Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026
09:44
Characterization of a Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strain Derived from Oreochromis spp. Farms Using Whole-Genome Sequencing
Published on: December 23, 2022
[Detection of pathogenicity island-associated genes in enterococcal isolates]
Min Wu1, Yi-Zhong Chen, Zu-Qiong Hu
1Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
Summary
Pathogenicity island (PAI)-associated genes are widespread in enterococci. E. faecalis strains, particularly those from clinical sources, show higher prevalence of these virulence genes compared to E. faecium and isolates from healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Context:
- Enterococci are significant human pathogens.
- Pathogenicity islands (PAIs) contribute to bacterial virulence.
- Understanding PAI gene distribution is crucial for infection control.
Purpose:
- To detect and quantify PAI-associated genes in enterococcal isolates.
- To compare the prevalence of these genes between different enterococcal species (E. faecalis vs. E. faecium).
- To assess differences in gene carriage between clinical and healthy isolates.
Summary:
- PCR and hybridization identified PAI genes in 137 out of 155 enterococcal strains (88.39%).
- Prevalence rates for hyd, psaA, nuc, esp, cylB, and gls24-like genes were high, especially in E. faecalis.
- Clinical E. faecalis isolates exhibited significantly higher rates and numbers of PAI genes than those from healthy individuals.
Impact:
- Reveals extensive distribution of PAI-associated genes in enterococci.
- Highlights E. faecalis as a more frequent carrier of these virulence factors.
- Suggests a link between PAI gene carriage and clinical origin, informing risk assessment and treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Bacterial Gastroenteritis
Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
01:25Rapid Identification of Pathogens
MALDI-TOF MS has transformed clinical microbiology by offering a rapid and reliable method for pathogen identification. The traditional approach to microbial identification typically involves time-consuming culture techniques and biochemical tests, which can delay the initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. MALDI-TOF MS avoids these delays by using characteristic ribosomal protein mass patterns of microbial cells, enabling accurate species-level identification within minutes.Principle...
01:20Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence
Pathogenic bacteria employ a variety of strategies to establish infections, including the secretion of extracellular enzymes that act as potent virulence factors. These enzymes facilitate bacterial colonization of host tissues and help evade immune surveillance. By targeting structural components of host tissues and interfering with immune mechanisms, these enzymes play a pivotal role in disease progression.Extracellular Enzymes Facilitating Tissue Invasion: Several bacterial pathogens secrete...