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Shigella Serotypes Associated With Carriage in Humans Establish Persistent Infection in Zebrafish.
Vincenzo Torraca1,2,3, Dominik Brokatzky1, Sydney L Miles1
1Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|August 9, 2023
Summary
Shigella bacteria can establish persistent infections in zebrafish, evading the immune system and becoming antibiotic tolerant. This persistence is linked to the O-antigen, crucial for Shigella serotypes common in men who have sex with men (MSM) infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Zebrafish Models in Research
Background:
- Shigella, a group of enteroinvasive Escherichia coli, comprises over 40 serotypes.
- Most infections in men who have sex with men (MSM) are linked to Shigella sonnei, Shigella flexneri 2a, and 3a.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Shigella's ability to establish persistent infections in vivo.
- To identify bacterial factors contributing to persistent Shigella infections.
- To evaluate the zebrafish model for studying Shigella pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the zebrafish model to study Shigella infection dynamics.
- Assessing bacterial clearance, antibiotic tolerance, and immune response (macrophage death).
- Analyzing the role of the O-antigen in persistent infection establishment.
Main Results:
- Shigella establishes persistent, antibiotic-tolerant infections in zebrafish, evading immune clearance.
- O-antigen, a serotype determinant, is essential for establishing persistent infection.
- Shigella isolates linked to MSM transmission persisted in zebrafish, unlike other serotypes.
- Persistent Shigella serotypes induced less macrophage death compared to non-persisting ones.
Conclusions:
- The zebrafish model effectively illuminates factors underlying persistent Shigella infections.
- The O-antigen plays a critical role in Shigella persistence and serotype-specific pathogenesis.
- Understanding these mechanisms can inform strategies against Shigella infections, particularly in vulnerable populations.
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