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Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice
Published on: February 22, 2019
Hyperbiofilm Formation by Bordetella pertussis Strains Correlates with Enhanced Virulence Traits
Natalia Cattelan1, Jamie Jennings-Gee2, Purnima Dubey3,4
1Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Fermentaciones Industriales (CONICET, CCT-La Plata), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina.
Abstract:
Pertussis, or whooping cough, caused by the obligate human pathogen Bordetella pertussis is undergoing a worldwide resurgence. The majority of studies of this pathogen are conducted with laboratory-adapted strains which may not be representative of the species as a whole. Biofilm formation by B. pertussis plays an important role in pathogenesis. We conducted a side-by-side comparison of the biofilm-forming abilities of the prototype laboratory strains and the currently circulating isolates from two countries with different vaccination programs. Compared to the reference strain, all strains examined herein formed biofilms at high levels. Biofilm structural analyses revealed country-specific differences, with strains from the United States forming more structured biofilms. Bacterial hyperaggregation and reciprocal expression of biofilm-promoting and -inhibitory factors were observed in clinical isolates. An association of increased biofilm formation with augmented epithelial cell adhesion and higher levels of bacterial colonization in the mouse nose and trachea was detected. To our knowledge, this work links for the first time increased biofilm formation in bacteria with a colonization advantage in an animal model. We propose that the enhanced biofilm-forming capacity of currently circulating strains contributes to their persistence, transmission, and continued circulation.
Insights
Whooping cough (pertussis) is resurging globally. This study found that current Bordetella pertussis strains form enhanced biofilms, leading to increased colonization and transmission, unlike older lab strains.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Pertussis, caused by *Bordetella pertussis*, is experiencing a global resurgence.
- Laboratory-adapted strains may not accurately represent circulating *B. pertussis* strains.
- Biofilm formation is a key factor in *B. pertussis* pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the biofilm-forming capabilities of laboratory strains versus contemporary *B. pertussis* isolates.
- To investigate the relationship between biofilm formation and virulence in *B. pertussis*.
Main Methods:
- Side-by-side comparison of biofilm formation in prototype laboratory strains and clinical isolates from two countries.
- Structural analysis of biofilms.
- Assessment of epithelial cell adhesion and bacterial colonization in a mouse model.
Main Results:
- All examined strains exhibited high-level biofilm formation, exceeding that of the reference strain.
- Clinical isolates showed country-specific biofilm structures, with US strains forming more organized biofilms.
- Increased biofilm formation correlated with enhanced epithelial cell adhesion and greater colonization in mice.
Conclusions:
- Contemporary *B. pertussis* strains possess enhanced biofilm-forming capacities compared to laboratory strains.
- This enhanced biofilm formation is linked to increased colonization advantage in a murine model.
- The heightened biofilm capacity likely contributes to the persistence, transmission, and resurgence of pertussis.
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