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Ureaplasma-eukaryotic cell interactions in vitro
Abstract:
Ureaplasmas from six animal species were inoculated into cell cultures derived from human, simian and murine hosts. All ureaplasmas infected at least two of the cell cultures tested. Supplemental medium urea was not a requirement for cell culture infection, and Ureaplasma growth in cell cultures occurred in as little urea as 4 micrograms/ml, similar to findings in broth-propagated organisms. These findings are of potential significance due to an observation (HM Jernigan, Jr: Exp Eye Res 37:551, 1983) that certain tissues produce urea locally. This may explain why ureaplasmas can be isolated from tissues outside the urinary tract where large amounts of urea are not routinely encountered. Ureaplasmas generally increased from titers of approximately 10(2) to 10(4) to ones of 10(5) to 10(6), but occasionally 10(7), color changing-units/ml within 2 days. Apparently a cell culture product is required for Ureaplasma growth. In several systems, Ureaplasma infection persisted and Ureaplasma-infected cell cultures could be passaged.
Insights
Animal Ureaplasmas successfully infected human, simian, and murine cell cultures. Ureaplasma growth in cell cultures depends on cell products, not supplemental urea, explaining its presence in various tissues.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Ureaplasmas are bacteria that can infect various hosts.
- Their presence in tissues outside the urinary tract is not fully understood.
- Local urea production in tissues may play a role in Ureaplasma survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ability of animal Ureaplasmas to infect mammalian and simian cell cultures.
- To determine the urea requirements for Ureaplasma growth in cell culture.
- To explore the implications for Ureaplasma isolation from diverse tissue sites.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of Ureaplasmas from six animal species into human, simian, and murine cell cultures.
- Monitoring of Ureaplasma infection and growth.
- Assessment of urea concentration requirements for Ureaplasma growth in vitro.
Main Results:
- All tested Ureaplasmas infected at least two of the cell culture types.
- Ureaplasma growth occurred with minimal urea (4 micrograms/ml), independent of supplemental urea.
- Ureaplasma titers increased significantly (10^5 to 10^7 color changing-units/ml) within 2 days.
- Cell culture products appear necessary for Ureaplasma growth.
- Ureaplasma infections persisted and were transferable through cell culture passages.
Conclusions:
- Animal Ureaplasmas can infect various mammalian and simian cell cultures.
- Ureaplasma growth in cell culture is supported by low urea concentrations and requires cell culture products.
- These findings support the hypothesis that local urea production in host tissues facilitates Ureaplasma survival outside the urinary tract.
