Dados do Trabalho

Título

Identification of virulence and pathogenicity factors in Yersinia pestis strains from the Fiocruz/CYP collection

Introdução

Yersinia pestis, the etiological agent of plague, represents a significant public health concern worldwide. The Fiocruz/CYP collection comprises 917 Y. pestis strains isolated between 1966 and 1997 from wild rodents, fleas, and humans during epidemics or surveillance activities in rural areas from Northeast of Brazil. Within the study of Y. pestis pathogenesis, pivotal virulence and pathogenicity factors include irp2, caf1, lcrV, and pla. These factors are integral to various aspects of Y. pestis pathogenicity, including iron acquisition, host tissue adhesion, suppression of host immune responses, and facilitation of bacterial dissemination. Detecting virulence factors in the Y. pestis strains from the Fiocruz/CYP collection is crucial for understanding their disease-causing potential, tracking genetic diversity, and developing effective strategies for plague control.

Objetivo (s)

The objective of this study was to identify the virulence and pathogenicity factors of Y. pestis strains from the Fiocruz/CYP collection. 

Material e Métodos

Y. pestis strains were reactivated in CYP broth and subjected to identification using the specific bacteriophage test. Genomic DNA was extracted from cultured samples using the DNeasy Blood & Tissue Kit. Detection of major virulence markers, including the irp2, caf1, lcrV, and pla genes, was performed via PCR. Results were visualized and documented using L-Pix photodocumentation system.

Resultados e Conclusão

The analysis of virulence and pathogenicity factors was performed on 34 Y. pestis isolates, revealing diverse patterns of gene presence and absence. The irp2 gene was identified in a total of 26 analyzed samples (76.5%), while the caf1 gene was present in all analyzed samples. Additionally, the lcrV and pla genes were present in most examined samples, with the former present in 31 isolates (91.2%) and the latter in 28 isolates (82.4%). Notably, a total of 20 samples (58.9%) exhibited simultaneous presence of all four genes. Variation in the presence of the irp2, caf1, lcrV, and pla genes among Y. pestis strains reflects diversity in virulence and pathogen adaptation to different environments and hosts, indicating a complex interaction between the pathogen and its natural environment.

Palavras Chave

YERSINIA PESTIS; Virulence factors; Pathogenicity.