Virulence of the emerging pathogen, <i>Burkholderia pseudomallei</i>, depends upon the <i>O</i>-linked oligosaccharyltransferase, PglL.

ABSTRACT: Aim: We sought to characterize the contribution of the O-OTase, PglL, to virulence in two Burkholderia spp. by comparing isogenic mutants in Burkholderia pseudomallei with the related species, Burkholderia thailandensis. Materials & methods: We utilized an array of in vitro assays in addition to Galleria mellonella and murine in vivo models to assess virulence of the mutant and wild-type strains in each Burkholderia species. Results: We found that pglL contributes to biofilm and twitching motility in both species. PglL uniquely affected morphology; cell invasion; intracellular motility; plaque formation and intergenus competition in B. pseudomallei. This mutant was attenuated in the murine model, and extended survival in a vaccine-challenge experiment. Conclusion: Our data support a broad role for pglL in bacterial fitness and virulence, particularly in B. pseudomallei.

SUBMITTER: Willcocks SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7611010 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature