| 1. |
- Ahrné, Siv, et al.
(författare)
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Lactobacilli in the intestinal microbiota of Swedish infants
- 2005
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Ingår i: Microbes and Infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 7:11-12, s. 1256-62
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Lactobacillus colonisation was examined in 112 Swedish infants. Faecal samples obtained at 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks and at 6, 12 and 18 months of age were cultivated quantitatively on Rogosa agar. Lactobacilli were speciated by PCR and typed to the strain level by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Lactobacilli reached a peak at 6 months when 45% of the infants were colonised. L. rhamnosus and L. gasseri were the most common species in this period. Colonisation by lactobacilli in general (P < 0.01) and L. rhamnosus in particular (P < 0.05) was more common in breast-fed than in weaned infants at 6 months of age. Lactobacillus isolation reached a nadir of 17% by 12 months (P < 0.0001), but increased to 31% by 18 months of age P < 0.05). The food-related species L. paracasei, L. plantarum, L. acidophilus and L. delbrueckii dominated in this second phase. A single strain persisted for at least 3 weeks in 17% of the infants during the first 6 months, most commonly L. rhamnosus. Lactobacillus population counts in colonised infants increased from 10(6.4) cfu/g at 1 week to 10(8.8) cfu/g at 6 months, and then dropped to 10(5.4) cfu/g faeces at 12 months of age. Lactobacillus colonisation was not significantly related to delivery mode, or to presence of siblings or pets in the household. Our results suggest that certain Lactobacillus species, especially L. rhamnosus, thrive in the intestinal flora of breast-fed infants. After weaning they are replaced by other Lactobacillus species of types found in food.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Bereczky, Sándor, et al.
(författare)
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Multiclonal asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infections predict a reduced risk of malaria disease in a Tanzanian population
- 2007
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Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 9:1, s. 103-110
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Protective immunity to malaria is acquired after repeated exposure to the polymorphic Plasmodium falciparum parasite. Whether the number of concurrent antigenically diverse clones in asymptomatic infections predicts the risk of subsequent clinical malaria needs further understanding. We assessed the diversity of P. falciparum infections by merozoite surface protein 2 genotyping in a longitudinal population based study in Tanzania. The number of clones was highest in children 6–10 years and in individuals with long time to previous anti-malarial treatment. Individual exposure, analysed by circumsporozoite protein antibody levels, was associated with parasite prevalence but not with the number of clones. The risk of subsequent clinical malaria in children free of acute disease or recent treatment was, compared to one clone, reduced in individuals with multiclonal infections or without detectable parasites, with the lowest hazard ratio 0.28 (95% confidence interval 0.10–0.78 Cox regression) for 2–3 clones. The number of clones was not associated with haemoglobin levels. A reduced risk of malaria in asymptomatic individuals with multiclonal persistent P. falciparum infections suggests that controlled maintenance of diverse infections is important for clinical protection in continuously exposed individuals, and needs to be considered in the design and evaluation of new malaria control strategies.
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| 5. |
- Berglund, Carolina, et al.
(författare)
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The genes for Panton Valentine leukocidin (PVL) are conserved in diverse lines of methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus
- 2008
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Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - Paris : Elsevier. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 10:8, s. 878-884
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated in the community (CA-MRSA) have been reported to carry the loci for Panton Valentine leukocidin (PVL) in high frequency. CA-MRSA in Orebro County, Sweden, constitutes at least 50% of MRSA and the PVL locus is detected in as many as 66% of these CA-MRSA isolates. The aim of this study was to characterize PVL-positive methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus by molecular methods, to determine the nucleotide sequence of lukS-PV and lukF-PV in S. aureus isolates of different origins, and to investigate the biological consequence of variations occurring in the genes. The PVL-positive MRSA investigated were composed of six different STs (ST8, 36, 80, 152, 154, and 256). Six additional STs (ST5, 22, 25, 30, 88, and 567) were detected when investigating PVL-positive methicillin-susceptible S. aureus with MLST. Despite the different genetic origins of the isolates analyzed, the PVL genes were well conserved and only one mutation was non-synonymous. Evaluation of the consequence of this mutation showed that the mutated toxin and wild-type toxin had comparable biological activity on human polymorphonuclear cells.
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| 6. |
- Bäckhed, Fredrik, 1973, et al.
(författare)
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Structural requirements for TLR4-mediated LPS signalling: a biological role for LPS modifications
- 2003
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Ingår i: Microbes Infect. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 5:12, s. 1057-63
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Cells of the mucosal lining are the first to encounter invading bacteria during infection, and as such, they have developed numerous ways of detecting microbial intruders. Recently, we showed that epithelial cells recognize lipopolysaccharide (LPS) through the CD14-Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 complex. Here, we identify the substructures of LPS that are recognized by the TLR4 receptor complex. In contrast to lipid A, the O-antigen does not mediate an inflammatory response; rather it interferes with the lipid A recognition. An Escherichia coli strain genetically modified to express penta-acylated lipid A not only showed reduced immunogenicity, but was also found to inhibit pro-inflammatory signalling induced by wild-type E. coli (hexa-acylated lipid A) as well as LPS from other bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family. Furthermore, penta-acylated LPS from Pseudomonas aeruginosa acted as an antagonist to hexa-acylated E. coli LPS, as did E. coli, as shown by its inhibitory effect on IL-8 production in stimulated cells. Hypo-acylated lipid A, such as that of P. aeruginosa, is found in several species within the gut microflora as well as in several bacteria causing chronic infections. Thus, our results suggest that the composition of the microflora may be important in modulating pro-inflammatory signalling in epithelial cells under normal as well as pathologic conditions.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Charpentier, E, et al.
(författare)
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Mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and tolerance in Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- 2000
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Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 2:15, s. 1855-64
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major pathogen causing potentially life-threatening community-acquired diseases in both the developed and developing world. Since 1967, there has been a dramatic increase in the incidence of penicillin-resistant and multiply antibiotic-resistant pneumococci worldwide. Prevention of access of the antibiotic to the target, inactivation of the antibiotic and alteration of the target are mechanisms that S. pneumoniae has developed to resist antibiotics. Recent studies on antibiotic-tolerant pneumococcal mutants permitted development of a novel model for the control of bacterial cell death.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Edqvist, Petra J, et al.
(författare)
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Minimal YopB and YopD translocator secretion by Yersinia is sufficient for Yop-effector delivery into target cells.
- 2007
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Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 9:2, s. 224-233
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Pathogenic Yersinia sp. utilise a common type III secretion system to translocate several anti-host Yop effectors into the cytosol of target eukaryotic cells. The secreted YopB and YopD translocator proteins are essential for this process, forming pores in biological membranes through which the effectors are thought to gain access to the cell interior. The non-secreted cognate chaperone, LcrH, also plays an important role by ensuring pre-secretory stabilisation and efficient secretion of YopB and YopD. This suggests that LcrH-regulated secretion of the translocators could be used by Yersinia to control effector translocation levels. We collected several LcrH mutants impaired in chaperone activity. These poorly bound, stabilised and/or secreted YopB and YopD in vitro. However, these mutants generally maintained stable substrates during a HeLa cell infection and these infected cells were intoxicated by translocated effectors. Surprisingly, this occurred in the absence of detectable YopB- and YopD-dependent pores in eukaryotic membranes. A functional type III translocon must therefore only require minuscule amounts of secreted translocator proteins. Based on these observations, LcrH dependent control of translocation via regulated YopB and YopD secretion would need to be exquisitely tight.
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| 11. |
- Ehrström, Sophia, et al.
(författare)
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Lactic acid bacteria colonization and clinical outcome after probiotic supplementation in conventionally treated bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis
- 2010
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Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 12:10, s. 691-699
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This randomized double-blind placebo controlled study assessed the vaginal colonization of lactic acid bacteria and clinical outcome. Vaginal capsules containing L gasseri LN40, Lactobacillus fermentum LN99, L. casei subsp. rhamnosus LN113 and P. acidilactici LN23, or placebos were administered for five days to 95 women after conventional treatment of bacterial vaginosis and/or vulvovaginal candidiasis. Vulvovaginal examinations and vaginal samplings were performed before and after administration, after the first and second menstruation, and after six months. Presence of LN strains was assessed using RAPD analysis. LN strains were present 2-3 days after administration in 89% of the women receiving LN strains (placebo: 0%, p < 0.0001). After one menstruation 53% were colonized by at least one LN strain. Nine percent were still colonized six months after administration. Ninety-three percent of the women receiving LN strains were cured 2-3 days after administration (placebo: 83%), and 78% after one menstruation (placebo: 71%) (ns). The intervention group experienced less malodorous discharge 2-3 days after administration (p = 0.03) and after the second menstruation (p = 0.04), compared with placebo. In summary, five days of vaginal administration of LN strains after conventional treatment of bacterial vaginosis and/or vulvovaginal candidiasis lead to vaginal colonization, somewhat fewer recurrences and less malodorous discharge.
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| 12. |
- Eliasson, Mette, et al.
(författare)
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Streptococcus pneumoniae induces expression of the antibacterial CXC chemokine MIG/CXCL9 via MyD88-dependent signaling in a murine model of airway infection.
- 2010
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Ingår i: Microbes and Infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1769-714X .- 1286-4579. ; 12, s. 565-573
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- MIG/CXCL9 belongs to the CXC family of chemokines and participates in the regulation of leukocyte-trafficking and angiogenesis. Certain chemokines, including human MIG/CXCL9, exert strong antibacterial activity in vitro, although the importance of this property in vivo is unknown. In the present study, we investigated the expression and a possible role for MIG/CXCL9 in host defense during mucosal airway infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in vivo. We found that intranasal challenge of C57BL/6 wild-type mice with pneumococci elicited production of high levels of MIG/CXCL9 in the lungs via the MyD88-dependent signaling pathway. Whereas both human and murine MIG/CXCL9 showed efficient killing of S. pneumoniae in vitro, MIG/CXCL9 knock-out mice were not more susceptible to pneumococcal infection. Our data demonstrate that, in vivo this chemokine probably has a redundant role, acting together with other antibacterial peptides and chemokines, in innate and adaptive host defense mechanisms against pneumococcal infections.
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| 13. |
- Farouk, Salah E., et al.
(författare)
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Different antibody and cytokine-mediated responses to Plasmodium falciparum parasite in two sympatric ethnic tribes living in Mali
- 2005
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Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : Elsevier SAS. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 7:1, s. 110-117
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Fulani are known to be less susceptible to Plasmodium falciparum malaria infections and to have lower parasitaemia despite living under similar malaria transmission intensity compared with other ethnic tribes. The aim of the present study was to examine whether the Fulani were more polarised towards Th2 as reflected by higher numbers of malaria-specific IL-4- and IL-10-producing cells and lower numbers of IFN-γ- and IL-12-producing cells as compared to their neighbour ethnic tribe, the Dogon of Mali. Total IgE and both anti-malaria IgE and IgG antibodies were measured by ELISA and the numbers of IL-4-, IFN-γ-, IL-10- and IL-12-producing cells were enumerated using enzyme-linked ImmunoSpot assay (ELISPOT). Numbers of parasite clones were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The study was performed outside the transmission period and all individuals included were asymptomatic. The results revealed that the Fulani were less parasitised, had fewer circulating parasite clones in their blood, had significantly higher anti-malaria IgG and IgE antibodies and higher proportions of malaria-specific IL-4- and IFN-γ-producing cells compared to the Dogon. The higher antigen-specific production of IL-4 among the Fulani was statistically significant both before and after adjustment for level of spontaneous cytokine production, while greater IFN-γ production only attained statistical significance after adjustment for spontaneous levels. Taken together, the association of higher anti-malarial IgE and IgG antibodies and increased numbers of specific IL-4- and IFN-γ-producing cells compared to the ethnic sympatric tribe, the Dogon, may assist in explaining the lower susceptibility to malaria observed in the Fulani.
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| 14. |
- Giha, Hayder A., et al.
(författare)
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Lack of significant influence for Fc gamma RIIa-RH131 or hemoglobin AA/AS polymorphisms on immunity and susceptibility to uncomplicated malaria and existence of marked linkage between the two polymorphisms in Daraweesh
- 2012
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Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 14:6, s. 537-544
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Malaria signature on human genome is marked by several gene polymorphisms. HemoglobinAS (HbAS) is known to protect against severe malaria, but barely proved to protect against uncomplicated malaria (UM). Similarly, the influence of Fc gamma RIIa-RH131 polymorphism on malaria is controversial. Polymorphisms in both genes were examined and levels of IgG subclasses against four malaria antigens were measured for 250 Fulani's from Daraweesh, eastern Sudan. Morbidity data for up to nine years was available for 214 donors. Number of malaria episodes experienced by each individual during the study period was used as indicator for susceptibility to UM. PCR and RFLP were used for donors DNA genotyping and ELISA for antibodies measurement. Results revealed that neither Fc gamma RIIa-RH131 alleles/genotypes nor HbAA/AS was significantly associated with malaria morbidity or with levels of IgG to test antigens. Both polymorphisms were in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium, interestingly, there was strong association between the two polymorphisms (linkage disequilibrium - LD) with D' = 0.89. The association between the two polymorphisms was confirmed by analysis of independent material from a neighboring village. In conclusion, in Daraweesh both Fc gamma RIIa-RH131 and HbAA/AS genotypes, independently or together, were not major markers for UM susceptibility, however, marked LD was observed between the two polymorphisms.
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| 15. |
- Gillenius, Erik, et al.
(författare)
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The adhesive protein invasin of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis induces neutrophil extracellular traps via β1 integrins
- 2015
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Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 17:5, s. 327-336
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Yersinia pseudotuberculosis adhesive protein invasin is crucial for the bacteria to cross the intestine epithelium by binding to β1 integrins on M-cells and gaining access to the underlying tissues. After the crossing invasin can bind to β1 integrins on other cell surfaces, however effector proteins delivered by the type III secretion system Y. pseudotuberculosis efficiently inhibit potential immune responses induced by this interaction. Here, we use mutant Y. pseudotuberculosis strains lacking the type III secretion system and additionally invasin-expressing Escherichia coli to analyze neutrophil responses towards invasin. Our data reveals that invasin induces production of reactive oxygen species and release of chromatin into the extracellular milieu, which we confirmed to be neutrophil extracellular traps by immunofluorescence microscopy. This was mediated through β1 integrins and was dependent on both the production of reactive oxygen species and signaling through phosphoinositide 3-kinase. We therefore have gained insight into a potential role of integrins in inflammation and infection clearance that has not previously been described, suggesting that targeting of β1 integrins could be utilized as an adjunctive therapy against yersiniosis.
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| 16. |
- Hallström, Teresia, et al.
(författare)
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The Moraxella IgD-binding protein MID/Hag is an oligomeric autotransporter.
- 2008
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Ingår i: Microbes and Infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1769-714X .- 1286-4579. ; 10:4, s. 374-381
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The immunoglobulin D (IgD)-binding protein MID/Hag of the human respiratory pathogen Moraxella catarrhalis is an outer membrane protein of approximately 200kDa belonging to the autotransporter family. MID also functions as an adhesin and hemagglutinin. In the present paper, the ultrastructure of MID was mapped. Using a series of Escherichia coli transformants, the last 210 aa of the C-terminal region were shown to translocate protein MID through the outer membrane suggesting that MID has a beta-barrel structure comprising of 10 transmembrane beta-sheets. Electron microscopy mapping with gold-labelled specific antibodies, and partial unravelling using guanidine hydrochloride showed that the rest of the MID protein forms an approximately 120nm long, fibrillar structure in which the individual monomers fold back on themselves to expose a globular distal domain at their tips comprising both the IgD-binding (MID962-1200) and adhesive (MID764-913) regions. This positions their N-termini close to the C-terminal membrane spanning domains. Mass measurements by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) verified that the MID molecule is an oligomer.
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| 17. |
- Herrmann, Björn, 1955-, et al.
(författare)
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SNP-based high-resolution typing of Chlamydia psittaci from humans and wild birds in Sweden : circulation of the Mat116 genotype reveals the transmission mode to humans
- 2024
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Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : Elsevier. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 26:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The incidence of Chlamydia psittaci respiratory tract infections in humans has increased in Sweden in recent years. This study aimed to identify the transmission route by genotyping C. psittaci from infected humans and birds.42 human C. psittaci samples and 5 samples from C. psittaci-infected birds were collected. Genotyping was performed using ompA sequencing, Multi-locus sequence typing, and/or SNP-based high-resolution melting-PCR. Epidemiological data was also collected, and a phylogenetic analysis was conducted.Analysis of ompA provided limited resolution, while the SNP-based PCR analysis successfully detected the Mat116 genotype in 3/5 passerine birds and in 26/29 human cases, indicating a high prevalence of this genotype in the human population. These cases were associated with contact with wild birds, mainly through bird feeding during winter or other outdoor exposure. Human cases caused by other genotypes (psittacine and pigeon) were less common and were linked to exposure to caged birds or pigeons.The SNP-genotype Mat116 is rare, but predominated in this study. The use of SNP-based PCR provided a better understanding of the C. psittaci transmission from birds to humans compared to ompA analysis. In Sweden, human psittacosis appears mainly to be transmitted from garden birds during bird feeding in the winter season.
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
- Jangpatarapongsa, Kulachart, et al.
(författare)
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Memory T cells protect against Plasmodium vivax infection
- 2006
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Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 8:3, s. 680-686
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Immunity induced by Plasmodium vivax infection leads to memory T cell recruitment activated during "relapse" or "re-infection". This study aims to characterise memory T cells in patients with acute or convalescent P. vivax infection. Lymphocytes were collected from patients infected by P. vivax, immune controls and naive controls. The proportion of immature memory T cells, expressing CD45RO(+)CD27(+), and mature cells lacking CD27 was assessed. A statistically significant increase in the median percentage of memory T cell subsets expressing CD4(+) was observed in material from patients with an acute infection compared with that from either naive or immune controls. The high percentage of memory T cells in infected patients was maintained until 60 days post treatment. The immune controls living in a malaria endemic area had a somewhat increased proportion of memory T cell subsets expressing CD8(+). An approximately three-fold increase of these cell types was shown in patients with an acute infection and the level persisted until 60 days post treatment. Phenotypic characterisation of the peripheral lymphocytes during acute infection revealed that a large fraction of the lymphocytes carried the gammadelta phenotypes suggesting a role for these cells in the early response against P. vivax. Very low levels of P. vivax specific antibody were found. This might suggest that cell-mediated immunity may play a greater role in the development of naturally acquired protection against P. vivax infection than humoral immunity. Our results provide further insight into the mechanism of cell-mediated immunity to P. vivax infection that could be important for the future development of a successful vaccine and anti-malarial drug designation.
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| 20. |
- Kahn, Fredrik, et al.
(författare)
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Platelets promote bacterial dissemination in a mouse model of streptococcal sepsis.
- 2013
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Ingår i: Microbes and Infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1769-714X .- 1286-4579. ; 15:10-11, s. 669-676
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Platelets have been reported to contribute to inflammation and inflammatory disorders. In the present study, we demonstrate that platelets contribute to the acute response to bacterial infection in a mouse model of invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infection. Thrombocytopenia occurred rapidly in infected animals and this was associated with platelet activation, formation of platelet-neutrophil complexes and neutrophil activation. In order to assess the role of platelets during infection, platelets were depleted prior to infection. Platelet-depleted animals had significantly decreased platelet-neutrophil complex formation and neutrophil activation in response to infection. Importantly, significantly fewer bacteria disseminated to the blood, lungs, and spleen of platelet-depleted animals. Platelet-depleted animals did not decrease as significantly in weight as the infected control animals. The results demonstrate a previously unappreciated role for platelets during the pathophysiological response to infection, whereby S. pyogenes bacteria bind to platelets and platelets facilitate bacterial dissemination.
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
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| 23. |
- Larsson, Christer, 1975-, et al.
(författare)
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Persistent brain infection and disease reactivation in relapsing fever borreliosis
- 2006
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Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : Elsevier. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 8:8, s. 2213-2219
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Relapsing fever, an infection caused by Borrelia spirochetes, is generally considered a transient, self-limiting disease in humans. The present study reveals that murine infection by Borrelia duttonii can be reactivated after an extended time as a silent infection in the brain, with no bacteria appearing in the blood and spirochete load comparable to the numbers in an infected tick. The host cerebral gene expression pattern is indistinguishable from that of uninfected animals, indicating that persistent bacteria are not recognized by the immune system nor cause noticeable tissue damage. Silent infection can be reactivated by immunosuppression, inducing spirochetemia comparable to that of initial densities. B. duttonii has never been found in any host except man and the tick vector. We therefore propose the brain to be a possible natural reservoir of the spirochete. The view of relapsing fever as an acute disease should be extended to include in some cases prolonged persistence, a feature characteristic of the related spirochetal infections Lyme disease and syphilis.
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| 24. |
- Lindgren, Helena, 1969-, et al.
(författare)
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The contribution of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species to the killing of Francisella tularensis LVS by murine macrophages.
- 2005
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Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 7:3, s. 467-475
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Intracellular killing of Francisella tularensis by macrophages depends on interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-induced activation of the cells. The importance of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) or NADPH phagocyte oxidase (phox) for the cidal activity was studied. Murine IFN-gamma-activated peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) produced nitric oxide (NO), measured as nitrite plus nitrate, and superoxide. When PEC were infected with the live vaccine strain, LVS, of F. tularensis, the number of viable bacteria was at least 1000-fold lower in the presence than in the absence of IFN-gamma after 48 h of incubation. PEC from iNOS-gene-deficient (iNOS-/-) mice killed F. tularensis LVS less effectively than did PEC from wild-type mice. PEC from phox gene-deficient (p47phox-/-) mice were capable of killing the bacteria, but killing was less efficient, although still significant, in the presence of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (NMMLA), an inhibitor of iNOS. A decomposition catalyst of ONOO-, FeTPPS, completely reversed the IFN-gamma-induced killing of F. tularensis LVS. Under host cell-free conditions, F. tularensis LVS was exposed to S-nitroso-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP), which generates NO, or 3-morpholinosydnonimine hydrochloride (SIN-1), which generates NO and superoxide, leading to formation of ONOO-. During 6 h of incubation, SNAP caused no killing of F. tularensis LVS, whereas effective killing occurred in the presence of equimolar concentrations of SIN-1. The results suggest that mechanisms dependent on iNOS and to a minor degree, phox, contribute to the IFN-gamma-induced macrophage killing of F. tularensis LVS. ONOO- is likely to be a major mediator of the killing.
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| 25. |
- Liu, Yan, et al.
(författare)
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Dynamic niche-specific adaptations in Neisseria meningitidis during infection
- 2016
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Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 18:2, s. 109-117
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Neisseria meningitidis is an opportunistic human pathogen that usually colonizes the nasopharyngeal mucosa asymptomatically. Upon invasion into the blood and central nervous system, this bacterium triggers a fulminant inflammatory reaction with the manifestations of septicemia and meningitis, causing high morbidity and mortality. To reveal the bacterial adaptations to specific and dynamic host environments, we performed a comprehensive proteomic survey of N. meningitidis isolated from the nasal mucosa, CSF and blood of a mouse disease model. We could identify 51 proteins whose expression pattern has been changed during infection, many of which have not yet been characterized. The abundance of proteins was markedly lower in the bacteria isolated from the nasal mucosa compared to the bacteria from the blood and CSF, indicating that initiating adhesion is the harshest challenge for meningococci. The high abundance of the glutamate dehydrogenase (GdhA) and Opa1800 proteins in all bacterial isolates suggests their essential role in bacterial survival in vivo. To evaluate the biological relevance of our proteomic findings, four candidate proteins from representative functional groups, such as the bacterial chaperone GroEL, IMP dehydrogenase GuaB, and membrane proteins PilQ and NMC0101, were selected and their impact on bacterial fitness was investigated by mutagenesis assays. This study provides an integrated picture of bacterial niche-specific adaptations during consecutive infection processes.
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| 26. |
- Lundqvist, Annika, 1969, et al.
(författare)
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Immunogenic and adjuvant properties of Haemophilus ducreyi lipooligosaccharides.
- 2009
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Ingår i: Microbes and infection / Institut Pasteur. - : Elsevier BV. - 1769-714X. ; 11:3, s. 352-60
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Haemophilus ducreyi, the chancroid-causing bacterium, produces lipooligosaccharides (HdLOS) that comprise 5-11 partially sialylated monosaccharides. Subcutaneous immunisation of mice with 5 microg of HdLOS purified from H. ducreyi strains 4438 and 7470 induced high levels of anti-HdLOS IgG. The antibody responses displayed T-cell-independent features, and were dependent upon Toll-like receptor 4/MyD88 signalling pathways as demonstrated using knockout mice. The immunogenicity of HdLOS was found to require the intact lipid A moiety. The specificity studies of the anti-HdLOS antibodies, as revealed by absorption studies, antibody detection in ELISA, and immune thin-layer chromatography, indicated that the majority of the anti-LOS antibodies were specific for the inner core of the HdLOS. Antibodies to HdLOS failed to inhibit LOS induction of TNF-alpha release from human mononuclear cells. The adjuvanticity of HdLOS7470 was assessed in BALB/c mice that were immunised with bovine serum albumin (BSA) with or without the addition of HdLOS. The addition of 5 microg HdLOS resulted in a 10-fold increase in the total anti-BSA IgG antibody level as estimated by ELISA. The highest increase was noted for IgG2b, which contrasted with the predominantly IgG1 subclass response to immunisation with BSA alone, indicating an immunomodulatory activity of the HdLOS.
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| 27. |
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| 28. |
- Molin, Ylva, et al.
(författare)
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Arsenic trioxide influences viral replication in target organs of coxsackievirus B3-infected mice
- 2010
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Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 12:12-13, s. 1027-1034
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- New antiviral agents are urgently needed. Based on in vitro studies, arsenic trioxide (As2O3) seems to affect viral replication, although this has been studied only marginally in vivo. In this study the replication of coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) was studied in Balb/c mice administered 1 mg As2O3/kg bw once daily during 7 days of infection and in Vero cells exposed for 3 or 5 days to 0.4, 2 or 4 µM As2O3. Viral RNA was measured by reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) (in vitro and in vivo) and arsenic concentration was measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) (in vivo). In vivo, As2O3 decreased viral RNA in the brain on days 3 (by 81%; p<0.05) and 7 (by 97%; p<0.01) and in the pancreas on day 7 (by 75%; p<0.05), two of the target organs of this infection. The results were confirmed in vitro, where As2O3 dose-dependently reduced viral RNA, with the effect being more pronounced in the surrounding culture medium than inside the infected cells, indicating an impaired virion release. Thus, As2O3 reduced CVB3 replication both in vitro and in vivo, indicating that As2O3 is a viable option in the pursuit of new therapeutic agents against viral infections.
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| 29. |
- Molin, Ylva, et al.
(författare)
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Viral RNA kinetics is associated with changes in trace elements in target organs of Coxsackie virus B3 infection
- 2009
-
Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 11:4, s. 493-499
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Trace elements are pivotal for the host defense, as well as potentially important for viral replication and virulence. Studies of sequential changes in viral replication in target organs of infection are sparse and a possible association with changes in specific trace elements is unknown. In this study Balb/c mice were infected with Coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3). Results indicated that sequential changes in viral replication (RT-PCR) were related to changes in trace element (arsenic, copper, iron, selenium and zinc) concentrations (as determined by ICP-MS) on days 3, 5 and 7 of the infection in serum, heart, lung, liver, pancreas, kidney, spleen, intestine and brain. After an initial viral peak on day 3, viral load drastically decreased in all organs, i.e. by >99% (serum), 97% (lung), 98% (liver), 60% (pancreas), 95% (kidney) and 93% (spleen), except in the heart, intestine and brain in which viral load increased after day 3. Selenium decreased in all organs except the heart while arsenic decreased in all organs except the kidney, spleen and brain. Moreover, selenium was negatively correlated to viral load in serum, liver, pancreas and intestine. To conclude, these findings give evidence that trace elements are directly involved in the replication of CVB3.
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| 30. |
- Nagy, István, et al.
(författare)
-
Propionibacterium acnes and lipopolysaccharide induce the expression of antimicrobial peptides and proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines in human sebocytes.
- 2006
-
Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 8:8, s. 2195-205
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Acne is a common skin disorder of the pilosebaceous unit. In addition to genetic, hormonal and environmental factors, abnormal colonization by Propionibacterium acnes has been implicated in the occurrence of acne via the induction of inflammatory mediators. To gain more insight into the role that sebocytes play in the innate immune response of the skin, particularly in acne, we compared the antimicrobial peptide and proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine expression at mRNA and protein levels, as well as the viability and differentiation of SZ95 sebocytes in response to co-culture with representative isolates of P. acnes type IA and type IB as well as Escherichia coli-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We found that, in vitro, P. acnes type IA and IB isolates and LPS induced human beta-defensin-2 and proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine expression, and influenced sebocyte viability and differentiation. Our results provide evidence that sebocytes are capable of producing proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines and antimicrobial peptides, which may have a role in acne pathogenesis. Furthermore, since P. acnes types IA and IB differentially affect both the differentiation and viability of sebocytes, our data demonstrate that different strains of P. acnes vary in their capacity to stimulate an inflammatory response within the pilosebaceous follicle.
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| 31. |
- Nordenfelt, Pontus, et al.
(författare)
-
V-ATPase-mediated phagosomal acidification is impaired by Streptococcus pyogenes through Mga-regulated surface proteins.
- 2012
-
Ingår i: Microbes and Infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1769-714X .- 1286-4579.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Streptococcus pyogenes, a significant bacterial pathogen in humans, interferes with the membrane traffic of human neutrophils and survives following phagocytosis. The mechanism(s) behind this property is not known, but in contrast to wild-type bacteria, mutant bacteria lacking virulence factors regulated by the transcriptional regulator Mga, are phagocytosed and killed. In the present work we investigated whether differences in phagosomal acidification may contribute to this difference. Phagosomal pH in neutrophil-differentiated HL-60 cells was studied by fluorescence ratio imaging, and phagosomes containing wild-type S. pyogenes bacteria of the M1 serotype exhibited little or no acidification, whereas Mga mutant bacteria were found in more acidic phagosomes. With phagosomes containing these bacteria, proton delivery was inhibited by adding folimycin, a vacuolar-type adenosine triphosphatase (V-ATPase) inhibitor. This inhibitor had no effect on phagosomes containing wild-type bacteria, indicating either inactivation or removal of V-ATPases by the bacteria. Analysis of isolated bacteria-containing phagosomes confirmed the latter scenario and showed a more efficient delivery of V-ATPases to phagosomes containing Mga mutant bacteria. The results demonstrate that V-ATPase-mediated phagosomal proton delivery is reduced during phagocytosis of wild-type S. pyogenes, leading to impaired acidification, and that surface proteins of the mga regulon are responsible for this effect.
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| 32. |
- Ozanic, Mateja, et al.
(författare)
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Phenotypic characterization of the Francisella tularensis Delta pdpC and Delta iglG mutants
- 2016
-
Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 18:12, s. 768-776
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Several bacterial pathogens interact with their host through protein secretion effectuated by a type VI secretion system (T6SS). Francisella tularensis is a highly pathogenic intracellular bacterium that causes the disease tularemia. Proteins encoded by the Francisella pathogenicity island (FPI), which constitute a type VI secretion system, are essential for the virulence of the bacterium and a key mechanism behind this is the escape from the phagosome followed by productive cytosolic replication. It has been shown that T6SS in Francisella is distinct since all putative substrates of F. tularensis T6SS, except for VgrG, are unique to the species. Many of the FPI proteins are secreted into the macrophage cytosol and this is dependent on the functional components of DotU, VgrG, IglC and IglG. In addition, PdpC seems to have a regulatory role for the expression of iglABCD. Since previous results showed peculiar phenotypes of the Delta pdpC and Delta iglG mutants in mouse macrophages, their unique behavior was characterized in human monocyte-derived macrophages (HMDM) in this study. Our results show that both Delta pdpC and Delta iglG mutants of the live vaccine strain (LVS) of F. tularensis did not replicate within HMDMs. The Delta pdpC mutant did not escape from the Francisella containing phagosome (FCP), neither caused cytopathogenicity in primary macrophages and was attenuated in a mouse model. Interestingly, the Delta iglG mutant escaped from the HMDMs FCP and also caused pathological changes in the spleen and liver tissues of intradermally infected C57BL/6 mice. The Delta iglG mutant, with its unique phenotype, is a potential vaccine candidate.
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| 33. |
- Persson, Alexander, 1978-, et al.
(författare)
-
Mycobacterium tuberculosis-induced apoptotic neutrophils trigger a pro-inflammatory response in macrophages through release of heat shock protein 72, acting in synergy with the bacteria
- 2008
-
Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : elsevier. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 10:3, s. 233-240
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) survive inside macrophages by manipulating microbicidal functions such as phago-lysosome fusion, production of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide, and by rendering macrophages non-responsive to IFN-γ. Mtb-infected lung tissue does however not only contain macrophages, but also significant numbers of infiltrating polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN). These are able to phagocytose and kill ingested Mtb, but are short-lived cells that constantly need to be removed from tissues to avoid tissue damage. Phagocytosis of aged or UV-induced apoptotic PMN by macrophages induce an anti-inflammatory response in macrophages. However, in the present study, we show that engulfment of Mtb-induced apoptotic PMN by macrophages initiates secretion of TNF-α from the macrophages, reflecting a pro-inflammatory response. Moreover, Mtb-induced apoptotic PMN up-regulate heat shock proteins 60 and 72 (Hsp60, Hsp72) intracellularly and also release Hsp72 extracellularly. We found that both recombinant Hsp72 and released Hsp72 enhanced the pro-inflammatory response to both Mtb-induced apoptotic PMN and Mtb. This stimulatory effect of the supernatant was abrogated by depleting the Hsp72 with immunoprecipitation. These findings indicate that released Hsp72 from Mtb-infected PMN can trigger macrophage activation during the early stage of Mtb infections, thereby creating a link between innate and adaptive immunity.
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| 34. |
- Pivarcsi, Andor, et al.
(författare)
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Microbial compounds induce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and human beta-defensin-2 in vaginal epithelial cells.
- 2005
-
Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 7:9-10, s. 1117-27
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Vaginal epithelium has a powerful innate immune system that protects the female reproductive organs from bacterial and fungal infections. In the present study, we aimed to explore whether the Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway and the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and antimicrobial peptides could contribute to the protection against pathogenic microorganisms in vaginal epithelia, using an immortalized vaginal epithelial cell line PK E6/E7 as a model. We found that TLR2 and TLR4 receptors are expressed in vivo in the vaginal epithelia and in vitro in PK E6/E7 vaginal epithelial cell line. The Gram-negative cell wall compound lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the Gram-positive compound peptidoglycan (PGN), heat-killed Candida albicans and zymosan significantly (P<0.05) induced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-8/CXCL8 in vaginal epithelial cells. Furthermore, the expression and production of human beta-defensin-2 (hBD2), an antimicrobial peptide with chemotactic functions, was also up-regulated in PK E6/E7 cells after treatment with LPS, PGN or C. albicans. Treatment of vaginal epithelial cells with microbial compounds induced the activation and nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB transcription factor, a key element of innate and adaptive immune responses. In our work, we provide evidence that microbial compounds induce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and antimicrobial peptides in vaginal epithelial cells. In vivo, vaginal epithelial cell-derived inflammatory mediators and antimicrobial peptides may play important roles in vaginal immune responses and in the elimination of pathogens from the female reproductive tract.
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| 35. |
- Påhlson, Carl, 1956-, et al.
(författare)
-
Characteristics of in vitro infection of human monocytes, by Rickettsia helvetica
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 23:2-3
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Eighteen species of rickettsiae are reported to cause infections in humans. One of these is Rickettsia helvetica, which is endemic in European and Asian countries and transmitted by the tick Ixodes ricinus. Besides fever, it has been demonstrated to cause meningitis and is also associated with perimyocarditis. One of the initial targets for rickettsiae after inoculation by ticks is the macrophage/monocyte. How rickettsiae remain in the macrophages/monocytes before establishing their infection in vascular endothelial cells remains poorly understood. The main aim of the present study was to investigate the impact on and survival of R. helvetica in a human leukemic monocytic cell line, THP-1. Our results show that R. helvetica survives and propagates in the THP-1 cells. The infection in monocytes was followed for seven days by qPCR and for 30 days by TEM, where invasion of the nucleus was also observed as well as double membrane vacuoles containing rickettsiae, a finding suggesting that R. helvetica might induce autophagy at the early stage of infection. Infected monocytes induced TNF-α which may be important in host defence against rickettsial infections and promote cell survival and inhibiting cell death by apoptosis. The present findings illustrate the importance of monocytes to the pathogenesis of rickettsial disease.
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| 36. |
- Rasmussen, Magnus, et al.
(författare)
-
Clinical isolates of Enterococcus faecalis aggregate human platelets.
- 2010
-
Ingår i: Microbes and Infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1769-714X .- 1286-4579. ; 12, s. 295-301
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Many endocarditis pathogens activate human platelets and this has been proposed to contribute to virulence. Here we report for the first time that many clinical isolates of Enterococcus faecalis, a common pathogen in infective endocarditis, aggregate human platelets. 84 isolates from human blood and urine were screened for their ability to aggregate platelets from four different donors. Platelet aggregation occurred for between 11 and 65 % of isolates depending on the donor. In one donor, a significantly larger proportion of isolates from blood than from urine caused platelet aggregation. Median time to aggregation was 11minutes and had a tendency to be shorter for blood isolates as compared to urine isolates. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) was shown to be essential in mediating activation and aggregation. Platelet aggregation could be abolished by an IgG-specific proteinase (IdeS), by an antibody blocking FcRgammaIIa on platelets, or by preabsorption of plasma with an E. faecalis isolate. Fibrinogen binding to bacteria or platelets does not contribute to platelet activation or aggregation under our experimental conditions. These results indicate that platelet activation and aggregation by E. faecalis is dependent on both host and bacterial factors and that it may be involved in the pathogenesis of invasive disease with this organism.
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| 37. |
|
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| 38. |
- Rohde, Manfred, et al.
(författare)
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Molecular mechanisms of Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp equisimilis enabling intravascular persistence
- 2012
-
Ingår i: Microbes and Infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1769-714X .- 1286-4579. ; 14:4, s. 329-334
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (SDSE) can cause recurrent bacteremic infection. We have characterized novel virulence properties of an SDSE isolate of type stG485.0 that caused severe sepsis three times in a patient despite that he had opsonizing antibodies to the isolate. An infected aortic aneurysm was suspected to be the focus for the persisting bacteria. For the first time we show that this SDSE isolate, as well as other invasive SDSE isolates, aggregate human platelets and efficiently internalize into human endothelial cells. These properties may aid SDSE to persist and could explain the tendency of SDSE to cause recurrent bacteremia. (C) 2011 Institut Pasteur. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
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| 39. |
- Ronander, Elena, et al.
(författare)
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Identification of a novel Haemophilus influenzae protein important for adhesion to epithelial cells.
- 2008
-
Ingår i: Microbes and Infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1769-714X .- 1286-4579. ; 10:1, s. 87-96
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Non-typable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is an important human-specific respiratory pathogen colonizing the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract. The bacterium is a common cause of acute otitis media in children and exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). An immunoglobulin (Ig) D-lambda myeloma protein was found to detect a 16kDa surface protein that we designated protein E (PE). The pe gene was cloned using an NTHi genomic DNA library, and a truncated PE-derived protein lacking the endogenous signal peptide (PE22-160) was synthesized and produced in large amounts in Escherichia coli. Interestingly, PE was expressed at the bacterial surface of NTHi as revealed by flow cytometry using the IgD-lambda myeloma protein or PE-specific polyclonal antibodies. A PE-deficient NTHi mutant was produced and lost 50% of its adhesive capacity as compared to the wild-type counterpart when analysed for adhesion to type II lung alveolar epithelial cells. In parallel, E. coli expressing full-length PE1-160 adhered significantly more efficiently to epithelial cells as compared to wild-type E. coli. Recombinant IgD that recognized the chemical dansyl-chloride did not interact with PE indicating that the IgD-lambda myeloma protein most likely was an antibody directed against the H. influenzae surface epitope. In conclusion, we have discovered a novel NTHi outer membrane protein with adhesive properties using an IgD-myeloma protein.
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| 40. |
- Saleh, Bandar Hasan, et al.
(författare)
-
Autoantibodies against red blood cell antigens are common in a Malaria endemic area
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Microbes and Infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1769-714X .- 1286-4579. ; 25:3
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Plasmodium falciparum malaria can cause severe anemia. Even after treatment, hematocrit can decrease. The role of autoantibodies against erythrocytes is not clearly elucidated and how common they are, or what they are directed against, is still largely unknown. We have investigated antibodies against erythrocytes in healthy adult men living in a highly malaria endemic area in Uganda. We found antibodies in more than half of the individuals, which is significantly more than in a non-endemic area (Sweden). Some of the Ugandan samples had a broad reactivity where it was not possible to determine the exact target of the autoantibodies, but we also found specific antibodies directed against erythrocyte surface antigens known to be of importance for merozoite invasion such as glycophorin A (anti-En a, anti-M) and glycophorin B (anti-U, anti-S). In addition, several autoantibodies had partial specificities against glycophorin C and the blood group systems Rh, Diego (located on Band 3), Duffy (located on ACKR1), and Cromer (located on CD55), all of which have been described to be important for malaria and therefore of interest for understanding how autoantibodies could potentially stop parasites from entering the erythrocyte. In conclusion, specific autoantibodies against erythrocytes are common in a malaria endemic area.
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| 41. |
- Sand, Lars, et al.
(författare)
-
Viruses and oral cancer. Is there a link?
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 16:5, s. 371-378
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignant tumour of the oral cavity. The aetiology of epithelial cancer of the head and neck is considered to be a multifactorial, sequential process. DNA viruses are found in many different cancers and are also capable of transforming cells to a malignant phenotype. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has been proposed as risk factors in OSCC development and HPV type 16 is the most important subtype. Other oncogenic virus species i.e., Epstein-Barr Virus and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 have been proposed to be involved in oral carcinogenesis. However, no convincing evidence exist that they are an established risk factor in OSCC. Therefore more studies are needed in order to clarify the different aspects of virus involvement. Here, we review the existing literature on viral involvement in oral cancer.
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| 42. |
- Shirin, Tahmina, et al.
(författare)
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Antimicrobial peptides in the duodenum at the acute and convalescent stages in patients with diarrhea due to Vibrio cholerae O1 or enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection
- 2011
-
Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - Paris : Elsevier. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 13:12-13, s. 1111-1120
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Patients with acute watery diarrhea caused by Vibrio cholerae O1 or enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) were analyzed for innate immune factors produced by the epithelium during the disease process. Duodenal biopsies were obtained from study participants at the acute (day 2) and convalescent (day 21) stages of disease. Levels of alpha-defensin (HD-5 and -6), beta-defensin (hBD-1-4), and cathelicidin (LL-37) mRNAs were determined by real-time qRT-PCR. hBD-2, HD-5, LL-37 peptides were analyzed in duodenal epithelium by immunomorphometry. Concentration of hBD-2 in stool was determined by ELISA. Specimens from healthy controls were also analyzed. hBD-2 mRNA levels were significantly increased at acute stage of diarrhea; hBD-2 peptide was detected in fecal specimens but barely in duodenal epithelium at acute stage. Immunomorphometry analysis showed that Paneth cells contain significantly higher amounts of HD-5 pre/propeptide at convalescence (P < 0.01) and in healthy controls (P < 0.001) compared to acute stage, LL-37 peptide levels also decreased at acute stage while mRNA levels remained unchanged. mRNA expression levels of the other antimicrobial peptides remained unchanged with higher levels of alpha-defensins than beta-defensins. V cholerae induced an innate immune response at the acute stage of disease characterized by increased expression of hBD-2, and continued expression of hBD-1, HD-5-6, and LL-37.
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| 43. |
- Sjöstedt, Anders
(författare)
-
Intracellular survival mechanisms of Francisella tularensis, a stealth pathogen.
- 2006
-
Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 8:2, s. 561-7
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Research on the highly virulent and contagious, facultative intracellular bacterium Francisella tularensis has come into the limelight recently, but still little is known regarding its virulence mechanisms. This review summarizes recent studies on its intramacrophage survival mechanisms, some of which appear to be novel.
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| 44. |
- Su, Yu-Ching, et al.
(författare)
-
Impact of sequence diversity in the Moraxella catarrhalis UspA2/UspA2H head domain on vitronectin binding and antigenic variation
- 2013
-
Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 15:5, s. 375-387
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The nasopharyngeal pathogen Moraxella catarrhalis recruits vitronectin to subvert complement-mediated killing. Ubiquitous surface protein (UspA) 2 and its hybrid form UspA2H bind vitronectin at the highly diverse N-terminal head domain. Here we characterized the sequence diversity of the head domain in multiple M. catarrhalis clinical isolates (n = 51) with focus on binding of vitronectin. The head domain of the uspA2 genes from 40 isolates were clustered according to an N-terminal sequence motif of UspA2 (NTER2), i.e., NTER2A (55% of uspA2 variants), NTER2B (32.5%), NTER2C (5%), and finally a group without an NTER2 (7.5%). Isolates harbouring the uspA2H gene (n = 11) contained N-terminal GGG repeats. Vitronectin binding to isolates having UspA2 did not correlate to variation in the NTER2 motifs but occurred in UspA2H containing 6 or >= 11 of GGG repeats. Analyses of recombinant UspA2/UspA2H head domains of multiple variants showed UspA2-dependent binding to the C-terminal of vitronectin. Furthermore, polyclonal anti-UspA2 antibodies revealed that the head domain of the majority of Moraxella UspA2/2H was antigenically unrelated, whereas the full length molecules were recognized. In conclusion, the head domains of UspA2/2H have extensive sequence polymorphism without losing vitronectin-binding capacity promoting a general evasion of the host immune system.
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| 45. |
- Vafa, Manijeh, et al.
(författare)
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Associations between the IL-4 -590 T allele and Plasmodium falciparum infection prevalence in asymptomatic Fulani of Mali
- 2007
-
Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 9:9, s. 1043-1048
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this study, we compared the genotype and allele frequencies of the IL-10 -1087 A/G and IL-4 -590 C/T single nucleotide polymorphisms in asymptomatic subjects of two sympatric ethnic tribes differing in susceptibility to malaria, the Fulani and the Dogon in Mali. The genotype data was correlated with ethnicity and malariometric indexes. A statistically significant inter-ethnic difference in allele and genotype frequency for both loci was noted (P < 0.0001). Within the Fulani, the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum infection, as detected by both microscopy and PCR, was associated with the IL-4 -590 T allele (P = 0.005 and P = 0.0005, respectively), whereas, no such associations were seen in the Dogon. Inter-ethnic differences in spleen rates, higher in the Fulani than the Dogon, were seen between T carriers (TT and CT) of both groups (P < 0.0001). Parasite densities and number of concurrent clones did not vary between IL-4 genotypes within any of the studied groups. These results suggest an association between the IL-4 -590 T allele and P. falciparum prevalence within the Fulani but not the Dogon. No associations between IL-10 genotypes and studied malariometric indexes were observed in any of the two communities.
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| 46. |
- Vafa, Manijeh, et al.
(författare)
-
Impact of the IL-4 -590 C/T transition on the levels of Plasmodium falciparum specific IgE, IgG, IgG subclasses and total IgE in two sympatric ethnic groups living in Mali.
- 2009
-
Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 11:8-9, s. 779-84
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study aimed to examine the effect of IL-4 -590 T/C polymorphism on the levels of malaria-specific IgE, IgG, IgG (1-4) subclasses as well as total IgE in the Fulani and their sympatric ethnic group, the Dogon, in Mali. Asymptomatic individuals, of the Fulani and the Dogon ethnic groups, were included in the study. IL-4 is involved in the regulation of IgE and IgG4 subclass. In line with this we found that within the Fulani, the T allele was associated with increased levels of total and anti-malarial IgE (P=0.02 and P=0.04, respectively). The Fulani T allele carriers had slightly higher levels of malarial specific IgG4 as compared to those with the CC genotype (P=0.08). No such differences were observed amongst the Dogon individuals. Taken together, these data indicate that the impact of IL-4 -590 variants on antibody levels may vary in different ethnic populations, and that this might affect the Ig-class and subclass distributions.
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| 47. |
- Verdrengh, M, et al.
(författare)
-
Integrin-associated protein (IAP)-deficient mice are less susceptible to developing Staphylococcus aureus induced arthritis
- 1999
-
Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 1:10, s. 745-751
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The integrin-associated protein (IAP) has been shown to function in a signaling complex with β3 integrins, influencing the migration of phagocytic cells into inflamed tissues. We have previously shown that gene-targeted mice deficient for IAP succumbed to peritonitis when inoculated with Gram-negative bacteria. The aim of this study was to assess the role of IAP in our recently established model of haematogenously induced Staphylococcus aureus septicaemia and arthritis. In this model, neutrophils play a crucial role in the early phase of the infection. Mice lacking IAP and congenic controls were intravenously inoculated with S. aureus LS-1. The IAP-/- mice were resistant to developing clinical signs of arthritis compared with their IAP-expressing littermates. The clinical findings were corroborated by histopathological evaluation indicating that the IAP-/- mice had less cartilage and bone destruction in the joints. We believe that a delayed migration of leukocytes into the joints of mice lacking IAP expression leads to decreased susceptibility to develop S. aureus-induced arthritis.
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| 48. |
- Vielfort, Katarina, 1979-, et al.
(författare)
-
Adherence of clinically isolated lactobacilli to human cervical cells in competition with Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- 2008
-
Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 10:12-13, s. 1325-1334
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Lactobacilli are normal inhabitants of our microbiota and are known to protect against pathogens. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a human specific pathogenic bacterium that colonises the urogenital tract where it causes gonorrhoea. In this study we analysed early interactions between lactobacilli and gonococci and investigated how they compete for adherence to human epithelial cervical cells. We show that lactobacilli adhere at various levels and that the number of adherent bacteria does not correlate to the level of protection against gonococcal infection. Protection against gonococcal adhesion varied between Lactobacillus species. Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri and Lactobacillus reuteri were capable of reducing gonococcal adherence while Lactobacillus rhamnosus was not. Lactobacillus strains of vaginal origin had the best capacity to remain attached to the host cell during gonococcal adherence. Further, we show that gonococci and lactobacilli interact with each other with resultant lactobacilli incorporation into the gonococcal microcolony. Hence, gonococci bind to colonised lactobacilli and this complex frequently detaches from the epithelial cell surface, resulting in reduced bacterial colonisation. Also, purified gonococcal pili are capable of removing adherent lactobacilli from the cell surface. Taken together, we reveal novel data regarding gonococcal and lactobacilli competition for adherence that will benefit future gonococcal prevention and treatments.
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| 49. |
- Vikström, Olena, 1972-, et al.
(författare)
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The Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum-sensing molecule N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-L- homoserine lactone stimulates phagocytic activity in human macrophages through the p38 MAPK pathway
- 2005
-
Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 7:15, s. 1512-1518
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Quorum-sensing is an important mechanism for the regulation of bacteria-to-bacteria communication. Recent advances have demonstrated that the Pseudomonas aeruginosa signaling molecule N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (3O-C12-HSL) is also a potent modulator of eukaryotic cells and may thus play an important role in the host response during P. aeruginosa infections. Little is known, however, about specific effects of 3O-C 12-HSL molecules on human macrophages. To address this issue, we investigated the influence of 3O-C12-HSL on the phagocytic activity, production of reactive oxygen species, and activation of p38 and p42/44 MAPK signaling pathways in human macrophages. We show an effect of 3O-C 12-HSL on the phagocytic capacity in human macrophages, which depends on concentration and time of exposure. When cells were exposed to 100 μM 3O-C12-HSL for 30 min or 1 h, the phagocytic activity increased 1.8 and 1.6 times, respectively. The 3O-C12-HSL treatments had no significant effect on the level of reactive oxygen species production. Furthermore, the p38 MAPK, but not the p42/44 MAPK, signaling pathway was activated in response to 3O-C12-HSL. In addition, specific blocking of p38 MAPK activation with 10 μM SB 203580 prevented the 3O-C 12-HSL-induced increase in the phagocytic activity. These findings demonstrate that the bacterial quorum-sensing can play a significant role also in regulation of macrophage activity during infections caused by P. aeruginosa. © 2005 Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.
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- Wang, Helen, et al.
(författare)
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Chlamydia psittaci in Fulmars on The Faroe Islands : A Causative Link to South American Psittacines Eight Decades After a Severe Epidemic
- 2020
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Ingår i: Microbes and infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1286-4579 .- 1769-714X. ; 22:8, s. 356-359
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A psittacosis epidemic linked to fulmar hunting occurred on the Faroe Islands in the 1930s. This study investigates a plausible explanation to the 20% human mortality in this outbreak. Phylogenetic analysis showed that C. psittaci isolated from fulmars were closely related to the highly virulent 6BC strains from psittacines and is compatible with an acquisition by fulmars of an ancestor of the 6BC clade in the 1930s. This supports the hypothesis that the outbreak on the Faroe Islands started after naïve fulmars acquired C. psittaci from infected dead parrots thrown overboard when shipped to Europe in the 1930s.
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