Pyocin-mediated antagonistic interactions in Pseudomonas spp. isolated in James Ross Island, Antarctica.

Interactions within bacterial communities are frequently mediated by the production of antimicrobial agents. Despite the increasing interest in research of new antimicrobials, studies describing antagonistic interactions among cold-adapted microorganisms are still rare. Our study assessed the antimicrobial interactions of 36 Antarctic Pseudomonas spp. and described the genetic background of these interactions in selected strains. The overall bacteriocinogeny was greater compared to mesophilic Pseudomonas non-aeruginosa species. R-type tailocins were detected on transmission electron micrographs in 16 strains (44.4%); phylogenetic analysis of the corresponding gene clusters revealed that the P. prosekii CCM 8878 tailocin was related to the Rp3 group, whereas the tailocin in Pseudomonas sp. CCM 8880 to the Rp4 group. Soluble antimicrobials were produced by eight strains (22.-2%); gene mining found pyocin L homologues in the genomes of P. prosekii CCM 8881 and CCM 8879 and pyocin S9-like homologues in P. prosekii CCM 8881 and Pseudomonas sp. CCM 8880. Analysis of secretomes confirmed the production of all S- and L-type pyocin genes. Our results suggest that bacteriocin-based inhibition plays an important role in interactions among Antarctic soil bacteria, and these native, cold-adapted microorganisms could be a promising source of new antimicrobials.

Pseudomonas karstica sp. nov. and Pseudomonas spelaei sp. nov., isolated from calcite moonmilk deposits from caves.

A taxonomic study of two fluorescent Pseudomonas strains (HJ/4T and SJ/9/1T) isolated from calcite moonmilk samples obtained from two caves in the Moravian Karst in the Czech Republic was carried out. Results of initial 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis assigned both strains into the genus Pseudomonas and showed Pseudomonas yamanorum 8H1T as their closest neighbour with 99.8 and 99.7 % 16S rRNA gene similarities to strains HJ/4T and SJ/9/1T, respectively. Subsequent sequence analysis of rpoD, rpoB and gyrB housekeeping genes confirmed the highest similarity of both isolates to P. yamanorum 8H1T, but phylogeny and sequences similarities implied that they are representatives of two novel species within the genus Pseudomonas. Further study comprising whole-genome sequencing followed by average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization calculations, repetitive sequence-based PCR fingerprinting with the REP and ERIC primers, automated ribotyping with the EcoRI restriction endonuclease, cellular fatty acid analysis, quinone and polar lipid characterization, and extensive biotyping confirmed clear separation of both analysed strains from the remaining Pseudomonas species and showed that they represent two novel species within the genus Pseudomonas for which the names Pseudomonas karstica sp. nov. (type strain HJ/4T=CCM 7891T=LMG 27930T) and Pseudomonas spelaei sp. nov. (type strain SJ/9/1T=CCM 7893T=LMG 27931T) are suggested.

West Nile virus outbreak in captive and wild raptors, Czech Republic, 2018.

West Nile virus lineage 2 (WNV-2) was detected in the brain of 17 goshawks (Accipiter gentilis) that succumbed to neuroinvasive disease in the Czech Republic during 2018: twelve birds were captive and five wild. Furthermore, two wild sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus) and three other captive birds of prey (golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos, hybrid saker falcon Falco cherrug × F. rusticolus and Harris's hawk Parabuteo unicinctus) also died due to WNV encephalitis. The 2018 outbreak in Czech raptors clearly reflects a new epidemiological situation and indicates an increasing risk of both raptor and human infection with WNV-2 in the country.

Mortality of Goshawks (Accipiter gentilis) Due to West Nile Virus Lineage 2.

In 2017, we isolated and identified West Nile virus (WNV) lineage 2 from two dead captive goshawks (Accipiter gentilis), for the first time in the Czech Republic. Goshawk might serve as an early indicator species for the ongoing WNV emergence in several European countries.

A proteomic approach to the development of DIVA ELISA distinguishing pigs infected with Salmonella Typhimurium and pigs vaccinated with a Salmonella Typhimurium-based inactivated vaccine.

BACKGROUND: Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is one of the most common enteropathogenic bacteria found in pigs in Europe. In our previous work, we demonstrated the protective effects in suckling piglets when their dams had been vaccinated with an S. Typhimurium-based inactivated vaccine. This study is focused on a procedure leading to serological discrimination between vaccinated and infected pigs. As we supposed, distinct environment during natural infection and in bacterial cultures used for vaccine preparation led to a slightly different spectrum of expressed S. Typhimurium proteins. The examination of porcine antibodies produced after the experimental infection with S. Typhimurium or after vaccination with S. Typhimurium-based inactivated vaccine by affinity chromatography and mass spectrometry revealed differences in antibody response applicable for serological differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals. RESULTS: Antibodies against Salmonella SipB, SipD and SseB proteins were detected at much higher levels in post-infection sera in comparison with control and post-vaccination sera. On the other hand, proteins BamB, OppA and a fragment of FliC interacted with antibodies from post-vaccination sera with a much higher intensity than from control and post-infection sera. In addition, we constructed ELISA assays using post-infection antigen - SipB protein and post-vaccination antigen - FliC-fragment and evaluated them on a panel of individual porcine sera. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of antibody response of infected and vaccinated pigs by proteomic tools enabled to identify S. Typhimurium antigens useful for distinguishing infected from vaccinated animals. This approach can be utilized in other challenges where DIVA vaccine and a subsequent serological assay are required, especially when genetic modification of a vaccine strain is not desirable.

Description of Pseudomonas gregormendelii sp. nov., a Novel Psychrotrophic Bacterium from James Ross Island, Antarctica.

During the microbiological research performed within the scope of activities of Czech expeditions based at the Johann Gregor Mendel Station at James Ross Island, Antarctica, two psychrotrophic gram-stain negative non-fluorescent strains CCM 8506T and CCM 8507 from soil were extensively characterized using genotypic and phenotypic methods. Initial characterization using ribotyping with HindIII restriction endonuclease and phenotyping implies that both isolates belong to a single Pseudomonas species. Sequencing of rrs, rpoB, rpoD and glnA genes of strain CCM 8506(T) confirmed affiliation of investigated strains within the genus Pseudomonas. Further investigation using automated ribotyping with EcoRI (RiboPrinter(®) Microbial Characterisation System), whole-cell protein profiling using the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer system, extensive biochemical testing and DNA-DNA hybridization experiments confirmed that both investigated strains are members of a single taxon which is clearly separated from all hitherto described Pseudomonas spp. Based on all findings, we describe a novel species Pseudomonas gregormendelii sp. nov. with the type strain CCM 8506(T) (=LMG 28632T).

Characterization of Pseudomonas monteilii CCM 3423 and its physiological potential for biodegradation of selected organic pollutants.

Pseudomonas monteilii CCM 3423 bacterial strain, deposited at the Czech Collection of Microorganisms, was originally isolated by Halama and Augustín (1980) as a bacterium degrading aromatic hydrocarbons and derivates. A detailed study supported by a molecular genetics method of sequence analyses of rrs and rpoD genes was used to reclassify the strain, originally stored as 'Pseudomonas putida'. The physiological characteristics of the strain are complemented with research in the capacity to utilize selected organic pollutants (anthracene, benz[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, fluorene, naphthalene, phenanthrene). The obtained results point at very good biodegradation properties of the strain. Already after 7 days of the bacterial strain's action, there was a decrease in all the organic contaminants to 79.8 ± 2.6 %. In 14 days, the amount of organic contaminants dropped to 59.3 ± 2.8 %. After 21 days of biodegradation experiments, the overall quantity of the observed organic substances fell below the half limit to 45.7 ± 2.5 % of residuals. Finally, after 28 days, the residue was 35.4 ± 2.2 %, and after 35 days of the action of P. monteilii, the tested samples contained mere 27.8 ± 2.8 % of organic pollutants. The results imply that Pseudomonas monteilii CCM 3423 is a prospective strain in terms of further biotechnological application in contaminated environment.

Pseudomonas prosekii sp. nov., a novel psychrotrophic bacterium from Antarctica.

During Czech expeditions at James Ross Island, Antarctica, in the years 2007-2009, the bacterial diversity of the genus Pseudomonas was studied. Twelve fluorescent Pseudomonas strains were isolated from various samples and were subjected to a detailed taxonomic study. A polyphasic approach included genotypic and phenotypic analyses. The genotypic analysis involved sequencing of rrs, rpoB and rpoD genes, DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) studies as well as manual ribotyping using HindIII endonuclease. The phenotypic characterization included conventional tests as well as biotyping using the Biolog system, protein profiling by SDS-PAGE, and MALDI-TOF MS analysis. Our taxonomic study revealed that all isolates belonged to the same Pseudomonas species with psychrotrophic growth not exceeding 37 °C. The cultures showed a unique position among the phylogenetically related pseudomonads. DDH experiment between the proposed type strain of the antarctic isolates and the closest neighbour P. arsenicoxydans CCM 8423(T) showed only 40.9-50.1 % similarity, thus confirming that the characterized strains do not belong to the P. arsenicoxydans species. According to the results obtained we propose the name P. prosekii sp. nov. for this novel Pseudomonas taxon with type strain AN/28/1(T) (=CCM 7990(T) and LMG 26867(T)).

Description of Pseudomonas jessenii subsp. pseudoputida subsp. nov., amended description of Pseudomonas jessenii and description of Pseudomonas jessenii subsp. jessenii subsp. nov.

Fluorescent Pseudomonas putida CCM 3656 (ATCC 11250) was analysed according to the methods of polyphasic approach which were based on sequence analyses involving the rpoB and rrs genes, manual ribotyping using endonuclease HindIII, DNA base composition determination and DNA-DNA hybridization. The results obtained by these genotyping methods showed that the strain CCM 3656 is distant from P. putida taxon, which was supported with phenotype characterization represented by whole-cell protein profile analysis, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry profiling and extended biotyping. The DNA-DNA hybridization experiments performed between the strain CCM 3656 and the closest relatives revealed 77 % similarity with Pseudomonas jessenii. However, the outcomes of sequencing, ribotyping and phenotype characterization allow distinguishing the studied strain from P. jessenii. On the basis of the obtained taxonomic data, we suggest reclassifying strain CCM 3656 to a novel subspecies of P. jessenii and propose naming P. jessenii subsp. pseudoputida subsp. nov. with CCM 3656(T) as type strain. Furthermore, we present an amended description of P. jessenii and proposal of P. jessenii subsp. jessenii subsp. nov.

Enterococcus ureilyticus sp. nov. and Enterococcus rotai sp. nov., two urease-producing enterococci from the environment.

A set of 25 urease-producing, yellow-pigmented enterococci was isolated from environmental sources. Phenotypic classification divided the isolates into two phena. Both phena were characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, DNA base composition, rep-PCR fingerprinting and automated ribotyping. The obtained data distinguished the isolates from all members of the genus Enterococcus with validly published names and placed them in the Enterococcus faecalis species group. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments, pheS and rpoA sequencing and whole-cell protein electrophoresis provided conclusive evidence for the classification of each phenon as a novel species of the genus Enterococcus, for which the names Enterococcus ureilyticus sp. nov. (type strain CCM 4629(T)  = LMG 26676(T)  = CCUG 48799(T)), inhabiting water and plants, and Enterococcus rotai sp. nov. (type strain CCM 4630(T)  = LMG 26678(T)  = CCUG 61593(T)), inhabiting water, insects (mosquitoes) and plants, are proposed.

Enterococcus plantarum sp. nov., isolated from plants.

Eight Gram-positive, catalase-negative bacterial strains were isolated during screening of enterococcal populations on plants. rep-PCR fingerprinting using the (GTG)(5) primer showed that the isolates constituted a single cluster that was separate from all known enterococcal species. 16S rRNA gene sequence phylogenetic analysis of three representative strains showed that the isolates belonged to the genus Enterococcus and that they clustered with the Enterococcus faecalis species group. Sequencing of the genes for the phenylalanyl-tRNA synthase alpha subunit (pheS) and the RNA polymerase alpha subunit (rpoA) also revealed the isolates' separate taxonomic position. Application of whole-cell protein fingerprinting, automated ribotyping and extensive phenotyping demonstrated the genetic and phenotypic homogeneity of the isolates and confirmed their separate position within the E. faecalis species group. The isolates represent a novel species of the genus Enterococcus, for which the name Enterococcus plantarum sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is CCM 7889(T) (=LMG 26214(T)=C27(T)).

Enterococcus rivorum sp. nov., from water of pristine brooks.

A significant number of Enterococcus strains from pristine waters of two brooks in Finland formed a distinct cluster on the basis of whole-cell protein fingerprinting by one-dimensional SDS-PAGE. The strains shared the following characteristics. Cells were ovoid, Gram-positive-staining and non-spore-forming, appearing singly or in pairs or chains. They were facultatively anaerobic and catalase-negative. Growth in broth containing 6.5 % NaCl or at 45 °C was weak or absent. Production of D antigen was variable. The strains tolerated 60 °C for 30 min, 40 % bile and tellurite, hydrolysed aesculin strongly and gelatin weakly, produced no acid from hippurate and did not reduce it, grew weakly at 10 °C, showed a strong reaction for the Voges-Proskauer test and produced acid from methyl α-d-glucoside, mannitol, sorbitol and sucrose, with weak or no production of acid from methyl α-d-mannoside, l-arabinose, gluconate and l-xylose. Several of the strains were selected for identification on the basis of sequencing of almost the whole 16S rRNA gene and partial atpA and pheS genes and of (GTG)(5)-PCR fingerprints. Partial atpA and pheS gene sequencing was also performed for those type strains of Enterococcus species without available sequences in the database. The pristine brook isolates formed a novel species, for which the name Enterococcus rivorum sp. nov. (type strain S299(T) = HAMBI 3055(T) = LMG 25899(T) = CCM 7986(T)) is proposed. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, E. rivorum sp. nov. is related to the Enterococcus faecalis genogoup. It is distinguished from described Enterococcus species on the basis of 16S rRNA, atpA and pheS gene sequences and whole-cell protein and (GTG)(5)-PCR fingerprints. It is most closely related to E. faecalis, but DNA-DNA hybridization confirms it to represent a novel species.