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Adherence to human small intestines of capsulated Vibrio cholerae O139
T Yamamoto1, M J Albert, R B Sack
1Department of Bacteriology, School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Capsulated cells of V. cholerae O139 adhered to formalin-fixed or native mucosa of the small intestines from an adult and a child. The primary adherence target was mucus. Capsulated O139 cells adhered better to the antigen sampling cells (M cells) of ileal Peyer's patch than to the absorptive cells. O139 cells on the mucosa appeared as small aggregates. Similar organisms were found on the mucosa of duodenal biopsy samples from patients infected with V. cholerae O139. The findings indicated that capsulated cells of V. cholerae O139 tend to autoagglutinate and contribute to the effective adherence to the intestinal mucosa.
Insights
Capsulated Vibrio cholerae O139 cells effectively adhere to the small intestine's mucus and M cells. This autoagglutination mechanism promotes bacterial colonization in cholera infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Vibrio cholerae O139 (V. cholerae O139) is a significant cause of cholera outbreaks.
- Understanding bacterial adherence mechanisms is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.
- The intestinal mucosa presents a complex environment for pathogen colonization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adherence patterns of capsulated V. cholerae O139 to the small intestinal mucosa.
- To identify specific targets for V. cholerae O139 adherence within the intestinal lining.
- To explore the role of bacterial autoagglutination in intestinal colonization.
Main Methods:
- In vitro adherence assays using formalin-fixed and native intestinal mucosa from adult and child donors.
- Microscopic examination of V. cholerae O139 interaction with mucosal surfaces, including M cells and absorptive cells.
- Analysis of V. cholerae O139 found in duodenal biopsy samples from infected patients.
Main Results:
- Capsulated V. cholerae O139 cells demonstrated adherence to both native and fixed intestinal mucosa.
- Mucus was identified as the primary adherence target, with enhanced binding to M cells in Peyer's patches compared to absorptive cells.
- V. cholerae O139 cells formed small aggregates on the mucosa, a characteristic of autoagglutination.
Conclusions:
- Capsulated V. cholerae O139 exhibits specific adherence properties favoring mucus and M cells in the small intestine.
- Bacterial autoagglutination is a key factor contributing to the effective adherence and potential colonization of V. cholerae O139.
- These findings provide insights into the initial stages of V. cholerae O139 infection and pathogenesis.