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[Study of pathogenicity of various serovars of Enterococcus faecalis]
M Yoshioka1, Y Kumamoto, T Hirose
1Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University.
Abstract:
Using a mouse experimental UTI (urinary tract infection) model, a study was conducted to find the pathogenicity of various serovars of E. faecalis. On the basis of studies employing serovar-specific factor sera prepared with E. faecalis type strains, serovar 2, 3, 4 and 10 strains showed a high incidence of involvement in pyelonephritis: 90.3%, 85.7%, 85% and 73.3%. Serovar 1, 6 and 7 strains each showed a 63.6% incidence of involvement in pyelonephritis, indicating that they have a moderate pathogenicity. The pathogenicity of the other serovar strains was not very strong, with a low incidence of 40-59.1%. These results were thus in good agreement with the findings of the study using the mouse experimental UTI model infected with clinical isolates. Serotyping was performed of E. faecalis clinical isolates obtained from patients with pyelonephritis or urosepsis. Serovars 2 and 4 comprised 75.1% of these isolates. It was surmised that E. faecalis serovars 2 and 4 tend to have strong pathogenicity. Thus, there were quite a few differences in pathogenicity of E. faecalis according to each kind of serovar.
Insights
Certain Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) serovars, particularly serovars 2 and 4, exhibit higher pathogenicity in urinary tract infections (UTIs). This study identified specific serovars linked to pyelonephritis and urosepsis in a mouse model.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Context:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections.
- Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is a significant pathogen in UTIs, particularly in hospital-acquired infections.
- Understanding the pathogenicity of different E. faecalis serovars is crucial for effective treatment and prevention strategies.
Purpose:
- To investigate the pathogenicity of various Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) serovars using a mouse experimental UTI model.
- To correlate E. faecalis serovars with the incidence of pyelonephritis and urosepsis in clinical isolates.
- To identify specific E. faecalis serovars with high pathogenic potential.
Summary:
- A mouse model of experimental UTI was used to assess the pathogenicity of different E. faecalis serovars.
- Serovars 2, 3, 4, and 10 demonstrated high involvement in pyelonephritis (73.3%-90.3%), while serovars 1, 6, and 7 showed moderate pathogenicity (63.6%).
- Serotyping of clinical isolates from pyelonephritis and urosepsis patients revealed that serovars 2 and 4 constituted 75.1%, suggesting their strong pathogenic role.
Impact:
- Identifies specific E. faecalis serovars (2 and 4) with significant pathogenicity, aiding in risk stratification.
- Provides valuable data for developing targeted diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for E. faecalis UTIs.
- Contributes to a better understanding of the molecular basis of E. faecalis virulence and host-pathogen interactions in UTIs.