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Intra-cellular and extra-cellular growth of L. monocytogenes in chick embryo fibroblast cell culture
Abstract:
The growth of L. monocytogenes in isolated chick embryo fibroblast cell culture was studied. Hanks balanced salt solution and Eagles minimal essential medium were shown to support a limited growth of L. monocytogenes. Extra-cellular growth on the maintenance medium occurs for 48 h prior to the establishment of intra-cellular organisms. As the uptake of the parasite by the cell culture takes place, intra-cellular replication begins with subsequent release of the organisms into the surrounding medium. The organism continues to replicate intra-cellularly until all the cell culture is destroyed.
Insights
Listeria monocytogenes can grow in chick embryo fibroblast cell cultures. The bacteria first grow outside the cells, then invade and replicate inside, destroying the culture.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Listeria monocytogenes is a significant foodborne pathogen.
- Understanding its interaction with host cells is crucial for controlling infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the growth dynamics of Listeria monocytogenes within chick embryo fibroblast cell cultures.
- To determine the conditions supporting bacterial replication and host cell destruction.
Main Methods:
- Culturing chick embryo fibroblasts.
- Inoculating cultures with Listeria monocytogenes.
- Monitoring bacterial growth intra- and extracellularly over time.
- Assessing cell culture viability.
Main Results:
- Hanks balanced salt solution and Eagles minimal essential medium supported limited Listeria monocytogenes growth.
- Extracellular growth occurred for 48 hours before intracellular establishment.
- Intracellular replication led to bacterial release and subsequent destruction of the entire cell culture.
Conclusions:
- Chick embryo fibroblast cell cultures provide a suitable model for studying Listeria monocytogenes pathogenesis.
- Listeria monocytogenes exhibits a distinct growth pattern involving extracellular and intracellular phases, culminating in host cell lysis.