Collagenase production and hemolytic activity related to 16S rRNA variability among Parvimonas micra oral isolates
Claudia Ota-Tsuzuki1, Marcia Pinto Alves Mayer
1Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract:
Parvimonas micra are gram positive anaerobic cocci isolated from the oral cavity and frequently related to polymicrobial infections in humans. Despite reports about phenotypic differences, the genotypic variation of P. micra and its role in virulence are still not elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine the genotypic diversity of P. micra isolates obtained from the subgingival biofilm of subjects with different periodontal conditions and to correlate these findings with phenotypic traits. Three reference strains and 35 isolates of P. micra were genotyped by 16S rRNA PCR-RFLP and phenotypic traits such as collagenase production, elastolytic and hemolytic activities were evaluated. 16S rRNA PCR-RFLP showed that P. micra could be grouped into two main clusters: C1 and C2; cluster C1 harbored three genotypes (HG1259-like, HG1467-like and ICBMO583-like) while cluster C2 harbored two genotypes (ATCC33270-like and ICBMO36). A wide variability in collagenolytic activity intensities was observed among all isolates, while elastolytic activity was detected in only two isolates. There was an association between hemolytic activity in rabbit erythrocytes and cluster C2. There was an association between hemolytic activity in rabbit erythrocytes and cluster C1. Although these data suggest a possible association between P. micra genetic diversity and their pathogenic potential, further investigations are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Insights
Genotypic diversity in Parvimonas micra, a bacteria from the oral cavity, was identified using 16S rRNA PCR-RFLP. This genetic variation may influence the bacteria's virulence and pathogenic potential in human infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oral Health
- Bacterial Genetics
Background:
- Parvimonas micra are Gram-positive anaerobic cocci found in the oral cavity.
- They are frequently implicated in human polymicrobial infections.
- Genotypic variation and its link to virulence in P. micra remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genotypic diversity of P. micra isolates from subgingival biofilm.
- To correlate genotypic findings with phenotypic traits.
- To explore the potential link between genetic diversity and virulence.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of 38 P. micra strains (3 reference, 35 isolates) using 16S rRNA PCR-RFLP.
- Evaluation of phenotypic traits: collagenase production, elastolytic, and hemolytic activities.
- Statistical analysis to associate genotypic clusters with phenotypic traits.
Main Results:
- 16S rRNA PCR-RFLP revealed two main clusters (C1 and C2) with distinct genotypes.
- Significant variability in collagenolytic activity was observed across isolates.
- Elastolytic activity was rare; hemolytic activity showed associations with both cluster C1 and C2.
Conclusions:
- P. micra exhibits significant genotypic diversity.
- Genetic variations may be associated with differences in virulence factors like hemolytic activity.
- Further research is required to confirm the link between P. micra genotypic diversity and pathogenic potential.
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