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Adherence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and its relation to pathogenicity
Abstract:
Cultured epithelial cells were used to investigate the adherence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Correlation between adherence in vitro and pathogenicity (colonization) were shown by experiments on the distribution of vibrios in the small intestine of guinea pigs and on the lethal activity of vibrios to mice. In vitro adherence of 32 strains of V. parahaemolyticus including Kanagawa phenomenon (KP) positive and KP-negative strains was studied. The effect of purified KP toxin and antiserum against KP toxin was also studied. Adherence was not related to KP. Adherence of V. parahaemolyticus was thought to depend on viability, since the decrease in the number of colony-forming units paralleled the decrease in the number of bacteria adhering to epithelial cells, and bacteria fixed with ethanol and formalin did not show adherence.
Insights
Vibrio parahaemolyticus adherence to epithelial cells in vitro does not correlate with the Kanagawa phenomenon (KP). Bacterial viability, not KP, is crucial for V. parahaemolyticus adherence.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a significant foodborne pathogen.
- Understanding bacterial adherence is key to understanding pathogenicity.
- The Kanagawa phenomenon (KP) is a marker for V. parahaemolyticus virulence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adherence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus to cultured epithelial cells.
- To determine the correlation between in vitro adherence and pathogenicity.
- To assess the role of the Kanagawa phenomenon (KP) in bacterial adherence.
Main Methods:
- In vitro adherence assays using cultured epithelial cells and 32 strains of V. parahaemolyticus.
- In vivo experiments assessing vibrio distribution in guinea pig intestines and lethal activity in mice.
- Evaluation of the effect of purified KP toxin and specific antiserum.
Main Results:
- In vitro adherence of V. parahaemolyticus was not correlated with the Kanagawa phenomenon (KP).
- Bacterial viability was essential for adherence, as non-viable bacteria (fixed with ethanol/formalin) did not adhere.
- A decrease in colony-forming units paralleled a decrease in adherence.
Conclusions:
- Vibrio parahaemolyticus adherence to epithelial cells is independent of the Kanagawa phenomenon (KP).
- Bacterial viability is a critical factor influencing V. parahaemolyticus adherence.
- In vitro adherence may serve as an indicator of pathogenicity.