Specific labeling of cysteine proteinases in pathogenic and nonpathogenic Entamoeba histolytica

Growth of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites was inhibited by 50% at low concentrations (2.0 micrograms/ml) of the diazopeptidyl inhibitor benzyloxycarbonyl-leucyl-L-tyrosyldiazomethane (Z-L-Leu-L-Tyr-CHN2). Iodination of the tyrosine residue lowered the growth inhibitory efficacy of the diazopeptidyl inhibitor (50% inhibition, approximately 10 micrograms/ml). However, even at this concentration, practically all of the cysteine proteinase activity of the cells was irreversibly inactivated as shown by fluorescence microscopy with the dipeptide substrate L-Arg-L-Arg-4-methoxy-beta-napthylamide or colorimetrically with azocasein as the substrate. Growth of trophozoites of E. histolytica from various strains, including both pathogenic and nonpathogenic zymodemes, was similarly inhibited. The concentration of inhibitor required to inactivate the proteinase activity of nonpathogenic cells was lower. Lysates from trophozoites grown in the presence of sublethal concentrations of 125I-labeled protease inhibitor (10 micrograms/ml) showed as many as eight radioactive bands by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (molecular sizes, 73, 68, 56, 40, 39, 35, 29, and 27 kilodaltons). Two of these bands (molecular sizes, 29 and 27 kilodaltons) could be seen in gels of the cytoplasmic fraction, whereas the high-molecular-size bands were mostly associated with the membrane fraction. The radioactive bands in pathogenic and nonpathogenic strains were very similar with only minor differences. The results obtained show that E. histolytica cells, irrespective of their pathogenicity, possess a number of cysteine proteinases of similar molecular sizes which are vital for cell growth.

Differentiation of clinical isolates of Entamoeba histolytica by using specific DNA probes

Most individuals infected with Entamoeba histolytica are reported to be clinically asymptomatic. On the basis of the electrophoretic migration of hexokinase and phosphoglucomutase isoenzymes, two groups of E. histolytica isolates have been classified. Those derived from symptomatic cases were found to have fast-migrating hexokinase bands and were labeled pathogenic. The others, isolated from cyst passers, had (in most cases) slow-migrating bands and were called nonpathogenic. Differences between these two groups of E. histolytica were found recently at the DNA level. Two sets of different DNA probes derived from tandemly repeated sequences present in extrachromosomal circular DNA elements in each group of E. histolytica were characterized. Using these probes with procedures for direct hybridization of trophozoites on nylon membranes, we could correctly correlate hexokinase electromobility with the DNA hybridization signal of 81 different isolates of E. histolytica. The advantages of using DNA probes lie in their sensitivity (fewer than 200 trophozoites can be detected) and specificity. The probes hybridized only with amebae from the E. histolytica species and not with other enteric protozoa and can be useful as a diagnostic tool.

Identification of protein kinase C and its potential substrate in Entamoeba histolytica

1. Protein kinase C (PKC) activity has been identified in various strains of the human parasite, Entamoeba histolytica. 2. An amoebic protein of mol. wt 78,000 was recognized by polyclonal antibodies raised against the 82,000 mol. wt rat brain protein kinase C. 3. A partially purified PKC preparation from E. histolytica phosphorylated histone I in the presence of calcium, phospholipids and diacylglycerol, and specifically bound tritiated phorbol ester at an apparent KD of 9 nM. 4. A relocalization of the amoebic PKC activity from the cytosol to the membrane fraction was observed when trophozoites were actively phagocytising bacteria. Under these conditions, a labelled phosphoprotein of mol. wt 68,000 was identified. 5. Similar to what was found during macrophage activation, a myristoylated mol. wt 68,000 protein was detected in amoebae grown in the absence of bacteria, but not in amoebae which were active in phagocytosis.

DNA probes specific for Entamoeba histolytica possessing pathogenic and nonpathogenic zymodemes

A number of DNA probes which hybridize to highly abundant DNA sequences of Entamoeba histolytica were developed. Variations in the hybridization patterns of different E. histolytica strains were detected with selected probes. Four types of restriction fragment length patterns were obtained. Of these, the first class belonged to E. invadens and E. histolytica-like var. Laredo. The next two classes consisted of various strains of E. histolytica which were originally isolated from symptomatic patients and possessed pathogenic patterns of isoenzymes (zymodemes), whereas the fourth group contained E. histolytica strains with nonpathogenic zymodemes obtained from asymptomatic carriers. DNA probes, based on DNA sequences specific to E. histolytica isolates with pathogenic and nonpathogenic zymodemes were isolated, and their nucleotide sequences were determined. These probes (P145 and B133) hybridized selectively to DNA of isolates possessing either pathogenic or nonpathogenic isoenzyme patterns. The newly developed probes could be useful for diagnostic purposes and could serve as tools to investigate the molecular basis of pathogenicity and the genetic mechanisms which regulate the variable aggressive behavior of the parasite.

Effects of covalently bound silica-nitroimidazole drug particles on Entamoeba histolytica

Most commonly used antiamoebic drugs are effective in invasive amebiasis, but their response against trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica, present in the lumen of the human colon, is inadequate. We report the development of an antiamoebic drug carrier that may be effective against luminal infections. Our preparation consists of small silica particles (5-10 microns in diameter) covalently linked to a potent antiamoebic drug, 2-(4-aminophenoxymethyl)-5-nitro-1-methyl imidazole. Silica-drug particles were injected into mice, hamsters, and guinea pigs. We found that trophozoites phagocytosed the particles in vivo and in vitro, followed by rapid cell death due to the released drug. Analysis of mouse serum revealed that no drug was absorbed from the intestine after placement of the drug-containing particles in the intestine. The antiamoebic activity of particles recovered from the intestine was almost fully retained. This novel antiamoebic concept may be useful for luminal therapy for asymptomatic amebiasis and may minimize side effects and frequency of administration.

Entamoeba histolytica ribosomal RNA genes are carried on palindromic circular DNA molecules

Highly abundant DNA fragments obtained after restriction enzyme digests of nuclear DNA of Entamoeba histolytica strain HM-1:IMSS have been cloned and characterized. Northern blot hybridization to E. histolytica rRNA and sequence analysis identified the abundant DNAs as ribosomal DNA containing species. Several overlapping clones containing these abundant DNAs were isolated from 4 different genomic libraries of E. histolytica. Alignment of the restriction maps was consistent with a circular molecule, about 24.6 kilobase pairs (kb) in size. Nuclease BA131 digestion provided additional evidence for the circular nature of this DNA. The ribosomal DNA molecule contains two large inverted repeat-regions, each at least 5.2 kb in length. Sequence analysis of clone R715 revealed homology to the large rRNA units of various eukaryotic organisms. This clone was located in both inverted repeats, suggesting two rRNA cistrons per molecule. The inverted repeats are flanked by stretches of DNA which contain tandemly reiterated sequences. Southern blot analysis of E. histolytica nuclear DNA revealed the presence of two populations of molecules. These molecules have identical arrangements of restriction sites, but differ in size (0.7 kb) in a fragment containing tandemly reiterated sequences. Analysis of E. histolytica nuclear DNA by electron microscopy also revealed circular molecules. These molecules are about 26.6 kb +/- 0.5 kb in size and contain structural features predicted by the restriction map of the extrachromosomal ribosomal DNA of E. histolytica.

Nucleotide sequence analysis of an Entamoeba histolytica ferredoxin gene

A cDNA clone (subclone B) previously isolated from the human parasite Entamoeba histolytica was characterized. DNA sequence analysis of subclone B identified the DNA as that encoding apoferredoxin. E. histolytica ferredoxin cDNA contains unusually short 5' and 3' noncoding regions of 9 and 25 nucleotides, respectively. A genomic ferredoxin clone was isolated from E. histolytica DNA, and comparison of genomic and cDNA sequences revealed that the ferredoxin gene is unspliced. The deduced amino acid sequence of E. histolytica ferredoxin resembles clostridial type of ferredoxins, and shows an arrangement of cysteines characteristic for the coordination of 2[4Fe-4S] centres. Of interest is the absence of an aromatic amino acid in the N-terminal region of the protein, a feature which is conserved in clostridial ferredoxins. Southern blot analysis of three different E. histolytica strains (200:NIH, Rahman and HM-1:IMSS) demonstrated the presence of a family of at least two ferredoxin genes. One of these genes is marked by restriction length polymorphisms in different strains of E. histolytica.

Entamoeba histolytica: virulence potential and sensitivity to metronidazole and emetine of four isolates possessing nonpathogenic zymodemes

The pathogenic potential of four Entamoeba histolytica isolates obtained from asymptomatic carriers and possessing nonpathogenic zymodemes was compared to four E. histolytica strains obtained from invasive cases of amebiasis and having pathogenic zymodemes. Both xenic and axenic cultures of a number of strains were tested. Determinations of cytopathogenicity were done in vitro by measuring the rates of destruction of tissue cultured monolayers of baby hamster kidney cells by intact amebae or by its cell-free extracts. The in vivo virulence was tested by assessing their capacity to form hepatic abscesses in hamsters or cecal ulcerations in rats. The results obtained show that two of the isolates from asymptomatic carriers (strains SAW 1734R clAR and WI:0385:191) were as virulent as three of the invasive ones (HM-1:IMSS, 200:NIH, and SAW 408). Two other isolates from asymptomatic carriers and one from a dysentery case were avirulent. All the E. histolytica isolates tested were similarly sensitive to metronidazole and emetine (IC50 1-10 micrograms/ml). The results indicate that the pathogenic potential of E. histolytica varies between isolates and can be affected by culture conditions and by the presence or absence of bacterial cells. These findings suggest that virulence does not necessarily correlate with a pathogenic zymodeme.

Appearance of sialoglycoproteins in encysting cells of Entamoeba histolytica

Amoeba-bacterium cultures of Entamoeba histolytica transferred to a hypoosmotic medium depleted of nutrients changed morphologically and biochemically. The cells ejected grains of rice starch, rounded up, and formed a distinct cell wall that was resistant to detergent, bound the sialic acid-specific lectin from Limulus polyphemus, and became fluorescent with Calcofluor M2R. A subpopulation of these cells displayed more than one nucleus. All these signs are characteristic of encysting cells and were also observed in cysts obtained from a human patient. The morphological changes were accompanied by the appearance of two new glycoproteins with apparent molecular sizes of 100 and 150 kilodaltons which contained sialic acid. Sialic acid has been reported to be absent from trophozoites of Entamoeba species. The presence of this sugar residue on cyst-specific proteins parallels recently reported findings during the encystation of the related reptilian parasite Entamoeba invadens. This may indicate a basic role for sialic acid in the encystation of Entamoeba parasites.

A stage-specific sialoglycoprotein in encysting cells of Entamoeba invadens

A novel sialoglycoprotein with an apparent molecular mass of approximately 250 kDa was detected on the surface of cysts of Entamoeba invadens. Sialic acid was identified in this glycoprotein by gas chromatography after methanolysis; N-acetyl- and N-glycolyl neuraminic acid were identified by thin layer chromatography in hydrolysates of partially purified preparations of the 250 kDa glycoprotein as well as in whole cysts. The sialoglycoprotein is stage-specific and could be detected by binding of wheat germ agglutinin and a specific monoclonal antibody (JAM3) only to precysts and mature cysts but not to trophozoites. A 250 kDa protein could be metabolically labeled with [35S]methionine. This, together with the absence of such a glycoprotein in the encystation medium, suggests that the 250 kDa sialoglycoprotein is not an adsorbed serum glycoprotein. Indirect evidence suggests that the parasite may utilize serum components as a source for sialic acid.

Isolation and partial characterization of the hexokinase isoenzymes from pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains of Entamoeba histolytica

Isoenzyme electrophoretic patterns (zymodemes) are increasingly used to distinguish between pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains of Entamoeba histolytica. Isolates of E. histolytica from asymptomatic and symptomatic cases have been shown to differ in the electrophoretic mobility of their hexokinase and phosphoglucomutase isoenzymes. The hexokinase isoenzymes from a non-pathogenic strain and from a pathogenic strain of E. histolytica were purified by fast protein liquid chromatography in several steps, which included a separation by size, chromatofocusing, and anion exchange chromatography. The isoenzymes differed in their isoelectric points, which ranged from pH 4.8-5.4, but had very similar kinetic properties and almost identical apparent molecular weights (48,000) in sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels, as well as on gel filtration columns. Comparison of tryptic peptide analysis of each of the isoenzymes indicated considerable homology between the non-pathogenic and pathogenic forms. Antibodies produced against each of the two pathogenic hexokinase isoenzymes inhibited their enzymatic activity. The antibodies also inhibited the activity of the isoenzymes of the non-pathogenic strain. Our findings suggest that the isoenzymes have structural similarities, and that the pathogenic ones differ from the non-pathogenic ones in their electromobility due to post-translational modifications.

Nonimmunoglobulin fraction of human milk inhibits the adherence of certain enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strains to guinea pig intestinal tract

The protecting effect of human milk against intestinal infections has been well documented, but its mechanism not completely understood. We have examined the effect of the nonimmunoglobulin fraction (NIgF) of human milk and colostrum on bacterial adherence to the intestinal tract. The NIgF was prepared by passing the milk through an immunosorbent column containing rabbit antihuman gamma-globulin (IgG and IgA). The effluent fraction did not contain gamma-globulins as shown by immunodiffusion on agarose and by using rabbit antihuman Ig, that was then detected with fluorescently-labeled goat antirabbit Ig. The effect of the NIgF of human milk on the adherence of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strains to guinea pig intestinal tract was quantitatively determined using radiolabeled bacteria which were incubated with suspensions of viable intestinal cells. Thirteen to 17 bacteria adhered per intestinal cell. NIgF of human milk and colostrum (300 microliter, 6.7 mg) caused about 50% inhibition of the adherence of enterotoxigenic E. coli strains whose attachment was mediated by colonization factor antigen I and II. No inhibition was noted on the adherence of enterotoxigenic E. coli strains containing type I pili. The inhibitory activity resisted boiling and proteolytic digestion with trypsin, but was completely abolished by periodate treatment, indicating that carbohydrate residues were probably involved. Examination of the effect of NIgF of human milk on bacterial adherence to intact intestinal surfaces revealed comparable results. Observations with scanning electron microscopy confirmed, morphologically, the attachment of the bacteria and the inhibitory effect of human milk.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Entamoeba histolytica: cloning and characterization of actin cDNA

In order to study gene expression in the human parasite Entamoeba histolytica, a cDNA library of E. histolytica strain 200:NIH was constructed using the phage vector lambda gt10. Three cDNA clones (A, B and C) were selected for further analysis. Each of the three clones hybridized to a distinct mRNA. Two of these mRNAs were translated in vitro after hybrid selection, and yielded distinct translation products. One of these mRNAs, selected by hybridization to clone A, encodes the most abundantly expressed protein in E. histolytica. DNA sequence analysis of this cDNA clone identified the DNA as that encoding actin. The deduced amino acid sequence of E. histolytica actin resembles both cytoplasmic and muscle actins and has an unusual N-terminal glycine residue. We have shown that a family of actin genes is present in E. histolytica. Six different E. histolytica actin clones were obtained from a lambda gt10 genomic library using subcloned cDNA probes. Southern analysis of three different E. histolytica strains (200:NIH, Rhaman, and HM-1:IMSS) revealed at least four different actin genes. Strain HM-1:IMSS, however, differs by the presence of an additional actin gene.

Ameba-bacterium relationship in amebiasis

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Aromatic alpha-glycosides of mannose are powerful inhibitors of the adherence of type 1 fimbriated Escherichia coli to yeast and intestinal epithelial cells

Adherence of bacteria via their surface lectins to host epithelial cells is considered an important initial event in bacterial pathogenesis. Mannose-specific (type 1) fimbriae are among the most commonly found lectins in enterobacteria. We studied the effect of aromatic alpha-glycosides of mannose on the agglutination of mannan-containing yeasts by different strains of Escherichia coli and on the adherence of the bacteria to guinea pig ileal epithelial cells. In both systems these compounds were considerably more effective inhibitors than methyl alpha-mannoside, with 4-methylumbelliferyl alpha-mannoside and p-nitro-o-chlorophenyl alpha-mannoside being the strongest inhibitors. Both compounds were approximately 400-times stronger inhibitors of yeast agglutination by E. coli O128 than was methyl alpha-mannoside and 1,000- and 470-fold stronger, respectively, than was methyl alpha-mannoside in inhibiting the adherence of the bacteria to ileal epithelial cells. 4-Methylumbelliferyl alpha-mannoside was 540 to 1,000 times more effective in inhibiting yeast agglutination by four additional strains of mannose-specific E. coli. It was also more efficient than methyl alpha-mannoside in removing adherent E. coli O128 from ileal epithelial cells. Our results provide further evidence that type 1 fimbriae of E. coli possess a hydrophobic region next to the mannose-binding site. The results suggest that 4-methylumbelliferyl alpha-mannoside and p-nitro-o-chlorophenyl alpha-mannoside are good candidates for the design of therapeutic agents that may prevent adherence in vivo and infection by E. coli strains that express type 1 fimbriae.

Changes in isoenzyme patterns of a cloned culture of nonpathogenic Entamoeba histolytica during axenization

The axenization of an Entamoeba histolytica isolate with a nonpathogenic isoenzyme electrophoretic pattern (zymodeme) was recently achieved for the first time (15). Forty days after the cells were transferred to the medium used for axenic cultivation, the amebae developed virulence properties, and the zymodeme converted to a pathogenic pattern. To exclude the possibility that the original isolate consisted of two zymodeme populations and that conditions of growth selected for a particular population, the experiment was repeated with a cloned culture of a nonpathogenic (zymodeme III) strain, E. histolytica SAW 1734R clAR, isolated by and obtained from P. G. Sargeaunt. Axenization was accomplished, as before, by transferring trophozoites to TYI-S-33 medium containing a mixture of antibiotics to suppress the growth of the associated bacterial flora and a nutritional supplement consisting of gamma-irradiated bacteria. A change in the hexokinase and phosphoglucomutase isoenzyme pattern was observed 21 days after the amebae had been transferred to the axenic medium but before complete axenization of the amebae had occurred. The change in zymodeme was accompanied by an increase in virulence, as evidenced by the ability of fewer amebae to induce hepatic abscesses in hamsters. A reverse conversion to a nonpathogenic zymodeme was also accomplished by reassociating and subculturing the newly converted pathogenic trophozoites of strain SAW 1734R clAR with the bacterial flora that accompanied this ameba in the original xenic culture. The electromobilities of the hexokinase isoenzymes changed back to their original pattern 7 days after the amebae were returned to xenic growth conditions. Our in vitro results demonstrate that culture conditions and bacterial flora can cause changes in the zymodeme and virulence of a cloned ameba isolate and raise the concern that this could happen also in vivo. Thus, the finding of a particular zymodeme in a culture of E. histolytica isolated from a carrier should not be used to predict a clinical condition or serve as a basis for the recommendation of therapy.

Encystation of Entamoeba invadens IP-1 is induced by lowering the osmotic pressure and depletion of nutrients from the medium

Trophozoites of Entamoeba invadens IP-1 can be induced to encyst in simple solutions composed of semipermeable constituents (buffer, salts, or sugars) provided that their osmotic pressure is in the range of 60-160 mosmol/kg. Optimal yield of mature cysts was obtained when the osmotic pressure of the medium was 110 mosmol/kg. Encystation could be obtained in the absence of serum although higher yields were obtained in its presence. No difference in the yield of mature cysts was found when either dialyzed or full serum was used. High yields of encystation were obtained (greater than 70%) in the presence of 5% serum in solutions of NaCl, KCl, or MgSO4, suggesting that the mechanism of encystation is not induced via sodium or potassium channels. Cysts were obtained in the presence of 72 mM glucose, indicating that depletion of a carbon source is not the only requirement for encystation. A rapid change in the density of the Entamoeba cells was observed upon transfer of trophozoites (density 1.061-1.073 g/ml) from growth medium to the low osmotic pressure encystation solutions. Within the first 2 min their density decreased (to 1.050 g/ml), but it soon increased, reaching within 30 min a density higher than 1.120 g/ml. As the encystation process continued to completion, the density of the cells gradually decreased, the mature cysts reaching a density of 1.049-1.061 g/ml.

Entamoeba histolytica: effect of growth conditions and bacterial associates on isoenzyme patterns and virulence

In xenic culture, isolates of Entamoeba histolytica from asymptomatic carriers are characterized, with rare exception, by possession of a nonpathogenic zymodeme. During the process of axenizing such an isolate, strain CDC:0784:4, a change in the pattern of the isoenzymes from nonpathogenic zymodeme I to pathogenic zymodeme II was observed 40 days after the amebae had been transferred from a medium for xenic cultivation to one used for axenic cultivation, but before axenization of the amebae had actually occurred. Axenization was accomplished by feeding the amebae lethally irradiated bacteria while suppressing and finally eradicating with antibiotics the bacterial flora accompanying the amebae in the original xenic culture. The change in zymodeme was accompanied by a change in virulence as evidenced by the ability of the amebae to produce hepatic abscesses in hamsters and to destroy monolayers of tissue culture cells. Two explanations are offered for the observed changes in zymodeme and virulence: a zymodeme is not a stable inherent property of the ameba. Alternatively, the original isolate consisted of two zymodeme populations and the conditions of growth selected for one or the other of the populations. In either case, our results suggest that the finding of a particular zymodeme in a culture of E. histolytica isolated from an asymptomatic carrier of the parasite cannot be used to predict a clinical condition or serve as a basis for the recommendation of therapy.

Isolation, purification, and partial characterization of an enterotoxin from extracts of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites

Soluble cell-free extracts of pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica, as well as serum-free minimal media in which trophozoites are incubated, contain substances that cause the rapid rounding up and detachment of tissue-cultured monolayers of mammalian cells (cytopathic activity) and induce fluid secretion in ligated intestinal loops of indomethacin-pretreated rats (enterotoxic activity). A semiquantitative assay for the determination of the cytopathic activity based on the rate of detachment of tissue-cultured baby hamster kidney cells was developed. Two peaks containing cytopathic activity were obtained upon gel filtration of the soluble extracts: peak I, with over 60% of the activity, emerged in the 30,000 to 50,000 molecular weight region, and peak II, containing the remaining activity, was in the 15,000 to 25,000 molecular weight region. The activity of peak I was found to be heat labile and inhibited by sialoglycoproteins such as fetuin and mucin (5 mg/ml), as well as by sialic acid. Protease inhibitors such as antitrypsin, pepstatin, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, metaloprotease inhibitors, and bacitracin had no effect on the cytopathic activity. Marked inhibition of cytopathic activity was observed, however, with iodoacetamide and p-chloromercuribenzoate, which affect sulfhydryl groups. The toxic material in peak II was found to have ionophoric activity and was not inhibited by sialic acid-containing compounds. The materials from both peaks had enterotoxic activity in intestinal ligated loops. The active substance from peak I was further purified (200X) on an agarose-fetuin affinity column, yielding one major protein band with an apparent molecular weight of ca. 30,000 on sodium dodecyl sulfate. Amino acid analysis revealed that the protein was very poor in sulfur amino acids. The sialic acid-sensitive toxic activity was higher in known virulent strains such as HM-1:IMSS and could be markedly augmented after preincubation of the trophozoites with certain Escherichia coli strains.

Changes in cell surface proteins and glycoproteins during the encystation of Entamoeba invadens

Changes in cell surface components of axenically grown trophozoites of Entamoeba invadens which occur during encystation were followed. Protein patterns of trophozoites, immature and mature cyst forms, were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulphate gel electrophoresis. Total protein profiles of trophozoites and cyst forms stained by Coomassie blue gave similar patterns. In contrast, a number of different bands were observed in gels stained with the carbohydrate-specific Schiff's reagent as well as when nitrocellulose blottings were treated with 125I-radiolabelled wheat germ or soybean agglutinins. The most notable differences were bands at 250 and 95-105 kDa present in the cyst forms and absent in the trophozoites, and two bands at 70 and 75 kDa present in the latter and missing in the cysts. Labelling of trophozoites and cyst cell surfaces by iodination with lactoperoxidase revealed a number of protein bands which were exposed on the trophozoite surface and missing in the cysts. Moreover, gel electrophoresis patterns of non-reduced or reduced samples also differed considerably, indicating that a number of proteins are linked by disulphide bonds. This study shows that specific glycoproteins are produced during cyst formation.

Antibacterial activity of the pancreatic fluid

The antibacterial activity of canine pancreatic fluid was investigated in an attempt to understand the resistance of this organ, when intact, to ascending bacterial infections. The pancreatic fluid demonstrated bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli, Shigella species, Salmonella species, and Klebsiella pneumoniae; bacteriostatic activity against coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative staphylococci and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; and fungistatic activity against Candida albicans. There was no demonstrable antibacterial activity against Bacteroides fragilis and Streptococcus faecalis. The antibacterial activity was dialyzable and pH dependent, but independent of heat, the activity of several digestive pancreatic enzymes, and the bacterial inoculum. Electron micrographs of Escherichia coli exposed to pancreatic fluid did not demonstrate changes in the bacterial cell wall. Tracer studies of susceptible bacteria demonstrated decreased leucine uptake when briefly exposed to pancreatic fluid. The antibacterial activity was found by column chromatography to be a small molecular peptide. It is likely that pancreatic antibacterial factors protect the pancreas from ascending bacterial infections and operate along with other factors in the homeostasis of the upper small bowel flora.

The effect of postnatal age on the adherence of Shigella flexneri, Escherichia coli 0124, and E. coli 0128 to guinea pig intestinal cells

Since postnatal development of the gastrointestinal tract has an important effect on its microbial flora and may influence the types of intestinal infections, we examined the effect of age on bacterial adherence to intestinal epithelial cells. Radiolabeled bacteria were incubated with guinea pig enterocytes released by treating loops of the intestine with solutions containing EDTA, dithiothreitol, and citrate. Nonbound bacteria were separated from intestinal cells by sedimentation on a Percoll gradient. The colonic cells avidly bound Shigella flexneri (64 bacteria per cell), Escherichia coli 0124 (59), and E. coli 0128 (53). The adherence process was Ca2+ and temperature dependent, was inhibited by fucose, glucose, and mannose, and was shown to be mediated by a carbohydrate-binding protein (lectin) on the colonic cells. Adherence of these bacteria to intestinal cells of newborn animals was only 15-25% of the adherence to adult animal cells and increased gradually, reaching adult values at about 2 weeks of age. The lectin activity, which was determined by agglutination of bacteria, was secreted with the colonic mucus. It was undetectable in the newborn animal, appeared gradually with age, and its titer correlated with the adherent capability of the colonic cells. E. coli 0128 was the only one of the bacteria tested which significantly adhered to the ileum (19 bacteria per cell) in a process inhibited by mannose. This adherence was mediated by a mannose-sensitive lectin in the bacterial pili, and not on the intestinal cells. The postnatal age had no effect on the adherence to the ileum; the newborn animal had the same adherence capability as the adult one.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adherence of bacteria to pediatric intravenous catheters and needles and its relation to phlebitis in animals

The adherence of bacteria to pediatric IV catheters and needles was studied. Scanning electron micrographs showed that bacteria adhered well to the catheters and needles, mainly to non-smooth surface areas. In vitro quantitative determination, with the use of radiolabeled bacteria, revealed differences in the affinity of bacteria for the various IV cannula materials. The adherence per square area was greatest for plastic catheters, less for steel needles, and least for siliconized needles. Mean values for the adherence of Staphylococcus aureus to these cannulae were 37.9-40.3 X 10(5) bacteria/cm2 for the plastic catheters; 10.2 X 10(5) bacteria/cm2 for the steel needles, and 7.2-7.6 X 10(5)/cm2 for the siliconized needles. Removal of the glutaraldehyde-fixed bacteria adhered to the cannulae, after their placement in veins of rabbits, was lower for the plastic catheters than the IV needles. The appearance and severity of venous phlebitis produced by the various cannulae was determined in an animal model. The degree of the inflammatory response elicited correlated with the in vitro bacterial adherence, indicating that bacterial adherence plays a role in the appearance of cannula-associated phlebitis. In view of our results and other previous observations of lower rate of infections with the use of IV needles, it is suggested that needles should be preferred to plastic catheters whenever possible. The described in vitro assay for bacterial adherence can be used to determine the adherent properties of IV cannulae, which should be considered in any future cannula design.