Virulence of Leucobacter chromiireducens subsp. solipictus to Caenorhabditis elegans: characterization of a novel host-pathogen interaction.

ABSTRACT: We describe the pathogenic interaction between a newly described gram-positive bacterium, Leucobacter chromiireducens subsp. solipictus strain TAN 31504, and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. TAN 31504 pathogenesis on C. elegans is exerted primarily through infection of the adult nematode uterus. TAN 31504 enters the uterus through the external vulval opening, and the ensuing uterine infection is strongly correlated with a significant reduction in host life span. Young worms can feed and develop on TAN 31504, but not preferably over the standard food source. C. elegans worms reared on TAN 31504 as the sole food source develop into thin adults with little intestinal fat stores, produce few progeny, and subsequently cannot persist on the pathogenic food source. Within 12 h of exposure, ad

SUBMITTER: Muir RE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2446502 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature