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[In vitro infection by different strains of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis]
C E Canteros1, M A Soria, M C Rivas
1Departamento Micología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas, INEI ANLIS Dr. Carios G. Malbrán, Ministerio de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina. ccanteros@connmed.com.ar
Abstract:
We analyzed the in vitro infection process by P. brasiliensis and the effect of extracellular factor(s) produced on monolayers of mammalian Vero cell lines. The yeast phase of four strains was studied: B339 (avirulent or slightly virulent), U, (intermediate virulence), 93745 and 63265 (both highly virulent). Strains of intermediate and high virulence had higher adherence at first contact (about 16%). Strain B339 had a slower adherence at first contact (8%) than the others during the same period. The production of extracellular proteases, soluble extracellular factor(s) and extracellular antigen gP43 showed no correlation with the in vitro physiopathogenicity of the analyzed strains. We demonstrate that the Vero model presented in this paper is a suitable system to study infection and virulence in vitro. We are currently assessing its usefulness as a tool for the analysis of the interaction between pathogen, host and antifungal agents.
Insights
This study shows that the yeast phase of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (P. brasiliensis) exhibits varying adherence to Vero cells, correlating with virulence. The Vero cell model is effective for studying P. brasiliensis infection in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Cell Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (P. brasiliensis) is a fungus causing paracoccidioidomycosis.
- Understanding P. brasiliensis virulence factors and host interactions is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the in vitro infection process of P. brasiliensis yeast cells on mammalian Vero cell lines.
- To evaluate the correlation between P. brasiliensis strain virulence and adherence to Vero cells.
- To assess the utility of the Vero cell model for studying P. brasiliensis infection and virulence.
Main Methods:
- Studied the yeast phase of four P. brasiliensis strains with differing virulence (avirulent, intermediate, highly virulent).
- Quantified yeast cell adherence to Vero cell monolayers at initial contact.
- Assessed extracellular factors including proteases, soluble factors, and antigen gP43.
Main Results:
- Highly virulent P. brasiliensis strains showed significantly higher adherence (approx. 16%) to Vero cells compared to the avirulent strain (approx. 8%).
- Extracellular proteases, soluble factors, and gP43 did not correlate with the in vitro physiopathogenicity of the studied strains.
- The Vero cell model effectively demonstrated differences in P. brasiliensis strain adherence and infection dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Vero cell monolayers provide a suitable in vitro system for investigating P. brasiliensis infection and virulence.
- Strain-specific adherence is a key factor in the early stages of P. brasiliensis infection in vitro.
- The Vero cell model shows potential for analyzing pathogen-host interactions and evaluating antifungal agents.