Detection of the mexR Gene in <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> During2 Arabidopsis Infection3456

Abstract

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa species cause damage in various plant tissues by overcoming host defenses through the production of effectors and toxins. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infects Arabidopsis thaliana using multiple bacterial genes involved in virulence and adaptation. Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the mexR gene in P. aeruginosa and investigate its potential role in infection and tissue damage in Arabidopsis thaliana Methods: Twelve plants per bacterial strain were used for infection assays. Disease symptoms were recorded daily to evaluate infection over a five-day period. The mexR gene was amplified from P. aeruginosa genomic DNA using PCR. Results: Water-soaking and yellow discoloration of infected leaves were observed two days after infection. An increase in colony-forming units (CFUs) was detected from day 0 to day 2, followed by only slight increases from day 2 to day 5. Out of fifteen P. aeruginosa strains tested, three strains were positive for the mexR gene. Conclusions: Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates exhibited a notable prevalence of the efflux pump regulatory gene mexR. This study provides evidence supporting an association between P. aeruginosa infection and tissue damage in Arabidopsis thaliana.