Three Distinct Contact-Dependent Growth Inhibition Systems Mediate Interbacterial Competition by the Cystic Fibrosis Pathogen Burkholderia dolosa

Abstract

Human-associated polymicrobial communities can promote health and disease, and interbacterial interactions influence the microbial ecology of such communities. Polymicrobial infections of the cystic fibrosis respiratory tract impair lung function and lead to the death of individuals suffering from this disorder; therefore, a greater understanding of these microbial communities is necessary for improving treatment strategies. Bacteria utilize contact-dependent growth inhibition systems to kill neighboring competitors and maintain their niche within multicellular communities. Several cystic fibrosis pathogens have the potential to gain an ecological advantage during infection via contact-dependent growth inhibition systems, including Burkholderia dolosa . Our research is significant, as it has identified three functional contact-dependent growth inhibition systems in B . dolosa that may provide this pathogen a competitive advantage during polymicrobial infections.