The Impact of SsPI-1 Deletion on Streptococcus suis Virulence.
Pathogens
; 8(4)2019 Dec 06.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31817637
ABSTRACT
(1) Background:
Streptococcus suis is an important zoonotic pathogen that infects pigs and can occasionally cause life-threatening systemic infections in humans. Two large-scale outbreaks of streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome in China suggest that the pathogenicity of S. suis has been changing in recent years. Genetic analysis revealed the presence of a chromosomal pathogenicity island (PAI) designated SsPI-1 in Chinese epidemic S. suis strains. The purpose of this study is to define the role of SsPI-1 in the virulence of S. suis. (2)Methods:
A SsPI-1 deletion mutant was compared to the wild-type strain regarding the ability to attach to epithelial cells, to cause host disease and mortality, and to stimulate host immune response in experimental infection of piglets. (3)Results:
Deletion of SsPI-1 significantly reduces adherence of S. suis to epithelial cells and abolishes the lethality of the wild-type strain in piglets. The SsPI-1 mutant causes no significant pathological lesions and exhibits an impaired ability to induce proinflammatory cytokine production. (4)Conclusions:
Deletion of the SsPI-1 PAI attenuates the virulence of this pathogen. We conclude that SsPI-1 is a critical contributor to the evolution of virulence in epidemic S. suis.
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Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Pathogens
Año:
2019
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
China