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Plasmid associated antibody production against Yersinia enterocolitica in man
Abstract:
The presence of plasmids was studied in 46 Yersinia enterocolitica strains isolated from human fecal specimens. In the 36 cases where specific antibodies were detected, 33 of the isolated bacteria were harbouring a 45-48 Mdalton plasmid responsible for autoagglutination and Ca2+ dependent growth at 37 degrees C. Symptoms compatible with yersiniosis were present in all patients where information was available. In the 10 cases with clinical symptoms but without specific antibodies only 2 of the isolated yersinia strains contained plasmids which were of another size. These results indicate an association between the presence of the 45-48 Mdalton plasmid in Y. enterocolitica strains and the pathogenicity of the strains to human hosts.
Insights
A specific plasmid in Yersinia enterocolitica is linked to human illness. This 45-48 Mdalton plasmid enables autoagglutination and growth, correlating with yersiniosis symptoms in patients.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Yersinia enterocolitica is a significant human pathogen.
- Plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA elements that can confer virulence traits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of plasmids in Yersinia enterocolitica pathogenicity.
- To determine the association between specific plasmid presence and clinical yersiniosis.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of Yersinia enterocolitica strains from human fecal samples.
- Plasmid profiling to identify plasmid presence and size.
- Correlation of plasmid data with patient antibody response and clinical symptoms.
Main Results:
- 33 out of 36 Yersinia enterocolitica strains with specific antibodies harbored a 45-48 Mdalton plasmid.
- This plasmid was associated with autoagglutination and calcium-dependent growth at 37°C.
- Only 2 of 10 strains from patients without antibodies contained plasmids of different sizes.
Conclusions:
- The 45-48 Mdalton plasmid in Yersinia enterocolitica is strongly associated with pathogenicity in human infections.
- This plasmid likely contributes to virulence through mechanisms like autoagglutination and specific growth conditions.