Agglutination of pYV+ Yersinia enterocolitica strains by agglutinin from Mangifera indica

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology
• Plant Science

Background:

• Yersinia enterocolitica is a significant foodborne pathogen.
• Virulence factors, such as plasmids and surface proteins, are crucial for Yersinia pathogenicity.
• Plant-derived compounds are increasingly explored for their potential biological activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the agglutination activity of Mangifera indica agglutinin against Yersinia enterocolitica.
• To determine the correlation between agglutination and the presence of the virulence plasmid.
• To identify the specific bacterial target of the plant agglutinin.

Main Methods:

• Culturing 271 strains of Yersinia enterocolitica and related species at 37°C.
• Testing agglutination with a 0.01% dilution of Mangifera indica agglutinin.
• Analyzing YadA mutants to identify the target protein.

Main Results:

• Agglutination was observed in Yersinia enterocolitica strains harboring the virulence plasmid.
• The YadA protein was identified as the specific target of the Mangifera indica agglutinin.
• This suggests a potential role for plant agglutinins in bacterial detection or inhibition.

Conclusions:

• Mangifera indica agglutinin exhibits specific binding to virulent Yersinia enterocolitica strains.
• The YadA protein is the molecular target of this plant-derived agglutinin.
• This finding opens avenues for novel diagnostic or therapeutic strategies against Yersinia infections.