Dennis Stevens, Ph.D(BSU)
Project Information
Name: Dennis Stevens, PH.D
Institution: Boise VA Medical Center
Department: Research
Overview
Impact of Antibiotics on Expression of Virulence-associated Exotoxin Genes in Gram Positive Pathogens
In the 1980’s we demonstrated that antibiotics that inhibit bacterial protein synthesis have greater efficacy than cell wall active agents in the treatment of severe group A streptococcal and clostridial myonecrosis. Toxin suppression has become a critically important goal in the treatment of aggressive infections due to group A streptococcus, histotoxic clostridial species and Staphylococcus aureus. The impact of antibiotic-induced toxin upregulation has not been examined in the context of other life-threatening, toxin-mediated infections such as clostridial gas gangrene, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome or Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). We hypothesize that upregulation of toxic gene expression by Beta-lactam antibiotics occurs in several clinically important Gram positive pathogens and is mediated by a common Cell Signaling pathway following engagement of penicillin-binding proteins. In Specific Aim 1 we will elucidate the roles of agr, RNAIII and other toxin regulatory pathways in nafcillin-induced upregulation of exotoxin production in S. aureus. In Specific Aim 2 we will compare the effects of antibiotics associated with triggering CDAD (clindamycin, ampicillin and ciprofloxacin) and those currently used for C. difficile treatment vancomycin and metronidazole) on production of Toxins A and B by C. difficile. In Specific Aim 3 we will compare the growth phase-dependent transcriptome of group A streptococcus in the presence and absence of subinhibitory concentrations of beta-lactam antibiotics. In specific Aim 4 we will investigate innate immune system recognition of and response to beta-lactam-treated S. aureus, group A streptococcus, C. perfringens and C. difficile. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for, and the immune consequences of, antibiotic-induced toxin upregulation in these organisms will enable a more rational approach to antibiotic therapy.
Team Members:
Dennis L. Stevens, M.D., Ph.D., Amy Bryant, Ph.D., Yongsheng Ma, Ph.D., Michael. Aldape, Ph.D., and Jamee Nixon, Ph.D.
