Mycolyltransferase is important for biofilm formation and pathogenesis ofkeratitis.

Abstract

, a group of multi-drug resistant, Gram-positive, aerobic, and partially acid-fast bacteria, are emerging causes of bacterial conjunctivitis and keratitis. However, the pathogenesis ofkeratitis is largely unknown. To address this, we used New Zealand White rabbits to develop the first eye infection model and conductedtests to study the pathogenesis mechanisms of. There is increasing evidence that biofilms play a significant role in ocular infections, leading us to hypothesize that biofilm formation is crucial for effectiveinfection. In order to look for potential candidate genes which are important in biofilm formation andkeratitis. We performed genome sequencing of two ocular isolates,-PW1004 and-PW899, to identify potential virulence factors. Throughandstudies, we characterized their biological roles in mediatingkeratitis. Our findings confirmed thatis an ocular pathogen by fulfilling Koch's postulates, and using genome sequence data, we identifiedencoding a mycolyltransferase, as a crucial gene in biofilm formation and causingkeratitis in the rabbit model. This is the first report demonstrating the novel role of mycolyltransferase in causing ocular infections. Overall, our findings contribute to a better understanding ofpathogenesis and provide a potential target for treatment. Specific inhibitors targeting TmytC could serve as an effective treatment option forinfections.