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Parameters affecting the adherence and tissue tropisms of Streptococcus pyogenes
Infection and Immunity
|January 1, 1974
Summary
Virulent Streptococcus pyogenes strains show strong adherence to human cells, unlike avirulent strains or E. coli. Bacterial adherence specificity influences pathogen tissue tropism, with varying affinities observed across different host tissues.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pathogenesis
- Bacterial Adherence
Background:
- Streptococcus pyogenes is a significant human pathogen.
- Bacterial adherence to host tissues is a critical step in pathogenesis.
- Understanding tissue tropism is key to controlling infectious diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adherence properties of virulent Streptococcus pyogenes.
- To compare adherence of S. pyogenes with Escherichia coli to various host tissues.
- To identify factors influencing bacterial adherence and tissue tropism.
Main Methods:
- In vitro adherence assays using human pharyngeal cells.
- In vivo competition assays with S. pyogenes and E. coli on rat tissues.
- Assessment of adherence under varying bacterial growth phases and pre-treatments.
Main Results:
- Virulent S. pyogenes adhered well to human pharyngeal cells, while avirulent strains and E. coli showed poor adherence.
- Differential adherence of S. pyogenes and E. coli was observed across rat tissues, with reversed affinities on tongue and bladder.
- Early stationary-phase S. pyogenes cells exhibited optimal adherence.
- Adherence was inhibited by trypsin, lipase, detergents, heat, antibodies, phospholipids, and S. salivarius cell walls.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial adherence is determined by specific interactions between bacterial and epithelial surfaces.
- Adherence mechanisms play a crucial role in determining pathogen tissue tropism.
- Factors such as growth phase and surface components significantly impact S. pyogenes adherence.