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Bacterial adhesion to mucosal surfaces with special reference to Pasteurella multocida isolates from atrophic
1Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108.
Summary
Toxigenic Pasteurella multocida strains effectively colonize the upper respiratory tract in pigs, particularly tonsils. Adhesion is linked to toxigenicity, not fimbriae, hemagglutinin, or serotype.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
- Animal Health
Background:
- Bacterial adhesion to mucosal surfaces is crucial for virulence.
- Bordetella species utilize specific adhesins like filamentous hemagglutinin and bovine erythrocyte hemagglutinin.
- Fimbriae are not essential for adhesion in Bordetella species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adhesion and colonization capabilities of atrophic rhinitis (AR)-producing Pasteurella multocida strains in pigs.
- To determine factors influencing P. multocida colonization of the pig upper respiratory tract.
Main Methods:
- In vitro adhesion assays using newborn pig turbinate explants.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to visualize bacterial adhesion.
- Intranasal inoculation of newborn and six-week-old SPF pigs with various P. multocida strains.
- Assessment of colonization in nasal mucosa, tonsils, trachea, and lungs.
Main Results:
- Toxigenic P. multocida strains adhered to pig turbinate explants in vitro.
- Adhesion was primarily associated with toxigenicity, irrespective of fimbriae, hemagglutinin, or serotype.
- Colonization was most consistent and abundant in tonsils.
- Nasal colonization was sparse and sporadic.
- Tracheal and lung colonization occurred only with serotype A strains.
Conclusions:
- Toxigenic Pasteurella multocida strains possess the ability to colonize the pig upper respiratory tract.
- Tonsils represent a primary site for P. multocida colonization.
- Bacterial virulence factors, specifically toxigenicity, play a more significant role in colonization than surface structures like fimbriae or hemagglutinins.