Increased pathogenicity of pneumococcal serotype 1 is driven by rapid autolysis and release of pneumolysin
Year: 2020
Type: article
Abstract: Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 1 is the predominant cause of invasive pneumococcal disease in sub-Saharan Africa, but the mechanism behind its increased invasiveness is not well understood. Here, we use mouse models of lung infection to identify virulence factors associated with severe bacteraemic pneumonia during serotype-1 (ST217) infection. We use BALB/c mice, which are highly resistant to pneumococcal pneumonia when infected with other serotypes. However, we observe 100% mortality and high levels of bacteraemia within 24 hours when BALB/c mice are intranasally infected with ST217. Serotype 1 produces large quantities of pneumolysin, which is rapidly released due to high levels of bacterial autolysis. This leads to substantial levels of cellular cytotoxicity and breakdown of tight junctions between cells, allowing a route for rapid bacterial dissemination from the respiratory tract into the blood. Thus, our results offer an explanation for the increased invasiveness of serotype 1.
Source: Nature Communications
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $5,380
Awards: Identification of niche-specific virulence factors via experimental evolution of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Identification of niche-specific virulence factors via experimental evolution of Streptococcus pneumoniae, G3826074861, G3928546238, G4300644782, The role of immune tolerance and regulation in pneumococcal carriage and invasive disease.
OpenAlex ID: W3017338795