Characterization of the oxidative stress response regulatory network in Bacteroides fragilis: An interaction between BmoR and OxyR regulons promotes abscess formation in a model of intra-abdominal infection.

Objectives: Bacteroides fragilis is an anaerobic bacterium that is commonly found in the human gut microbiota and an opportunistic pathogen in extra-intestinal infections. B. fragilis displays a robust response to oxidative stress which allows for survival in oxygenated tissues such as the peritoneal cavity and lead to the formation of abscesses.

Inactivation of a fibronectin-binding TonB-dependent protein increases adhesion properties of Bacteroides fragilis.

Bacteroides fragilis is the Gram-negative strictly anaerobic bacterium most frequently isolated from clinical infections, including intra-abdominal abscess and bacteraemia. A number of factors can contribute to its virulence, including the expression of adhesins. Some of them are already characterized and can recognize and bind to extracellular matrix components, such as fibronectin.