Mechanisms of epithelial cells infection by Leptospira interrogans

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K08467
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Bacteriology (including mycology)
• Research Institution: University of the Ryukyus
• Principal Investigator: Toma Claudia 琉球大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 准教授 (40325832)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: Leptospira / infection / epithelial cells

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Leptospira interrogans is a pathogenic, spirochetal bacterium that is responsible for leptospirosis, an emerging worldwide zoonosis. Leptospires colonize the renal proximal tubules and chronically infect the kidney. Live bacteria are excreted into urine, contaminating the environment. In the present study, we compared the interactions between a virulent, low passage (LP) strain and a cultured-attenuated, high passage (HP) strain with epithelial cells.
Our results suggested that L.interrogans are able to manipulate the host oxidative stress response of epithelial cells. During the long-term colonization, leptospires aggregated and attached to the brush border and membrane vesicles which are involved in the formation of a biofilm-like structure.

Free Research Field

病原細菌学