Exposure to pairs of Aeromonas strains enhances virulence in the Caenorhabditis elegans infection model.

ABSTRACT: Aeromonad virulence remains poorly understood, and is difficult to predict from strain characteristics. In addition, infections are often polymicrobial (i.e., are mixed infections), and 5-10% of such infections include two distinct aeromonads, which has an unknown impact on virulence. In this work, we studied the virulence of aeromonads recovered from human mixed infections. We tested them individually and in association with other strains with the aim of improving our understanding of aeromonosis. Twelve strains that were recovered in pairs from six mixed infections were tested in a virulence model of the worm Caenorhabditis elegans. Nine isolates were weak worm killers (median time to death, TD50, ≥7 days) when administered alone. Two pairs showed enhanced virulence, as indicated by a si

SUBMITTER: Mosser T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4631986 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature