O sistema de transporte de oligopeptídios (sistema Opp) está envolvido em diferentes aspectos da fisiologia bacteriana, incluindo nutrição, comunicação intercelular e fatores associados com a virulência. Estes transportadores ABC são formados por uma proteína de ligação a oligopeptídios, uma permease e um domínio de ligação ao ATP. As Aeromonas são bactérias Gram-negativas aquáticas ubíquas associadas com várias doenças em humanos, especialmente, gastrenterites. Atualmente, A. hydrophila, A. sobria e A. caviae são consideradas como patogenos emergentes pela OMS. Neste contexto, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi caracterizar o sistema de transporte de oligopeptídios em Aeromonas utilizando para tanto diversas ferramentas bioinformáticas e moleculares. Os resultados mostraram que, assim como em outras bactérias Gram-negativas, os genes opp de Aeromonas encontram-se organizados em um único operon policistrônico formado por cinco genes (oppA, oppB, oppC, oppD e oppF). O gene oppA e a proteína periplásmica de ligação a oligopeptídios correspondente (OppA) são altamente conservados, mesmo entre bactérias de famílias distintas. O modelo da proteína OppA de A. hydrophila mostrou a estrutura típica Venus flytrap , semelhante ao modelo de S. typhimurium. Além disso, a presença do gene oppA foi confirmada em todas as linhagens avaliadas. A OppA de várias espécies de Aeromonas foram reconhecidas por anticorpos obtidos contra a OppA de E. coli, confirmando a similaridade entre estas proteínas, e a expressão da OppA em Aeromonas. O seqüenciamento completo ou parcial do gene oppA de diferentes espécies de Aeromonas permitiu confirmar a elevada conservação do mesmo, e corroborar dados filogenéticos prévios. / Submitted by Marcelo Teixeira (mvteixeira@ucs.br) on 2014-05-22T17:08:12Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Fernanda Cattani.pdf: 1029794 bytes, checksum: cca1fad2170203cf94cc3056e3a6381b (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-22T17:08:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Fernanda Cattani.pdf: 1029794 bytes, checksum: cca1fad2170203cf94cc3056e3a6381b (MD5) / The oligopeptide transport system (Opp system) is involved in different aspects of bacterial physiology, including nutrition, intercellular communication, and factors associated with virulence. These ABC transporters are formed by an oligopeptide binding protein, a permease, and ATP-binding domain. Aeromonas are ubiquous aquatic Gram-negative bacteria associated with several human diseases, particularly gastrointestinal disorders. Now a day, A. hydrophila, A. sobria and A. caviae are considered as emerging pathogens by the WHO. In this context, the objective of the present study was to characterize the oligopeptide transport system of Aeromonas using several bioinformatic and molecular tools. The results showed that as in other Gram-negative bacteria, the opp genes of Aeromonas are organized in a single policistronic operon formed by five genes (oppA, oppB, oppC, oppD and oppF). The oppA gene and its corresponding periplasmic oligopeptide-binding protein (OppA) are highly conserved, even between different bacterial families. A. hydrophila OppA model exhibits a typical Venus flytrap structure, similar to the S. typhimurium model. Furthermore, the presence of the oppA gene was confirmed in all the Aeromonas strains evaluated. The OppA of several Aeromonas species were recognized by antibodies obtained against E. coli OppA, confirming the similarity between these proteins, and the expression of the oligopeptide binding protein in Aeromonas. The complete or partial sequencing of the gene oppA of different species of Aeromonas allowed confirming the high conservation of this gene, and corroborate previous phylogenetic data.

Le genre Aeromonas regroupe des bactéries ubiquitaires vivant essentiellement dans les environnements hydriques. Ces pathogènes opportunistes de l’homme et de nombreux animaux possèdent un large répertoire de facteurs associés à la virulence. Bien que des pathotypes aient été proposés et que certaines espèces semblent plus fréquemment isolées en clinique humaine et vétérinaire, leur pouvoir pathogène demeure mal compris, notamment en raison du faible nombre d’études fonctionnelles et du manque d’investigations tenant compte de la diversité génétique et de la complexité des comportements biologiques du genre Aeromonas.Nous avons émis l’hypothèse que chez un pathogène opportuniste d’origine environnementale aussi polyvalent et ubiquitaire qu’Aeromonas, la structuration en complexes d’espèces avec une remarquable diversité génétique/génomique des populations, le polymorphisme des facteurs de virulence et les interactions au sein de communautés « pathogènes » puissent être des facteurs d’adaptation au comportement pathogène. Afin de vérifier cette hypothèse, nous avons étudié i) la diversification au sein d’un complexe d’espèces, « A. media », utilisé comme modèle au moyen d’une étude de population intégrant la génétique et la phylogénie multilocus, les mécanismes d’évolution, la génomique comparative mais également les données phénotypiques, de modes de vie et d’habitats et, ii) la patho-génomique de facteurs de virulence reconnus (aérolysine, entérotoxines thermostable et thermolabile, exotoxine A, protéase à sérine, composants et effecteurs du système de sécrétion de type III, et flagelline latérale) pour une population représentative de la diversité des espèces actuellement connue dans le genre (30 espèces) et iii) le comportement pathogène in vivo (modèle Caenorhabditis elegans) et in vitro (cytotoxicité et cytoadhésion, production de biofilm, motilité) et la signalisation intercellulaire (quorum-sensing de type I) à l’échelle de populations impliquées dans les aéromonoses mixtes (5% des aéromonoses humaines) définies par l’isolement d’au moins 2 clones distincts d’Aeromonas.Le phénomène de spéciation décrit avec l’exemple du complexe A. media, agrégeant 3 espèces génomiques, démontre qu’Aeromonas possède une structure de population en complexes d’espèces dont la diversité génétique et génomique ainsi que les modes d’évolution (mutations et recombinaisons) révèlent divers potentiels adaptatifs et patho-adaptatifs associés à l’émergence de lignées. Au sein du complexe A. media, l’espèce A. rivipollensis semble plus adaptée à un mode de vie associé à des hôtes et possède des gènes spécifiques de résistance à des stress environnementaux. Aeromonas possède de nombreux facteurs de virulence présentant diverses histoires évolutives. Certains montrent une phylogénie dépendante de l’évolution du core-génome, suggérant l’implication de ces gènes dans des processus de spéciation en relation avec l’adaptation à diverses niches. L’étude des performances de PCRs de virulence a révélé des insuffisances majeures dans la sensibilité des méthodes évaluées principalement liées au polymorphisme génétique des facteurs de virulence. Nous avons également montré que des populations mixtes d’Aeromonas isolées d’échantillons cliniques pouvaient modifier le déroulement de l’infection en modèles in vivo et in vitro probablement par mécanisme de coopération ou de compétition avec mise en jeu de signaux de communication cellule-cellule.L’importante complexité d’Aeromonas retrouvée à travers la structure de population, le polymorphisme des facteurs de virulence et les comportements de multicellularité sont autant de facteurs potentiels d’adaptation au comportement infectieux qui permettent d’expliquer au moins en partie les difficultés rencontrées dans l’élucidation de pouvoir pathogène de ces bactéries. / Aeromonas groups ubiquitous bacteria mainly living in aquatic environments. These opportunistic pathogens for human and numerous animals have a large repertoire of virulence-associated factors. Although pathotypes were proposed and despite some species are more frequently isolated in human and animal infections, their pathogenicity is still poorly understood, mostly because very few comprehensive functional studies are available and because investigations taking into account the genetic diversity and the biological complexity within the genus are lacking.We assumed that for an opportunistic bacterial pathogen of environmental origin as versatile and ubiquitous as Aeromonas, the population structure in complex of species, the outstanding genetic/genomic diversity, the polymorphism of virulence factors and the interactions within pathogenic populations can act as factors driving the adaptation to a pathogenic behaviour. To test this hypothesis, we studied i) the diversification within “A. media”, a complex of species used as a model by a population study that included multilocus genetics, phylogenetics, evolutionary features, comparative genomics, as well as phenotypics, lifestyle and habitat ii) the patho-genomics of well-known virulence factors in aeromonads (aerolysin, thermolabile and thermostable enterotoxins, exotoxin A, serine protease, components and effectors of type III secretion system, and lateral flagellin) in a population that is representative of the known taxonomic diversity in the genus (30 species) and iii) the pathogenic behaviour using an in vivo model (Caenorhabditis elegans), an in vitro model (cytotoxicity, cytoadhesion, biofilm production, motility), and intercellular signals production (type I quorum-sensing) for populations involved in mixed aeromonosis, i.e. 5% of human aeromonosis defined by the isolation of at least 2 distinct clones.The phenomenon of speciation described in the complex “A. media” that aggregates 3 genomic species demonstrates that Aeromonas harbours a population structured in complexes of closely related species whose genetic and genomic diversity, as well as evolution mode (mutations and recombinations) reveal a wide adaptative and patho-adaptative potential linked to lineage emergence. Among the complex “A. media”, the species A. rivipollensis seems to be more adapted to a host-associated lifestyle and harbours specific genes for the resistance to environmental stress. Aeromonas has a wide range of virulence-associated genes, which presented diverse evolutive history. Some of them display a phylogeny linked to the core-genome evolution. These results suggest that these genes are involved in speciation processes probably related to niches adaptation. The evaluation of performances of virulence PCRs revealed major lacks of sensitivity of tested methods mainly due to the genetic polymorphism of the virulence factors. By using in vivo models and in vitro models, we also showed that Aeromonas mixed populations recovered from clinical samples could change the course of infection, likely through a cooperative or competitive mechanism that involves cell-to-cell signalling.The high complexity of Aeromonas results from its population structure, virulence factors polymorphism and multicellular behaviours. They are all putative adaptation factors to a pathogenic behaviour that may explain at least partially the difficulties encountered to elucidate pathogenicity of these bacteria.

O sistema de transporte de oligopeptídios (sistema Opp) está envolvido em diferentes aspectos da fisiologia bacteriana, incluindo nutrição, comunicação intercelular e fatores associados com a virulência. Estes transportadores ABC são formados por uma proteína de ligação a oligopeptídios, uma permease e um domínio de ligação ao ATP. As Aeromonas são bactérias Gram-negativas aquáticas ubíquas associadas com várias doenças em humanos, especialmente, gastrenterites. Atualmente, A. hydrophila, A. sobria e A. caviae são consideradas como patogenos emergentes pela OMS. Neste contexto, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi caracterizar o sistema de transporte de oligopeptídios em Aeromonas utilizando para tanto diversas ferramentas bioinformáticas e moleculares. Os resultados mostraram que, assim como em outras bactérias Gram-negativas, os genes opp de Aeromonas encontram-se organizados em um único operon policistrônico formado por cinco genes (oppA, oppB, oppC, oppD e oppF). O gene oppA e a proteína periplásmica de ligação a oligopeptídios correspondente (OppA) são altamente conservados, mesmo entre bactérias de famílias distintas. O modelo da proteína OppA de A. hydrophila mostrou a estrutura típica Venus flytrap , semelhante ao modelo de S. typhimurium. Além disso, a presença do gene oppA foi confirmada em todas as linhagens avaliadas. A OppA de várias espécies de Aeromonas foram reconhecidas por anticorpos obtidos contra a OppA de E. coli, confirmando a similaridade entre estas proteínas, e a expressão da OppA em Aeromonas. O seqüenciamento completo ou parcial do gene oppA de diferentes espécies de Aeromonas permitiu confirmar a elevada conservação do mesmo, e corroborar dados filogenéticos prévios. / The oligopeptide transport system (Opp system) is involved in different aspects of bacterial physiology, including nutrition, intercellular communication, and factors associated with virulence. These ABC transporters are formed by an oligopeptide binding protein, a permease, and ATP-binding domain. Aeromonas are ubiquous aquatic Gram-negative bacteria associated with several human diseases, particularly gastrointestinal disorders. Now a day, A. hydrophila, A. sobria and A. caviae are considered as emerging pathogens by the WHO. In this context, the objective of the present study was to characterize the oligopeptide transport system of Aeromonas using several bioinformatic and molecular tools. The results showed that as in other Gram-negative bacteria, the opp genes of Aeromonas are organized in a single policistronic operon formed by five genes (oppA, oppB, oppC, oppD and oppF). The oppA gene and its corresponding periplasmic oligopeptide-binding protein (OppA) are highly conserved, even between different bacterial families. A. hydrophila OppA model exhibits a typical Venus flytrap structure, similar to the S. typhimurium model. Furthermore, the presence of the oppA gene was confirmed in all the Aeromonas strains evaluated. The OppA of several Aeromonas species were recognized by antibodies obtained against E. coli OppA, confirming the similarity between these proteins, and the expression of the oligopeptide binding protein in Aeromonas. The complete or partial sequencing of the gene oppA of different species of Aeromonas allowed confirming the high conservation of this gene, and corroborate previous phylogenetic data.

O potencial de bactérias em produzir polihidroxialcanoatos (PHA) a partir de óleo de soja foi avaliado com ênfase em Aeromonas spp. Dez isolados apresentando características de Aeromonas spp. (colônias amarelas em GSP agar e produção de P3HB-co-3HHx) e perfis ARDRA similares foram obtidos. Dois isolados produzindo PHAMCL foram também obtidos e experimentos de identificação adicionais serão necessários para confirmar se pertencem ao gênero Aeromonas. P3HB-co-3HHx contendo diferentes frações molares de 3HHx foram produzidos. Isolados produzindo P3HB-co-3HHx a partir de óleo de soja ou ácido láurico foram incapazes de produzir P3HB a partir de glicose sugerindo sua incapacidade de gerar monômeros 3HB a partir de acetil-CoA. Introdução de plasmídeo abrigando genes de biossíntese de P3HB de Ralstonia eutropha em isolados capazes de utilizar eficientemente óleo de soja como fonte de carbono permitiu a produção de P3HB, mas não PHA contendo monômeros de cadeia média, sugerindo uma transferência ineficiente de intermediários a partir da <font face=\"Symbol\">&#946-oxidação para PHA sintase. / The potential of polyhydroxyalknoates (PHA) production from plant oils was evaluated especially in Aeromonas spp. Ten isolates presenting features of Aeromonas spp. (yellow colonies in GSP agar and production of P3HB-co-3HHx) and similar ARDRA profiles were obtained. Two isolates producing PHAMCL were also obtained and further identification experiments will be needed to confirm their position in Aeromonas genus. P3HB-co-3HHx containing different molar fractions of 3HHx were produced. Isolates producing P3HB-co-3HHx from soybean oil or lauric acid were unable to produce P3HB from glucose suggesting their incapability to generate 3HB monomers from acetyl-CoA. Introduction of a plasmid harboring P3HB biosynthesis genes from Ralstonia eutropha into isolates able to use efficiently soybean oil as carbon source allowed the production of P3HB but not PHA containing HAMCL suggesting an inefficient transfer of intermediates from &#946-oxidation to PHA synthase.

MSc (Microbiology) / Department of Microbiology / Background: The occurrence of microorganisms and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in water poses a serious concern due to their effects on humans, animals and environment. In recent years, EDCs have been increasingly reported in rivers that receive large amounts of wastewater effluents. Of all the EDCs, natural and synthetic hormones are among those that are recognized for their potential to mimic or interfere with normal hormonal functions of humans and animals. The present study aimed at assessing the occurrence of these hormones in relation to the molecular diversity of Aeromonas and evaluating the resistance of Aeromonas to antibiotics as well as to assess anti-bacterial activity of two selected traditional medicinal plants. Methods: Wastewater, water and fish samples were collected from various sources (rivers, wastewater treatment plants, taps, and dams) for the detection of hormones and isolation of Aeromonas species. The analysis of hormones from various organs of the fish and from water samples was conducted, after extraction using enzymelinked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Different types of hormones including Estriol, Estradiol, Ethinylesradiol and Testosterone were detected, and their concentrations determined. Aeromonas spp were isolated rom the samples using microbiological methods and Conventional PCR was used for genotyping as well as for detection of the beta-lactamase genes. Kirby-bauer method was used to determine the susceptibility profiles of Aeromonas to different antibiotics. Microdilution assay was used to determine the Anti-bacterial activity of the plant (Annoniceae and Zornia milneana) extracts against Aeromonas species. Results: A total of 144 samples were collected from 23 different locations in two countries: South Africa and Zambia. These included wastewater and treated wastewater, River water, fish and tap water. 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) was detected in most of the samples (92.7%) with concentrations varying from 0.59 ng/ml to 65 ng/ml. The hormones were also detected from drinking water, with testosterone detected at high concentrations of up to 140 ng/ml in tap water. Most sewage treatment plants were not able to remove the EE2 from the wastewater as the concentration of this hormone in the final effluent was almost always higher than that in the influent. These homones were also detected in drinking water at high concentrations of up to 53.49 ng/ml in the tap water for EE2 and 1777 ng/ml for E2. The overall detection of Aeromonas species in the samples was 84.5%. A. caviae was the most prevalent species accounting for 73.6%, followed by A. veronii with 64.6%. The bacteria were completely resistant to cefuroxime accounting for 100% resistance. Aeromonas isolates also showed high resistance to trimethroprim (88.7% for A. hydrophila), cefazolin (highest 97.8% for A. cavie), and ceftazidime (83.9% for A. sobria). TEM was the most prevalent beta-lactamase gene with detection rate of 87%. All isolates lacked the presence of the CTX-M3 gene. Also, wastewater had the highest prevalence of A. veronni and A. caviae accounting for 87.5% and 82.5% respectively. Multiple antibiotic resistance was also observed with the Aeromonas isolates being resistant to up to 11 antibiotics. High prevalence of 77.1% of Aeromonas hydrophila was observed in the presence of ethinylestradiol (EE2). Aeromonas veronii and Aeromonas caviae were the most predominant species in the presence of total estriol, A. veronii had a prevalence of 57.1% and A. caviae had a prevalence of 52.8%. Aeromonas hydrophila and Aeromonas caviae had the lower prevalence in the presence of hormones with the percentages of 26.1% and 27.8% respectively. The methanol extracts of both Zornia milneana and Annona species showed good activity against the Aeromonas spp with the lowest MIC of 0.078 mg/ml. Ethyl acetate extracts were the least effective. Conclusion: This study has shown high occurrence of steroid hormones in all types of environmental samples tested. These included tap water, river water, wastewater and fish both in Zambia and South Africa. Therefore, steroid hormones constitute and important health problem in the Southern African Sub-Region. The incapacity of the wastewater treatment plants to remove EE2 is an important problem that needs to be tackled immediately. The prevalence of Aeromonas species is very high in our environmental water as well as in drinking water, with the highest prevalence observed in fish and wastewater. It was also revealed that there is relationship between steroid hormones and Aeromonas species, with the hormones supporting the growth of Aeromonas species. The presence of beta-lactamase genes which causes Aeromonas to be resistant to antibiotics was also noted. Methanol extracts of Zornia milneana and Annona spp were the most effective against Aeromonas spp and could serve as primary sources for the isolation of lead compounds. / NRF

Aeromonas spp. são bastonetes Gram negativos amplamente distribuídos nos ambientes aquáticos, com relatos de isolamento em água de abastecimento público e alimentos. Este micro-organismo possui potencial de causar doenças intestinais e extraintestinais cuja patogenicidade está associada a sua virulência multifatorial. Diversos determinantes de virulência de Aeromonas já foram identificados, incluindo sistemas de secreção de proteínas. O sistema de secreção tipo VI (SST6) é o mais recente sistema de secreção de proteínas identificado em bactérias cuja presença em estirpes no gênero Aeromonas pode implicar atividades de citotoxicidade para o hospedeiro, pois esse sistema é capaz de injetar moléculas efetoras dentro da célula, interferindo diretamente nos processos celulares. A fim de determinar a presença e analisar a distribuição dos genes hcp e vgrG codificadores das proteínas efetoras do SST6 em Aeromonas spp. o presente estudo examinou 119 cepas isoladas de diversas origens pela técnica da PCR após o desenho de oligonucleotídeos iniciadores específicos. Objetivamos ainda analisar a variabilidade genética interespecífica dos genes hcp e vgrG a partir de dados de sequenciamento. Os resultados obtidos indicaram a distribuição dos genes vgrG e hcp em 46% das cepas de Aeromonas hydrophila e Aeromonas caviae de diferentes origens. Entre as cepas de A. hydrophila a maior frequência foi observada nas cepas isoladas de humanos, onde todas foram positivas para os iniciadores que amplificaram um produto de 541 pb do gene vgrG e 418 pb do gene hcp. Entre as cepas de A. caviae, a incidência de genes vgrG e hcp foi mais elevada nas cepas isoladas de alface (60%) e peixes (50%). As cepas analisadas de origem ambiental apresentaram índice total de 36% de positividade, apresentando frequência de 60% e 22% em A. hydrophila e A. caviae, respectivamente. Os dados obtidos da análise de cepas de origem alimentar mostraram a presença dos genes vgrG e hcp em 67% (A. hydrophila) e 60% (A. caviae) das cepas isoladas de folhas de alface. Nas cepas isoladas de queijo os genes foram encontrados em 67% e 12,5% das cepas de A. hydrophila e de A. caviae, respectivamente. O alinhamento múltiplo entre as sequências dos segmentos dos genes hcp e vgrG obtidas no sequenciamento indicou grau de identidade nucleotídica de 75 a 100% entre as sequências de hcp e 80 a 100% entre as sequências de vgrG. Em conclusão, nossos resultados indicaram que os iniciadores desenhados foram capazes de detectar suas sequências alvo em cepas de A. caviae e outras espécies de Aeromonas, sugerindo a existência de homologia entre os genes nas diferentes espécies, confirmada após sequenciamento de DNA. Os dados indicaram que esses genes estão distribuídos em várias espécies de Aeromonas e em cepas isoladas de diversas fontes. Ressaltamos a prevalência de cepas de A. hydrophila PCR-positivas em isolados clínicos, sugerindo a participação do SST6 no complexo universo da virulência multifatorial que permeia esse micro-organismo / Aeromonas species are Gram negative bacilli distributed widely in aquatic environments, with reports of isolation of this microorganism in water for public supply and food. Aeromonas have the potential to cause intestinal and extra intestinal infections whose pathogenicity is associated with multifactorial virulence. A number of virulence determinants have already been identified in Aeromonas, including protein secretion systems. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is the most recent pathway to secrete proteins identified in bacteria. The presence of T6SS in Aeromonas strains may involve activities of cytotoxicity to the host, since this system is capable of injecting effectors molecules into the cell, interfering directly with a variety of cellular processes. The present study examined 119 strains of different origins by PCR, after the design of specific primers, to determine the distribution of vgrG and hcp genes encoding the effector proteins of T6SS in Aeromonas spp. We aimed to further analyze the interspecific sequence variation of hcp and vgrG genes based on sequencing data. The results show the presence of hcp and vgrG genes in 46% of A. hydrophila and A. caviae strains from different sources. All A. hydrophila strains isolated from humans were positive for the primers used to amplify a product of 541 bp and 418 bp of vgrG and hcp genes, respectively. Among A. caviae strains, the incidence of hcp and vgrG genes was high in the strains isolated from lettuce (60%) and fish (50%). The overall PCR-positive rate of strains from environmental source was 36%, with a frequency of 60% and 22% in A. hydrophila and A. caviae, respectively. The data obtained from analysis of food-borne strains showed the presence of hcp and vgrG genes in 67% (A. hydrophila) and 60% (A. caviae) of strains isolated from lettuce, while in the strains isolated from cheese the frequency was 67% (A. hydrophila) and 12.5% (A. caviae). The multiple alignment of hcp and vgrG sequences obtained revealed nucleotide identity rate between 75-100% among the hcp sequences and 80-100% in vgrG sequences. In conclusion, our results indicate that the primers designed were able to detect their target sequences in strains of A. caviae and other Aeromonas species, suggesting the existence of homology between genes in different species, as confirmed after DNA sequencing. The data indicate that these genes are distributed in various Aeromonas species from different sources. We emphasize the prevalence of PCR-positive A. hydrophila strains in clinical samples suggesting the involvement of T6SS in the complex universe of multifactorial virulence, which permeates this microorganism

VASCONCELOS, Fábio Roger. Bactérias com Potencial Biotecnológico na Descoloração de Corantes Têxteis. 2010. 64 f. : Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal do Ceará, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca, Fortaleza-CE, 2010 / Submitted by Nádja Goes (nmoraissoares@gmail.com) on 2016-07-14T12:39:39Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2010_dis_frvasconcelos.pdf: 490074 bytes, checksum: c033f812460c47d5fd980f329dc81fa3 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Nádja Goes (nmoraissoares@gmail.com) on 2016-07-14T12:40:02Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2010_dis_frvasconcelos.pdf: 490074 bytes, checksum: c033f812460c47d5fd980f329dc81fa3 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-14T12:40:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2010_dis_frvasconcelos.pdf: 490074 bytes, checksum: c033f812460c47d5fd980f329dc81fa3 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010 / The discharge of effluents from textile industries for water bodies is currently a major concern for environmentalists as a function of synthetic dyes used to color fabrics thus polluting the environment. Biological treatments, especially with the use of bacteria, present themselves as the most economically viable and widely used to decolorize colored effluents. Thus, studies were conducted to test the color removal of dyes Remazol Brilliant Blue R, Orange G and Orange II using isolated and in mixed culture strains of Escherichia coli and Aeromonas hydrophila. Firstly, the isolation of bacterial strains from three different environments was made. Then, tests were performed to verify that the dye concentration would limit the growth of each microorganism. In addition to tests of decolorization, other parameters such as pH, biomass, COD removal, total protein and toxicity of metabolites were also monitored. The Escherichia coli strain isolated from the marine environment was able to decolorize concentrations of 2, 5 and 2 mg L-1, respectively, for the RBBR dye, Orange G and Orange II dyes, while the strain E. coli isolated from textile effluent, decolorized in concentrations of 5, 0.5 and 5 mg L-1, respectively. The bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila decolorized, respectively, at 10, 5 and 5 mg L-1, while the consortium of three bacteria decolorized at concentration of 5 mg L-1 for the three dyes tested individually. In these culture conditions the decrease in the rate of COD ranged from 45% to 69% with the lowest rate observed in the assay containing A. hydrophila and dye Orange II (45%) and the highest removal rate in the test containing the dye RBBR and the consortium (69%). Bioassays using Artemia salina showed that during the process of decolorization metabolites were produced with recalcitrant characteristics. The results show that the bacteria Escherichia coli and Aeromonas hydrophila have biotechnological potential in textile dyes, provided that they use low dye concentrations decolorizing / A descarga de efluentes das indústrias têxteis para corpos aquosos é, correntemente, uma das maiores preocupações dos ambientalistas em função dos corantes sintéticos usados para colorir os tecidos poluindo assim o ambiente. A aplicação de tratamentos biológicos, sobretudo com a utilização de bactérias, apresenta-se como um dos mais viáveis economicamente, sendo um dos sistemas mais utilizados para descolorir efluentes coloridos. Neste sentido, estudos foram realizados testes para a remoção de cor dos corantes Remazol Brilliant Blue R, Orange G e Orange II utilizando cepas de Escherichia coli e de Aeromonas hydrophila, isoladas e em cultura mista. Primeiramente foi feito o isolamento das cepas bacterianas de três ambientes diferentes. Em seguida, foram feitos testes para verificar qual concentração do corante seria limite para o crescimento de cada microrganismo. Além dos testes de descoloração também foram monitorados outros parâmetros como o pH, biomassa, remoção de DQO, proteínas totais e toxicidade dos metabólitos formados. A cepa Escherichia coli, isolada do ambiente marinho, foi capaz de descolorir concentrações de 2, 5 e 2 mg L-1, respectivamente, para os corante RBBR, Orange G e Orange II, enquanto que a cepa E. coli, isolada do efluente têxtil, descoloriu nas concentrações de 5, 0,5 e 5 mg L-1, respectivamente. A bactéria Aeromonas hydrophila descoloriu respectivamente nas concentrações de 10, 5 e 5 mg L-1, enquanto que o consórcio das três bactérias descoloriu na concentração de 5 mg L-1 para os três corantes testados individualmente. Nessas condições de cultivo a diminuição na taxa de DQO variou entre 45 e 69%, com a menor taxa observada no ensaio contendo A. hydrophila e o corante Orange II (45%) e a maior taxa de remoção no ensaio contendo o consórcio e o corante RBBR (69%). Bioensaios utilizando o microcrustáceo Artemia salina mostraram que durante o processo de descoloração foram produzidos metabólitos com características recalcitrantes. Os resultados demonstram que as bactérias Escherichia coli e Aeromonas hydrophila apresentam potencial biotecnológico na descoloração de corantes têxteis, desde que sejam utilizadas baixas concentrações dos corantes

Aeromonas spp. são bastonetes Gram negativos amplamente distribuídos nos ambientes aquáticos, com relatos de isolamento em água de abastecimento público e alimentos. Este micro-organismo possui potencial de causar doenças intestinais e extraintestinais cuja patogenicidade está associada a sua virulência multifatorial. Diversos determinantes de virulência de Aeromonas já foram identificados, incluindo sistemas de secreção de proteínas. O sistema de secreção tipo VI (SST6) é o mais recente sistema de secreção de proteínas identificado em bactérias cuja presença em estirpes no gênero Aeromonas pode implicar atividades de citotoxicidade para o hospedeiro, pois esse sistema é capaz de injetar moléculas efetoras dentro da célula, interferindo diretamente nos processos celulares. A fim de determinar a presença e analisar a distribuição dos genes hcp e vgrG codificadores das proteínas efetoras do SST6 em Aeromonas spp. o presente estudo examinou 119 cepas isoladas de diversas origens pela técnica da PCR após o desenho de oligonucleotídeos iniciadores específicos. Objetivamos ainda analisar a variabilidade genética interespecífica dos genes hcp e vgrG a partir de dados de sequenciamento. Os resultados obtidos indicaram a distribuição dos genes vgrG e hcp em 46% das cepas de Aeromonas hydrophila e Aeromonas caviae de diferentes origens. Entre as cepas de A. hydrophila a maior frequência foi observada nas cepas isoladas de humanos, onde todas foram positivas para os iniciadores que amplificaram um produto de 541 pb do gene vgrG e 418 pb do gene hcp. Entre as cepas de A. caviae, a incidência de genes vgrG e hcp foi mais elevada nas cepas isoladas de alface (60%) e peixes (50%). As cepas analisadas de origem ambiental apresentaram índice total de 36% de positividade, apresentando frequência de 60% e 22% em A. hydrophila e A. caviae, respectivamente. Os dados obtidos da análise de cepas de origem alimentar mostraram a presença dos genes vgrG e hcp em 67% (A. hydrophila) e 60% (A. caviae) das cepas isoladas de folhas de alface. Nas cepas isoladas de queijo os genes foram encontrados em 67% e 12,5% das cepas de A. hydrophila e de A. caviae, respectivamente. O alinhamento múltiplo entre as sequências dos segmentos dos genes hcp e vgrG obtidas no sequenciamento indicou grau de identidade nucleotídica de 75 a 100% entre as sequências de hcp e 80 a 100% entre as sequências de vgrG. Em conclusão, nossos resultados indicaram que os iniciadores desenhados foram capazes de detectar suas sequências alvo em cepas de A. caviae e outras espécies de Aeromonas, sugerindo a existência de homologia entre os genes nas diferentes espécies, confirmada após sequenciamento de DNA. Os dados indicaram que esses genes estão distribuídos em várias espécies de Aeromonas e em cepas isoladas de diversas fontes. Ressaltamos a prevalência de cepas de A. hydrophila PCR-positivas em isolados clínicos, sugerindo a participação do SST6 no complexo universo da virulência multifatorial que permeia esse micro-organismo / Aeromonas species are Gram negative bacilli distributed widely in aquatic environments, with reports of isolation of this microorganism in water for public supply and food. Aeromonas have the potential to cause intestinal and extra intestinal infections whose pathogenicity is associated with multifactorial virulence. A number of virulence determinants have already been identified in Aeromonas, including protein secretion systems. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is the most recent pathway to secrete proteins identified in bacteria. The presence of T6SS in Aeromonas strains may involve activities of cytotoxicity to the host, since this system is capable of injecting effectors molecules into the cell, interfering directly with a variety of cellular processes. The present study examined 119 strains of different origins by PCR, after the design of specific primers, to determine the distribution of vgrG and hcp genes encoding the effector proteins of T6SS in Aeromonas spp. We aimed to further analyze the interspecific sequence variation of hcp and vgrG genes based on sequencing data. The results show the presence of hcp and vgrG genes in 46% of A. hydrophila and A. caviae strains from different sources. All A. hydrophila strains isolated from humans were positive for the primers used to amplify a product of 541 bp and 418 bp of vgrG and hcp genes, respectively. Among A. caviae strains, the incidence of hcp and vgrG genes was high in the strains isolated from lettuce (60%) and fish (50%). The overall PCR-positive rate of strains from environmental source was 36%, with a frequency of 60% and 22% in A. hydrophila and A. caviae, respectively. The data obtained from analysis of food-borne strains showed the presence of hcp and vgrG genes in 67% (A. hydrophila) and 60% (A. caviae) of strains isolated from lettuce, while in the strains isolated from cheese the frequency was 67% (A. hydrophila) and 12.5% (A. caviae). The multiple alignment of hcp and vgrG sequences obtained revealed nucleotide identity rate between 75-100% among the hcp sequences and 80-100% in vgrG sequences. In conclusion, our results indicate that the primers designed were able to detect their target sequences in strains of A. caviae and other Aeromonas species, suggesting the existence of homology between genes in different species, as confirmed after DNA sequencing. The data indicate that these genes are distributed in various Aeromonas species from different sources. We emphasize the prevalence of PCR-positive A. hydrophila strains in clinical samples suggesting the involvement of T6SS in the complex universe of multifactorial virulence, which permeates this microorganism

Aeromonas hydrophila is distributed widely in nature and is responsible for an array of human infections. Several studies on the isolation and characterisation of the organism abound. Although there are reports on the antibiotic resistance profiles of the organism, these reports have not been updated in Limpopo province, South Africa despite the established fact that antibiograms vary with time and geographical area. Antibiotic resistance and pathogenesis of an organism are dependent on a host of factors such as the production of extended spectrum beta-lactamases and the genetic profiles such as the genes coding for resistance and possession of integrons and how these characteristics overach with the phylogenetic inter-relatedness of isolates from different sources. In spite of the aforementioned concerns on the efficacy of antibiotics due to the acquisition or endowment of microorganisms with intrinsic and extrinsic factors , which enhances resistance to antibiotics , medicinal plants are reportedly offering promise as alternative sources of efficacious management of infections. Medicinal plants are employed by traditional healers in the management of infections in developing countries especially in Africa. However, the antimicrobial activities of medicinal plants against Aeromonas hydrophila have received only a cursory attention. In an endeavour to undertake a comprehensive study on the isolation, characterisation, antibiograms, activities of medicinal plants as well as the genetic profiles, including phylogenetics relatedness of Aeromonas isolates from different sources, stool and water samples were collected over a two year period from designated places in Limpopo Province and analysed using standard techniques applicable to the constituent research activity. The research findings are presented in six chapters as presented hereunder. The first chapter focussed on the literature review of the organism and reflects areas such as the morphology, laboratory diagnosis, clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, antibacterial activities of medicinal plants as well as the genetic aspects of Aeromonas hydrophila. / Environmental Science / D.Phil. (Environmental Science)

L'étude des bactéries pathogènes opportunistes d'origine environnementale ayant des modes de vie variés, libre et autonome ou contraint à une niche spécifique représentée par l'hôte, présente un intérêt dans la compréhension de l'adaptation des bactéries à leurs hôtes et de l'apparition de nouveaux pathogènes. Le genre Aeromonas regroupe des bactéries communes des milieux aquatiques, principalement des eaux douces. Elles sont capables d'entretenir différents types de relations avec leurs hôtes (parasitisme/symbiose) et peuvent être hébergées par un large spectre d'organismes. Chez l'homme, elles sont la cause d'une large variété d'infections (gastroentérite, bactériémie, infection de la peau et des tissus mous, etc.) mais les difficultés d'identification des souches et une taxonomie confuse engendrent une méconnaissance de la pathogénicité réelle des différentes espèces décrites.Le but de ce travail était d'étudier les mécanismes d'évolution génomique et génétique à l'origine de la remarquable capacité d'adaptation des Aeromonas à leurs hôtes, notamment à l'homme. Une analyse comparative de la diversité génétique et génomique d'une large collection de 195 souches représentative des différentes espèces du genre et d'origines variées (humaine, animale et environnementale) a été menée. La diversité génétique a été appréhendée au moyen d'une approche multilocus incluant l'étude des séquences de 7 gènes de ménage (dnaK, gltA, gyrB, radA, rpoB, tsf, zipA). En parallèle, nous avons étudié la variabilité des copies multiples du gène rrs en explorant leur diversité génétique par une méthode d'électrophorèse en condition dénaturante (PCR-TTGE) et la variabilité du nombre et de la répartition des opérons rrn dans le chromosome de ces bactéries par électrophorèse en champ pulsé.Ces différentes approches nous ont permis de mettre en évidence : i) une diversité très élevée des 7 gènes de ménage analysés ainsi que l'existence de transferts latéraux, ii) l'existence de sous-groupes de souches adaptées à un hôte ou à une localisation anatomique particulière, iii) un nombre important d'opérons rrn (8 à 11), iv) l'existence de profils de distribution chromosomique des opérons rrn spécifique d'espèce ou de groupes d'espèces proches, v) une forte proportion (41,5%) des souches présentant une hétérogénéité de séquences des différentes copies du gène rrs. Nos résultats montrent également la valeur taxonomique de l'étude de la diversité génétique et génomique à l'aide des approches proposées au sein du genre Aeromonas.Nous montrons que : i) l'ARN ribosomique 16S est un marqueur informatif pour étudier les modes d'évolution et conduire des études de taxonomie mixte et consensuelle dans le genre Aeromonas à condition d'étudier la diversité de ses multiples copies, ii) A. caviae présente des caractéristiques génétiques particulières témoignant d'un processus d'adaptation en cours à une niche écologique que nous supposons être l'intestin humain. Nos résultats supportent également un mode d'évolution des bactéries du genre Aeromonas dit en complexes d'espèces accompagné de phénomènes de spéciation pouvant en partie expliquer les difficultés rencontrées pour établir une taxonomie claire du genre Aeromonas. / Abstract :Studying opportunistic pathogenic bacteria with an environmental origin and a wide variety of lifestyles, either free-living or host-adapted, is useful to improve the understanding of bacterial adaptation to hosts and the emergence of novel pathogens. The genus Aeromonas groups water-living bacteria, mainly in freshwater. They are able to support several types of relations with their hosts (parasitism/ symbiosis) and are harbored by a large spectrum of hosts. In human, they are involved in a wide range of infections (gastroenteritis, bacteraemia, wound and soft tissue infection, etc.) but difficulties in identifying strains and a confused taxonomy results in incomplete knowledge of the real strain pathogenicity of each described species.The aim of this work was to study the mechanisms of genomic and genetic evolution related to the outstanding ability of Aeromonas adaptation to host, including human. We led a comparative analysis of the genetic and genomic diversity on a large strain collection (195 strains) representative of the species of the genus and from various sources (human, animal, environmental). We studied the genetic diversity using a 7 housekeeping gene multilocus strain analysis (dnaK, gltA, gyrB, radA, rpoB, tsf, zipA). We also described the variability in the i) rrs multiple gene copies using a PRC-TTGE method and ii) the number and distribution of the rrn operons within the chromosome using a pulse field gel electrophoresis. Our results also showed the taxonomic value of the study of genetic and genomic diversity using the approaches proposed in the genus Aeromonas.These various approaches enabled us to highlight: i) a high genetic diversity in the housekeeping genes together with horizontal gene transfers events, ii) some clusters that were either host-adapted or adapted to particular anatomical locations, iii) a high number of rrn operons (from 8 to 11), iv) the presence of patterns of rrn operon that were either species-specific or specific to groups of closely related species, v) a high frequency (41,5%) of strains harboring sequence heterogeneities between rrs copies. We showed that: i) 16 rRNA is a valuable marker for studying the modes of evolution of aeromonads and the taxonomy within the genus Aeromonas provided that multiple copy diversity is taken into account, ii) A. caviae displays particular genetic characteristic that suggested an ongoing process of adaptation to a niche that we supposed to be human digestive tract. Our results also support an evolution mode in complex of species with some speciation process that could at least in part explain difficulties for determining a clarified taxonomy within the genus Aeromonas.