Host-pathogen Interaction at the Intestinal Mucosa Correlates With Zoonotic Potential of Streptococcus suis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Streptococcus suis has emerged as an important cause of bacterial meningitis in adults. The ingestion of undercooked pork is a risk factor for human S. suis serotype 2 (SS2) infection. Here we provide experimental evidence indicating that the gastrointestinal tract is an entry site of SS2 infection.

Methods

We developed a noninvasive in vivo model to study oral SS2 infection in piglets. We compared in vitro interaction of S. suis with human and porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IEC).

Results

Two out of 15 piglets showed clinical symptoms compatible with S. suis infection 24-48 hours after ingestion of SS2. SS2 was detected in mesenteric lymph nodes of 40% of challenged piglets. SS2 strains isolated from patients showed significantly higher adhesion to hu

SUBMITTER: Ferrando ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4462715 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature