Characterization of virulent genes of pathogenic bacteria using recombinant engineering technology

Abstract

Pathogenic bacteria present an astounding arsenal of virulence factors that allow them to conquer many different niches throughout the course of infection. In this study, we have looked into the enormous diversity of a pathogen in terms of virulence-related genes and their organization. Particularly fascinating is the fact that some bacterial species, by expression of different combinations of virulence factors, are able to induce different diseases. One among them, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterial pathogen which causes disease in humans and some vertebrates. It usually infects the pulmonary tracts, urinary tracts, burns, wounds and blood infections. Certain genes which are present in this bacterium are responsible for its virulent activity; they follow a unique metabolic pathway. Currently, there are no perspectives for introducing new drugs that could be used against this nosocomial pathogen because of its tendency of resistance against most antibiotics. Therefore investigations into its physiology are justified as they may lead to the discovery of new therapeutic opportunities. Here, two important virulence genes responsible for pathogenicity of the bacterium are considered for molecular characterization. These genes were characterized using recombinant engineering technologies such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing and DNA hybridization. The present work provides insightful information for researchers on the wide variety of mechanisms used by bacterial pathogens to elucidate pathogenic mechanisms in bacterial diseases that are not yet well characterized and to develop new rational approaches to the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases.