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TroA of Streptococcus suis is required for manganese acquisition and full virulence

Paul J Wichgers Schreur1, Johanna M J Rebel, Mari A Smits

  • 1Central Veterinary Institute, Wageningen UR, Edelhertweg 15, 8219 PH Lelystad, Netherlands. paul.wichgersschreur@wur.nl

Journal of Bacteriology
|July 26, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcus suis utilizes TroA for manganese acquisition, crucial for its survival and virulence. Deleting TroA impairs bacterial growth in low-manganese environments and reduces infection severity in mice.

Area of Science:

  • Bacteriology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Streptococcus suis is a significant pathogen causing severe infections in pigs and humans.
  • Nutrient acquisition, particularly trace metals, is vital for S. suis survival within the host.
  • The specific mechanisms and proteins involved in metal scavenging by S. suis remain largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the function of the putative high-affinity metal binding lipoprotein TroA in S. suis.
  • To determine TroA's role in metal acquisition, host-pathogen interactions, and virulence.

Main Methods:

  • Construction and characterization of a S. suis mutant strain deficient in TroA expression (ΔtroA).
  • Growth assays in various media, including cation-deprived broth and porcine serum.
  • Assessment of oxidative stress resistance and gene expression analysis.
  • Evaluation of virulence in a murine infection model.

Main Results:

  • The ΔtroA mutant exhibited significantly reduced growth in manganese-limited conditions and porcine serum.
  • Supplementation with manganese, but not other tested metals, restored growth of the ΔtroA mutant.
  • The mutant showed increased susceptibility to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), indicating a role in oxidative stress defense.
  • The ΔtroA mutant displayed a nonvirulent phenotype in a murine infection model.

Conclusions:

  • TroA is essential for manganese acquisition in S. suis.
  • TroA plays a critical role in combating oxidative stress.
  • TroA is indispensable for the full virulence of S. suis in a mouse model, highlighting its importance as a potential therapeutic target.

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