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Lactobacillus spp. derived biosurfactants effect on expression of genes involved in Proteus mirabilis biofilm
Maliheh Shokouhfard1, R-Kasra Kermanshahi2, M-Mehdi Feizabadi3
1Department of Microbiology, School of Science, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, International Campus, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Abstract:
Nosocomial infections (NIs) have been defined as infections ocuurring shortly after hospitalization or discharging from the hospital. It is associated with increased morbidities and mortalities. Proteus mirabilis considered as the hospital-acquired pathogen. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus-derived biosurfactant on P. mirabilis biofilm formation and flhDC/rsmA expression level (P. mirabilis standard strain ATCC 7002 and urinary infection isolated P. mirabilis strains). One of the potential strategies for the prevention of nosocomial infections is the use of probiotics. L. acidophilus was selected as a probiotic strain to produce biosurfactants. A biosurfactant reduces the adhesion of strains to microtiter plate and glass slide surfaces due to the reduction of surface tension. By using Real time PCR quantitation method we showed that biosurfactant significantly reduced rsmA expression whereas increased flhDC expression in P. mirabilis isolates. Several properties of P. mirabilis cells (biofilm formation, adhesion, and gene expression) were changed after L. acidophilus- derived biosurfactant treatment. In this study we showed that biosurfacant treatment can pave the way for a possible control of biofilm development. Based on our findings, we suggest that the prepared biosurfactant may interfere with adhesion of P. mirabilis to catheters and other devices.
Insights
Lactobacillus acidophilus-derived biosurfactant effectively inhibits Proteus mirabilis biofilm formation. This probiotic biosurfactant alters bacterial gene expression, offering a potential strategy against hospital-acquired infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Nosocomial infections (NIs) pose significant risks, with Proteus mirabilis identified as a key hospital-acquired pathogen.
- Probiotics, like Lactobacillus acidophilus, are explored for NI prevention strategies.
- Biosurfactants produced by probiotics can reduce microbial adhesion and surface tension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of Lactobacillus acidophilus-derived biosurfactant on Proteus mirabilis biofilm formation.
- To investigate the effect of the biosurfactant on the expression of flhDC and rsmA genes in P. mirabilis.
- To assess the potential of biosurfactants in controlling P. mirabilis infections, particularly those associated with medical devices.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Real-time PCR quantitation to measure gene expression levels (flhDC and rsmA) in P. mirabilis.
- Assessed changes in P. mirabilis biofilm formation and adhesion properties following biosurfactant treatment.
- Tested the efficacy of biosurfactant on both standard and isolated strains of P. mirabilis.
Main Results:
- L. acidophilus-derived biosurfactant significantly reduced rsmA gene expression in P. mirabilis isolates.
- The biosurfactant treatment led to a significant increase in flhDC gene expression.
- Observed alterations in biofilm formation and adhesion capabilities of P. mirabilis cells post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- L. acidophilus-derived biosurfactant demonstrates potential in controlling P. mirabilis biofilm development.
- The biosurfactant may interfere with the adhesion of P. mirabilis to medical devices like catheters.
- This study suggests a promising role for probiotic-derived biosurfactants in managing nosocomial infections caused by P. mirabilis.
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