Adherence of Streptococcus equi on tongue, cheek and nasal epithelial cells of ponies.

The research article explores the adherence of a type of bacteria known as Streptococcus equi to various types of epithelial cells in ponies. In this study, the bacteria showed a higher rate of adherence to cells from adult animals compared to foals and this adherence was significantly influenced by various factors such as pH levels, heat treatment, and the use of certain enzymes and antibodies.

Adherence and Conditions

• The researchers observed that Streptococcus equi was more likely to stick to the tongue, cheek, and nasal epithelial cells in ponies in an in vitro (outside the body) environment.
• This adherence was highest at a pH level of 7.5 and typically occurred one hour after the bacteria was incubated with the epithelial cells.
• The study also revealed that the adherence was higher in cells from adult animals than those from foals, suggesting that the age of the animal could have an impact on bacterial adherence.

Impact of Heat, Enzymes, and Antibodies

• Exposing the streptococci to heat (60 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes) or treating it with certain enzymes such as pepsin or trypsin led to a decrease in adherence.
• In contrast, treatment with an enzyme called hyaluronidase resulted in an increase in adherence.
• When the bacteria were exposed to antibodies against S. equi cells or M-like protein, the adherence was blocked. This indicates that these specific antibodies could potentially be used to prevent or reduce bacterial attachment.
• However, antibodies against group-specific carbohydrates or lipoteichoic acids were ineffective in blocking adherence.

Specificity of S. Equi

• Pretreating the epithelial cells with either the M-like protein or a crude extract of S. equi reduced adherence, suggesting these substances could interfere with the adherence process.
• When cells were treated with an extract of S. zooepidemicus, another type of streptococci, adherence was not affected. This suggests that the adhesive mechanism of S. equi could be specific to this type of bacteria.
• The researchers believe that the adherence of S. equi to the epithelial cells is mediated by structures that are specific to this bacteria.