Esp Protein in Enterococcus faecium and Its Role in Intestinal Colonization
Author Information
Author(s): Heikens Esther, Leendertse Masja, Wijnands Lucas M, van Luit-Asbroek Miranda, Bonten Marc JM, van der Poll Tom, Willems Rob JL
Primary Institution: University Medical Center Utrecht
Hypothesis
Does the enterococcal surface protein Esp facilitate bacterial adherence and intestinal colonization of Enterococcus faecium?
Conclusion
Esp is not essential for Caco-2 cell adherence and intestinal colonization or translocation of E. faecium in mice.
Supporting Evidence
- No differences in adherence to Caco-2 cells were found between the Esp expressing strain and its Esp-deficient mutant.
- Both strains were able to colonize the murine intestines with high and comparable numbers.
- Both strains translocated to the mesenteric lymph nodes.
Takeaway
The study found that a protein called Esp isn't needed for the bacteria Enterococcus faecium to stick to the gut or to grow there.
Methodology
The study used adherence assays with Caco-2 cells and a mouse model for intestinal colonization.
Participant Demographics
Specific pathogen-free 10-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were used.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.002
Statistical Significance
p<0.005
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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