Summary
This study identifies PeaP, a novel monomeric autotransporter adhesin encoded on the pESI megaplasmid of epidemic Salmonella Infantis, and establishes its critical role in temperature-tolerant biofilm formation independent of the CsgD pathway. Proteomic and structural analyses reveal PeaP as the most abundant pESI-derived protein in biofilms, with filamentous appendages projecting ~37 nm from the outer membrane; antibody blocking experiments confirm its adhesive function, and infection studies in 2-day-old chickens demonstrate significantly reduced colonisation in peaP mutants. These findings provide molecular insight into the pathogenic mechanisms driving the rapid global spread of multidrug-resistant Salmonella Infantis in poultry production.
Regional applicability
This study is laboratory-based and does not report UK-specific epidemiological data; however, given the globally reported dominance of multidrug-resistant Salmonella Infantis in poultry, the mechanistic findings are relevant to understanding pathogen persistence and transmission risk in UK poultry production systems and food safety policy.
Key measures
Biofilm formation assays at 37 °C and 42 °C; proteomic profiling of sessile versus planktonic cells; surface adhesion quantification (fold-reduction following antibody blockade); colonisation levels in 2-day-old chicken infection model; AlphaFold modelling and transmission electron microscopy structural analysis
Outcomes reported
The study identified and characterised a novel pESI-encoded autotransporter adhesin (PeaP) responsible for biofilm formation and poultry colonisation in epidemic Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis. Experimental work demonstrated PeaP's role in temperature-tolerant biofilm development, motility interference, and in vivo chicken gastrointestinal colonisation.
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