Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Camila Maurmann de Souza, Osmel Fleitas Martinez, Harry Morales Duque, Octavio Luiz Franco
Summary: Novel treatments are needed to combat resistant Gram-negative bacteria and predatory bacteria have emerged as a potential solution. However, the efficacy of predatory bacteria alone is limited, leading to the investigation of combination therapies with other agents. This article discusses recent advancements in the use of predatory bacteria for infections and proposes novel combination strategies with antivirulence compounds.
DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
R. Elizabeth Sockett
Summary: Liz Sockett describes the lessons she learned from studying Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, a single-celled predator that invades and kills Gram-negative bacteria from within.
NATURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
K. K. Sivakala, P. A. Jose, O. Matan, C. Zohar-Perez, A. Nussinovitch, E. Jurkevitch
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of B. bacteriovorus to prey on and survive in the gut of the Mediterranean fruit fly, leading to a shift in the gut microbiome community structure.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Hyochan Jang, Wonsik Mun, Robert J. J. Mitchell, Seong Yeol Choi, Seok Hoon Jeong
Summary: As mankind explores the possibility of permanently inhabiting outer space and other planets, finding alternatives to antibiotics for controlling drug-resistant pathogens becomes crucial. This study examines the efficacy of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus HD100 as an alternative to antibiotics. The results show that the activity of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus HD100 is similar or even better in simulated microgravity conditions compared to flask and normal gravity cultures. The study also demonstrates that Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus HD100 is effective in killing carbapenem- and colistin-resistant pathogenic bacterial strains and can hydrolyze resistant genes in these clinical isolates. These findings suggest the potential applicability of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus HD100 as an antibiotic against multidrug-resistant pathogens during spaceflight.
MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ying Tang, Qian-Xiao Huang, Di-Wei Zheng, Yang Chen, Li Ma, Cui Huang, Xian-Zheng Zhang
Summary: By utilizing a material-assisted micro-organism (MAMO) strategy with ZnO nanorods engineered Bdellovibrio (ZnO@Bdello), the biofilm composed of Gram-negative bacteria can be effectively eradicated. This strategy demonstrates superior competence in alleviating inflammation and inhibiting bone resorption.
Article
Microbiology
Monique Waso-Reyneke, Sehaam Khan, Wesaal Khan
Summary: The interaction between Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus PF13 and mixed bacterial communities was studied. The results showed that PF13 preferentially preys on K. pneumoniae and the presence of Gram-positive bacteria does not affect its predation efficiency.
Article
Microbiology
Karolina Plaskowska, Lukasz Makowski, Agnieszka Strzalka, Jolanta Zakrzewska-Czerwinska
Summary: Most eukaryotic and bacterial cells divide by binary fission, while some bacteria can also divide by nonbinary fission. The predatory bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus exhibits bimodal fission, with the mode of division depending on the size of the prey bacterium. This finding provides insights into the proliferation and elimination strategies of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Selcan Kahraman Vatansever, Yamac Tekintas, Fatma Feriha Cilli, Mine Hosgor-Limoncu
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the predator bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus HD100 on various clinical pathogens and their biofilms. It was found that this predator bacteria showed good antibacterial activity against most Gram-negative pathogens and some Gram-positive pathogens. The study also demonstrated the ability of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus to control biofilm formation.
INDIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Christian Mariel Saenz-Santos, Omotayo Opemipo Oyedara, Yunia Veronica Garcia-Tejeda, Claudia A. Romero-Bastida, Esperanza Milagros Garcia-Oropesa, Eduardo Villalobo, Mario A. Rodriguez-Perez
Summary: The study evaluated the viability of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus in biopolymeric films, with CA-S film showing less reduction in bacterial viability. This suggests that CA-S could be a better agent for immobilization and preservation of B. bacteriovorus for enhanced predatory activities against Escherichia coli.
Review
Microbiology
Benjamin Havenga, Brandon Reyneke, Monique Waso-Reyneke, Thando Ndlovu, Sehaam Khan, Wesaal Khan
Summary: This article reviews the antibiotic resistance and virulence mechanisms of A. baumannii, and discusses the potential of biological control agents to target and combat this pathogen. Limitations and mitigation strategies are also outlined.
Review
Microbiology
Francis M. Cavallo, Lorea Jordana, Alexander W. Friedrich, Corinna Glasner, Jan Maarten van Dijl
Summary: Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus is a predatory bacterium with potential applications as a probiotic and antibiotic agent due to its unique ability to prey on other Gram-negative bacteria. Recent studies have focused on its biology, life cycle, predation resistance, and potential use as a living antibiotic in human therapy. Data suggest that it could be upgraded from academic interest to a tool for combating antibiotic resistant infections.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Megan Kode, Monique Waso-Reyneke, Brandon Reyneke, Julia Denissen, Tanya Clements-Decker, Benjamin Havenga, Sehaam Khan, Wesaal Khan
Summary: This study investigated the reduction of antibiotic resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using combination treatments of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, solar disinfection, and Moringa oleifera flocculation. Results showed that pre-treatment with Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus alone did not reduce the concentration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but combining it with solar disinfection resulted in significant reductions. The combination treatment effectively reduced the counts of Klebsiella pneumoniae.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Xiaoli Chen, Huadong Yi, Shuang Liu, Yong Zhang, Yuqin Su, Xuange Liu, Sheng Bi, Han Lai, Zeyu Zeng, Guifeng Li
Summary: Addition of B. bacteriovorus to aquaculture water can significantly promote the pellet-feed feeding of mandarin fish, improve their survival rates and growth performance, as well as regulate intestinal flora and enhance innate immunity.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ophelie Remy, Thomas Lamot, Yoann Santin, Jovana Kaljevic, Charles de Pierpont, Geraldine Laloux
Summary: This protocol introduces a fluorescence-based technique for immediate evaluation of predator density, an optimized setup for monitoring predation in microplates, and the CuRveR package for quantifying both prey killing and predator proliferation dynamics. It can assess the impact of mutations or chemicals on predation and serves as a user-friendly tool for analyzing growth or decay data unrelated to predation.
Article
Microbiology
Yuki Hoshiko, Yoshito Nishiyama, Tae Moriya, Kiwao Kadokami, Luis Esau Lopez-Jacome, Ryutaro Hirano, Rodolfo Garcia-Contreras, Toshinari Maeda
Summary: The study found that the pqs QS system of P. aeruginosa inhibits the predatory activity of B. bacteriovorus, while the predatory activity of B. bacteriovorus increases when using pqs QS system mutant strains.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Hansol Im, Katherine L. Kruckow, Adonis D'Mello, Feroze Ganaie, Eriel Martinez, Jennifer N. Luck, Kyle H. Cichos, Ashleigh N. Riegler, Xiuhong Song, Elie Ghanem, Jamil S. Saad, Moon H. Nahm, Herve Tettelin, Carlos J. Orihuela
Summary: Streptococcus pneumoniae shows different physiological and virulence responses to different carbohydrate availabilities. Differences in carbohydrate availability between the nasopharynx and invasive disease sites directly influence the metabolic activity, growth rate, and physiological state of S. pneumoniae. This anatomical site-specific carbohydrate availability directly affects the virulence traits of S. pneumoniae and promotes relative fitness.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Hyochan Jang, Wonsik Mun, Robert J. J. Mitchell, Seong Yeol Choi, Seok Hoon Jeong
Summary: As mankind explores the possibility of permanently inhabiting outer space and other planets, finding alternatives to antibiotics for controlling drug-resistant pathogens becomes crucial. This study examines the efficacy of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus HD100 as an alternative to antibiotics. The results show that the activity of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus HD100 is similar or even better in simulated microgravity conditions compared to flask and normal gravity cultures. The study also demonstrates that Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus HD100 is effective in killing carbapenem- and colistin-resistant pathogenic bacterial strains and can hydrolyze resistant genes in these clinical isolates. These findings suggest the potential applicability of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus HD100 as an antibiotic against multidrug-resistant pathogens during spaceflight.
MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Laura M. Chambers, Emily L. Esakov Rhoades, Rashmi Bharti, Chad Braley, Surabhi Tewari, Lexie Trestan, Zahraa Alali, Defne Bayik, Justin D. Lathia, Naseer Sangwan, Peter Bazeley, Amy S. Joehlin-Price, Zeneng Wang, Sumita Dutta, Mohammed Dwidar, Adeline Hajjar, Philip P. Ahern, Jan Claesen, Peter Rose, Roberto Vargas, J. Mark Brown, Chad M. Michener, Ofer Reizes
Summary: This study investigated the impact of antibiotic treatment on the growth and cisplatin sensitivity of ovarian cancer. The findings suggest that antibiotic treatment may promote tumor growth and suppress cisplatin sensitivity. Antibiotic treatment led to reduced apoptosis, increased DNA damage repair, enhanced angiogenesis, and increased frequency of cisplatin-augmented cancer stem cells.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Eun Ryung Kim, Cheulmin Joe, Robert J. Mitchell, Man Bock Gu
Summary: In this review, we discuss recent developments in biosensors for healthcare, which are used in various fields like medicine, food, and environment. These biosensors include in vitro diagnosis biosensors, continuous monitoring biosensors, and wearable biosensors. In vitro diagnosis biosensors have expanded significantly lately, with the introduction of CRISPR/Cas methodologies and improvements to existing integrated biosensor devices. We also discuss the emerging groups of continuous monitoring and wearable biosensors, as well as the outlook for commercialization and future of biosensors.
TRENDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Wonsik Mun, Sumudu Upatissa, Sungbin Lim, Mohammed Dwidar, Robert J. Mitchell
Summary: Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus and like organisms recognize outer membrane porin F (OmpF) on Escherichia coli surface, but there are also other prey surface structures recognized by these predators that need further investigation.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Wonsik Mun, Seong Yeol Choi, Sumudu Upatissa, Robert J. Mitchell
Summary: Biofilms in the food industry can reduce productivity, impact food stability, cause storage issues, and lead to food poisoning. This review focuses on predatory bacteria, particularly the intraperiplasmic Bdellovibrio-and-like organism (BALO) grouping, as potential agents for biofilm control and eradication. Predatory bacteria possess the essential attributes for successful biocontrol in the food industry, including broad spectrum activity against pathogens, activity against biofilms, safety towards humans and animals, and compatibility with food.
FOOD SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Sumudu Upatissa, Robert. J. J. Mitchell
Summary: With the threat of antibiotic resistance increasing, researchers are exploring alternatives to combat bacterial pathogenesis. Bacteriocins, proteins produced by bacteria, offer promising selective control of bacterial populations due to their diverse mechanisms and narrow spectrum of activities. This review focuses on the application of colicins and microcins, subsets of bacteriocins, against drug-resistant pathogens in both in vitro and in vivo settings.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Federico I. I. Prokopczuk, Hansol Im, Javier Campos-Gomez, Carlos J. J. Orihuela, Eriel Martinez
Summary: Pf is a filamentous bacteriophage integrated into the chromosome of Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates. Mutations occurring in the Pf genome result in the emergence of superinfective variants (SI-Pf) that can infect Pf-lysogenized P. aeruginosa. In this study, specific mutations were identified in the Pf4 phage that led to the emergence of SI-Pf, and an engineered SI-Pf (eSI-Pf) was tested as a phage therapy tool for burn wound infections caused by P. aeruginosa. The treatment with eSI-Pf resulted in bacterial clearance and survival of all treated mice, suggesting its potential as a phage therapy against recalcitrant P. aeruginosa infections.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hansol Im, Madison L. Pearson, Eriel M. Martinez, Kyle S. Cichos, Xiuhong J. Song, Katherine Kruckow, Rachel Andrews, Elie Ghanem, Carlos Orihuela
Summary: Anaerobic bacteria, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae, play a significant role in pulmonary infections. This study reveals the importance of NAD(H) redox balance during fermentation for energy generation, capsule production, and the overall fitness of the bacteria. Furthermore, inhibiting alcohol dehydrogenase activity with a FDA-approved drug enhances susceptibility to certain antibiotics and reduces bacterial burden, offering a potential strategy against multidrug-resistant pathogens.
Article
Microbiology
Sumudu Upatissa, Wonsik Mun, Robert J. Mitchell
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of two different colicins (ColB and ColE5) and B. bacteriovorus HD100, either individually or in combination, against antibiotic-resistant strains of E. coli. The results showed that when used alone, ColB and ColE5 were effective in killing susceptible populations but the pathogens eventually grew back. Predation with B. bacteriovorus HD100 had a pronounced effect but could not completely eradicate the pathogens. However, when used together, the combination showed better killing efficiency and complete eradication of two strains was achieved. These results suggest the potential of using a combination of colicins and B. bacteriovorus for controlling pathogenic bacteria.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Shanshan Zhang, Yi Han, Whitman Schofield, Michael Nicosia, Paul E. Karell, Kevin P. Newhall, Julie Y. Zhou, Ryan J. Musich, Siyi Pan, Anna Valujskikh, Naseer Sangwan, Mohammed Dwidar, Qiuhe Lu, Thaddeus S. Stappenbeck
Summary: This study found that the prebiotic pectin oligosaccharide (pec-oligo) stimulated high levels of IgA production in the small intestine in a T cell-dependent manner. Surprisingly, the increased IgA levels persisted even after cessation of pec-oligo treatment, and microbiome transmission was sufficient to maintain high IgA levels. Notably, the specific bacterial taxa associated with pec-oligo did not align with the IgA-coated microbes, suggesting a role for ethanol-resistant microbes in driving the IgA-high phenotype.
CELL HOST & MICROBE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Mohammed Dwidar, Jennifer A. Buffa, Zeneng Wang, Akeem Santos, Aaron N. Tittle, Xiaoming Fu, Adeline M. Hajjar, Joseph A. Didonato, Stanley L. Hazen
Summary: Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is a metabolite produced by gut microbes through the conversion of dietary L-carnitine into trimethylamine (TMA), which is linked to atherosclerosis and thrombosis. This study engineered a recombinant Escherichia fergusonii strain to harbor the complete pathway for L-carnitine metabolism, and demonstrated its ability to raise TMAO levels in mice upon L-carnitine supplementation.
Article
Cell Biology
Hyochan Jang, Seong Yeol Choi, Robert J. J. Mitchell
Summary: In a survey of the International Space Station (ISS), Staphylococcus aureus was found to be the most common pathogenic bacterium in samples from air, water, and surfaces. The study showed that growth under microgravity conditions significantly altered the lipid profile of S. aureus, making it more sensitive to membrane-acting antibiotics. These findings are important for controlling the presence and spread of S. aureus and other pathogens in space.
Article
Microbiology
Jessica R. Lane, Muralidhar Tata, Rahena Yasmin, Hansol Im, David E. Briles, Carlos J. Orihuela
Summary: The virulence factor PspA plays a critical role in the aggregation and protection of Streptococcus pneumoniae during colonization, while lactoferrin counters this effect. PspA forms protein complexes with mGAPDH and lactoferrin on the surface of the bacteria, and changes in the levels of these proteins may have important implications on the colonization, survival on fomites, and transmission of S. pneumoniae.
Article
Microbiology
Ina Nemet, Masanori Funabashi, Xinmin S. Li, Mohammed Dwidar, Naseer Sangwan, Sarah M. Skye, Kymberleigh A. Romano, Tomas Cajka, Brittany D. Needham, Sarkis K. Mazmanian, Adeline M. Hajjar, Federico E. Rey, Oliver Fiehn, W. H. Wilson Tang, Michael A. Fischbach, Stanley L. Hazen
Summary: pCS and IS, gut microbiome-derived metabolites, are associated with cardiovascular disease risks and all-cause mortality. Microbial genes involved in the production of these metabolites can confer pro-thrombotic phenotype in vivo. Therapeutic targeting of gut microbial pathways may be a rational approach for CVD treatment.