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Pathogenicity of Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O3 biotype 3 strains
Abstract:
It is known that Yersinia enterocolitica infection in Japan is caused mainly by serotype O3 biotype 4 strains. Recently, however, a number of serotype O3 strains which were classified biotype 3 and which ferment lactose and xylose, instead of sorbose, and give a negative Voges-Proskauer reaction have been isolated from both humans and animals. In this study, comparisons of four properties were made among isolates of Y. enterocolitica serotype O3 biotype 3 from humans, pigs, dogs, cats, and rats and the laboratory stock strains of Y. enterocolitica biotype 4. All strains were tested for the presence of plasmids, calcium-dependent growth at 37 degrees C, autoagglutination activity at 37 degrees C, and recovery of the organisms from the stools of intravenously challenged mice. Biotypes 3 and 4 were positive for these four properties. Plasmid digestion with restriction endonucleases showed the same digestion patterns in both biotypes. These results suggest that Y. enterocolitica serotype O3 biotype 3 strains are pathogenic, as are biotype 4 strains.
Insights
Yersinia enterocolitica biotype 3 strains, previously uncharacterized, exhibit pathogenic properties similar to the established biotype 4. These findings indicate that Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O3 biotype 3 strains are also pathogenic.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O3 biotype 4 strains are the primary cause of infection in Japan.
- Recently, novel Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O3 biotype 3 strains with distinct biochemical characteristics have been isolated from human and animal sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the pathogenic properties of Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O3 biotype 3 strains with those of biotype 4.
- To assess the potential pathogenicity of the newly identified biotype 3 strains.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of four key properties: plasmid presence, calcium-dependent growth at 37°C, autoagglutination at 37°C, and in vivo recovery from mice.
- Analysis of plasmid DNA profiles using restriction endonuclease digestion.
Main Results:
- Both biotype 3 and biotype 4 strains demonstrated positive results for all four tested properties.
- Plasmid digestion patterns were identical between biotype 3 and biotype 4 strains, suggesting genetic similarity.
Conclusions:
- Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O3 biotype 3 strains possess pathogenic characteristics comparable to biotype 4 strains.
- The study suggests that biotype 3 strains of Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O3 should be considered pathogenic.