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Published on: August 25, 2013
Role of Sphingomyelinase in the Pathogenesis of Bacillus cereus Infection
Masataka Oda1, Atsushi Yokotani1, Naoki Hayashi1
1Department of Microbiology and Infection Control Sciences, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University.
Abstract:
Bacillus cereus is well known as a causative agent of food poisoning but it also causes bacteremia and endophthalmitis in nosocomial infections. However, as an environmental bacterium that lives in soil, it is often treated as simple contamination by hospitals. In recent years, highly pathogenic B. cereus strains that are similar to Bacillus anthracis have been detected in hospitals. The B. cereus sphingomyelinase contributes to its pathogenicity, as do sphingomyelinases produced by Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Helicobacter pylori, and B. anthracis. Highly pathogenic B. cereus produces a large amount of sphingomyelinase. In this review, we describe the regulation of sphingomyelinase expression through the PlcR-PapR system, the pathogenicity of bacterial sphingomyelinases, and their potential as therapeutic drug targets.
Insights
Bacillus cereus, a soil bacterium, can cause severe infections in hospitals. Its sphingomyelinase enzyme, regulated by the PlcR-PapR system, is key to its pathogenicity and a potential therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pathogen Research
- Enzyme Function
Background:
- Bacillus cereus is recognized for causing food poisoning and is increasingly implicated in nosocomial infections like bacteremia and endophthalmitis.
- Despite its pathogenic potential, B. cereus is often dismissed as environmental contamination in hospital settings.
- Recent findings reveal highly pathogenic B. cereus strains, resembling Bacillus anthracis, emerging in healthcare environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of sphingomyelinase in Bacillus cereus pathogenicity.
- To elucidate the regulation of sphingomyelinase expression via the PlcR-PapR system.
- To explore bacterial sphingomyelinases as potential therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on Bacillus cereus pathogenicity mechanisms.
- Analysis of sphingomyelinase production and regulation in pathogenic bacteria.
- Investigation of the PlcR-PapR regulatory system's role in virulence.
Main Results:
- Sphingomyelinase is a critical virulence factor for Bacillus cereus, particularly in highly pathogenic strains.
- The PlcR-PapR system significantly regulates sphingomyelinase expression.
- Bacterial sphingomyelinases, including those from B. cereus, share pathogenic roles with enzymes from other bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus anthracis.
Conclusions:
- Sphingomyelinase is a crucial determinant of Bacillus cereus virulence.
- Targeting sphingomyelinase, regulated by the PlcR-PapR system, offers a promising strategy for novel therapeutics against B. cereus infections.
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