Correlations between leukocidin production and virulence of two isolates of Fusobacterium necrophorum

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Pathogenesis
• Bacterial toxins

Background:

• Fusobacterium necrophorum is implicated in intraabdominal and liver abscesses.
• Leukocidin production by F. necrophorum is a potential virulence factor.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of leukocidin production by F. necrophorum in abscess development.
• To compare the infectivity of leukocidin-producing and non-producing strains of F. necrophorum.

Main Methods:

• In vitro assay to detect leukocidin production by F. necrophorum isolates.
• Intraperitoneal injection of F. necrophorum strains into immune-suppressed and normal mice to assess abscess formation.
• Serial passage of the leukocidin-producing strain in immune-suppressed mice.

Main Results:

• One of two F. necrophorum isolates produced leukocidin in vitro.
• The leukocidin-producing strain was more infective, causing abscesses in mice.
• Infectivity and leukocidin production of the producing strain increased with serial passage in immune-suppressed mice.
• The non-leukocidin-producing strain was less infective and difficult to passage.

Conclusions:

• Leukocidin production by Fusobacterium necrophorum is a key factor in its ability to cause abscesses.
• The virulence of F. necrophorum is associated with its leukocidin-producing capacity.
• Further research into F. necrophorum leukocidin may offer therapeutic targets.