Interkingdom Transfer of the Acne-Causing Agent, Propionibacterium acnes, from Human to Grapevine

Abstract

Here, we report the surprising and, to our knowledge, unique example of horizontal interkingdom transfer of a human opportunistic pathogen (Propionibacterium acnes) to a crop plant (the domesticated grapevine Vitis vinifera L.). Humans, like most organisms, have established a long-lasting cohabitation with a variety of microbes, including pathogens and gut-associated bacteria. Studies which have investigated the dynamics of such associations revealed numerous cases of bacterial host switches from domestic animals to humans. Much less is, however, known about the exchange of microbial symbionts between humans and plants. Fluorescent in situ hybridization localized P. acnes in the bark, in xylem fibers, and, more interestingly, inside pith tissues. Phylogenetic and population genetic analyses suggest that the establishment of the grapevine-associated P. acnes as obligate endophyte is compatible with a recent transfer event, likely during the Neolithic, when grapevine was domesticated.

Taxonomy, Physiology, and Natural Products of Actinobacteria

“…Indeed, the bacterium has been isolated from sites of infection and inflammation in patients suffering from acne and other diverse conditions, including corneal ulcers, synovitis, hyperostosis, endocarditis, pulmonary angitis, and endophthalmitis (73,74). Recently, Campisano et al (75) reported a unique example of horizontal interkingdom transfer of P. acnes to the domesticated grapevine, Vitis vinifera L.…”

Deciphering the Niches of Colonisation of Vitis vinifera L. by the Esca-Associated Fungus Phaeoacremonium aleophilum Using a gfp Marked Strain and Cutting Systems

“…aleophilum or control plants stained with Alexa Fluor 488-WGA, we detected natural endophytes. This is not surprising as cuttings were not sterile and it is well known that grapevine plants host natural endophytic microbes such as bacteria and fungi (natural microbes described in cuttings of [30]; and microflora inside twigs from the field [28,31]. WGA can detect fungi as well as gram-positive bacteria, archaea and other microbes (protozoa) as this lectin binds to N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and sialic acid [32–34].…”

“…Cuttings were treated, however, with a fungicide and with ethanol before use and the soil was sterilised. Less endophytes were seen in cuttings in comparison to what is known with twigs in the field (see for instance pictures and supplementary information in [28]). Indeed, only a small amount of natural endophytes were detected.…”

“…Imaris software was used at the confocal microscope to visualise 3D reconstructions. X, Y, Z pictures from different channels were then merged (RGB for red, green and blue merging) using the image J software 1.47v, and Z project stacks were then used to create the pictures (as described in [28]).…”

Pyrosequencing detects human and animal pathogenic taxa in the grapevine endosphere

“…HAP not only contaminate plant surfaces, but also actively interact with plants and can colonize them as alternative hosts (Holden et al, 2009). Some human bacterial pathogens are capable to colonize inner plant tissues (Tyler and Triplett, 2008), a phenomenon that in most cases can be considered as an opportunistic exploitation of a short-term habitat (Campisano et al, 2014). Generally, pathogens are studied solely for their harmful impact on human and animal health, causing disease and epidemics.…”