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Published on: November 5, 2019
Difference in virulence between Neisseria meningitidis serogroups W and Y in transgenic mice
Lorraine Eriksson1, Bianca Stenmark2, Ala-Eddine Deghmane3
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden. lorraine.eriksson@regionorebrolan.se.
Background:
Neisseria meningitidis serogroups W and Y are the most common serogroups causing invasive meningococcal disease in Sweden. The majority of cases are caused by the serogroup W UK 2013 strain of clonal complex (cc) 11, and subtype 1 of the serogroup Y, YI strain of cc23. In this study, virulence factors of several lineages within cc11 and cc23 were investigated in transgenic BALB/c mice expressing human transferrin. Transgenic mice were infected intraperitoneally with serogroup W and Y isolates. Levels of bacteria and the proinflammatory cytokine CXCL1 were determined in blood collected 3 h and 24 h post-infection. Apoptosis was investigated in immune cells from peritoneal washes of infected mice. Adhesion and induction of apoptosis in human epithelial cells were also scored.
Results:
The levels of bacteraemia, CXCL1, and apoptosis were higher in serogroup W infected mice than in serogroup Y infected mice. Serogroup W isolates also induced higher levels of apoptosis and adhesion in human epithelial cells. No significant differences were observed between different lineages within cc11 and cc23.
Conclusions:
N. meningitidis Serogroup W displayed a higher virulence in vivo in transgenic mice, compared to serogroup Y. This was reflected by higher bacteremia, proinflammatory activity, and ability to induce apoptosis in mouse immune cells and human epithelial cells.
Insights
Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W demonstrated greater virulence than serogroup Y in mice. Serogroup W caused higher bacteremia, inflammation, and apoptosis in both mouse and human cells, highlighting its increased pathogenicity.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis serogroups W and Y are leading causes of invasive meningococcal disease in Sweden.
- Serogroup W is primarily driven by the UK 2013 strain (cc11), and serogroup Y by the YI strain (cc23).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the virulence factors of Neisseria meningitidis lineages within clonal complexes 11 (cc11) and 23 (cc23).
- To compare the in vivo virulence of serogroup W and Y isolates in a relevant animal model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized transgenic BALB/c mice expressing human transferrin for infection studies.
- Administered serogroup W and Y Neisseria meningitidis isolates intraperitoneally.
- Quantified bacteremia, CXCL1 cytokine levels, and assessed apoptosis in immune cells and epithelial cells post-infection.
Main Results:
- Serogroup W infection resulted in significantly higher bacteremia and CXCL1 levels compared to serogroup Y.
- Serogroup W isolates induced greater apoptosis in mouse immune cells and human epithelial cells.
- No significant virulence differences were found between distinct lineages within cc11 and cc23.
Conclusions:
- Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W exhibits higher virulence in vivo compared to serogroup Y.
- This enhanced virulence is characterized by increased bacteremia, proinflammatory responses, and apoptosis induction.
- The findings provide insights into the differential pathogenicity of meningococcal serogroups.
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