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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Siderophore Production from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Published on: March 15, 2024
Distribution and evolution of ferripyoverdine receptors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Josselin Bodilis1, Bart Ghysels, Julie Osayande
1Université de Rouen, Laboratoire M2C, UMR CNRS 6143, groupe microbiologie, Bâtiment IRESE B, UFR des Sciences, 76821 Mont Saint Aignan, France.
Abstract:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous gram-negative bacterium, which is also able to cause severe opportunistic infections in humans. The colonization of the host is importantly affected by the production of the high-affinity iron (III) scavenging peptidic siderophore pyoverdine. The species P. aeruginosa can be divided into three subgroups ('siderovars'), each characterized by the production of a specific pyoverdine and receptor (FpvA). We used a multiplex PCR to determine the FpvA siderovar on 345 P. aeruginosa strains from environmental or clinical origin. We found about the same proportion of each type in clinical strains, while FpvA type I was slightly over-represented (49%) in environmental strains. Our multiplex PCR also detected the presence or absence of an additional receptor for type I pyoverdine (FpvB). The fpvB gene was in fact present in the vast majority of P. aeruginosa strains (93%), regardless of their siderovar or their origin. Finally, molecular analyses of fpvA and fpvB genes highlighted a complex evolutionary history, probably linked to the central role of iron acquisition in the ecology and virulence of P. aeruginosa.
Insights
Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains were classified into three siderovars based on their pyoverdine receptor FpvA. The FpvB receptor was common across most strains, suggesting complex iron acquisition strategies in this opportunistic pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial genetics
- Pathogen ecology
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common opportunistic pathogen.
- Iron acquisition is crucial for P. aeruginosa colonization and virulence.
- Pyoverdine and its receptor FpvA define P. aeruginosa siderovars.
Purpose of the Study:
- To molecularly characterize FpvA siderovars in P. aeruginosa.
- To investigate the prevalence of the FpvB receptor.
- To explore the evolutionary history of iron acquisition genes.
Main Methods:
- Multiplex PCR was used to determine FpvA siderovar.
- PCR was employed to detect the presence of the fpvB gene.
- Analysis of 345 P. aeruginosa strains from clinical and environmental sources.
Main Results:
- All three FpvA siderovars were found in clinical P. aeruginosa strains.
- FpvA type I was slightly more prevalent in environmental strains (49%).
- The fpvB gene was present in 93% of all analyzed strains, irrespective of siderovar or origin.
Conclusions:
- The distribution of FpvA siderovars varies between clinical and environmental P. aeruginosa populations.
- The high prevalence of FpvB suggests a significant role in iron acquisition.
- The evolutionary history of fpvA and fpvB indicates complex adaptations for iron uptake in P. aeruginosa.
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