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Increased whiB7 expression and antibiotic resistance in Mycobacterium chelonae carrying two prophages

Jaycee Cushman1, Emma Freeman1,2, Sarah McCallister1

  • 1Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, ME, United States.

BMC Microbiology
|June 10, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Prophage, integrated viral genomes, increase antibiotic resistance in Mycobacterium chelonae. These prophages alter intrinsic antibiotic resistance gene expression, aiding mycobacterial adaptation to stress.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Non-tuberculosis mycobacterial infections are rising globally.
  • These infections exhibit high intrinsic antibiotic resistance.
  • The role of prophage in mycobacterial drug resistance is largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of prophage on antibiotic resistance in Mycobacterium chelonae.
  • To explore the role of prophage in the expression of intrinsic antibiotic resistance genes.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of Mycobacterium chelonae strains carrying different prophages (McProf, BPs).
  • Assessment of antibiotic resistance levels (amikacin, acivicin).
  • Quantification of intrinsic antibiotic resistance gene expression (whiB7).

Main Results:

  • Mycobacterium chelonae strains with prophage McProf showed increased amikacin resistance.
  • Resistance was further enhanced by acivicin or the presence of a second prophage (BPs).
  • Co-infection with BPs and McProf increased expression of the virulence gene whiB7.

Conclusions:

  • Prophage significantly alter the expression of key mycobacterial intrinsic antibiotic resistance genes.
  • Prophage play a role in mycobacterial adaptation to environmental stress, including antibiotic exposure.
Keywords:
Antibiotic resistanceMycobacteriaPolymorphic toxinProphagewhiB7

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