The role of group B streptococci beta-hemolysin expression in newborn lung injury

There is a direct correlation between the level of GBS beta-hemolysin expression and the ability of GBS to injury lung epithelial cells. Electron microscopy suggest the hemolysin acts as a pore-forming cytolysin. beta-hemolysin-associated lung epithelial cell injury is inhibited by surfactant phospholipid, a substance in which high-risk premature infants are deficient. We have now shown that loss of GBS hemolysin activity is associated with decreased animal virulence following intrathoracic inoculation of the organism. Further, a knockout of a putative GBS beta-hemolysin gene from the literature suggests it is not the major GBS hemolysin determinant. Cloning and sequencing analysis of the Tn916 (or Tn916DE) insertions in three of our nonhemolytic GBS mutants show identical integration sites in a distinct chromosomal locus. Finally, a putative 11-kd hemolysin species is identified by comparative analysis of protein extracts from isogenic hemolysin mutants.