Genotype–phenotype correlation of fecal Streptococcus regulator (fsr) locus with gelatinase activity and bioflm formation intensity in clinical E. faecalis isolates
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Spring 3-8-2024
Abstract
Background Enterococci, known for their disturbing involvement in nosocomial infections, possess a diverse set of virulence factors, regulated by multiple genes. A key virulence regulator is the fecal Streptococcus regulator (Fsr) quorum sensing system. Multiple reports describe the involvement of fsr genes in several virulence mechanisms, notably gelatinase production and bioflm formation; however, the presence of fsr genes does not necessarily predict those virulence phenotypes. This study investigates the factors afecting the relation between molecular detection of fsr genes and accurate prediction of gelatinase activity and bioflm formation intensity. Methods One hundred enterococcal samples were collected from patients sufering from urinary tract infections. The isolates were identifed through the use of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique targeting the ddl gene. Bioflm formation was quantifed by the crystal violet assay, while gelatinase activity was evaluated on gelatin agar plates. PCR was used to detect the fsrA and fsrB genes, as well as the gelatinase enzyme-encoding gene (gelE). Results Out of the collected 100 isolates, 93% were identifed as Enterococcus faecalis. The isolates formed bioflm with diferent intensities: 47% were strong bioflm producers, 28% moderate, and 21% weak, while only four isolates (4%) did not form bioflm. Only 14% of all isolates had detectable gelatinase activity. The fsrA and fsrB genes were detected in 26% and 28% of the tested isolates, respectively, while gelE was detected in 57% of the isolates. Whereas no association was found between bioflm formation intensity and fsr locus genes or gelatinase activity, a strong positive correlation (r=1) was found between the detection of both fsrA and fsrB genes and the gelatinase activity. Conclusion fsrA and fsrB have a diagnostic value and may be used as biomarkers for gelatinase activity in E. faecalis
Recommended Citation
Hashem, Yomna; Aziz, Ramy K.; Abdelrahman, Khaled Abdelnasser; and Kashef, Mona Tawfik, "Genotype–phenotype correlation of fecal Streptococcus regulator (fsr) locus with gelatinase activity and bioflm formation intensity in clinical E. faecalis isolates" (2024). Pharmacy. 828.
https://buescholar.bue.edu.eg/pharmacy/828
