Comparison of nephelometric and hemolytic techniques for determination of antistreptolysin O antibodies

The sensitivity of a newly devised nephelometric method for determining antistreptolysin O antibodies was compared with the hemolytic inhibition assay. Three hundred-thirty single serum samples from children with and without evidence of group A streptococcal infection were analyzed by the two techniques. The nephelometric method results correlated well with those of the reference test (concordance: r = 0.88). Furthermore, 134 pairs of acute and convalescent phase sera from patients with culture-proven GAS infection and 50 pairs from children who served as control subjects were examined. The nephelometric assay was more sensitive in detecting significant ASO antibody rises than the hemolytic assay. The automated nephelometric method appears to be a much simpler and sensitive procedure for testing ASO antibodies.

Laboratory tests in rheumatology

The most commonly used laboratory tests in the diagnosis and monitoring of rheumatic diseases are reviewed. Particular emphasis is placed on antinuclear antibodies as markers of specific rheumatic disorders and disease subsets. The use of synovial fluid tests to differentiate between inflammatory and noninflammatory rheumatic disorders is described as well as the use of common hematological tests.

Protection of infant mice from challenge with Streptococcus pneumoniae type 19F by immunization with a type 19F polysaccharide--pneumolysoid conjugate

The immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a conjugate of Streptococcus pneumoniae type 19F polysaccharide and a genetically toxoided derivative of the pneumococcal toxin pneumolysin was investigated in an infant mouse model. The conjugate was administered to Balb/c mice during pregnancy and/or lactation, and to their offspring during early infancy. The anti-polysaccharide and anti-pneumolysin titres of the immunized infant mice were significantly higher than those of non-immunized controls. When the infant mice were challenged with type 19F pneumococci, the bacteria were cleared more effectively from the blood of immunized mice than from that of control mice. The survival rate for the immunized mice was also significantly higher than that for the control group. These results indicate that highly protective anti-pneumococcal responses can be induced in infant mice by immunization with the conjugate during gestation or early infancy, and suggest a possible role for pneumolysoid-polysaccharide conjugates as human vaccine components.

Characterisation of an oxidative response inhibitor produced by Streptococcus pneumoniae

BACKGROUND

Pneumonia caused by infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae is still a major clinical problem. Reactive oxygen species contribute to the killing of these bacteria by polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs). Defence mechanisms of Str pneumoniae which counter reactive oxygen species are characterised.

METHODS

PMNs were stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) in the presence and absence of Str pneumoniae and supernatants from them, and superoxide (O2-) production was measured by the reduction of ferricytochrome c.

RESULTS

Streptococcus pneumoniae, but not Klebsiella pneumoniae or Staphylococcus aureus, inhibited PMA stimulated superoxide production by PMNs. Washed PMNs which had been preincubated with Str pneumoniae autolysis phase supernatants also exhibited depressed H2O2 production in response to PMA. The inhibitory activity was not attributable to non-specific cytotoxicity as assessed by release of the cytoplasmic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase, nor did the supernatants inhibit PMA stimulated degranulation of PMNs. Fractionation of the autolysis phase supernatants revealed inhibitory activity in both the fractions greater than and less than 10 kD. Like pneumolysin the inhibitory activity was heat sensitive. However, both a parent and pneumolysin negative mutant Str pneumoniae, and autolysis phase supernatants from them, inhibited PMN superoxide production. Antisera to pneumolysin failed to abrogate the inhibitory effect of intact Str pneumoniae or autolysis phase supernatants from types 1 or 14 Str pneumoniae.

CONCLUSIONS

The inhibitory effect of Str pneumoniae on the respiratory burst of PMNs is not shared by two other common lung pathogens. The existence of a novel inhibitor of the PMN respiratory burst, distinct from pneumolysin, has been demonstrated. The inhibitor is specific for the respiratory burst and is active both in the logarithmic phase of growth and during autolysis.

Mapping of immunoreactive sites of pneumococcal pneumolysin by use of synthetic peptides

In the search for better diagnostic tools and improved vaccines against pneumococcal diseases, continuous antigenic sites of the pneumococcal pneumolysin molecule were identified with partially overlapping synthetic peptides. Peptides were derived from the predicted amino acid sequence according to the known DNA sequence of pneumolysin. The immunoreactivities of the peptides were studied by enzyme immunoassay with seven human serum samples and three rabbit hyperimmune serum samples. Two immunoreactive sites in the overlapping peptides at the amino-terminal end of the pneumolysin molecule were identified in this study. Two common immunoreactive sites for both human and rabbit sera were demonstrated.

Enzymatic determination of anti-NAD+ glycohydrolase in serum

A colorimetric method for measuring anti-NAD+ glycohydrolase in human sera has been developed. The assay involves the inhibition of NAD+ glycohydrolase (EC 3.2.2.5) by the antibody and determination of the noninhibited enzyme activity by using an enzymatic amplifying system for NAD+. The assay is easily carried out and has the additional advantage of a direct relationship between signal and antibody concentration. The results obtained for 100 human sera compare favorably with other tests commonly used to obtain evidence of streptococcal infections or their complications, such as the anti-streptolysin O and the anti-DNase B tests.

Purification and characterization of streptolysin O secreted by Streptococcus equisimilis (group C)

Streptolysin O (SLO) was purified from culture supernatants of group C streptococci. The final product was either the complete, native molecule (SLOn [pI, 6.0]) with the N-terminal sequence (Asp)-Ser-Asn-Lys-Gln-Asn-Thr-Ala-Asn-Thr-Glu-Thr- or a large fragment (SLOf [pI, 7.3]) with the N-terminal sequence Ala-Pro-Lys-Glu-Met-Pro-Leu-Glu-Ser-Ala-Glu-Lys-Glu-Glu-Lys-.

Distinct IgG1 and IgG3 subclass responses to two streptococcal protein antigens in man: analysis of antibodies to streptolysin O and M protein using standardized subclass-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays

The IgG subclass composition of antibodies to two streptococcal protein antigens in sera following infection was analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The assays were standardized using 5-iodo-4-hydroxy-nitrophenacetyl (NIP)-specific chimeric antibodies, to permit quantitative comparisons between subclasses. Antibodies to streptolysin O (SLO) were predominantly IgG1, with only minor contributions from the other subclasses. In contrast, antibodies to M protein were distributed between the IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses, and in approximately half the sera IgG3 predominated. The ratio of IgG1:IgG3 was greater for SLO than for M protein in 22/23 sera. Little or no IgG4 antibody was detected to either antigen. Functional affinities of the IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies, determined by inhibition ELISA, were comparable for the two antigens. The demonstration that two protein antigens encountered during streptococcal infection elicit antibody responses with markedly different subclass profiles has implications for IgG subclass regulation and vaccine development.

Development and evaluation of capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for detection of immunoglobulin G and M antibodies to group A streptococcal antigens

Capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were developed to detect immunoglobulin G and M antibodies to group A streptococcal (GAS) antigens, streptolysin O, streptokinase, and group A carbohydrate. The sensitivities and the specificities of the IgM capture ELISAs to each GAS antigen were high enough to distinguish the patients with GAS infections (diagnosed as GAS pharyngitis or scarlet fever) from the control groups (healthy people and patients with pharyngitis from whom GAS could not be isolated). On the other hand, the specificities of the IgG capture ELISAs were not very effective in diagnosis of GAS infections. When the capture ELISA and an indirect ELISA detecting IgM antibodies to group A carbohydrate were compared, false-positive reactions due to rheumatoid factor occurred in the indirect ELISA, but did not occur in the capture ELISA. These results indicate that the capture ELISA works better than the indirect ELISA in detecting the IgM antibody, and that the IgM capture ELISA to GAS antigen provides a rapid and highly reliable serodiagnosis for GAS infections employing only a single serum.

Serum anti-streptococcal IgA, IgG and IgM antibodies in IgA-associated diseases

Serum anti-streptolysin-O antibody (ASO) and anti-streptococcal polysaccharide antibody (ASP) of IgA, IgG and IgM classes were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 41 children with IgA nephropathy (Group A), 15 children with uncomplicated anaphylactoid purpura (Group B) and 13 children with purpura nephritis (Group C). The serum concentrations of the IgA, IgG and IgM classes were measured by single radial immunodiffusion. When compared with sex- and age-matched controls, the concentrations of serum IgA (but not of IgG or IgM) were significantly increased in the three groups studied. The titers of ASO of the IgA and IgM classes, and those of ASP of the IgA and IgG classes, were significantly increased in Group A. In Group B, only the ASP titers of the IgA class were significantly increased. No significant difference was noted in the titers of either ASO or ASP of any class in Group C. Thus, increased antibody response in IgA nephropathy is not restricted to IgA. Anaphylactoid purpura with or without renal disease appears to be different in its humoral anti-streptococcal response from IgA nephropathy.

Humoral immune response during filarial fever in Bancroftian filariasis

Humoral immune responses against filarial parasitic infection were studied in 62 cases of acute filarial disease presenting with filarial fever with adenolymphangitis, in a community where Bancroftian filariasis was endemic, during and about one month before and after the febrile episode. Their total leucocyte and differential peripheral blood cell counts and anti-streptolysin O titre were determined and compared. Polymorphonuclear cellular responses and anti-streptolysin O titre did not show any significant alteration during and after fever. Three of 53 previously amicrofilaraemic subjects (9 of whom were initially microfilaraemic) had microfilaria in their circulation during fever, with a significant increase in their geometric mean microfilaria count. Titres of specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgG4 antibody to Wuchereria bancrofti microfilarial excretory/secretory antigens (measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) decreased significantly during the fever and the lower levels were maintained one month after fever. The mean circulating immune complex level increased significantly during fever, and a significant percentage of cases demonstrated circulating filarial antigen during fever, which declined after one month, suggesting the release of filarial antigen into the circulation during fever which bound to antibodies to form immune complexes. These observations do not support the suggestion that bacterial infection is the aetiology of filarial fever. It is postulated that antigens released from parasites into the circulation during parturition by adult worms may evoke an allergic response in the host, causing periodic febrile episodes.

Immunization of mice with Salmonella typhimurium C5 aroA expressing a genetically toxoided derivative of the pneumococcal toxin pneumolysin

An attenuated Salmonella strain expressing a genetically toxoided derivative of the pneumococcal toxin pneumolysin was constructed by first transforming a methylation-positive, restriction-negative Salmonella with plasmid pJCP20M, a derivative of pBR322 containing the modified pneumolysin gene. Plasmid DNA was then extracted and transformed into Salmonella typhimurium C5 aroA. The transformant (denoted JM8) was capable of constitutively expressing the modified pneumolysin gene in vitro and stably maintained the recombinant plasmid containing the pneumococcal DNA, even in the absence of antibiotic selection. When JM8, or the parental Salmonella C5 aroA carrying pBR322 (denoted JM6), were administered orally to mice, both strains were capable of at least transient colonization of the Peyer's patches. Sera from JM8 mice (but not those fed JM6) had significant anti-pneumolysin IgG and IgA ELISA titres. Intraperitoneal administration of JM8 resulted in higher anti-pneumolysin IgG titres, but lower specific IgA levels.

Detection of antistreptolysin O antibody: application of an initial rate method of latex piezoelectric immunoassay

Latex plezoelectric immunoassay (LPEIA) is a new latex immunoassay using a plezoelectric quartz crystal (Kurosawa et al. Chem. Pharm. Bull. 1990, 38, 1117). This assay requires no immobilization of antigen or antibody on an electrode surface of a plezoelectric crystal, while the immobilization is indispensable for ordinary immunoassays using a plezoelectric crystal as a microbalance. The present paper improves a previous method (end-point analysis) by introducing the initial rate method using a batch cell; reduction of assay volume (1.2 mL) and shortening of assay time (2-3 min) were achieved. This assay was applied to the detection of antistreptolysin O antibody (ASO) in serum. The frequency change was proportional to the ASO concentration up to 1040 IU mL-1, and the method has good sensitivity for actual clinical application. The volume of serum required for the assay was 0.02 mL. Twenty-four clinical specimens were analyzed with this LPEIA, and the values obtained were compared with those obtained with a turbidimetric latex agglutination method. The correlation coefficient between these values was 0.950 (P < 0.01).

Effect of immunization with Freund's adjuvant and pneumolysin on histologic features of pneumococcal infection in the rat lung in vivo

Immunization with Freund's adjuvant and pneumolysin and stimulation with Freund's adjuvant alone both reduced the severity of the pneumonia caused by injections of bacteria into the apical lobe bronchi of rats. Neither protocol influenced the incidence of pneumococcal bacteremia. Illness sufficiently severe to require sacrifice was delayed from 2.8 days in nonimmunized animals to 5.7 days in those immunized with Freund's adjuvant and pneumolysin (P < 0.05) and 4.5 days in those stimulated with Freund's adjuvant alone (P, not significant).

Heterogeneity of monoclonal immunoglobulins with antistreptolysin-O activity detected in the cases of essential monoclonal gammopathy and multiple myeloma

Two different types of monoclonal human immunoglobulins (M-components) with antistreptolysin-O (ASO) activity were investigated. The M-component FM with essential monoclonal gammopathy revealed to have an ASO activity, demonstrated not only by streptolysin-O neutralizing assay according to Ranz-Randall's method, but also by passive agglutination assays and precipitation on agar. The ASO activity was shown to reside in the Feb. These findings suggest that the M-component FM have a true antibody activity. On the other hand, ASO activity of M-component TT with multiple myeloma was detected only by streptolysin-O neutralizing assay, but the passive agglutinating assays and precipitation on agar showed no positive results. It has not been fully confirmed if the M-component TT behaves as a true antibody activity. Heterogeneity of the M-components with ASO activity was discussed.

Acute encephalomyelitis: extending the neurological manifestations of acute rheumatic fever?

The clinical course of a five-year-old boy who developed meningeal irritation, encephalomyelitis, and optic neuritis four weeks after Streptococcus pyogenes pharyngitis is detailed. The patient responded to therapy with corticosteroids and recovered fully. Review of the literature reveals that a wide range of neurological disorders have been described in association with rheumatic fever. We suggest that disseminated encephalomyelitis in this child most probably was related to the streptococcal infection and that the spectrum of post-infectious neurological disorders associated with Streptococcus pyogenes may be broader than is currently appreciated.

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome: synthesis of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1 by monocytes stimulated with pyrogenic exotoxin A and streptolysin O

Previous studies have found that 80% of strains isolated from patients with the streptococcal toxic shock syndrome produce pyrogenic exotoxin A (SPEA) and 100% produced streptolysin O (SLO). To elucidate the cellular mechanisms contributing to shock, human monocytes were stimulated with SPEA (0.1-10 micrograms/10(6) monocytes) or SLO (0.2-2.5 hemolytic units/10(6) monocytes), and production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-1 beta was measured at 24, 48, and 72 h. SPEA and SLO were potent inducers of TNF alpha, with maximum production occurring at 72 h for SPEA and at 48 h for SLO (1067 and 687 pg/ml, respectively). In contrast, IL-1 beta production was greater for SLO than for SPEA (557 vs. 258 pg/ml). In addition, the effects of SPEA and SLO together were synergistic in terms of monocyte IL-1 beta production: SPEA, 193 pg/ml; SLO, 452 pg/ml; SPEA plus SLO, 799 pg/ml. These findings suggest TNF alpha and IL-1 beta are important candidates for mediating shock in severe streptococcal infections.

Comparative efficacy of autolysin and pneumolysin as immunogens protecting mice against infection by Streptococcus pneumoniae

Previous studies on Streptococcus pneumoniae have established that the pneumococcal proteins autolysin (N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanine amidase) and pneumolysin both contribute significantly to the virulence of the organism. In the present work, autolysin and a defined toxoid derivative of pneumolysin were tested, individually and in combination, for efficacy in a mouse model as antigens protecting against challenge with virulent, wild-type S. pneumoniae. While each antigen alone provided significant protection, the degree of protection was not increased when the antigens were administered together. In an additional experiment, mice were challenged with a genetically-modified mutant strain of pneumococcus unable to express active pneumolysin. Pre-immunization of such mice with autolysin failed to provide any significant protection against the challenge. The results of this study suggest that the most important contribution made by autolysin to the virulence of S. pneumoniae may be its role in mediating the release of pneumolysin from the pneumococcal cytoplasm during infection.

Induction of antigen-specific CD8+ cytolytic T cells by the exogenous bacterial antigen streptolysin O in rhesus monkeys

We have characterized the T cell responses induced by streptolysin O (SLO), a sulfhydryl-activated hemolysin secreted by streptococci, by applying long-term in vitro culture and cloning rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) T cells. T cell lines specific for SLO were obtained from three rhesus monkeys. These T cell lines required autologous antigen-presenting cells (APC) to proliferate in response to SLO and did not respond to purified protein derivative. Phenotypic analysis showed that the cells from two of three SLO-specific T cell lines were more than 85% CD3+CD4-CD8+ after prolonged in vitro culture. The rh 1842 CD8+ T cell line proliferative response to SLO was inhibited by the addition of anti-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and anti-CD8 but not of anti-MHC class II and anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody (mAb). This cell line was able to lyse P815 target cells in the presence of anti-CD3 mAb and did not show natural killer activity. Moreover, specific lysis of autologous but not allogeneic non-rosetting E- cell targets pulsed with SLO was observed. Such lysis was inhibited by the addition of anti-MHC class I mAb. In the attempt to identify the restriction elements involved in SLO presentation APC from six unrelated rhesus monkeys and three humans were used. A CD4+ rh 1842 T cell clone responded when SLO was presented by one of six, and a CD8+ rh 1842 T cell clone by four of six rhesus monkeys APC. Both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell clones did not respond when SLO was presented by human APC. However, both clones responded when APC from all donors were used in conjunction with anti-CD3 mb. Furthermore, SLO required active processing to be presented to CD4+ and CD8+ T cell clones as glutaraldehyde fixation of APC before but not after antigen pulsing inhibited T cell proliferation. The SLO-specific CD8+ cytolytic T cells described here could play a role in the regulation of the immune response occurring during streptococcal infections and/or could participate in the pathogenesis of poststreptococcal nonsuppurative sequelae.

[The properties and areas of use of an immobilized granulated streptolysin O]

The heat-resistant preparations of immobilized granulated streptolysin O were obtained with the use of emulsion polymerization techniques. In experiments the presence of gangliosides and cholesterol affected the hemolytic activity of immobilized streptolysine O. The preparations thus obtained were used in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as antigens for the determination of specific antibodies in rheumatic fever patients and healthy persons.

Lack of IgG4 antibody response to carbohydrate antigens in patients with lymphatic filariasis

It has been suggested that humans are genetically restricted from making IgG4 antibody responses to carbohydrate antigens. To test this hypothesis we examined sera from 35 patients with bancroftian filariasis (an infection known to induce very high levels of IgG4 antibodies to the parasite and known to be associated with repeated streptococcal infections) as well as from 15 normal individuals for their IgG and IgG subclass responses to streptococcal protein [streptolysin-O (SO), deoxyribonuclease B (DB)] and carbohydrate [group A carbohydrate (GAC)] antigens. Levels of IgG antibodies to all three antigens were found to be significantly higher in the filariasis patients compared to normals (P less than 0.01), and the subclass composition of these antibodies proved heterogenous. Although responses to all three antigens included IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3 antibodies and although IgG4 responses to the proteins SO and DB were significantly higher in the filariasis patients than in normals (P less than 0.001), more importantly there were no detectable anti-GAC IgG4 antibodies in either study group. These observations, coupled with our earlier finding of the absence of IgG4 responses to phosphocholine (PC) in patients with lymphatic filariasis, suggest that even the chronic antigenic stimulation of filarial helminth infection, which leads to very prominent IgG4 responses to protein antigens, cannot overcome the genetic restriction in humans for making IgG4 antibodies to carbohydrate antigens, whether of parasite or non-parasite origin.

Use of streptokinase as a recall antigen for lymphocyte proliferation testing in vitro

The use of streptokinase (SK) as a recall antigen (Ag) for stimulation of human lymphocyte proliferation in vitro was evaluated. SK is a potent stimulant, inducing a greater response than three other Ags, tetanus toxoid, Candida albicans extract, or streptolysin. The optimum stimulatory concentration is 1000 U/ml, and peak stimulation occurs between days 6 and 8. Human cord-blood lymphocytes do not respond to SK, suggesting that it is an Ag and not a mitogen. The response rate in an adult population was 82%, higher than the rate of two other Ags tested (tetanus toxoid or Candida). These findings demonstrate the ability of SK to act as a potent recall Ag for human lymphocyte proliferation in vitro.

Complement activation and antibody binding by pneumolysin via a region of the toxin homologous to a human acute-phase protein

Pneumolysin, a membrane-damaging toxin, is known to activate the classical complement pathway. We have shown that 1 microgram ml-1 of pneumolysin can activate complement, which is a much lower level than observed previously. We have identified two distinct regions of pneumolysin which show homology with a contiguous sequence within acute-phase proteins, including human C-reactive protein (CRP). Site-directed mutagenesis of the pneumolysin gene was used to change residues common to pneumolysin and CRP. Some of the modified toxins had a reduced ability both to activate complement and bind antibody. We suggest that the ability of pneumolysin to activate complement is related to its ability to bind the Fc portion of immunoglobulin G.

Purification and immunogenicity of genetically obtained pneumolysin toxoids and their conjugation to Streptococcus pneumoniae type 19F polysaccharide

As part of an ongoing study concerned with improving human vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae, the genes for two defined pneumolysin (PL) toxoids (pneumolysoids), Pd-A (PL with a Cys----Gly substitution at amino acid 428) and Pd-B (PL with a Trp----Phe substitution at position 433), were inserted into the high-expression vector pKK233-2 in Escherichia coli and the pneumolysoids were purified. Groups of mice which had been immunized with either Pd-A, Pd-B, or native PL purified from S. pneumoniae were then challenged either intranasally or intraperitoneally with virulent pneumococci. Mice in all immunized groups survived significantly longer than sham-immunized controls. Both pneumolysoids were more effective than PL as protective immunogens. Pneumolysoid Pd-B was conjugated covalently with pneumococcal type 19F capsular polysaccharide (19F PS), and the immunogenicities of both the protein and the PS moieties of the conjugate in mice were determined. Significant anti-PL titers were obtained, and the immunogenicity of the 19F PS moiety was markedly enhanced compared with that of unconjugated PS. Conjugation also appears to have converted the 19F PS into an antigen capable of inducing a booster effect. These results support the notion that the efficacy of human, PS-based antipneumococcal vaccines might be improved by supplementation with pneumolysoid in the form of a covalent pneumolysoid-PS conjugate.

[Functional state of peripheral blood neutrophils in children with rheumatism and borderline conditions]

The authors discuss the effect of exotoxin of beta-hemolytic streptococcus (streptolysin-O) on the chemotactic activity of the peripheral blood leukocytes. 107 children with various forms of rheumatic fever and acute diseases of Streptococcal etiology and 18 healthy children were examined. The absence of the phenomenon of a specific chemotactic deactivation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in response to streptolysin-O in healthy persons and in those suffering from rheumatic fever has been revealed. Sharply marked sensitization of polymorphonuclear leukocytes to streptolysin-O in patients with rheumatism increasing in the course of the disease and remaining in the inactive phase has been noted. The functional activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes is characterized by chemotactic deactivation in response to streptolysin O that probably provides a favorable outcome of the disease.