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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
08:56
Imaging Ca2+ Responses During Shigella Infection of Epithelial Cells
Published on: May 24, 2018
[Shigella flexneri strains having a new type antigen 89-141]
S Matsushita1, S Yamada, Y Kudoh
1Department of Microbiology, Tokyo Metropolitan Research Laboratory of Public Health.
Summary
Two atypical Shigella flexneri strains were identified in Tokyo. These pathogenic bacteria possess a novel antigen, distinct from known types, leading to the designation of strain 89-141 as a new type strain.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Bacteriology
Context:
- Shigella flexneri infections pose a global health challenge.
- Emergence of atypical strains necessitates continuous surveillance and characterization.
- Travel-associated infections highlight the importance of international disease monitoring.
Purpose:
- To characterize two atypical Shigella strains isolated in Tokyo.
- To investigate the serological and antigenic properties of these novel strains.
- To determine the pathogenicity and genetic basis of these Shigella isolates.
Summary:
- Two Shigella strains, 89-141 and 89-11, exhibited atypical serological reactions but typical biochemical profiles of Shigella flexneri.
- Both strains demonstrated pathogenicity through Serény testing and cell invasion assays, possessing virulence plasmids.
- Antigenic analysis revealed a novel type-specific antigen not previously identified in Shigella flexneri, leading to the designation of strain 89-141 as the type strain for this new antigen.
Impact:
- Identifies a new antigenic type within Shigella flexneri, expanding the existing serological classification.
- Contributes to a better understanding of Shigella diversity and evolution.
- Informs diagnostic and epidemiological surveillance strategies for Shigella infections.
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