Virulence-related genes, adhesion and invasion of some Yersinia enterocolitica-like strains suggests its pathogenic potential

Author(s)

Imori, Priscilla F. M. ; Passaglia, Jaqueline ; Souza, Roberto A. ; Rocha, Lenaldo B. ; Falcao, Juliana P.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Microbial Pathogenesis; v. 104, p. 72-77, MAR 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 4

Abstract

Yersina enterocolitica-like species have not been extensively studied regarding its pathogenic potential. This work aimed to assess the pathogenic potential of some Y. enterocolitica-like strains by evaluating the presence of virulence-related genes by PCR and their ability to adhere to and invade Caco-2 and HEp-2 cells. A total of 50 Y. frederiksenii, 55 Y. intermedia and 13 Y. kristensenii strains were studied. The strains contained the following genes: Y. frederiksenii, fepA(44%), fes(44%) and ystB(18%); Y. intermedia, ail(53%), fepA (35%), fepD(2%), fes(97%), hreP(2%), ystB(2%) and tccC(35%); Y. kristensenii, ail(62%), ystB(23%), fepA(77%), fepD(54%), fes(54%) and hreP(77%). Generally, the Y. enterocolitica-like strains had a reduced ability to adhere to and invade mammalian cells compared to the highly pathogenic Y. enterocolitica 8081. However, Y. kristensenii FCF410 and Y frederiksenii FCF461 presented high invasion potentials in Caco-2 cells after five days of pre-incubation increased by 45- and 7.2-fold compared to Y. enterocolitica 8081, respectively; but, the ail gene was not detected in these strains. The presence of virulence-related genes in some of the Y. enterocolitica-like strains indicated their possible pathogenic potential. Moreover, the results suggest the existence of alternative virulence mechanisms and that the pathogenicity of Y. kristensenii and Y. frederiksenii may be strain-dependent. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/19830-5 - Genotyping of Yersinia spp. strains by high-resolution melting analysis
• Grantee: Juliana Pfrimer Falcão
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 09/08455-1 - Genotyping of Yersinia ssp. strains by high-resolution melting analysis
• Grantee: Roberto Antonio de Souza
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 12/19132-1 - Molecular characterization of Salmonella Typhimurium strains isolated from humans, food and animals in the Southeast and South regions of Brazil
• Grantee: Juliana Pfrimer Falcão
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants