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Changes in outer membrane proteins of nontypable Haemophilus influenzae in patients with chronic obstructive

K Groeneveld1, L van Alphen, P P Eijk

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|August 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Haemophilus influenzae major outer membrane proteins (MOMPs) change in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. These MOMP variations may help the bacteria evade immune defenses during persistent infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

  • Haemophilus influenzae is a common pathogen in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • Bacterial outer membrane proteins play a crucial role in host-pathogen interactions and immune evasion.
  • Understanding changes in these proteins during chronic infection is vital for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate alterations in major outer membrane proteins (MOMPs) of Haemophilus influenzae during persistent colonization in COPD patients.
  • To determine if changes in MOMPs correlate with bacterial strain relatedness.

Main Methods:

  • Sputum samples from 18 COPD patients were cultured to isolate Haemophilus influenzae colonies.
  • Chromosomal DNA fingerprinting was used to analyze the genetic relatedness of bacterial isolates.
  • Major outer membrane protein (MOMP) profiles of the isolates were analyzed and compared.

Main Results:

  • Isolates from the same patient often exhibited different MOMP compositions.
  • Chromosomal DNA fingerprints were identical for isolates with the same MOMP composition but different for those with varying MOMPs.
  • In seven patients, distinct MOMP variants were identified within genetically indistinguishable strains, specifically affecting proteins b, c, and d.

Conclusions:

  • Haemophilus influenzae demonstrates significant variability in its major outer membrane proteins (MOMPs) within individual COPD patients.
  • These MOMP changes are likely an adaptive mechanism for immune evasion, contributing to persistent infections.
  • Further research into these antigenic variations could inform novel therapeutic strategies for COPD exacerbations.

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