Genome-wide screen in human plasma identifies multifaceted complement evasion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

ABSTRACT: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen, is a leading cause of bacteremia with a high mortality rate. We recently reported that P. aeruginosa forms a persister-like sub-population of evaders in human plasma. Here, using a gain-of-function transposon sequencing (Tn-seq) screen in plasma, we identified and validated previously unknown factors affecting bacterial persistence in plasma. Among them, we identified a small periplasmic protein, named SrgA, whose expression leads to up to a 100-fold increase in resistance to killing. Additionally, mutants in pur and bio genes displayed higher tolerance and persistence, respectively. Analysis of several steps of the complement cascade and exposure to an outer-membrane-impermeable drug, nisin, suggested that the mutants impede

SUBMITTER: Janet-Maitre M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9901815 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature