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Updated: Jul 11, 2025

A Visual Assay to Monitor T6SS-mediated Bacterial Competition
08:45

A Visual Assay to Monitor T6SS-mediated Bacterial Competition

Published on: March 20, 2013

15.7K

The type VI secretion system of the emerging pathogen Stenotrophomonas maltophilia complex has antibacterial

Cristian V Crisan1,2, Daria Van Tyne3, Joanna B Goldberg1,2

  • 1Division of Pulmonary, Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis, and Sleep, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Msphere
|November 17, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia uses its type VI secretion system (T6SS) to eliminate competing bacteria. This mechanism enhances its survival in polymicrobial environments and during infections, crucial for immunocompromised patients.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Bacterial Pathogenesis
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Opportunistic infections by *Stenotrophomonas maltophilia* pose a significant threat to immunocompromised individuals.
  • The competitive strategies employed by *S. maltophilia* against other prokaryotes remain largely unelucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of the type VI secretion system (T6SS) in the competitive interactions of *S. maltophilia*.
  • To determine if T6SS contributes to the fitness of *S. maltophilia* in the presence of other bacterial species.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative genomic analysis of T6SS gene distribution in *S. maltophilia* isolates.
  • Experimental assays to assess bacterial competition and elimination mediated by T6SS.

Main Results:

  • The type VI secretion system (T6SS) was identified as a key mechanism enabling *S. maltophilia* to eliminate other bacteria.
  • *S. maltophilia* strains possessing functional T6SS exhibited enhanced competitive fitness against co-infecting bacterial isolates.
  • T6SS gene prevalence across global isolates underscores its importance as an antibacterial weapon.

Conclusions:

  • The T6SS is a critical virulence factor for *S. maltophilia*, facilitating interbacterial competition.
  • This system likely confers a survival advantage in polymicrobial communities, impacting both environmental survival and host infections.
  • Understanding T6SS function is vital for developing strategies against *S. maltophilia* infections in vulnerable populations.
Keywords:
Stenotrophomonas maltophiliaantibacterialcompetitiontype VI secretion system

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