Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Assessment of Intestinal Transcytosis of Neonatal Escherichia coli Bacteremia Isolates
08:32

Assessment of Intestinal Transcytosis of Neonatal Escherichia coli Bacteremia Isolates

Published on: February 17, 2023

Virulence factors of Enterococcus strains isolated from patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Edyta Golińska1, Anna Tomusiak, Tomasz Gosiewski

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-121 Cracow, Poland.

World Journal of Gastroenterology
|June 27, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Certain Enterococcus strains, particularly those with strong adherence, biofilm formation, and antioxidant defenses, significantly influence inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These features are more prevalent in Enterococcus from children with IBD.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • The role of Enterococcus species in the pathogenesis of IBD is not fully understood.
  • Identifying specific bacterial virulence factors is crucial for understanding IBD development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the specific characteristics of Enterococcus strains associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
  • To determine if Enterococcus virulence factors contribute to the inflammatory processes in IBD patients.
  • To compare Enterococcus strains from IBD patients with those from healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect virulence genes (asa1, gelE, cylA, esp, hyl) in Enterococcus strains.
  • Quorum sensing genes (fsrA, fsrB, fsrC) were analyzed in strains with the gelE gene.
  • In vitro assays assessed hydrogen peroxide decomposition, Caco-2 cell adherence, and biofilm formation.
  • Enterococcus strains were isolated from intestinal tissues of children with and without IBD.

Main Results:

  • Enterococcus strains from IBD patients showed a higher frequency of the asa1 and gelE virulence genes compared to controls.
  • Significant differences were observed in hydrogen peroxide decomposition and adherence to Caco-2 cells between IBD and control groups.
  • Enterococcus strains from children with IBD exhibited increased biofilm production in vitro.
  • A higher cumulative occurrence of virulence genes was noted in strains from IBD patients, though not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

  • Enterococcus strains with enhanced adherence to intestinal epithelium, robust biofilm formation, and antioxidant capabilities are strongly implicated in IBD.
  • These specific Enterococcus features appear to play a significant role in driving and sustaining the inflammatory process in IBD.
  • Further research into these bacterial traits could offer novel therapeutic targets for IBD management.
Keywords:
BiofilmEnterococcusHydrogen peroxideInflammatory bowel diseaseVirulence factors

More Related Videos

Injections of Lipopolysaccharide into Mice to Mimic Entrance of Microbial-derived Products After Intestinal Barrier Breach08:24

Injections of Lipopolysaccharide into Mice to Mimic Entrance of Microbial-derived Products After Intestinal Barrier Breach

Published on: May 2, 2018

Bile Salt-induced Biofilm Formation in Enteric Pathogens: Techniques for Identification and Quantification10:05

Bile Salt-induced Biofilm Formation in Enteric Pathogens: Techniques for Identification and Quantification

Published on: May 6, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis01:20

Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a uniform pattern. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. These factors converge to impair the colon’s epithelial defenses and promote an exaggerated inflammatory response against luminal contents.Breakdown of the Mucosal BarrierA...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease01:25

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis01:27

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease01:30

Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations01:20

Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses two major chronic disorders—ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease—each characterized by relapsing episodes of gastrointestinal inflammation. Although they share certain clinical features, their patterns of involvement and manifestations differ in ways that aid diagnosis and guide management.Ulcerative ColitisUlcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum and involves continuous inflammation of the mucosal layer. The disease course is marked...