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Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
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The Role of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in Ocular Infectious Diseases

Angela H Benton1, Mary E Marquart1

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases
|December 13, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcus pneumoniae causes severe eye infections like keratitis and conjunctivitis. This review details its virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsule and pneumolysin, and their roles in ocular disease.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of bacterial keratitis and conjunctivitis.
  • Existing pneumococcal vaccines offer limited protection against ocular infections.
  • This pathogen possesses multiple virulence factors that damage ocular tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To consolidate research on Streptococcus pneumoniae virulence factors.
  • To elucidate the role of these factors in conjunctivitis, keratitis, and endophthalmitis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on pneumococcal virulence factors.
  • Analysis of the impact of specific factors on ocular infections.

Main Results:

  • Polysaccharide capsule aids in immune evasion.
  • Pneumolysin (PLY) acts as a pore-forming toxin.
  • Neuraminidases and zinc metalloproteinases contribute to adherence, colonization, and immune evasion.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding pneumococcal virulence factors is crucial for combating ocular infections.
  • Targeting these factors may lead to improved preventative and therapeutic strategies for bacterial keratitis and conjunctivitis.

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