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Plasmids in Yersinia enterocolitica serotypes O:3 and O:9: correlation with epithelial cell adherence in vitro
Abstract:
Human isolates of Yersinia enterocolitica serotypes O:3 (biotype 4) and O:9 (biotype 3) harbored plasmids sized approximately 47 and 44 megadaltons, respectively. No such plasmids were found in "apathogenic" strains of Y. enterocolitica belonging to biotype 1. There was a positive correlation among the presence of plasmid, autoagglutination, and adherence to and toxicity for HEp-2 cell cultures; all of these properties were lost by culturing at 37 degrees C in the absence of calcium. Strains of Y. enterocolitica O:3 and O:9 cured of the plasmids showed increased invasiveness in the HEp-2 cell culture model, but no invasiveness in guinea pig eye. It is suggested that the plasmids of Y. enterocolitica primarily determine epithelial cell adherence, but may also be associated with other pathogenic properties.
Insights
Yersinia enterocolitica plasmids correlate with adherence and toxicity. Removing these plasmids increased invasiveness in cell models, suggesting plasmids mainly control epithelial cell attachment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Yersinia enterocolitica is a significant human pathogen.
- Plasmids are known to contribute to bacterial virulence.
- The role of plasmids in Yersinia enterocolitica pathogenicity requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of plasmids in Yersinia enterocolitica virulence.
- To determine the association between plasmid presence and specific pathogenic properties.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of plasmids in human Yersinia enterocolitica isolates (serotypes O:3 and O:9).
- Assessment of plasmid presence in relation to autoagglutination, HEp-2 cell adherence, and toxicity.
- Evaluation of invasiveness in HEp-2 cell and guinea pig eye models after plasmid curing.
Main Results:
- Human Yersinia enterocolitica serotypes O:3 and O:9 harbored plasmids (47 and 44 megadaltons).
- Apathogenic biotype 1 strains lacked these plasmids.
- Plasmid presence correlated positively with autoagglutination, HEp-2 cell adherence, and toxicity, which were lost upon culturing at 37°C without calcium.
- Plasmid-cured strains showed increased HEp-2 cell invasiveness but no guinea pig eye invasiveness.
Conclusions:
- Yersinia enterocolitica plasmids are primarily associated with epithelial cell adherence and toxicity.
- Plasmid loss can lead to altered virulence characteristics, including increased invasiveness in certain models.
- These findings highlight the crucial role of plasmids in defining Yersinia enterocolitica pathogenicity.