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Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
Published on: November 5, 2019
Dictyostelium discoideum as a model host for meningococcal pathogenesis
Anna Maria Rosaria Colucci1, Barbara Peracino, Adelfia Tala
1Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, DiSTeBA, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy.
Summary
Dictyostelium discoideum, a soil amoeba, can be used to study Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcal) virulence. This model revealed that the meningococcal capsule influences bacterial toxicity and survival, aiding in the discovery of new virulence factors.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pathogen-host interactions
- Model organism development
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcal) is a significant human pathogen.
- Dictyostelium discoideum is a versatile host model for studying human pathogens.
- Investigating meningococcal virulence in D. discoideum may uncover novel mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess Dictyostelium discoideum as a model for studying meningococcal virulence.
- To identify meningococcal virulence factors effective in D. discoideum.
Main Methods:
- Utilized virulent and hyper-virulent Neisseria meningitidis strains, including encapsulated and unencapsulated variants.
- Assessed bacterial internalization and intracellular survival within D. discoideum.
- Monitored bacterial growth and toxicity to D. discoideum in various media.
Main Results:
- D. discoideum internalized and killed meningococci; capsules enhanced bacterial resistance.
- Encapsulated strains exhibited toxicity in liquid medium, inversely correlating with bacterial survival.
- Unencapsulated strains supported D. discoideum growth, suggesting capsular polysaccharide involvement in toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Meningococcal virulence factors, like the capsule, function effectively in D. discoideum.
- D. discoideum is a promising model for discovering new meningococcal virulence determinants.
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