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Rhodococcus equi.

Wim G Meijer1, John F Prescott

  • 1Department of Industrial Microbiology, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland.

Veterinary Research
|July 9, 2004
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Rhodococcus equi causes pneumonia in foals. Its virulence plasmid and VapA protein are key to survival within macrophages and disease development.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Equine Infectious Diseases
  • Bacterial Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Rhodococcus equi causes severe bronchopneumonia in young foals.
  • This bacterium possesses a lipid-rich cell wall and survives within host macrophages.
  • Virulence is linked to a large plasmid encoding virulence-associated proteins (Vaps).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of the Rhodococcus equi virulence plasmid and its encoded proteins in foal pneumonia.
  • To understand the molecular mechanisms of R. equi pathogenesis and host immune response evasion.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of the 27 kb pathogenicity island (PI) on the R. equi virulence plasmid.
  • Gene expression studies of PI genes in macrophages in vitro.
  • Investigation of environmental regulators affecting PI gene expression.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Review of current evidence on host immune response to R. equi infection.

    • Main Results:

    • The pathogenicity island (PI) encodes seven virulence-associated proteins (Vaps), including VapA.
    • PI genes are differentially expressed within macrophages, with many having signal sequences for export.
    • Expression of PI genes is regulated by various environmental factors like pH, temperature, and iron.
    • R. equi pathogenesis involves multiplication within and destruction of alveolar macrophages.
    • Infection can lead to subversion of cell-mediated immunity and a Th2-biased immune response in foals.

    Conclusions:

    • The virulence plasmid and its PI are critical for R. equi pathogenicity in foals.
    • R. equi actively manipulates the host macrophage environment and immune system.
    • Development of genetic tools like shuttle vectors and mutagenesis will aid further research into R. equi virulence mechanisms.