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Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a probe to detail change with age in corneal receptor(s)
L Hazlett1, R Barrett, C Klettner
1Department of Anatomy/Cell Biology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, Mich.
Abstract:
This in vitro study used Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a probe to examine the change with age of the host receptor(s) facilitating bacterial adherence to cornea in the immature eye and to pinpoint in time, when the host receptor(s) was no longer able to be recognized by the bacterium. Scanning EM was used to quantitate adherent organisms at the corneal surface of mice of select ages (5-37 postnatal days, P, and 28 months) at 15, 30 and 60 min following bacterial application. Organisms were most numerous at the surface of the 5-P eye at all time periods. In 9-21-P mice, no bacterial binding was observed until 30 min, and bacterial adherence modestly increased at 60 min after bacterial application. In the 37-P and in aged 28-month-old mice, no binding to cornea was observed until 60 min after bacterial application. Statistical analysis of these data revealed significant differences in the mean number of bacteria binding to cornea between age groups.
Insights
Bacterial adherence to the cornea changes significantly with age. Pseudomonas aeruginosa binding is highest in young mice and decreases as the host eye matures, impacting bacterial recognition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Bacterial adherence to the cornea is a critical factor in ocular infections.
- Understanding age-related changes in host receptors is crucial for preventing microbial keratitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how age affects host receptors that facilitate Pseudomonas aeruginosa adherence to the cornea.
- To determine the developmental timeline for bacterial recognition of corneal receptors.
Main Methods:
- In vitro study using Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a probe.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to quantify bacterial adherence.
- Analysis of mouse corneas across various ages (5-37 postnatal days, and 28 months).
Main Results:
- Highest bacterial adherence observed on the cornea of 5-day-old mice.
- Delayed bacterial binding noted in 9-21-day-old mice, with modest increase at 60 minutes.
- Minimal to no corneal binding observed in 37-day-old and 28-month-old mice until 60 minutes post-application.
Conclusions:
- Corneal bacterial adherence mediated by specific host receptors changes significantly with host age.
- The ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to recognize and bind to corneal receptors diminishes with ocular maturation and aging.