4株猪链球菌的病原生物学特性分析

对4株新分离猪链球菌NJ25、SH29、SH40和RC4726进行病原学特性分析,以评估其对公共卫生的威胁性。利用中国疾病预防控制中心传染病所制定的猪链球菌2型鉴定方案,对4株新分离猪链球菌NJ25、SH29、SH40和RC4726进行毒力相关基因检测、细菌染色体酶切片段多态性分析(PFGE)、多位点序列分型(MLST),并用C57BL/6小鼠作致病性试验。结果显示,NJ25株为ST7序列型,SH29、SH40为ST1序列型,3株菌的基因型均为sly+mrp+ef+;RC4726的7个管家基因座位分别为aroA(18)、cpn60(34)、dpr(24)、gki(12)、mutS(1),recA(1)、thrA(4),是一个新的MLST型,基因型为sly+mrp-ef-。PFGE分析显示NJ25、SH29、SH40与SC84有60%的相似性,RC4726与SC84的相似性仅为20%。用108CFU攻击C57BL/6小鼠,除RC4726外,NJ25、SH29、SH40均能致小鼠发病、死亡。结果表明,NJ25、SH29、SH40可能是高致病性猪链球菌,RC4726是1株非致病性猪链球菌。     

Identification and distribution of putative virulent genes in strains of Streptococcus suis serotype 2

In order to identify gene sequences unique to the virulent strains, suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was conducted using virulent Streptococcus suis type 2 (SS2) strain HA9801 and avirulent S. suis type 2 strain T15. Thirty genomic regions were absent in T15, and the DNA sequences of these regions in HA9801 were determined. These DNA fragments, containing putative virulence genes, encoded 28 proteins that were homologous to proteins involved in various aspects of cellular surface structure, molecular synthesis, energy metabolism, regulation, transport systems and others of unknown function. According to the published SS2 genomic sequence of the Chinese strain 98HAH33, PCR primers for 14 significant DNA fragments were designed and used for detection of the distribution of these fragments in S. suis strains from different sources, serotypes, regions, groups and times. The results showed that these 14 DNA fragments were widely distributed in 37 detected SS2 strains, yet were absent among the avirulent strain T15. Moreover, these fragments could be detected in other serotypes of S. suis, but each serotype had a different distribution of the fragments.     

Production of virulence-related proteins by Canadian strains of Streptococcus suis capsular type 2.

The production of muramidase-released protein (MRP), extracellular protein factor (EF) and hemolysin (suilysin) by 101 Canadian field strains of Streptococcus suis capsular type 2 is described. Most strains (72%) isolated from diseased pigs were MRP-EF- and only 1 strain was MRP+EF+. This strain was also the only 1 to produce the hemolysin. Thirteen strains (15%) were MRP+ EF- and only 3 strains were MRP* EF-. All the strains isolated from clinically healthy pigs as well as a bovine and 2 human isolates had a MRP-EF- phenotype. In addition, 7 strains (8%) had a MRPS phenotype, which had so far been described for S. suis capsular type 1. In conclusion, most Canadian field isolates of S. suis capsular type 2 tested in this study do not produce the virulence-related proteins described so far for this bacterial pathogen.     

Differences in virulence between two strains of Streptococcus suis type II after experimentally induced infection of newborn germ-free pigs

Fifteen newborn germ-free pigs were inoculated with 2 strains, D-282 and T-15, of Streptococcus suis type II. Some pigs also were preinoculated with Bordetella bronchiseptica, which successfully predisposed them to S suis infection. The 2 streptococcal strains were differentiated by muramidase treatment, which released certain high molecular-weight proteins, termed muramidase-released proteins (MRP), from the cell wall of strain D-282, but not from the cell wall of strain T-15. Only strain D-282 (MRP-positive) induced clinical signs of disease and markedly increased neutrophil numbers in pigs. Streptococci were more frequently isolated from fecal swab specimens obtained from pigs inoculated with strain D-282 (MRP-positive) than from specimens obtained from pigs inoculated with strain T-15 (MRP-negative). Both strains were isolated from nasal swab specimens obtained from all infected pigs. Postmortem examination revealed fibrinopurulent meningitis, polyserositis, and polyarthritis in pigs inoculated with strain D-282; this strain was isolated from the CNS, serosae, visceral organs, heart, and joints. Whereas strains D-282 caused several pathologic changes, strain T-15, isolated from the lungs, caused only pneumonia. Both strains were isolated from the tonsils of all pigs. Virulence differed distinctly between the MRP-positive and the MRP-negative strains.     

2型猪链球菌强毒株与非致病株胞外蛋白的比较蛋白质组初步研究

为建立2型猪链球菌(S.suis 2)胞外蛋白组双向电泳样品的制备方法,本研究利用双向电泳(2-DE):分离S.suis 2强毒株与无致病株的胞外蛋白,分别得到它们的胞外蛋白图谱.在pH4～pH7范围内采用考马斯亮蓝R350染色法在2菌株的胞外蛋白质图谱中都分别检测出180±10个蛋白点.并且它们的蛋白质分子质量分布基本相似;在所检测到差异蛋白点中,其中有50个蛋白点只存在于无致病菌株中而强毒株中不存在,有52个蛋白点只存在于强毒株中而无致病菌株中不存在,有7个蛋白点在2菌株中的表达量相差5倍以上.我们在强毒株凝胶中挑取了10个差异蛋白点进行质谱分析,通过数据库检索,鉴定了其中的9个蛋白,另外1种与鞭毛蛋白有同源序列.这些结果为研究S.suis2的致病机理提供了蛋白质组学方面的信息.     

Experimental infections of mice and pigs with Streptococcus suis type 2.

Five inbred strains of mice were tested for their susceptibility to Streptococcus suis type 2 including the type strain, two isolates from meningitis in pigs and two isolates from tonsils of clinically healthy pigs. C57BL/6, ICR and ddY strain mice showed lower susceptibility to all strains of S. suis type 2 than BALB/c and SS strain mice. The type strain and the isolates from diseased pigs produced septicaemia and meningitis in BALB/c and SS mice inoculated with 10(8) colony forming unit of the bacteria and 60 to 100% of these infected mice died. On the other hand, mice inoculated with the isolates from healthy pigs showed mild clinical signs but none of them died. In BALB/c mice which died or developed nervous signs, the purulent meningo-encephalitis, myocarditis, ophthalmitis, labyrinthitis and otitis media were observed. S. suis type 2 antigen was demonstrated in these lesions by immunoperoxidase staining using rabbit S. suis type 2 antiserum. These results were similar to those in the experimentally infected pigs with these virulent and avirulent strains against mice. These results indicate that BALB/c and SS strains of mice are useful as an experimental model of S. suis type 2 infections in pigs, and that there are virulent and avirulent strains against mice and pigs among the strains of S. suis type 2.     

猪链球菌抗氧化应激蛋白YED和AHH的鉴定

为揭示猪链球菌抗氧化应激的机制,采用比较蛋白组学方法,鉴定猪链球菌抗氧化应激相关蛋白。提取猪链球菌全菌蛋白,以THB培养基培养的细菌作为对照,经H2O2处理后,液相色谱-串联质谱共鉴定出54个差异表达蛋白,其中28个蛋白在H2O2处理组中上调表达,26个蛋白下调表达。这些差异表达的蛋白主要参与代谢、生物合成、抗应激等过程。深入分析,发现7个新的蛋白可能参与猪链球菌抗氧化应激;从中选择在H2O2处理组显著上调表达的2个蛋白YbaB/EbfC家族核苷相关蛋白(YED)和2-氨基-4-羟基-6-羟甲基二氢蝶啶二磷酸激酶(AHH)进行验证。分别构建二者缺失株ΔYED和ΔAHH;生长曲线分析表明,2个缺失株在THB培养基中生长与野生株相似;氧化应激试验表明,经H2O2作用后,野生株存活率为97.12%,而ΔYED与ΔAHH则显著降低,分别为72.69%(P<0.05)和79.49%(P<0.05);小鼠巨噬细胞RAW264.7吞噬与存活试验表明,RAW264.7对野生株和2个缺失株的吞噬率无显著差异,但与野生株相比,2个缺失株在RAW264.7内的存活率均显著降低。本研究鉴定的与氧化应激相关的差异表达蛋白,有助于揭示猪链球菌的抗氧化应激机制,其中YED和AHH与猪链球菌在吞噬细胞内存活相关,提示它们在猪链球菌致病过程中发挥作用。     

Characterization of porcine dendritic cell response to Streptococcus suis

ABSTRACT: Streptococcus suis is a major swine pathogen and important zoonotic agent causing mainly septicemia and meningitis. However, the mechanisms involved in host innate and adaptive immune responses toward S. suis as well as the mechanisms used by S. suis to subvert these responses are unknown. Here, and for the first time, the ability of S. suis to interact with bone marrow-derived swine dendritic cells (DCs) was evaluated. In addition, the role of S. suis capsular polysaccharide in modulation of DC functions was also assessed. Well encapsulated S. suis was relatively resistant to phagocytosis, but it increased the relative expression of Toll-like receptors 2 and 6 and triggered the release of several cytokines by DCs, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p40 and TNF-α. The capsular polysaccharide was shown to interfere with DC phagocytosis; however, once internalized, S. suis was readily destroyed by DCs independently of the presence of the capsular polysaccharide. Cell wall components were mainly responsible for DC activation, since the capsular polysaccharide-negative mutant induced higher cytokine levels than the wild-type strain. The capsular polysaccharide also interfered with the expression of the co-stimulatory molecules CD80/86 and MHC-II on DCs. To conclude, our results show for the first time that S. suis interacts with swine origin DCs and suggest that these cells might play a role in the development of host innate and adaptive immunity during an infection with S. suis serotype 2.     

Experimental infection of specific pathogen free piglets with French strains of Streptococcus suis capsular type 2.

A standardized model of Streptococcus suis type 2 infection in specific-pathogen-free piglets, housed in high-security barns, was used to compare the virulence of 3 French field strains of S. suis serotype 2 isolated from tonsils of a healthy pig (strain 65) or from diseased pigs (meningitis, strain 166', or septicemia, strain 24). In one of the 2 trials, 7-week-old pigs, in 3 groups of 8, were inoculated intravenously with 2 x 10(8) colony-forming units of S. suis type 2. In each group, 1 uninfected animal was a sentinel. Eight animals were also used as negative control group. The experiment was repeated under similar conditions with strains 65 and 166'. Virulence differed markedly among these S. suis strains when clinical signs, zootechnical performances, lesions, and bacteriological data were analyzed. Strain 65 did not induce clinical signs in inoculated pigs. In contrast, pigs infected with the other 2 strains exhibited clinical signs and typical lesions of S. suis type 2 infections. Differences in virulence were also observed between the 2 virulent strains. Sentinel animals exhibited the same manifestations as those recorded in inoculated piglets. Results were similar in the second trial, indicating that under the present experimental conditions, results were reproducible. The standardized conditions described in this study could be a useful tool to further study about the S. suis infection.     

Comparative pathogenicity of different Actinobacillus suis O/K serotypes.

The pathogenicity of Actinobacillus suis serotypes O1/K1 (strain SO4), O1/K2 (strain C84), and O2/K2 (strain H91-0380) was evaluated in specific-pathogen-free (SPF) piglets challenged by intraperitoneal inoculation with approximately 1 x 10(7) colony-forming units per mL. All 3 strains produced peritonitis, but differences were observed in the composite histopathologic scores (P = 0.001) and in their ability to spread (P = 0.008) at 7 h post challenge. The O2/K2 strain caused the most severe peritonitis and disseminated most widely to other tissues. Moderate lesions were seen with the O1/K2 strain while the O1/K1 strain caused mild lesions and remained largely localized to the peritoneum. In an attempt to explain the basis of observed differences, the serum sensitivity of 9 A. suis strains with different O and K types was assessed. Regardless of the O/K type, all of the isolates tested were serum resistant. Moreover, most A. suis isolates grew as well or better in complement-replete sera as they did in complement-depleted sera. These observations indicate that although 02 and K2 strains had a greater propensity to cause a disseminating septic inflammatory response in pigs, they were no more resistant to complement-mediated killing than O1 strains.     

Production of muraminidase-released protein (MRP), extracellular factor (EF) and suilysin by field isolates of Streptococcus suis capsular types 2, 1/2, 9, 7 and 3 isolated from swine in France

A total of 323 isolates of Streptococcus suis recovered from diseased or healthy pigs in France were serotyped. The presence of virulence-related proteins, Muraminidase-Released Protein (MRP), Extracellular Factor (EF) and Suilysin was also studied in 122 isolates of capsular types 2, 1/2, 9, 7 and 3 to evaluate their implication in virulence of S. suis. Capsular types 2, 1/2, 9, 7 and 3 were the most frequently detected (93%), with 69% for the capsular type 2 alone. Capsular types 2, 1/2, 9, 7, 3, 1, 4, 8, 18, 10 and 12 were isolated from diseased pigs, whereas types 2, 7, 9, 1/2, and 3 originated from the nasal cavities or tonsils of healthy animals. Most of the S. suis type 2 isolates recovered from diseased pigs carried MRP+ EF- Suilysin- (46%) or MRP+ EF+ Suilysin+ (28%) phenotypes. The MRP+ EF- Suilysin- phenotype was also detected in 67% of S. suis type 2 strains isolated from healthy pigs. The production of the virulence-related proteins was less frequently found in S. suis types 1/2, 9, 7 and 3 recovered either from diseased or healthy pigs. In this study, all the capsular type 1/2 strains were MRP+ EF- Suilysin- and all the S. suis type 7 harboured an MRP- EF- Suilysin- phenotype. The MRP- EF- Suilysin- phenotype was found in S. suis types 2, 3, 7 and 9 isolated from septicaemia, meningitis, pneumonia, and pleurisy. These results suggest that the presence of these proteins should not be used as a single condition for classifying the virulence of a field isolate in France.     

Streptococcus suis isolated from pigs in Finland

A total of 58 Streptococcus suis strains were isolated from deceased pigs submitted to the National Veterinary Institute, Regional Laboratory in Kuopio, Finland, over a 3 1/2 year period, most frequently from cases of pneumonia. The bacteria were isolated from cases of meningitis, sepsis, rhinitis, endocarditis and abortion. S. suis was also isolated from nasal cavity, lung and brain of some sick piglets without signs of inflammation. Further S. suis was detected in 12 out of 107 tonsils of healthy fatteners tested. S. suis strains were identified by biochemical methods followed by typing. The most common capsular types were 7, 3 and 2, respectively. Only one type 1 strain and no types 6 and 9 strains were found. All S. suis strains tested were sensitive to penicillin and ampicillin.S. suis is not uncommon in Finnish pig herds. S. suis may be regarded as a potentially pathogenic organism which under certain predisposing conditions may cause serious disease.     

Immunogenicity of murein-associated proteins from temperature-stressed Streptococcus suis cultures

We compared immunogenicity in pigs of whole cell lysate proteins (WCP) with murein-associated proteins (MAP) obtained from a virulent serotype 2 strain of Streptococcus (S.) suis grown at 32 or 42 degrees C. Protein fractions were tested for their ability to induce antibodies in 3-week-old piglets by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis. We found a significant increase in the antibody levels in all sera irrespective of the preparation used for immunization. However, alpha-WCP sera showed higher reactivities than alpha-MAP sera, and piglets immunized with 32 degrees C preparations (alpha-32 sera) showed higher responses than those immunized with 42 degrees C preparations (alpha-42 sera). Western blot analysis revealed that alpha-WCP sera in part reacted with different proteins when compared with alpha-MAP sera. Furthermore, some proteins were only detected by alpha-32 but not by alpha-42 sera. In conclusion, the results demonstrate the immunogenicity of cell wall MAP of S. suis, and highlight the importance of considering growth conditions in the preparation of subunit vaccines.     

Dilemma of virulence of Streptococcus suis: Canadian isolate 89-1591 characterized as a virulent strain using a standardized experimental model in pigs

Virulence of Streptococccus suis capsular type 2 strain 89-1591 has been controversial in literature. A standardized experimental model with specific-pathogen free piglets was used for a new evaluation of this strain. Twenty-nine piglets were allotted in 4 separated groups. Group 1 consisted of negative control animals which received broth medium. Groups 2, 3, and 4 were intravenously challenged with 2 mL of S. suis, strains 1330, 89-1591, and 166', respectively. The strain 1330 is a recognized avirulent Canadian strain. The strain 166' is a reference French virulent isolate. Pigs inoculated with strain 1330 did not present clinical signs of a S. suis infection. Contamination in organs and bacterial blood circulation were rare and lesions were almost non-existent. Infection of pigs with S. suis strain 89-1591 (group 3) and 166' (group 4) caused severe clinical problems, animals infected with S. suis 166' were the most affected. Pigs presented with clinical signs such as high body temperature, lameness, nervous symptoms, and even mortality. Lesions associated with S. suis were numerous for both strains, but more evident in animals of group 4. It can be concluded that S. suis strain 89-1591 is virulent, although its virulence seems to be lower than that of the French strain. Results of an experimental infection with strain 89-1591 may depend on different factors such as the route of inoculation and the immunological status of the animals used. Using conventional animals, with an unknown status regarding previous S. suis infections, equivocal results may be obtained, and this may explain differences reported by some authors with the same strain.     

猪链球菌4型分离株生物学特性研究

为分析猪链球菌4型(Streptococcus suis type 4,SS4)分离株的病原生物学特性,试验对来自中国不同地区的10株猪链球菌4型进行了多位点序列分型,通过PCR方法对猪链球菌7个保守管家基因aroA、gki、dpr、mutS、recA、thrA、cpn60进行扩增,测序后将结果上传至MLST数据库查找序列型,然后制作聚类分析图来阐明菌株之间的亲缘关系;采用PCR方法对7种主要的毒力基因gdh、mrp、epf、sly、fbps、gapdh与orf2进行鉴定,通过毒力因子谱来分析猪链球菌4型毒力因子的分布;以纯化的10株细菌对BALB/c小鼠进行动物致病性试验,根据小鼠致死数量筛选出最强毒株,并进行新西兰兔致病性试验。结果显示,10株猪链球菌4型经多位点序列分型,6株为ST850型,3株为ST1006型,1株为ST94型;结合菌株分离地区分析发现,广东和江苏地区菌株有较高的同源性,江沪地区菌株出现分化现象,表现为遗传多样性;10株菌株均检测到了gdh、gapdh和orf2毒力基因,7株检测到sly基因,4株检测到fbps基因,根据毒力因子谱发现共有3个毒力基因型,gdh+sly+gapdh+orf2+型有6株,gdh+fbps+gapdh+orf2+型有3株,gdh+sly+fbps+gapdh+orf2+型仅有1株。动物致病性试验表明,10株细菌均能使BALB/c小鼠死亡,其中SH1510的半数致死量低至1×108 CFU,对小鼠的致病性最强,将纯化的SH1510菌液接种新西兰兔,可使新西兰兔出现典型的神经症状并死亡。以上结果为猪链球菌的遗传进化、毒力研究提供了新的数据,丰富了猪链球菌病的研究。     

Comparison of pig, rabbit and mouse IgG response to Streptococcus suis serotype 2 proteins and active immunization of mice against the infection.

The aim of this study was to compare the IgG response of different animal species to Streptococcus suis serotype 2 proteins and to evaluate the immunogenic potential of these proteins in the mouse experimental model of infection. The protein profiles of ten different S. suis capsular type 2 isolates were compared by Western blotting using antisera produced in mice, rabbits and pigs against the reference strain. Strains were grown overnight in Todd-Hewitt broth, harvested by centrifugation, processed in a French press cell and digested with lysozyme. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was then performed and proteins transferred to nitrocellulose. The rabbit antiserum recognized seventeen common immunoreactive proteins, of which, proteins of 33, 44, 96, 122 kDa were present in all strains. Two, 128 and 136 kDa proteins were recognized by swine serum in many strains. An additional protein of 30 kDa was recognized by the mouse antiserum. These seven proteins, originating from the reference strain, were excised directly from polyacrylamide gels, mixed with incomplete Freund's adjuvant and given to groups of five mice on days 0 and 10. Immunoglobulin G response to each protein was monitored on day 20 using Western blots. Mice were then experimentally infected on day 21. Results indicated that vaccination with proteins of 33, 44, 128 and 136 kDa resulted in an IgG response and protection against the challenge with the reference strain, but gave only a partial protection against another virulent S. suis serotype 2 strain.     

Genomic relatedness among reference strains of different Streptococcus suis serotypes.

Hybridization studies using genomic DNA and a rDNA probe revealed genetic relatedness among reference strains of different Streptococcus suis serotypes. Although most serotype 22 isolates are biochemically atypical, the reference strain of capsular type 22 is genetically related to other S. suis serotypes, but not to Streptococcus pneumoniae. Using DNA digested with BamHI and BglII for ribotyping, some S. suis reference strains had common patterns, but this analysis mainly revealed variations in patterns of S. suis strains of different serotypes.     

猪链球菌2型对PK-15细胞的黏附动力学

为研究携带不同毒力因子的猪链球菌2型对细胞侵袭作用的差异,本实验室从全国各地分离100多株猪链球菌,PCR鉴定出10株链球菌2型,其中携带毒力因子菌株为7-4［MRP⁺EF+］、8-3［MRP⁺EF^-］、ZH-1［MRP^-EF⁺］,另外选择1株LN-2 ［MRP^-EF^-］与PK 15细胞进行黏附动力学试验,结果表明MPR毒力因子与菌株对PK-15细胞黏附具有密切相关性。     

Streptococcus suis serotype 9 bacterin immunogenicity and protective efficacy

Streptococcus suis diseases in pigs, most importantly meningitis, are worldwide responsible for major economic losses in the pig industry. About one fourth of invasive S. suis diseases are caused by S. suis serotype 9 strains in Europe. However, little is known about serotype 9 since most studies were performed with serotype 2. The objective of this study was to determine the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a serotype 9 bacterin in piglets. Challenge was conducted with a reference serotype 9 strain, belonging to the same clonal complex but to a different sequence type as the bacterin strain. The bacterin induced protection against mortality but not morbidity. Eleven days post infection, 3 of 7 vaccinated survivors were not fully convalescent and had not eliminated the challenge strain from inner organs completely. In accordance with the clinical findings, the majority of piglets showed fibrinous-suppurative lesions in at least one inner organ or tissue. In contrast to the placebo group such lesions were not detected in one third of bacterin-vaccinated piglets. Determination of specific serum IgG titers revealed that the bacterin elicited seroconversion against muramidase-released protein and basic membrane lipoprotein. Furthermore, vaccination was associated with induction of opsonizing antibodies against the serotype 9 challenge strain. However, titers of opsonizing antibodies were rather low in comparison to those found in our previous serotype 2 vaccination trial. Piglets developed substantially higher titers of opsonizing antibodies after challenge. Opsonizing antibodies were absorbable with the serotype 9 challenge strain but not with an unencapsulated isogenic mutant of a serotype 2 strain indicating their specificity. The results indicate that a serotype 9 bacterin is less protective than a serotype 2 bacterin, most likely due to inducing only low titers of opsonizing antibodies. This might contribute to emergence of serotype 9 strains, in particular strains of this clonal complex, in Europe.     

Adherence of Streptococcus suis to porcine endothelial cells

Streptococcus suis can cause invasive diseases in pigs and humans, such as meningitis or arthritis. Adherence to and invasion of endothelial cells might represent important steps in survival and spread of S. suis within the host. We tested in vitro adherence and invasion of S. suis strains using a porcine brain microvascular and aortal endothelial cell line. Four S. suis strains were tested with and without prior treatment with porcine serum containing anti-S. suis antibodies. Strains included a capsular serotype 2 strain and its non-encapsulated isogenic mutant strain, as well as two non-typeable (NT) strains, which expressed no capsule under our experimental conditions. Strains adhered to both cell lines to different extents depending on encapsulation and pre-treatment with porcine immune serum. The serotype 2 strain showed almost no adherence, whereas the non-encapsulated mutant strain adhered strongly. Similarly, both NT strains adhered substantially better than the serotype 2 strain. Pre-treatment of bacteria with porcine serum increased adherence of the encapsulated serotype 2 strain and decreased adherence of the non-encapsulated strains. None of the strains was able to efficiently invade either of the two cell lines, except for one NT strain, which showed a very low extend of invasion. Our results suggest that S. suis can adhere to but not invade porcine endothelial cells, and that this interaction may involve different bacterial surface structures, such as capsular polysaccharides and/or binding sites for serum components.