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The role of streptococcal plasmin(ogen) binding in infective endocarditis

C Teles1, A Smith, G Ramage

  • 1Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, G4 0BA, UK.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|September 14, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Viridans group streptococci (VGS) universally bind human plasminogen. This interaction may enhance streptococcal endocarditis virulence by increasing proteolytic activity and vegetation instability, potentially leading to embolisation.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiovascular Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Viridans group streptococci (VGS) are implicated in infective endocarditis.
  • Bacterial interaction with host plasminogen may influence disease pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the capacity of VGS to bind human plasminogen.
  • To determine if plasminogen binding correlates with infective endocarditis.

Main Methods:

  • Screening of 22 infective endocarditis and 16 non-infective endocarditis VGS isolates.
  • Quantification of bound plasmin (active form of plasminogen) using a colorimetric assay.

Main Results:

  • All assessed VGS species demonstrated the ability to bind human plasminogen.
  • Plasminogen binding affinity varied among isolates.
  • Binding capability was independent of the isolation source (infective vs. non-infective endocarditis).

Conclusions:

  • VGS possess a universal capacity for human plasminogen binding.
  • This interaction may contribute to the pathogenesis of streptococcal endocarditis through enhanced proteolytic activity and vegetation instability.

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