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Hemolytic and hemoxidative activities in Mycoplasma penetrans
1Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, USA.
Infection and Immunity
|October 18, 2000
Summary
Mycoplasma penetrans exhibits hemolytic and hemoxidative activities, contradicting previous findings. This Mollicute causes red blood cell lysis and hemoglobin oxidation, particularly in sheep blood cells.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mycoplasma penetrans, a Mollicute found in HIV patients, can invade human cells.
- Previous studies suggested M. penetrans lacked hemolytic activity based on mouse red blood cell assays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hemolytic and hemoxidative activities of Mycoplasma penetrans.
- To characterize the conditions influencing these activities.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of M. penetrans isolates with various red blood cell species.
- Analysis of hemolytic zones and spent culture supernatant.
- Spectroscopic analysis of hemoglobin oxidation and assessment of catalase and cysteine effects.
Main Results:
- All M. penetrans strains demonstrated hemolysis against various red blood cells after 2-3 days.
- Hemolysis was most potent with sheep, horse, chicken, and human red blood cells.
- Evidence of H(2)O(2)-mediated hemoxidation, forming methemoglobin, was observed, enhancing hemolysis.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma penetrans possesses both hemolytic and hemoxidative activities.
- Hemoxidation appears to potentiate the hemolytic effect of M. penetrans.
- These findings challenge previous assumptions about M. penetrans's lack of hemolytic capacity.