Biology subjects

Poignon, C.

Publications and source records attributed to Poignon, C..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Emergence of plasmid-borne erm(55)-associated macrolide resistance in Mycobacterium chelonae and other rapidly-growing non-tuberculous mycobacteria in Europe

Macrolides are key agents for treating infections caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Nevertheless, chromosomal erm genes conferring inducible macrolide resistance are described in some NTM species, such as Mycobacterium abscessus and M. fortuitum, whereas M. chelonae had long been considered as lacking a functional erm. Recent descriptions from the USA and Japan of a new plasmid-borne erm(55) (erm(55)P) in M. chelonae and other rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) have challenged this assumption. We investigated erm(55)P occurrence in clinical RGM referred to the French National Reference Centre for Mycobacteria between 2012 and 2026 by genome screening and erm(55)P specific real-time PCR. Positive isolates underwent long-read whole genome sequencing (GridIon, Oxford Nanopore Technologies). Clarithromycin (CLR) minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by broth microdilution (RAPMYCO and FRATMYC, Thermo Fisher) and read up to 14 days. Five clinical isolates showing inducible CLR resistance (MIC range <0.25-64 mg/L on day 3-4 and 128- >128 mg/L on day 14) were positive for erm(55)P: one M. chelonae, three M. neoaurum, and one M. parafortuitum. erm(55)P-positive M. chelonae genomes from this and previous descriptions did not cluster together in the phylogenetic analysis of 263 genomes. The assembled plasmids showed high similarity to previously reported erm(55)-carrying plasmids, especially within the erm(55)P region. The upstream sequence of erm(55)P showed a secondary structure compatible with a possible translation attenuation mechanism. These findings document the first report of a plasmid-borne erm(55) in Europe in M. chelonae and other RGM and raise concern about the emergence of plasmid macrolide resistance in NTM.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2026

Minimal effective dose of telacebec administered orally in a murine model of leprosy

Leprosy treatment requires prolonged therapy with challenging patient follow-up. New regimens are needed to simplify current treatments. A recent clinical trial evaluating bedaquiline has shown promising results; however, to prevent the emergence of drug resistance, additional therapeutic options are required. Telacebec (TCB), an imidazopyridine amide targeting the Mycobacterium leprae electron transport chain, represents a promising candidate. In this study, we determined the minimal effective dose (MED) of TCB against M. leprae in vivo by using the proportional bactericidal method in the mouse footpad model. Results were analyzed by using microscopy, RLEP qPCR and molecular viability. The MED obtained was 20 mg/kg. TCB doses [≥]20 mg/kg achieved complete bacterial clearance, similar to bedaquiline 25mg/kg. Molecular enumeration confirmed these findings whereas molecular viability assessment had limited applicability due to insufficient bacterial burden. These findings provide a strong foundation for clinical trial design and the development of combination therapies.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2026

A Murine Model of Mycobacterium abscessus Encapsulated in Alginate-Beads: Advancing Toward a Chronic Infection Model

BackgroundThe increasing incidence of Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) lung infections, together with its intrinsic multidrug resistance, highlights the need for new therapeutic regimens. However, the lack of a reliable chronic infection model in immunocompetent mice limits preclinical evaluation. MethodsTo mimic the bronchial environment of infected patients, we evaluated the effect of encapsulating M. abscessus in alginate beads on infection progression in BALB/cJRJ mice following intratracheal inoculation, compared with intranasal infection using non-encapsulated bacteria. The impact of dexamethasone treatment (DEX) was also assessed. Bacterial loads in lungs, spleen, liver, and kidneys were quantified over time in untreated and antibiotic-treated mice. Lung inflammation was evaluated by measuring IFN-{gamma} and TNF- levels. In vitro, the activity of imipenem and bedaquiline was assessed against free or alginate-encapsulated M. abscessus. ResultsCompared with intranasal infection, intratracheal infection with alginate-encapsulated bacteria resulted in slower pulmonary clearance and greater extrapulmonary dissemination. DEX further enhanced these features, reducing lung clearance, increasing dissemination, and amplifying lung inflammation. Bedaquiline showed no effect, whereas imipenem efficacy depended on treatment timing. For both drugs, alginate encapsulation reduced in vitro antibacterial activity. ConclusionThis model represents a step toward a chronic M. abscessus infection model characterized by moderate lungs clearance, extrapulmonary dissemination, and pronounced inflammatory responses. Reduced antibiotic activity against alginate-encapsulated bacteria may more accurately predict treatment efficacy in humans than activity measured against free bacteria.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2026

Does Infection Progression of Mycobacterium abscessus Depend on Sex, Age, and Mouse strain?

The lack of a reliable chronic murine model limits drugs evaluation against Mycobacterium abscessus. Models show discrepancies, especially regarding host factors (mouse strain, sex and age). Using beads-model, we compared BALB/cJRJ and C57BL/6NCrl across sexes and ages. BALB/cJRJ showed more sustained infection and lower variability, with no significant sex- or age-related differences. Considering these results and the higher prevalence of NTM pulmonary infections in female patients, 5-6 weeks-old female BALB/cJRJ are appropriate for M. abscessus beads-model.

microbiology↗