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Published on: August 15, 2012
In vivo endothelial cell infection by Anaplasma marginale
A D Carreño1, A R Alleman, A F Barbet
1Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University, AL 36849-5519, USA.
Abstract:
Anaplasma marginale has recently been shown to infect endothelial cells in vitro, but it remains unknown as to whether endothelial infection also occurs in vivo. In this report, we demonstrate through dual fluorescence microscopy that A marginale, detected by the monoclonal antibody ANAF16C1, co-localizes with the endothelial cell marker, von Willebrand factor, in tissue sections from an experimentally inoculated calf. The results indicate that A marginale infection includes endothelial cells and has implications for both pathogenesis and immune mechanisms.
Insights
Anaplasma marginale, a pathogen causing significant economic losses in cattle, has been confirmed to infect endothelial cells in vivo. This finding, observed in experimentally infected calves, suggests a crucial role for endothelial cells in the disease process.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Anaplasma marginale is a tick-borne bacterium that causes anaplasmosis in cattle.
- Previous in vitro studies suggested endothelial cell tropism, but in vivo evidence was lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if Anaplasma marginale infects endothelial cells in vivo.
- To investigate the implications of endothelial cell infection for disease pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Dual fluorescence microscopy was used to detect A. marginale and endothelial cells in tissue sections.
- The monoclonal antibody ANAF16C1 was employed to identify A. marginale.
- Von Willebrand factor was used as a marker for endothelial cells.
Main Results:
- Anaplasma marginale was found to co-localize with von Willebrand factor in tissue sections from experimentally inoculated calves.
- This co-localization provides direct evidence of A. marginale infection within endothelial cells in vivo.
Conclusions:
- Anaplasma marginale infects endothelial cells in vivo, expanding our understanding of its pathogenesis.
- Endothelial cell involvement has significant implications for the development of anaplasmosis and host immune responses.
