Abstract |
In the present study, the role of direct procaryote-eucaryote interactions in the virulence of Bacillus cereus was investigated. As a model of human enterocytes, differentiated Caco-2 cells were used. Infection of fully differentiated Caco-2 cells with B. cereus in the exponential phase of growth, in order to minimize the concentration of spores or sporulating microorganisms, shows that a strain-dependent cytopathic effect develops. Interestingly, addition of 3-h-old cultures of some strains resulted in complete detachment of the cultured cells after a 3-h infection whereas no such effect was found after a 3-h infection with 16-h-old cultures. Infection of enterocyte-like cells with B. cereus leads to disruption of the F-actin network and necrosis. Even though the effect of secreted factors cannot be ruled out, direct eucaryote-procaryote interaction seems to be necessary. In addition, we observed that some B. cereus strains were able to be internalized in Caco-2 cells. Our findings add a new insight into the mechanisms of virulence of B. cereus in the context of intestinal infection.
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Authors | Jessica Minnaard, Vanessa Lievin-Le Moal, Marie-Helene Coconnier, Alain L Servin, Pablo F Pérez |
Journal | Infection and immunity
(Infect Immun)
Vol. 72
Issue 6
Pg. 3106-12
(Jun 2004)
ISSN: 0019-9567 [Print] United States |
PMID | 15155611
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Actins
(metabolism)
- Bacillus cereus
(pathogenicity)
- Bacterial Adhesion
- Caco-2 Cells
- Cell Differentiation
- Cytoskeleton
(metabolism, pathology)
- Enterocytes
(cytology, microbiology, pathology)
- Humans
- Necrosis
- Virulence
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