Syringomycin and Levan Sucrase as Potential Virulence Biomarkers for Early Detection of the Phytopathogen Pseudomonas Syringae

Abstract

Bacterial plant pathogens wreak a huge loss across the globe incurring disruption of the economy and nutrition. Of these, infections caused by Pseudomonas syringae in plants have been implicated as foremost amongst others. Timely detection and intervention are crucial to prevent loss. For the rapid and reliable clinical treatment of any disease caused by bacteria, a specific diagnosis of the pathogen or its associated toxins is the foremost and essential step. Early detection is a primary step toward the treatment of a disease. Traditional techniques rely on

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culturing of bacteria, biochemical assays, followed by molecular and immunological methods to identify and subsequently decide on further preventive processes. These processes are either time-consuming, costly, or less specific and not possible immediately. Therefore, to facilitate rapid diagnosis immunosensors, specifically targeted at virulence markers have been advocated. Several methods in addition, for instance, Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification, has shown promising results and can be used for amplification of bacterial genes in the sample for detection purposes rapidly with more specificity. A newer approach targets specific exopolysaccharides released by bacteria as markers for detection. Such exopolysaccharides (LSc) are produced specifically by extracellular enzymes (LVase) released by the pathogen and enables the persistence and proliferation of the pathogen. Appropriate molecular methods can follow after that, thus assuring accuracy in pinpointing the pathogen. Because of this, the current study aimed to develop a sensitive, specific, and easy-to-use diagnostic platform for rapid early- stage detection of P.sy. The major polysaccharide Levan, principal extracellular enzyme Levanucrase (Lsc), and plant toxin-specific genes of P.sy were used as hallmarks for infection.