Serotype-specific role of antigen I/II in the initial steps of the pathogenesis of the infection caused by Streptococcus suis.

ABSTRACT: Streptococcus suis is one of the most important post-weaning porcine bacterial pathogens worldwide. The serotypes 2 and 9 are often considered the most virulent and prevalent serotypes involved in swine infections, especially in Europe. However, knowledge of the bacterial factors involved in the first steps of the pathogenesis of the infection remains scarce. In several pathogenic streptococci, expression of multimodal adhesion proteins known as antigen I/II (AgI/II) have been linked with persistence in the upper respiratory tract and the oral cavity, as well as with bacterial dissemination. Herein, we report expression of these immunostimulatory factors by S. suis serotype 2 and 9 strains and that AgI/II-encoding genes are carried by integrative and conjugative elements. Using mutagenesis

SUBMITTER: Chuzeville S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5513104 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature