Pseudomonas protegens FJKB0103 Isolated from Rhizosphere Exhibits Anti-Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Activity

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is amongst the most virulent pathogens, causing chronic and life threatening human infections. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) are multidrug-resistant strains, and the ability of forming a biofilm reduces their sensitivity to antibiotics. Thus, the alternative compounds inhibiting both resistant strains and biofilm formation are in high demand. In our study, the strain FJKB0103 was isolated from the rhizosphere of Garcinia mangostana, showing strong anti-MRSA activity. We performed molecular phylogenic analysis, analyzed average nucleotide identity (ANI), in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (isDDH), and biochemical characteristics to identify strain FJKB0103 as Pseudomonas protegens. Herein, the genome of strain FJKB0103 was sequenced and subjected to antiSMASH platform, mutational, and functional analyses. The FJKB0103 draft genome was 6,776,967 bp with a 63.4% G + C content, and 16 potential secondary compound biosynthetic clusters in P. protegens FJKB0103 were predicted. The deletion mutant and complementary analysis suggested that DAPG was the anti-MRSA compound. Further tests showed that MRSA strains were sensitive to DAPG, and the lysis of bacterial cells was observed at a high concentration of DAPG. Additionally, DAPG inhibited the biofilm formation of MRSA at subinhibitory concentration. These results suggested that DAPG might be a good alternative treatment to control infections caused by MRSA.