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Haemolytic activity of Mycobacterium spp
M Brzychcy1, Z Andrzejczyk, N Zalewska
1Department of Infectious Biology, University of Lódź, Poland.
Acta Microbiologica Polonica
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Mycobacterium tuberculosis and some Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare strains exhibit haemolytic activity, influencing their persistence in mice. Stronger haemolysin production correlated with longer survival in infected mouse spleens.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Haemolytic activity is a virulence factor in some bacteria.
- The role of haemolysins in Mycobacterium species persistence is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the haemolytic activity of clinical Mycobacterium isolates.
- To investigate the correlation between haemolytic activity and the in vivo persistence of Mycobacterium strains.
Main Methods:
- Haemolytic activity was assessed using the method of King et al. (1993).
- Persistence of selected Mycobacterium strains was evaluated in the spleens of C57BL/6 mice.
- Mice were either non-immunized or immunized with Mycobacterium bovis BCG.
Main Results:
- All Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates (28/28) and some Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare strains showed strong or weak haemolytic activity.
- Mycobacterium bovis BCG and Mycobacterium vaccae strains lacked haemolytic activity.
- Strains with strong contact-dependent haemolysin or contact-independent haemolysin exhibited longer survival in mouse spleens compared to those with weak haemolytic activity or BCG vaccine.
Conclusions:
- Haemolytic activity, particularly strong CDH and CIH, may contribute to the persistence of certain Mycobacterium species.
- The findings suggest a potential link between haemolysin production and Mycobacterium pathogenesis.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of haemolysin-mediated persistence.