On Burkholderiales order microorganisms and cystic fibrosis in Russia.

BACKGROUND: Microbes infecting cystic fibrosis patients' respiratory tract are important in determining patients' functional status. Representatives of Burkholderiales order are the most dangerous. The goal of our investigation was to reveal the diversity of Burkholderiales, define of their proportion in the microbiome of various parts of respiratory tract and determine the pathogenicity of the main representatives. RESULTS: In more than 500 cystic fibrosis patients, representing all Federal Regions of Russia, 34.0% were infected by Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), 21.0% by Achromobacter spp. and 12.0% by Lautropia mirabilis. B. cenocepacia was the most numerous species among the Bcc (93.0%), and A. ruhlandii was the most numerous among Achromobacter spp. (58.0%). The most abundant genotype in Bcc was sequence type (ST) 709, and in Achromobacter spp. it was ST36. These STs constitute Russian epidemic strains. Whole genome sequencing of strains A. ruhlandii SCCH3:Ach33-1365 ST36 and B. cenocepacia GIMC4560:Bcn122 ST709 revealed huge resistomes and many virulence factors, which may explain the difficulties in eradicating these strains. An experience of less dangerous B. cenocepcia ST710 elimination was described. Massively parallel sequencing of 16S rDNA amplicons, including V1-V4 hypervariable regions, was used to definite "healthy" microbiome characteristics. Analysis of maxillary sinus lavage of 7 patients revealed infection with Proteobacteria of the same ST as pathogens from sputum, suggesting that the maxillary sinus is a source of infection in cystic fibrosis patients. CONCLUSIONS: Characterization of the Russian epidemic bacterial strains in the sputum and sinuses of cystic fibrosis patients have better defined the importance of Burkholderiales bacteria. This information may aid in the development of effective approaches for treatment of this disease.

Mosaic structure of Mycobacterium bovis BCG genomes as a representation of phage sequences' mobility.

BACKGROUND: The control of genome stability is relevant for the worldwide BCG vaccine preventing the acute forms of childhood tuberculosis. BCG sub-strains whole genome comparative analysis and revealing the triggers of sub-strains transition were the purpose of our investigation. RESULTS: Whole genome sequencing of three BCG Russia seed lots (1963, 1982, 2006 years) confirmed the stability of vaccine sub-strain genome. Comparative analysis of three Mycobacteruim bovis and nine M. bovis BCG genomes shown that differences between "early" and "late" sub-strains BCG genomes were associated with specific prophage profiles. Several prophages common to all BCG genomes included ORFs which were homologues to Caudovirales. Surprisingly very different prophage profiles characterized BCG Tice and BCG Montreal genomes. These prophages contained ORFs which were homologues to Herpesviruses. Phylogeny of strains cohort based on genome maps restriction analysis and whole genomes sequence data were in agreement with prophage profiles. Pair-wise alignment of unique BCG Tice and BCG Montreal prophage sequences and BCG Russia 368 genome demonstrated only similarity of fragmetary sequences that suggested the contribution of prophages in genome mosaic structure formation. CONCLUSIONS: Control of the extended sequences is important for genome with mosaic structure. Prophage search tools are effective instruments in this analysis.

Single-Domain Antibodies Efficiently Neutralize SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern.

Virus-neutralizing antibodies are one of the few treatment options for COVID-19. The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to the emergence of virus variants with reduced sensitivity to some antibody-based therapies. The development of potent antibodies with a broad spectrum of neutralizing activity is urgently needed. Here we isolated a panel of single-domain antibodies that specifically bind to the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 S glycoprotein. Three of the selected antibodies exhibiting most robust neutralization potency were used to generate dimeric molecules. We observed that these modifications resulted in up to a 200-fold increase in neutralizing activity. The most potent heterodimeric molecule efficiently neutralized each of SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern, including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron variants. This heterodimeric molecule could be a promising drug candidate for a treatment for COVID-19 caused by virus variants of concern.

Fluorothiazinon, a small-molecular inhibitor of T3SS, suppresses salmonella oral infection in mice.

Therapeutic strategies that target bacterial virulence have received considerable attention. The type III secretion system (T3SS) is important for bacterial virulence and represents an attractive therapeutic target. Recently, we developed a new small-molecule inhibitor belonging to a class 2,4-disubstituted-4H-[1,3,4]-thiadiazine-5-ones, Fluorothiazinon (FT-previously called CL-55). FT effectively suppressed T3SS of Chlamydia spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella without affecting bacterial growth in vitro. FT was previously characterized by low toxicity, stability, and therapeutic efficacy in animal models. Salmonella T3SS inhibition by FT was studied using in vitro assays for effector proteins detection and estimation of salmonella replication in peritoneal macrophages. The antibacterial effect of FT in vivo was investigated in murine models of salmonella chronic systemic and acute infection. Oral administration of the virulent strain of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium to mice-induced chronic systemic infection with the pathogen persistence in different lymphoid organs such as spleens, Peyer's plaques, and mesenteric lymph nodes. We found that FT suppressed orally induced salmonella infection both with therapeutic and prophylactic administration. Treatment by FT at a dose of 50 mg/kg for 4 days starting from day 7 post-infection (therapy) as well as for 4 days before infection (prevention) led to practically complete eradication of salmonella in mice. FT shows a strong potential for antibacterial therapy and could be used as a substance in the design of antibacterial drugs for pharmaceutical intervention including therapy of antibiotic-resistant infections.

Burkholderia contaminans Biofilm Regulating Operon and Its Distribution in Bacterial Genomes.

Biofilm formation by Burkholderia spp. is a principal cause of lung chronic infections in cystic fibrosis patients. A "lacking biofilm production" (LBP) strain B. contaminans GIMC4587:Bct370-19 has been obtained by insertion modification of clinical strain with plasposon mutagenesis. It has an interrupted transcriptional response regulator (RR) gene. The focus of our investigation was a two-component signal transduction system determination, including this RR. B. contaminans clinical and LBP strains were analyzed by whole genome sequencing and bioinformatics resources. A four-component operon (BiofilmReg) has a key role in biofilm formation. The relative location (i.e., by being separated by another gene) of RR and histidine kinase genes is unique in BiofilmReg. Orthologs were found in other members of the Burkholderiales order. Phylogenetic analysis of strains containing BiofilmReg operons demonstrated evidence for earlier inheritance of a three-component operon. During further evolution one lineage acquired a fourth gene, whereas others lost the third component of the operon. Mutations in sensor domains have created biodiversity which is advantageous for adaptation to various ecological niches. Different species Burkholderia and Achromobacter strains all demonstrated similar BiofilmReg operon structure. Therefore, there may be an opportunity to develop a common drug which is effective for treating all these causative agents.

The Variability of the Order Burkholderiales Representatives in the Healthcare Units.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The order Burkholderiales became more abundant in the healthcare units since the late 1970s; it is especially dangerous for intensive care unit patients and patients with chronic lung diseases. The goal of this investigation was to reveal the real variability of the order Burkholderiales representatives and to estimate their phylogenetic relationships. METHODS: 16S rDNA and genes of the Burkholderia cenocepacia complex (Bcc) Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) scheme were used for the bacteria detection. RESULTS: . A huge diversity of genome size and organization was revealed in the order Burkholderiales that may prove the adaptability of this taxon's representatives. The following variability of the Burkholderiales in Russian healthcare units has been revealed: Burkholderiaceae (Burkholderia, Pandoraea, and Lautropia), Alcaligenaceae (Achromobacter), and Comamonadaceae (Variovorax). The Burkholderia genus was the most diverse and was represented by 5 species and 16 sequence types (ST). ST709 and 728 were transmissible and often encountered in cystic fibrosis patients and in hospitals. A. xylosoxidans was estimated by 15 genotypes. The strains of first and second ones were the most numerous. CONCLUSIONS: Phylogenetic position of the genus Lautropia with smaller genome is ambiguous. The Bcc MLST scheme is applicable for all Burkholderiales representatives for resolving the epidemiological problems.

The characteristics of ubiquitous and unique Leptospira strains from the collection of Russian centre for leptospirosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Leptospira, the causal agent of leptospirosis, has been isolated from the environment, patients, and wide spectrum of animals in Russia. However, the genetic diversity of Leptospira in natural and anthropurgic foci was not clearly defined. METHODS: The recent MLST scheme was used for the analysis of seven pathogenic species. 454 pyrosequencing technology was the base of the whole genome sequencing (WGS). RESULTS: The most wide spread and prevalent Leptospira species in Russia were L. interrogans, L. kirschneri, and L. borgpetersenii. Five STs, common for Russian strains: 37, 17, 199, 110, and 146, were identified as having a longtime and ubiquitous distribution in various geographic areas. Unexpected properties were revealed for the environmental Leptospira strain Bairam-Ali. WGS of this strain genome suggested that it combined the features of the pathogenic and nonpathogenic strains and may be a reservoir of the natural resistance genes. Results of the comparative analysis of rrs and rpoB genes and MLST loci for different Leptospira species strains and phenotypic and serological properties of the strain Bairam-Ali suggested that it represented separate Leptospira species. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the natural and anthropurgic foci supported ubiquitous Leptospira species and the pool of genes important for bacterial adaptivity to various conditions.

Topical bacterial lipopolysaccharide application affects inflammatory response and promotes wound healing.

The mechanisms underlying the complex and multistage wound-healing process are not yet completely understood. One of the most important and intriguing questions remaining is the effect of the interactions between wounds and the microflora that are present in wounds. In this report, we describe the first study of the effect of treating murine skin wounds with topical bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the main exogenous ligand of Toll-like receptor 4. Our findings demonstrate that LPS treatment strongly affects the wound-healing process by accelerating the resolution of inflammation, increasing macrophage infiltration, enhancing collagen synthesis, and altering the secretion of a number of mediators that are involved in the skin regeneration process. Topical LPS treatment upregulated the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)] and CC-chemokines (CCL2/MCP-1, CCL7/MCP-3, CCL3/MIP-1α, and CCL5/RANTES), but not CXC-chemokines (CXCL2/MIP-2 and CXCL9/MIG). The secretion of growth factors (vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), and fibroblast growth factor 2) at the wound site was also upregulated. Taken together, these results suggest that the topical application of LPS at the wound surface affects the inflammatory process and promotes the wound healing of injured skin.