The emergence of a highly transmissible lineage of cbl+ Pseudomonas (Burkholderia) cepacia causing CF centre epidemics in North America and Britain
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Pseudomonas (Burkholderia) cepacia infections in cystic fibrosis patients show epidemic transmission. A novel DNA sequence reveals a transatlantic clone with specific pili binding to CF mucin, aiding in identification.
Area Of Science
- Molecular Biology
- Microbiology
- Genetics
Background
- Pseudomonas (Burkholderia) cepacia complex infections are a growing concern in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.
- The extent of epidemic transmission of these bacteria between CF centers remains debated.
- Previous studies have yielded conflicting conclusions regarding transmissibility.
Purpose Of The Study
- To provide DNA sequence-based evidence for a specific lineage of P. cepacia involved in CF center epidemics.
- To identify novel factors contributing to the transmissibility and infectivity of this P. cepacia clone.
- To establish a method for screening and identifying this transatlantic epidemic clone.
Main Methods
- DNA sequencing of P. cepacia isolates from CF patients in North America and Europe.
- Analysis of the gene encoding the pilin subunit (cblA) of novel cable (Cbl) pili.
- Characterization of the binding properties of Cbl pili to CF mucin.
Main Results
- Identification of a distinct evolutionary lineage of P. cepacia associated with CF center epidemics in Toronto and Edinburgh.
- Discovery of novel cable (Cbl) pili encoded and expressed by the epidemic clone, which bind to CF mucin.
- The cblA pilin subunit gene sequence was found to be invariant among the epidemic isolates.
Conclusions
- A specific, highly transmissible, and infectious transatlantic clone of P. cepacia has been identified using DNA sequencing.
- Novel Cbl pili that bind to CF mucin are a characteristic feature of this epidemic clone.
- The DNA sequence and chromosomal fingerprint provide a tool for screening and tracking this specific clone.