Functional network analysis identifies multiple virulence and antibiotic resistance targets in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, an emerging multidrug-resistant opportunistic bacterium in humans is of major concern for immunocompromised individuals for causing pneumonia and bloodborne infections. This bacterial pathogen is associated with a considerable fatality/case ratio, with up to 100%, when presented as hemorrhagic fever. It is resistant to commonly used drugs as well as to antibiotic combinations. In-silico based functional network analysis is a key approach to get novel insights into virulence and resistance in pathogenic organisms. This study included the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis of 150 specific genes identified for antibiotic resistance mechanism and virulence pathways. Eight proteins, namely, PilL, FliA, Smlt2260, Smlt2267, CheW, Smlt2318, CheZ, and FliM were identified as hub proteins. Further docking studies of 58 selected phytochemicals were performed against the identified hub proteins. Deoxytubulosine and corosolic acid were found to be potent inhibitors of hub proteins of pathogenic S. maltophilia based on protein-ligand interactive study. Further pharmacophore studies are warranted with these molecules to develop them as novel antibiotics against S. maltophilia.