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Inhibition of Pasteurella multocida Adhesion to Rabbit Respiratory Epithelium Using Lectins
Magda Patricia Carrillo1, Nhora María Martinez1, María Del Pilar Patiño1
1Pathobiology Group, Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, National University of Colombia, Bogotá D.C., Colombia.
Abstract:
This study aimed to evaluate the ability of a panel of lectins to inhibit the ability of Pasteurella multocida to adhere to and affect the rabbit respiratory epithelium. Nasal septa from rabbit fetuses were cultured with various lectins before the addition of P. multocida. The percentage of bacteria adhering to the epithelium was evaluated semiquantitatively by indirect immunoperoxidase (IIP) staining. The goblet cells (GCs) were counted in semithin sections stained with toluidine blue and served as the main morphological criterion to evaluate the inhibitory effect of the lectins. The lectins PNA, WGA, RCA120, and DBA significantly inhibited the adhesion of P. multocida to the ciliated epithelium (P < 0.05) and prevented the pathogen-induced increase in the number of GCs (P < 0.05) compared with those of positive control tissues. In addition, VVA, SJA, UEA I, DSL, SBA, and ECL significantly inhibited the increase in GCs compared with that of the control tissues. The results suggest that less aggressive therapeutic strategies, such as treatment with lectins, may represent alternative approaches to control bacterial respiratory infections.
Insights
Certain lectins, such as PNA and WGA, effectively inhibit Pasteurella multocida adhesion and reduce goblet cell increase in rabbit respiratory tissues. These findings suggest lectin treatments as potential alternatives for bacterial respiratory infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Bacterial respiratory infections pose a significant challenge in animal health.
- Pasteurella multocida is a common pathogen affecting the respiratory tract.
- Understanding bacterial adhesion mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the inhibitory effects of various lectins on Pasteurella multocida adhesion to rabbit respiratory epithelium.
- To assess the impact of lectins on pathogen-induced changes in goblet cell numbers.
- To explore lectin-based strategies as alternatives for controlling bacterial respiratory infections.
Main Methods:
- Rabbit fetal nasal septa were cultured and exposed to Pasteurella multocida in the presence of different lectins.
- Bacterial adhesion was quantified using indirect immunoperoxidase (IIP) staining.
- Goblet cell counts in semithin sections served as a morphological indicator of lectin efficacy.
Main Results:
- Four lectins (PNA, WGA, RCA120, DBA) significantly inhibited P. multocida adhesion to ciliated epithelium (P < 0.05).
- These lectins also prevented the pathogen-induced increase in goblet cell numbers (P < 0.05).
- Additional lectins (VVA, SJA, UEA I, DSL, SBA, ECL) showed significant inhibition of goblet cell hyperplasia.
Conclusions:
- Specific lectins demonstrate potent inhibitory effects against Pasteurella multocida adhesion and associated inflammatory responses.
- Lectin-based therapies offer a promising, less aggressive approach for managing bacterial respiratory infections.
- Further research into lectin applications could lead to novel treatments for animal respiratory diseases.
