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Detection of Quorum Sensing N-Acyl-Homoserine Lactone Molecules Produced by Different Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates Recovered from Poultry and Different Environmental Niches

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Abstract

This study aimed to detect and identify the N-acyl-homoserine lactones molecules (AHLs) produced by different resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates recovered from poultry and environmental samples using a modified validated high-performance liquid chromatography method. A total of 56 K. pneumoniae isolates were recovered, investigated for their antibiotic susceptibility, and screened for AHLs production using the Agrobacterium tumefaciens NTL4 biosensor system and a validated high-performance liquid chromatography method. The results revealed the detection of different short- and long-chain AHLs molecules among 39 K. pneumoniae isolates recovered from poultry and environmental samples. All environmental isolates produced nine peaks with retention times for C4-HSL, C6-HSL, C12-HSL, C8-HSL, C14-HSL, C8-oxo-HSL, C10-HSL, C6-oxo-HSL, and C7-HSL. The most quantifiable AHL signal molecules in poultry isolates were C4-HSL, C6-HSL, and C12-HSL. No statistical correlation between the AHL-producing ability of K. pneumoniae isolates and antibiotic resistance was reported. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first detailed report on the detection and identification of AHLs in K. pneumoniae isolates recovered from poultry and environmental samples. Furthermore, it provides a new insight available tool other than LC-MS/MS for detection and identification of AHL molecules.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Reference Laboratory for Veterinary Quality Control on Poultry Production, Animal Health Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt

    Reham A. Hosny

  2. Pharmacology and Pyrogen Unit, Department of Chemistry, Toxicology and Feed Deficiency, Animal Health Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt

    Mai A. Fadel

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Contributions

Reham A. Hosny designed the workflow, performed cultural isolation of K. pneumoniae and biosensor detection of acyl-homoserine lactone molecules, and performed all statistical analyses throughout the whole manuscript. Mai A. Fadel developed an RP-HPLC method for the detection of N-acyl-homoserine lactone molecules and statistically analyzed validated method results. Reham A. Hosny and Mai A. Fadel wrote, revised, and approved the manuscript.

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Hosny, R.A., Fadel, M.A. Detection of Quorum Sensing N-Acyl-Homoserine Lactone Molecules Produced by Different Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates Recovered from Poultry and Different Environmental Niches. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 193, 3351–3370 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-021-03605-w

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