Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2025
Characterization of Inflammatory Responses During Intranasal Colonization with Streptococcus pneumoniae
Published on: January 17, 2014
The effects of sugar in drinking water on Streptococcus pyogenes colonisation in a murine nasopharyngeal infection
Farina Nor Hashimi1,2, Julie Bennett1,3, Michael G Baker3,2
1Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
Abstract:
The number of sugar-sweetened beverages consumed per day has been associated with an increased risk of acute rheumatic fever, an autoimmune disease triggered by superficial Streptococcus pyogenes infection. To explore if there could be a biological basis for this association, we used a mouse model of S. pyogenes nasopharyngeal colonisation combined with a dietary intervention. We observed an increased bacterial load in the nasopharynx of mice receiving sucrose drinking water post-infection, suggesting that high sucrose intake promotes S. pyogenes growth and/or survival. This provides new insight into the potential biological basis behind the association seen in humans.
Insights
High sugar intake may increase the risk of acute rheumatic fever by promoting Streptococcus pyogenes growth. This study found increased bacterial load in mice fed sucrose, suggesting a biological link.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an autoimmune disease linked to Streptococcus pyogenes infections.
- Previous epidemiological studies suggest a correlation between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and ARF risk.
- The underlying biological mechanisms for this association remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a potential biological basis for the association between sugar-sweetened beverage intake and ARF.
- To determine if sucrose consumption influences Streptococcus pyogenes nasopharyngeal colonization in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a mouse model to study Streptococcus pyogenes nasopharyngeal colonization.
- Implemented a dietary intervention involving sucrose in drinking water post-infection.
- Quantified bacterial load in the nasopharynx.
Main Results:
- Mice receiving sucrose drinking water exhibited an increased bacterial load in the nasopharynx after S. pyogenes infection.
- This suggests that high sucrose intake supports the growth and/or survival of Streptococcus pyogenes.
- The findings provide evidence for a direct biological link between sucrose and bacterial colonization.
Conclusions:
- High sucrose intake may promote Streptococcus pyogenes colonization in the nasopharynx.
- This mechanism could contribute to the observed association between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and acute rheumatic fever risk in humans.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore therapeutic implications.
More Related Videos
09:52A Mouse Model for Pathogen-induced Chronic Inflammation at Local and Systemic Sites
Published on: August 8, 2014
12:21A Mouse Model for the Transition of Streptococcus pneumoniae from Colonizer to Pathogen upon Viral Co-Infection Recapitulates Age-Exacerbated Illness
Published on: September 28, 2022