Christman, N. D. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2021

Increased microbial diversity and decreased prevalence of common pathogens in the gut microbiomes of wild turkeys compared to domestic turkeys

Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) provide a globally important source of protein and constitute the second most important source of poultry meat in the world. Bacterial diseases are common in commercial poultry production causing significant production losses for farmers. Due to the increasingly recognized problems associated with large-scale/indiscriminant antibiotic use in agricultural settings, poultry producers need alternative methods to control common bacterial pathogens. In this study we compared the cecal microbiota of wild and domestic turkeys, hypothesizing that environmental pressures faced by wild birds may select for a disease-resistant microbial community. Sequence analysis of 16S rRNA genes amplified from cecal samples indicate that free-roaming wild turkeys carry a rich and variable microbiota compared to domestic turkeys raised on large-scale poultry farms. Wild turkeys also had very low levels of Staphylococcus, Salmonella and E. coli when compared to domestic turkeys. E. coli strains isolated from wild or domestic turkey cecal samples also belong to distinct phylogenetic backgrounds and differ in their propensity to carry virulence genes. E. coli strains isolated from factory-raised turkeys were far more likely to carry genes for capsule (kpsII, kpsIII) or siderophore (iroN, fyuA) synthesis than those isolated from wild turkeys. These results suggest that the microbiota of wild turkeys may provide colonization resistance against common poultry pathogens. ImportanceDue to the increasingly recognized problems associated with antibiotic use in agricultural settings, poultry producers need alternative methods to control common bacterial pathogens. In this study we compare the microbiota of wild and domestic turkeys. Results suggest that free ranging wild turkeys carry a distinct microbiome when compared to farm raised turkeys. The microbiome of wild birds contains very low levels of poultry pathogens compared to farm raised birds. The microbiomes of wild turkeys may be used to guide development of new ways to control disease in large scale poultry production.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2020

A trimeric autotransporter enhances biofilm cohesiveness in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis but not in Yersinia pestis

Cohesion of biofilms made by Yersinia pestis and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (Yptb) has been attributed solely to an extracellular polysaccharide matrix encoded by the hms genes (Hms-ECM). However, mutations in the Yptb BarA/UvrY/CsrB regulatory cascade enhance biofilm stability without dramatically increasing Hms-ECM production. We found that treatment with proteinase K enzyme effectively destabilized Yptb csrB mutant biofilms, suggesting that cell-cell interactions might be mediated by protein adhesins or extracellular matrix proteins. We identified an uncharacterized trimeric autotransporter lipoprotein (YPTB2394), repressed by csrB, which has been referred to as YadE. Biofilms made by a {Delta}yadE mutant strain were extremely sensitive to mechanical disruption. Overexpression of yadE in wild-type Yptb increased biofilm cohesion, similar to biofilms made by csrB or uvrY mutants. We found that the Rcs signaling cascade, which represses Hms-ECM production, activated expression of yadE. The yadE gene appears to be functional in Yptb but is a pseudogene in modern Y. pestis strains. Expression of functional yadE in Y. pestis KIM6+ altered the production of Hms-ECM and weakened biofilms made by these bacteria. This suggests that although the YadE autotransporter protein increases Yptb biofilm stability, it may be incompatible with Hms-ECM production that is essential for Y. pestis biofilm production in fleas. Inactivation of yadE in Y. pestis may be another instance of selective gene loss in the evolution of flea-borne transmission by this species. IMPORTANCEThe evolution of Yersinia pestis from its Y. pseudotuberculosis (Yptb) ancestor involved gene acquisition and gene losses, leading to differences in biofilm production. Characterizing the unique biofilm features of both species may provide better understanding of how each adapts to its specific niches. This study identifies a trimeric autotransporter YadE that promotes biofilm stability of Yptb but which has been inactivated in Y. pestis, likely because it is not compatible with Hms polysaccharide that is crucial for biofilms inside fleas. We also reveal that the Rcs signaling cascade, which represses Hms expression in Y. pestis, activates YadE in Yptb. The ability of Yptb to use polysaccharide or YadE protein for cell-cell adhesion may help it produce biofilms in different environments.

microbiology↗