Sheama Alali
Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Wasit, Wasit, Iraq
Khalid Alyodawi
Department of Anatomy and Biology, College of Medicine, University of Wasit, Wasit, Iraq
Mohammed Altwirgai
Department of Biotechnology, College of Sciences, Taif University, Saudi Arabia
ABSTRACT
Oxidative stress poses a significant challenge to bacterial survival, with resistance to reactive oxygen species (ROS) being critical for bacterial pathogenesis. The bcp gene, encoding a bacterioferritin comigratory protein with thioredoxin-dependent peroxidase activity, is hypothesized to play a key role in oxidative stress defense. This study examines the impact of bcp gene silencing on the oxidative stress resistance of Bartonella henselae, a pathogen known for its intracellular survival. Gene knockdown experiments utilizing a bcp-specific antisense construct revealed significantly increased sensitivity of B. henselae to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), leading to reduced growth under oxidative stress conditions. Additionally, silencing of bcp heightened the bacterium's susceptibility to oxidative stress induced by methyl viologen dichloride hydrate, a potent superoxide generator. These findings underscore the essential role of the bcp gene in mediating B. henselae resistance to oxidative stress and suggest its involvement in the bacterium's pathogenic mechanisms. Further exploration of the downstream effects of bcp silencing may uncover novel therapeutic targets for managing B. henselae infections.
Keywords: Bcp Gene, Bartonella Henselae, Oxidative Stress Resistance, Gene Silencing.
