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Alcaligenes defragrans sp. nov., description of four strains isolated on alkenoic monoterpenes ((+)-menthene, alpha-pinene, 2-carene, and alpha-phellandrene) and nitrate.

Four pseudomonad strains 51Men, 54Pin, 62Car and 65Phen were recently isolated on the monoterpenes (+)-menthene, alpha-pinene, 2-carene and alpha-phellandrene as sole carbon source and nitrate as electron acceptor. These bacteria were characterised. The motile, mesophilic, Gram-negative rods had a strictly respiratory metabolism. Monoterpenes as carbon sources were completely mineralised to carbon dioxide. The physiology of all strains was very similar, but displayed an individual utilisation preference for the isolation substrate. The fatty acid composition of whole cells showed a high degree of similarity to that of Alcaligenes faecalis. Comparative 16S rDNA data analysis placed the isolates into the beta-subclass of Proteobacteria in a common offshoot together with Alcaligenes and Bordetella species. On the basis of these characteristics, the strains are described as a new species belonging to the genus Alcaligenes, A. defragrans sp. nov., with strain 54Pin (DSM 12141T) as type strain.

Alcaligenes↗

Evidence for two distinct azurins in Alcaligenes xylosoxidans (NCIMB 11015): potential electron donors to nitrite reductase.

We have isolated two type 1 copper-containing proteins (M(r) approximately 13K) from Alcaligenes xylosoxidans (NCIMB 11015) grown under denitrifying conditions. Amino acid sequence analysis of these two proteins shows one to be the previously identified azurin (Ambler, 1971), which we shall call azurin I, and the other to be a related, but previously undescribed, blue copper protein which we show to also be an azurin and propose to call azurin II. Thus, NCIMB 11015 becomes the second system where two distinct azurins are found, the other being Methylomonas J (Ambler & Tobari, 1989). On isoelectric focusing, azurin I migrates very similarly to the previously identified azurin from this organism while azurin II migrates similarly to azurin purified from Alcaligenes denitrificans NCTC 8582. The sequence of azurin II is 33% different than the azurin I sequence but is only 11% different than the azurin from Alcaligenes denitrificans NCTC 8582. Optical spectra for the two proteins are very similar with epsilon mM values of 6.27 and 5.73 mM-1 cm-1 for azurin I and II, respectively, at lambda max approximately 620 nm. The 291 nm shoulder normally ascribed to the hydrophobic nature of tryptophan 48 is clearly observed in azurin I but is missing in azurin II. Amino acid analysis confirms that this tryptophan is missing in azurin II. Azurin I and azurin II show essentially the same redox potential of 305 +/- 10 mV at pH 7.5 and are equally effective electron donors to the purified dissimilatory nitrite reductase of Alc. xylosoxidans in vitro.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alcaligenes↗

Cloning and expression of the transposable chlorobenzoate-3,4-dioxygenase genes of Alcaligenes sp. strain BR60.

Growth on 3-chlorobenzoate was found to induce the enzymes of the protocatechuate meta ring fission pathway in Alcaligenes sp. strain BR60. The chlorobenzoate catabolic genes, designated cba, were localized to a 3.7-kb NotI-EcoRI fragment within the nonrepeated region of the composite transposon Tn5271. The cba genes were cloned onto two broad-host-range vectors and expressed in Escherichia coli and Alcaligenes sp. strain BR6024. In E. coli, expression of the cba genes with the IPTG (isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside)-inducible tac promoter of the IncQ vector pMMB66HE resulted in the production of protocatechuate and chlorodihydroxybenzoate metabolites of 3-chlorobenzoate. Expression of this construct in one orientation resulted in the formation of two polypeptides 51 and 42 kDa in size. This result was confirmed by subcloning into pGEM3Zf and then incorporating L-35S-methionine into newly synthesized proteins, using the thermally regulated T7 polymerase-promoter system. Introduction of the NotI-EcoRI fragment into Alcaligenes sp. strain BR6024 (Cba-P), using the IncP broad-host-range, mobilizable plasmid pBW13, restored the 3-chlorobenzoate-degradative phenotype and resulted in the accumulation of protocatechuate and chlorodihydroxybenzoate intermediates. The data indicate that a two-component dioxygenase specified by Tn5271 oxidizes 3-chlorobenzoate at the 3,4- or 4,5-positions. This activity extends the range of pathways for chloroaromatic compounds known to be functional in the environment. The new pathway avoids the toxicity attributed to the accumulation of chlorocatechol metabolites in bacteria degrading chlorobenzoates.

Alcaligenes↗

Maintenance and induction of naphthalene degradation activity in Pseudomonas putida and an Alcaligenes sp. under different culture conditions.

The expression of xenobiotic-degradative genes in indigenous bacteria or in bacteria introduced into an ecosystem is essential for the successful bioremediation of contaminated environments. The maintenance of naphthalene utilization activity is studied in Pseudomonas putida (ATCC 17484) and an Alcaligenes sp. (strain NP-Alk) under different batch culture conditions. Levels of activity decreased exponentially in stationary phase with half-lives of 43 and 13 h for strains ATCC 17484 and NP-Alk, respectively. Activity half-lives were 2.7 and 5.3 times longer, respectively, in starved cultures than in stationary-phase cultures following growth on naphthalene. The treatment of starved cultures with chloramphenicol caused a loss of activity more rapid than that measured in untreated starved cultures, suggesting a continued enzyme synthesis in starved cultures in the absence of a substrate. Following growth in nutrient medium, activity decreased to undetectable levels in the Alcaligenes sp. but remained at measurable levels in the pseudomonad even after 9 months. The induction of naphthalene degradation activities in these cultures, when followed by radiorespirometry with 14C-labeled naphthalene as the substrate, was consistent with activity maintenance data. In the pseudomonad, naphthalene degradation activity was present constitutively at low levels under all growth conditions and was rapidly (in approximately 15 min) induced to high levels upon exposure to naphthalene. Adaptation in the uninduced Alcaligenes sp. occurred after many hours of exposure to naphthalene. In vivo labeling with 35S, to monitor the extent of de novo enzyme synthesis by naphthalene-challenged cells, provided an independent confirmation of the results.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Combined nickel-cobalt-cadmium resistance encoded by the ncc locus of Alcaligenes xylosoxidans 31A.

The nickel-cobalt-cadmium resistance genes carried by plasmid pTOM9 of Alcaligenes xylosoxidans 31A are located on a 14.5-kb BamHI fragment. By random Tn5 insertion mutagenesis, the fragment was shown to contain two distinct nickel resistance loci, ncc and nre. The ncc locus causes a high-level combined nickel, cobalt, and cadmium resistance in strain AE104, which is a cured derivative of the metal-resistant bacterium Alcaligenes eutrophus CH34. ncc is not expressed in Escherichia coli. The nre locus causes low-level nickel resistance in both Alcaligenes and E. coli strains. The nucleotide sequence of the ncc locus revealed seven open reading frames designated nccYXHCBAN. The corresponding predicted proteins share strong similarities with proteins encoded by the metal resistance loci cnr (cnrYXHCBA) and czc (czcRCBAD) of A. eutrophus CH34. When different DNA fragments carrying ncc genes were heterologously expressed under the control of the bacteriophage T7 promoter, five protein bands representing NccA (116 kDa), NccB (40 kDa), NccC (46 kDa), NccN (23.5 kDa), and NccX (16.5 kDa) were detected.

Alcaligenes↗

Cellular fatty acids of Alcaligenes and Pseudomonas species isolated from clinical specimens.

The cellular fatty acid composition of 25 clinical isolates of Alcaligenes and Pseudomonas was determined by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). The GLC fatty acid profiles of three species of Pseudomonas were markedly different from those of Alcaligenes. The most significant differences were the presence and relative amounts of hydroxy, branched-chain, and cyclopropane fatty acids. One of the major fatty acids in A. faecalis was a 17-carbon cyclopropane (17 delta) acid, whereas a 15-carbon branched-chain acid (13-methyl tetradecanoate) characterized isolates of P. putrefaciens. The determination of these fatty acids by GLC provides a rapid and specific means of distinguishing clinical isolates of Pseudomonas and Alcaligenes.

Alcaligenes↗

Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility of Alcaligenes xylosoxidans isolated from patients with cystic fibrosis.

In the past decade, potential pathogens, including Alcaligenes species, have been increasingly recovered from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Accurate identification of multiply antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacilli is critical to understanding the epidemiology and clinical implications of emerging pathogens in CF. We examined the frequency of correct identification of Alcaligenes spp. by microbiology laboratories affiliated with American CF patient care centers. Selective media, an exotoxin A probe for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and a commercial identification assay, API 20 NE, were used for identification. The activity of antimicrobial agents against these clinical isolates was determined. A total of 106 strains from 78 patients from 49 CF centers in 22 states were studied. Most (89%) were correctly identified by the referring laboratories as Alcaligenes xylosoxidans. However, 12 (11%) strains were misidentified; these were found to be P. aeruginosa (n = 10), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (n = 1), and Burkholderia cepacia (n = 1). Minocycline, imipenem, meropenem, piperacillin, and piperacillin-tazobactam were the most active since 51, 59, 51, 50, and 55% of strains, respectively, were inhibited. High concentrations of colistin (100 and 200 microg/ml) inhibited 92% of strains. Chloramphenicol paired with minocycline and ciprofloxacin paired with either imipenem or meropenem were the most active combinations and inhibited 40 and 32%, respectively, of strains. Selective media and biochemical identification proved to be useful strategies for distinguishing A. xylosoxidans from other CF pathogens. Standards for processing CF specimens should be developed, and the optimal method for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of A. xylosoxidans should be determined.

Alcaligenes↗

Identification of strains of Alcaligenes and Agrobacterium by a polyphasic approach.

The number of stable discriminant biochemical characters is limited in the genera Alcaligenes and Agrobacterium, whose species are consequently difficult to distinguish from one another by conventional tests. Moreover, genomic studies have recently drastically modified the nomenclature of these genera; for example, Alcaligenes xylosoxidans was transferred to the genus Achromobacter in 1998. Twenty-five strains of Achromobacter xylosoxidans, three strains of an Agrobacterium sp., five strains of an Alcaligenes sp., and four unnamed strains belonging to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention group IVc-2 were examined. These strains were characterized by conventional tests, including biochemical tests. The assimilation of 99 carbohydrates, organic acids, and amino acids was studied by using Biotype-100 strips, and rRNA gene restriction patterns were obtained with the automated Riboprinter microbial characterization system after cleavage of total DNA with EcoRI or PstI restriction endonuclease. This polyphasic approach allowed the two subspecies of A. xylosoxidans to be clearly separated. Relationships between five strains and the Ralstonia paucula type strain were demonstrated. Likewise, three strains were found to be related to the Ochrobactrum anthropi type strain. We showed that substrate assimilation tests and automated ribotyping provide a simple, rapid, and reliable means of identifying A. xylosoxidans subspecies and that these two methods can be used as alternative methods to characterize unidentified strains rapidly when discriminant biochemical characters are missing.

Alcaligenes↗

Production and characterization of biodegradable terpolymer poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) by Alcaligenes sp. A-04.

The production of the terpolymer poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate), P(3HB-co-3HV-co-4HB), by Alcaligenes sp. A-04 was investigated to determine the superior biodegradable polymer properties over those of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), P(3HB), and its copolymers. The highest terpolymer content of 68% (w/w) was produced by Alcaligenes sp. A-04 at 60 h by shake-flask cultivation. The terpolymer with 93 mol% 4HB mole fraction units was produced when the cultivation time was extended to 96 h. Moreover, it was found that Alcaligenes sp. A-04 could utilize 1,4-butanediol for the synthesis of 3HB and 4HB monomers as well as the sodium salt of 4-hydroxybutyrate. The terpolymer content was 30% (w/w) and the composition was P(33%3HB-co-16%3HV-co-51%4HB). Next, terpolymers with 4HB mole fraction units ranging from 50 to 90 mol% were produced by varying the medium composition and cultivation time. The thermal and mechanical properties of the resulting terpolymers were different from those of the copolymers with a similar mole fraction of monomer units. The terpolymer P(4%3HB-co-3%3HV-co-93%4HB) showed an elongation of 430%, a toughness of 33 MPa, and Young's modulus of 127 MPa similar to those of low-density polyethylene. The terpolymer P(11%3HB-co-34%3HV-co-55%4HB) showed Young's Modulus of 618 MPa similar to that of polypropylene.

Alcaligenes↗

Production, purification, and characterization of D-aminoacylase from Alcaligenes xylosoxydans subsp. xylosoxydans A-6.

The best inducers for D-aminoacylase from Alcaligenes xylosoxydans subsp. xylosoxydans A-6 (Alcaligenes A-6) were a poor substrate, N-acetyl-gamma-methyl-D-leucine, and an inhibitor, N-acetyl-D-alloisoleucine. The enzyme has been homogeneously purified. The molecular weight of the native enzyme was estimated to be 58,000 by gel filtration. A subunit molecular weight of 52,000 was measured by SDS-PAGE, indicating that the native protein is a monomer. The isoelectric point was 5.2. The enzyme was specific to the D-isomer and hydrolyzed N-acetyl derivatives of D-leucine, D-phenylalanine, D-norleucine, D-methionine, and D-valine, and also N-formyl, N-butyryl, and N-propionyl derivatives of D-leucine. The Km for N-acetyl-D-leucine was 9.8 mM. The optimum pH and temperature were 7.0 and 50 degrees C, respectively. The stabilities of pH and temperature were 8.1 and 40 degrees C. D-Aminoacylases from three species of the genus Alcaligenes differ in inducer and substrate specificities, but are similar with respect to molecular weight and N-terminal amino acid sequence.

Alcaligenes↗

[Cloming, sequence analysis of imidase gene from Alcaligenes eatrophus and its expression in E. coli].

A hydantoin-cleaving microorganism 112R4 is screened and identified to be Alcaligenes eutrophus. The resting cell of Alcaligenes eutrophus 112R4 can catalyze the hydrolysis of hydantoin, dihydropyrimidine and succinimide effectively, but not function to 5-monosubstituted hydantoins or 5,5'-disubstituted hydantoins. The microorganism can utilize succinimide as a sole carbon source and nitrogen source, which indicates the presence of a complete transformation pathway of succinimide, and a hydantoin-cleaving enzyme, imidase, is suggested to be contained in this metabolic pathway. A 6 kb EcoRI-EcoRI fragment isolated from the genome DNA of Alcaligenes eutrophus 112R4 is shown to be correlative with the transformation of succinimide. A 2 kb DNA fragment containing the gene of imidase is subcloned and sequenced. Deletion analysis verifies that one open reading frame of 876 nucleotides, which encodes a peptide of 291 amino acids, with a calculated molecular weight of 33688, is responsible for the encoding of imidase. This is the first report of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of imidase (GenBank accession number: AF373287). A homology search performed in protein database reveals an identity of 14% with polysaccharide deacetylase conserved domain, an identity of 60% with N-terminal 20 amino acids of Blastobacter sp. A17p-4, but no apparent similarity with all known cyclic-amide-cleaving enzymes. This result suggested that the imidase should be classified as a new member of cyclic amidases. Under the control of lac promoter and IPTG induction, the imidase activity of transformed E. coli reached 3200 U/L, which is about 7-fold higher than that of gene donor strain.

Alcaligenes↗

Components of the cytochrome system of Alcaligenes sp. N.C.I.B., 11015, with special reference to particulate bound c-type cytochromes.

1. The cytochrome type of the particulate fraction from cells of Alcaligenes sp. was examined. The particulate fraction of aerobically-grown cells contained b-, c-, a-type and o-type like cytochromes, whereas that from nitrate-grown cells contained b-, c-type and o-type like cytochromes. 2. Two kinds of c-type cytochromes were extracted and purified from the particulate fraction of nitrate-grown cells of Alcaligenes sp. One of them showed absorption maxima at 415.5, 522, and 551 nm is the reduced form, and at 410.5 nm in the oxidized form; the other at 417.5, 523, and 556 nm in the reduced form, and at 412 nm in the oxidized form; these cytochromes were designated cytochrome c-551 and cytochrome c-556, respectively. 3. Cytochrome c-551 had a molecular weight of 28,800 and had two heme groups per molcule. The midpoint oxidation reduction potential at pH 7.0 (Em, 7) was +262 mV. Cytochrome c-556 had a molecular weight of 18,200 and contained one heme group per molecule. The Em, 7 value was +291 mV. These cytochromes were not autoxidizable, did not react with carbon monoxide or KCN at pH 7.0, and were reduced by ascorbate. 4. Each cytochrome acts to some degree as electron carrier in the dissimilatory nitrite reduction reaction of Alcaligenes sp.

Alcaligenes↗

Susceptibility of turkey poults from vaccinated and unvaccinated hens to alcaligenes rhinotracheitis (turkey coryza).

One specific-pathogen-free breeder flock of Beltsville small white turkeys was given two doses of oil-emulsion-adjuvanted Alcaligenes faecalis bacterin 3 months apart, and another flock was left unvaccinated. Progeny from each flock from eggs laid after both first and second vaccination were exposed to the homologous strain (838) of A. faecalis at 1 day of age either experimentally (10(7) colony-forming units intranasally) or naturally (continuous contact with an infected poult) and monitored for 2, 4, or 6 weeks. Progeny from vaccinated hens had substantial resistance to alcaligenes rhinotracheitis compared with progeny from unvaccinated hens; resistance was greatest in progeny from twice-vaccinated hens. Poults from vaccinated hens had improved livability and growth, delayed onset of infection and clinical signs, and a less severe disease process. The results of this study indicate that breeder hen vaccination could be a useful method for providing poults with early protection against alcaligenes rhinotracheitis.

Alcaligenes↗

Alcaligenes xylosoxidans keratitis post penetrating keratoplasty in a rigid gas permeable lens wearer.

PURPOSE: We report a case of Alcaligenes xylosoxidans keratitis following penetrating keratoplasty in a rigid gas permeable (RGP) lens wearer. METHODS: A 61 year old RGP lens wearer with a history of nonresponsive keratitis of the right eye which involved the graft margin was referred to us for treatment. Corneal cultures revealed growth of a gram-negative rod on the fifth day and the organism was subsequently identified as Alcaligenes xylosoxidans, which was resistant to most antibiotics and sensitive only to Bactrim, Timentin, and imipenem. RESULTS: Clinical improvement was observed within 24 hours after treatment with the use of topical i.v. Bactrim and topical i.v. Timentin 2% alternating every 30 minutes. Complete resolution of the infection with mild scarring was observed 6 weeks after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Alcaligenes xylosoxidans is a potential cause of bacterial keratitis which should be considered in cases of nonresponsive gram-negative keratitis. The addition of topical Bactrim or Timentin may need to be considered in such cases.

Administration, Topical↗

DEGRADATION OF ERGOTHIONEINE BY CELL-FREE EXTRACTS OF ALCALIGENES FAECALIS. II. PRODUCTION OF GLUTAMIC ACID.

Booth, James S. (University of Southern California, Los Angeles) and Milo D. Appleman. Degradation of ergothioneine by cell-free extracts of Alcaligenes faecalis. II. Production of glutamic acid. J. Bacteriol. 85:654-657. 1963.-On the basis of oxidation and paper chromatographic procedures, glutamic acid was identified as the end product of ergothioneine degradation by cell-free extracts of Alcaligenes faecalis. Hydrogen sulfide and ammonia yields were determined. Several differences between the metabolism of whole cells and cell-free extracts were noted. Cleavage of the imidazole ring by cell-free extracts appeared to be hydrolytic rather than oxidative.

Alcaligenes↗

Isolation and characterization of group II introns from Pseudomonas alcaligenes and Pseudomonas putida.

Group II introns isolated from Pseudomonas alcaligenes NCIB 9867, Pseudomonas putida NCIB 9869, and P. putida KT2440 were closely related with nucleotide sequence identities of between 87 and 96%. The genome of P. alcaligenes also harbored a truncated group II intron of 682 bp that lacks the gene for the intron-encoded protein (IEP). Unlike most bacterial group II introns, the Pseudomonas introns were found to lack the Zn domains in their IEPs, did not appear to interrupt any genes, and were located downstream of open reading frames which were adjacent to hairpin loop structures that resemble rho-independent terminators. These structures also contain the intron binding sites 1 and 2 (IBS1 and IBS2 sequences) that were required for intron target site recognition in transposition. One of the group II introns found in P. alcaligenes, Xln3, was shown to have transposed from the chromosome to the endogenous pRA2 plasmid at a site adjacent to IBS1- and IBS2-like sequences.

Base Sequence↗

The effect of ethylenediaminetetra-acetate on Pseudomonas alcaligenes and the composition of the bacterial cell wall.

1. EDTA in borate buffer has a marked bactericidal effect on Pseudomonas alcaligenes, which is more sensitive than Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The bactericidal effect is accompanied by solubilization of lipopolysaccharide and release of intracellular solutes. These effects are more pronounced at pH9.2 than 7.1. 2. Cell walls of P. alcaligenes were prepared and from them were obtained the readily extracted lipids and the fractions given by treatment with aqueous phenol. 3. The cell walls and the above components were analysed and results are compared with those for P. aeruginosa. 4. Lipopolysaccharide obtained by treatment of cell walls with aqueous phenol is contaminated with glycosaminopeptide to a variable extent. 5. The lipopolysaccharide contains less neutral sugar but more phosphorus than the lipopolysaccharide of P. aeruginosa; fucosamine is not a component of the lipopolysaccharide of P. alcaligenes.

Amino Acids↗

Growth kinetics of Pseudomonas alcaligenes C-0 relative to inoculation and 3-chlorobenzoate metabolism in soil.

Pseudomonas alcaligenes C-0 was isolated from activated sewage sludge by enrichment with 3-chlorobenzoate (3CB) as the sole carbon source. The carbon balance from [14C]3CB in pure culture could be accounted for in substrate, biomass, and CO2 from all sampling periods and inoculum densities (0.012, 0.092, 0.20, and 0.92 micrograms of dry cells X ml-1), and inorganic chloride was produced stoichiometrically. Monod parameters as determined in culture were compared with the kinetics of 3CB metabolism in soil with decreasing inoculum densities (1.9 X 10(-1), 1.9 X 10(-3), and 1.9 X 10(-5) micrograms of cells X g-1). 3CB was refractile to attack in soil by indigenous microflora, but it was completely metabolized upon inoculation with P. alcaligenes C-0. The saturation constant KS was much higher in soil than in culture, but the yield coefficient Y and the growth rate constant were the same in both systems: mu max = 0.32 h-1; Y = 34 micrograms cells X mumol-1; KS = 0.18 mM in culture and 6.0 mM in soil solution (1.1 mumol X g-1 of soil). The parameter estimates obtained from the highest inoculum density could be used for the lower inoculum densities with reasonable agreement between predicted and observed 3CB concentrations in soil, although the residual sum of squares was progressively higher. Since the growth rate of P. alcaligenes C-0 in soil was comparable to its growth rate in culture, inoculation should be a viable strategy for biodegradation of 3CB in soil if indigenous microflora are unable to exploit this metabolic niche.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗