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Enhancement of Vibrio parahaemolyticus virulence by lysed erythrocyte factor and iron
Abstract:
The effect of lysed blood on the virulence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus for mice was investigated. A factor present in lysed erythrocytes was found to greatly reduce the 50% lethal dose of V. parahaemolyticus for mice. Similar effects were observed with ferric ammonium citrate and manganous sulfate. V. parahaemolyticus grown in brain heart infusion containing lysed erythrocyte factor appeared to produce a lethal toxin which was either inapparent or absent when the organism was grown in brain heart infusion alone.
Insights
A lysed erythrocyte factor significantly reduces Vibrio parahaemolyticus virulence in mice. This factor, similar to ferric ammonium citrate and manganous sulfate, enhances lethal toxin production by the bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pathogen Virulence Studies
- Bacterial Toxinology
Background:
- Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a significant foodborne pathogen.
- Bacterial virulence is influenced by environmental factors.
- Erythrocytes and their components can modulate host-pathogen interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of lysed blood on Vibrio parahaemolyticus virulence.
- To identify factors within lysed erythrocytes affecting bacterial pathogenicity.
- To understand the mechanism of altered virulence.
Main Methods:
- Investigating the effect of lysed erythrocytes on the 50% lethal dose (LD50) of V. parahaemolyticus in a mouse model.
- Testing the effects of ferric ammonium citrate and manganous sulfate.
- Culturing V. parahaemolyticus in media supplemented with lysed erythrocyte factor and control media.
- Assessing bacterial lethal toxin production.
Main Results:
- A factor in lysed erythrocytes significantly reduced the LD50 of V. parahaemolyticus in mice.
- Ferric ammonium citrate and manganous sulfate mimicked this effect.
- V. parahaemolyticus grown with lysed erythrocyte factor produced a potent lethal toxin.
- Toxin production was minimal or absent when grown in standard media.
Conclusions:
- Lysed erythrocytes contain a factor that enhances V. parahaemolyticus virulence.
- This factor appears to induce the production of a lethal toxin.
- Iron or manganese availability may play a role in V. parahaemolyticus toxinogenesis.