Document Detail


Inhibition of the transcription of the Escherichia coli O157:H7 genes coding for shiga-like toxins and intimin, and its potential use in the treatment of human infection with the bacterium.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  12803859     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) was used to assess the effects, in vitro, of rifampicin on the transcription of the eaeA, stx1 and stx2 genes (coding for intimin and shiga-like toxins I and II, respectively) of seven strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7 associated with human infection. Each strain was found to possess all three genes and, in the absence of rifampicin, all seven strains transcribed eaeA and stx2 (three strains did not transcribe their stx1 genes). Transcription of all three genes was inhibited (as witnessed by a negative result in the RT-PCR), however, when the strains were incubated, at 37 degrees C, with rifampicin at 4 microg/ml (found to be the minimum concentration of this antimicrobial agent that inhibited the multiplication of E. coli O157:H7). The results of an assay based on reversed passive latex agglutination (RPLA) revealed that exposure of the bacteria to 4 microg rifampicin/ml led to a 12-fold decrease in the release of shiga-like toxin I and a 16-fold decrease in the release of shiga-like toxin II. As rifampicin is capable of inhibiting the in-vitro transcription of the genes encoding the shiga-like toxins and intimin attachment protein of E. coli O157:H7, it may be useful in the treatment of human infections with strains of this bacterium. Studies are now underway to assess the in-vitro and in-vivo effects of rifampicin, at both transcription-inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations, on E. coli O157:H7. The effects of other agents on the inhibition of the expression or activity of the shiga-like toxins and intimin attachment protein will also be determined.
Authors:
G M Matar; E Rahal
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Annals of tropical medicine and parasitology     Volume:  97     ISSN:  0003-4983     ISO Abbreviation:  Ann Trop Med Parasitol     Publication Date:  2003 Apr 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2003-06-13     Completed Date:  2003-07-07     Revised Date:  2009-05-18    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  2985178R     Medline TA:  Ann Trop Med Parasitol     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  281-7     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. gmatar@aub.edu.lb
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adhesins, Bacterial / genetics*
Carrier Proteins / genetics*
Escherichia coli Infections / drug therapy,  genetics*
Escherichia coli O157 / drug effects,  genetics*,  growth & development
Escherichia coli Proteins*
Genes, Bacterial / genetics*
Humans
Latex Fixation Tests / methods
Microbial Sensitivity Tests / methods
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
Rifampin / pharmacology,  therapeutic use
Shiga Toxin 1 / genetics
Shiga Toxin 2 / genetics
Shiga Toxins / genetics*
Transcription, Genetic / genetics*
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Adhesins, Bacterial; 0/Carrier Proteins; 0/Escherichia coli Proteins; 0/Shiga Toxin 1; 0/Shiga Toxin 2; 0/Shiga Toxins; 13292-46-1/Rifampin; 147094-99-3/eaeA protein, E coli

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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