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Serological response to type 1-like somatic fimbriae in diarrheal infection due to classical enteropathogenic
H Karch1, J Heesemann, R Laufs
1Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Immunologie, Universität Hamburg, F.R.G.
Abstract:
Fimbriae from enteropathogenic Escherichia coli strain E2349/69 (0127:H6) and its plasmid-minus derivative, MAR20, were purified and characterized as type 1-like by their physicochemical and hemagglutination patterns. Sera from adult volunteers challenged with the diarrheagenic parent strain and the attenuated plasmid-minus derivative were examined to detect an immune response, using the purified fimbriae as antigens in an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblot assay. An anti-fimbrial response was evident in sera of 7 of 10 volunteers fed the diarrheagenic parent strain E2348 but also in 8 of 9 individuals fed the attenuated, plasmid-cured, derivative MAR20. The antibody response appeared specific in that the sera failed to react in an ELISA and by immunoblot assay with type 1 fimbriae from other E. coli. These findings suggest that the type 1 fimbriae of this representative EPEC strain are antigenically distinct. The results of this investigation provide the first evidence of seroconversion to type 1-like fimbriae in infections caused by diarrheagenic E. coli.
Insights
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) type 1-like fimbriae elicit an immune response in humans. This study shows antibodies against EPEC fimbriae in volunteers infected with EPEC, suggesting distinct fimbrial antigens.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is a significant cause of diarrheal disease worldwide.
- Fimbriae are crucial virulence factors in many bacterial pathogens, including EPEC.
- Understanding the immunogenicity of EPEC fimbriae is important for developing effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize type 1-like fimbriae from an EPEC strain.
- To investigate the human immune response to these fimbriae during EPEC infection.
- To determine the antigenic specificity of EPEC type 1-like fimbriae.
Main Methods:
- Purification and characterization of fimbriae from EPEC strain E2349/69 and its derivative MAR20.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblot assay to detect anti-fimbrial antibodies in volunteer sera.
- Testing serum reactivity against homologous and heterologous type 1 fimbriae.
Main Results:
- Fimbriae from EPEC strain E2349/69 were identified as type 1-like.
- Anti-fimbrial antibody responses were detected in volunteers infected with both the parent EPEC strain and the attenuated derivative.
- Antibody responses were specific, with no cross-reactivity to type 1 fimbriae from other E. coli strains.
Conclusions:
- Type 1-like fimbriae of this representative EPEC strain are antigenically distinct.
- Infections with diarrheagenic E. coli can elicit seroconversion to type 1-like fimbriae.
- These findings provide the first evidence of immune response to type 1-like fimbriae in EPEC infections.