3.1 log10 (ΔpspA mutant) and 4 log1010 (ΔpspB mutant) was shown after 4-6 h. For cefepime, 4.2 log10 (ΔpspB mutant) and 2.6 log10 (ΔpspC mutant) decreases were observed at 8 and 4 h, respectively. For ertapenem, a decrease of up to 6 log10 (ΔpspB mutant) was observed at 24 h. A deficient Psp envelope stress response increased E. coli susceptibility to beta-lactam agents such as cefepime, ceftazidime, aztreonam and ertapenem. Its role in repairing extensive inner membrane disruptions makes this pathway essential to bacterial survival, so that disbalancing the Psp response could be an appropriate target for sensitization strategies.

Detection of Low-Level Fosfomycin-Resistant Variants by Decreasing Glucose-6-Phosphate Concentration in Fosfomycin Susceptibility Determination.

Mutations that confer low-level fosfomycin resistance (LLFR) but not clinical resistance in Escherichia coli are increasingly reported. LLFR strains can become clinically resistant under urinary tract physiological conditions or may act as gateways for highly resistant subpopulations by the selection of additional LLFR mutations. Nevertheless, most LLFR strains are impossible to detect under routine fosfomycin susceptibility determinations. Here, we have explored the possibility of detecting LLFR variants by reducing glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) concentration in fosfomycin susceptibility testing for E. coli strains. As a proof of concept, fosfomycin minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and disk diffusion susceptibility tests were performed for E. coli strain BW25113 and 10 isogenic derivatives carrying the most prevalent LLFR chromosomal mutations (∆uhpT, ∆glpT, ∆cyaA, and ∆ptsI) and their double combinations. Whereas standard G6P concentrations detected only ∆uhpT single and double variants, assays with reduced G6P detected all LLFR variants. In addition, G6P levels were determined to be ≤5 µg/mL in urine samples from 30 patients with urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by E. coli and 10 healthy volunteers, suggesting that most bacterial cells in uncomplicated UTIs are facing fosfomycin under low G6P concentration. Reducing G6P allows for the detection of LLFR variants, which may suppose a risk for future resistance development, especially in UTIs.

Contribution of hypermutation to fosfomycin heteroresistance in Escherichia coli.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the effect of combining defects in DNA repair systems with the presence of fosfomycin-resistant mechanisms to explain the mechanisms underlying fosfomycin heteroresistance phenotypes in Enterobacteriaceae. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used 11 clinical Escherichia coli isolates together with isogenic single-gene deletion mutants in the E. coli DNA repair system or associated with fosfomycin resistance, combined with double-gene deletion mutants. Fosfomycin MICs were determined by gradient strip assay (GSA) and broth microdilution (BMD). Mutant frequencies for rifampicin (100 mg/L) and fosfomycin (50 and 200 mg/L) were determined. Using two starting inocula, in vitro fosfomycin activity was assessed over 24 h in growth (0.5-512 mg/L) and time-kill assays (64 and 307 mg/L). RESULTS: Strong and weak mutator clinical isolates and single-gene deletion mutants, except for ΔuhpT and ΔdnaQ, were susceptible by GSA. By BMD, the percentage of resistant clinical isolates reached 36%. Single-gene deletion mutants showed BMD MICs similar to those for subpopulations by GSA. Strong mutators showed a higher probability of selecting fosfomycin mutants at higher concentrations. By combining the two mechanisms of mutation, MICs and ranges of resistant subpopulations increased, enabling strains to survive at higher fosfomycin concentrations in growth monitoring assays. In time-kill assays, high inocula increased survival by 37.5% at 64 mg/L fosfomycin, compared with low starting inocula. CONCLUSIONS: The origin and variability of the fosfomycin heteroresistance phenotype can be partially explained by high mutation frequencies together with mechanisms of fosfomycin resistance. Subpopulations should be considered until clinical meaning is established.

Impact of AAC(6')-Ib-cr in combination with chromosomal-mediated mechanisms on clinical quinolone resistance in Escherichia coli.

OBJECTIVES: aac(6')-Ib-cr is the most prevalent plasmid-mediated fluoroquinolone (FQ) resistance mechanism in Enterobacteriaceae. We aimed to analyse the interplay between this plasmid-mediated gene and chromosomal-mediated quinolone resistance mechanisms on both FQ resistance and bacterial fitness in Escherichia coli. METHODS: E. coli ATCC 25922 and derived isogenic strains carrying chromosomal-mediated quinolone resistance modifications (Ser83Leu-Asp87Asn in GyrA, Ser80Arg in ParC and/or a marR gene deletion) were electroporated with a pBK-CMV vector encoding AAC(6')-Ib-cr. The MICs of FQs were determined by microdilution and bactericidal activity was determined using time-kill curves. A peritoneal sepsis murine model was used to evaluate the in vivo impact. Bacterial fitness was analysed using growth curves and competition assays. RESULTS: The presence of the aac(6')-Ib-cr gene increased the MICs of ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin 4-8-fold for all E. coli genotypes, independently of the initial resistance level. Combination of the aac(6')-Ib-cr gene with three or four chromosomal mechanisms was necessary to reach MIC values above the susceptible category. Killing curve assays showed a clear selective advantage for survival in strains harbouring the aac(6')-Ib-cr gene (up to 7 log10 cfu/mL after 24 h). AAC(6')-Ib-cr significantly reduced the ciprofloxacin efficacy in vivo. In terms of bacterial fitness cost, maximal OD was significantly lower for all strains harbouring the aac(6')-Ib-cr gene, independently of chromosomal mutations associated. CONCLUSIONS: The aac(6')-Ib-cr gene, in spite of producing low-level resistance by itself, plays a relevant role in acquisition of a clinical level of ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin resistance, when combined with three or four chromosomal mutations, both in vitro and in vivo.

Pharmacodynamics of Voriconazole in Children: Further Steps along the Path to True Individualized Therapy.

Voriconazole is the agent of choice for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis in children at least 2 years of age. The galactomannan index is a routinely used diagnostic marker for invasive aspergillosis and can be useful for following the clinical response to antifungal treatment. The aim of this study was to develop a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) mathematical model that links the pharmacokinetics of voriconazole with the galactomannan readout in children. Twelve children receiving voriconazole for treatment of proven, probable, and possible invasive fungal infections were studied. A previously published population PK model was used as the Bayesian prior. The PK-PD model was used to estimate the average area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) in each patient and the resultant galactomannan-time profile. The relationship between the ratio of the AUC to the concentration of voriconazole that induced half maximal killing (AUC/EC50) and the terminal galactomannan level was determined. The voriconazole concentration-time and galactomannan-time profiles were both highly variable. Despite this variability, the fit of the PK-PD model was good, enabling both the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to be described in individual children. (AUC/EC50)/15.4 predicted terminal galactomannan (P= 0.003), and a ratio of >6 suggested a lower terminal galactomannan level (P= 0.07). The construction of linked PK-PD models is the first step in developing control software that enables not only individualized voriconazole dosages but also individualized concentration targets to achieve suppression of galactomannan levels in a timely and optimally precise manner. Controlling galactomannan levels is a first critical step to maximizing clinical response and survival.

Interplay between plasmid-mediated and chromosomal-mediated fluoroquinolone resistance and bacterial fitness in Escherichia coli.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyse the interplay among plasmid-mediated qnr genes, alone or in combination with multiple chromosomal-mediated fluoroquinolone (FQ) resistance determinants, susceptibility to FQs and bacterial fitness in an isogenic Escherichia coli collection. METHODS: E. coli ATCC 25922 was used to modify or delete chromosomal genes. qnr genes were cloned into the pBK-CMV vector. The MICs of FQs were determined by microdilution. Mutant prevention concentration and frequency of mutants were evaluated. Bacterial fitness was analysed using ΔlacZ system competition assays using in vitro and in vivo models. RESULTS: The relationships between the number of resistance mutations and bacterial fitness were complex. With specific combinations of resistance mechanisms the addition of a new resistance mutation was shown to improve bacterial fitness. qnrA1 caused a decrease in fitness (7%-21%) while qnrS1 caused an increase in fitness (9%-21%) when combined with chromosomal mutations. We identified susceptible triple mutants in which the acquisition of a fourth resistance mutation significantly increased fitness and at the same time reached the clinical resistance level (the acquisition of qnrS1 in a S83L + D87N + ΔmarR genetic background). A strong correlation with the production of reactive oxygen species, as well as changes in susceptibility, was observed following treatment with ciprofloxacin. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that there may be critical stages (depending on the genotype) in resistance development, including chromosomal- and plasmid-mediated mechanisms, at which some low-fitness mutants below the resistance breakpoint are able to evolve clinical resistance with just one or two mutations, and show increased fitness.

Platelet-activating factor receptor initiates contact of Acinetobacter baumannii expressing phosphorylcholine with host cells.

Adhesion is an initial and important step in Acinetobacter baumannii causing infections. However, the exact molecular mechanism of such a step between A. baumannii and the host cells remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that the phosphorylcholine (ChoP)-containing outer membrane protein of A. baumannii binds to A549 cells through platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR), resulting in activation of G protein and intracellular calcium. Upon A. baumannii expressing ChoP binding to PAFR, clathrin and ß-arrestins, proteins involved in the direction of the vacuolar movement, are activated during invasion of A. baumannii. PAFR antagonism restricts the dissemination of A. baumannii in the pneumonia model. These results define a role for PAFR in A. baumannii interaction with host cells and suggest a mechanism for the entry of A. baumannii into the cytoplasm of host cells.