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Protective effect of beta-glucan against systemic Streptococcus pneumoniae infection in mice
G Hetland1, N Ohno, I S Aaberge
1Department of Environmental Medicine, National Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway. geir.hetland@folkehelsa.no
Abstract:
The antimicrobial effect of soluble beta-1,3-D-glucan from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (SSG) was examined in mice experimentally infected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 4 and 6B. SSG was administered i.p. either 3 days before challenge or 3-48 h after challenge. The number of bacteria in blood samples and the mouse survival rates were recorded. Pre-challenge SSG administration protected dose-dependently against both S. pneumoniae type 4 and 6B infections. SSG injected 24 h post-challenge had a curative effect against type 6B but not type 4 pneumococcal infection. The data demonstrate that SSG administered systemically protects against pneumococcal infection in mice.
Insights
Soluble beta-1,3-D-glucan from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (SSG) demonstrated antimicrobial effects against Streptococcus pneumoniae in mice. Pre-treatment with SSG protected against infection, while post-infection treatment showed some curative effects.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of bacterial pneumonia and sepsis.
- Beta-glucans are known for their immunomodulatory and potential antimicrobial properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vivo antimicrobial efficacy of soluble beta-1,3-D-glucan from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (SSG) against Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- To determine the protective and curative effects of SSG administration at different time points relative to infection.
Main Methods:
- Mice were infected intraperitoneally with Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 4 and 6B.
- Soluble beta-1,3-D-glucan from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (SSG) was administered intraperitoneally before or after infection.
- Bacterial load in blood and mouse survival rates were assessed.
Main Results:
- Pre-challenge SSG administration conferred dose-dependent protection against both S. pneumoniae serotypes 4 and 6B.
- SSG administered 24 hours post-challenge exhibited a curative effect against type 6B but not type 4 infection.
- Systemic administration of SSG demonstrated protection against pneumococcal infection in a murine model.
Conclusions:
- Soluble beta-1,3-D-glucan from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum possesses significant protective activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection in mice.
- The timing of SSG administration influences its therapeutic outcome, with pre-emptive treatment being more effective.
- SSG represents a potential therapeutic agent for pneumococcal infections.