Virulence of clinically relevant multidrug resistant Corynebacterium striatum strains and their ability to adhere to human epithelial cells and inert surfaces. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alibi, Sana; Ramos-Vivas, José; Ben Selma, Walid; Ben Mansour, Hedi; Boukadida, Jalel; Navas, Jesús
• Is Part Of: Microbial pathogenesis. Volume 155(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: Corynebacterium striatum -- Adherence -- Biofilm -- Pili -- Virulence; Pathogenic microorganisms -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- microbiology -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- parasitology -- Periodicals; Micro-organismes pathogènes -- Périodiques; Pathologie moléculaire -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.9041
• DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104887
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0882-4010

Abstract

Abstract: Corynebacterium striatum is a nosocomial pathogen which is increasingly associated with serious infections in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. However, little is known about virulence factors and mechanisms that may enhance the establishment and long-term survival of Corynebacterium striatum. in the hospital environment. In this study, we investigated the ability of 22 multidrug-resistant C. striatum clinical isolates to adhere to human epithelial cells and to produce biofilm on polystyrene plates, glass and various tracheostomy tubes. We also tested the virulence of these strains on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans . They showed good adhesion to epithelial human cells after 180 min of infection. The 22 C. striatum were able to produce biofilms on positively and negatively charged abiotic surfaces at 37 °C. They were also able to infect and to kill Caenorhabditis elegans after 5 days of infection. The virulence condition was associated with the presence of SpaDEF operon encoding pili in all strains. This study provides new insights on virulence mechanisms that may contribute to the persistence of C. striatum in the hospital environment, increasing the probability of causing nosocomial infections. Highlights: Emergence of multidrug resistance Corynebacterium strains is a serious problem. Biofilm production enhance bacterial resistance. Data about the virulence factors of C. striatum are very scant.