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The Application of Open Searching-based Approaches for the Identification of Acinetobacter baumannii O-linked Glycopeptides
Published on: November 2, 2021
Isolation and Characterization of AbTJ, an Acinetobacter baumannii Phage, and Functional Identification of Its
Jingzhi Xu1,2, Xiaobo Li1,2,3, Guangbo Kang1,2
1Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China.
Abstract:
A. baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen and a major cause of various community-acquired infections. Strains of this species can be resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents, leaving limited therapeutic options, also lacking in methods for accurate and prompt diagnosis. In this context, AbTJ, a novel phage that infects A. baumannii MDR-TJ, was isolated and characterized, together with its two tail fiber proteins. Morphological analysis revealed that it belongs to Podoviridae family. Its host range, growth characteristics, stability under various conditions, and genomic sequence, were systematically investigated. Bioinformatic analysis showed that AbTJ consists of a circular, double-stranded 42670-bp DNA molecule which contains 62 putative open reading frames (ORFs). Genome comparison revealed that the phage AbTJ is related to the Acinetobacter phage Ab105-1phi (No. KT588074). Tail fiber protein (TFPs) gp52 and gp53 were then identified and confirmed as species-specific proteins. By using a combination of bioluminescent methods and magnetic beads, these TFPs exhibit excellent specificity to detect A. baumannii. The findings of this study can be used to help control opportunistic infections and to provide pathogen-binding modules for further construction of engineered bacteria of diagnosis and treatment.
Insights
A novel bacteriophage, AbTJ, and its specific tail fiber proteins were identified to detect multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. This discovery offers new strategies for diagnosing and treating opportunistic infections caused by this pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Acinetobacter baumannii is a significant opportunistic pathogen causing community-acquired infections.
- Multidrug resistance in A. baumannii limits therapeutic options and necessitates improved diagnostic methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel bacteriophage, AbTJ, targeting A. baumannii MDR-TJ.
- To identify and validate species-specific tail fiber proteins (TFPs) for diagnostic applications.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of bacteriophage AbTJ, including morphological and genomic analysis.
- Identification and confirmation of tail fiber proteins gp52 and gp53 using bioluminescent and magnetic bead assays.
- Bioinformatic analysis of the phage genome.
Main Results:
- AbTJ, a Podoviridae family phage, was isolated and its 42670-bp dsDNA genome sequenced, containing 62 ORFs.
- Tail fiber proteins gp52 and gp53 were confirmed as species-specific for A. baumannii.
- TFPs demonstrated high specificity in detecting A. baumannii using bioluminescent and magnetic bead methods.
Conclusions:
- The novel phage AbTJ and its TFPs provide a specific detection method for A. baumannii.
- These findings can aid in controlling opportunistic infections and developing engineered bacteria for diagnosis and treatment.
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