Impact of ESBL and MBL-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa on Caenorhabditis elegans: assessing survival, reproductive fitness, chemotaxis behaviour, and gene expression

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Abstract

Introduction. Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a key model for studying host–pathogen interactions. In our study, we explored the impact of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) producing strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on C. elegans, examining survival, reproductive fitness, chemotaxis behaviour, and gene expression. Both ESBL and MBL-producing P. aeruginosa showed a slow killing phenotype in C. elegans, with prolonged gut colonization and reduced lifespan compared to worms fed Escherichia coli OP50.

Materials and methods. C. elegans N2 strain was exposed to ESBL/MBL-producing P. aeruginosa strains, non-resistant P. aeruginosa, and E. coli OP50. Survival, reproductive fitness, chemotaxis, and gene expression of daf-16 and age-1 were analyzed via assays and qRT-PCR.

Results. Resistant strains caused accelerated mortality, starting on day 2, while non-resistant strains had delayed mortality from day 5. This indicates that ESBL and MBL enzymes may boost P. aeruginosa's virulence. Worms exposed to these resistant strains had reduced fecundity, showing impaired reproductive fitness. Changes in chemotaxis behaviour suggested that virulence factors and quorum sensing might affect how worms seek food. Gene expression analysis revealed significant changes in daf-16, a gene involved in stress resistance and immunity, in response to ESBL and MBL strains. However, there were no significant differences in the expression of age-1, indicating other mechanisms at play besides insulin/insulin-like growth factor signalling.

Conclusion. This study highlights the complex interactions between bacterial virulence, host survival, and reproductive behaviour. By exploring the effects of antibiotic resistance on C. elegans, we offer insights into the broader implications of antibiotic-resistant infections and potential strategies for managing them.

About the authors

Janani Nandan

University of Madras

Email: jananinandan2014@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0009-0000-9232-2784

M.Sc. (medical microbiology), researcher, Department of microbiology, Dr. A.L.M. PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences

India, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Anandhakrishnan Rajaram Heamchandsaravanan

University of Madras

Email: heamchand0314@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-3369-2587

M.Sc. (medical microbiology), researcher, Department of microbiology, Dr. A.L.M. PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences

India, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Charles Sharchil

University of Madras

Email: andrewchales@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-9055-0951

Ph.D. (Genetics), researcher, Department of genetics, Dr. A.L.M. PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences

India, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Vinu Ramachandran

University of Madras

Email: vinutwin@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-8566-7415

Ph.D. (Genetics), researcher, Department of genetics, Dr. A.L.M. PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences

India, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Damodharan Perumal

Indira Medical College and Hospitals

Email: 17damzz@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-5318-6513

Ph.D. (Medical microbiology), Assistant Professor, Department of microbiology

India, Pandur, Tamil Nadu

Anandan Balakrishnan

University of Madras

Author for correspondence.
Email: anand_gem@yahoo.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-4747-3799

Ph.D. (Genetics), Assistant Professor, Department of genetics, Dr. A.L.M. PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences

India, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Prabu Dhandapani

University of Madras

Email: bruibms@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-2866-4338

Ph.D. (Medical microbiology), Assistant Professor and Head i/c, Department of microbiology, Dr. A.L.M. PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences

India, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

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