Phenotypic characterization of pathogenic Cronobacter spp. strains. (August 2018) - Jia, Xiangyin
Abstract: Background: Cronobacter species are Gram-negative opportunistic foodborne pathogens that may cause enterocolitis, bacteremia and meningitis in neonates and premature neonates. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) serves as the major component of the outer membrane of cell, is a potential virulence factor for Cronobacter . Methods: Given the potential importance of this molecule in infection and virulence, SDS-PAGE of LPS, MS and TLC characterization of phospholipids and phenotypic characterization of Cronobacter spp. strains were carried out. Result: The phospholipids from Cronobacter yielded four major peaks at m/z 719.9, 733.9, 747.9 and 773.9 in the spectrum. All Cronobacter showed O-antigen bands except C. muytjensii ATCC 51329. When Cronobacter defect O-antigen, the outer membrane permeability and cell surface hydrophobicities are increased. All Cronobacter are able to grow under pH 5.0 condition and able to grow under 6% NaCl concentration. C. dublinensis DSM 18705 has a higher infection rate to Caco-2 cells than other Cronobacter . Conclusion: Invasion of pathogens into a host cell is critical component to an infectious case. And C. dublinensis DSM 18705 has a higher infection rate to Caco-2 cells than other Cronobacter . Highlights: All Cronobacter showed O-antigen bands except C. muytjensii ATCC 51329. The outer membrane permeability and cell surface hydrophobicities of C. muytjensii ATCC 51329 have been increased. The phospholipids from Cronobacter yielded four major peaks in the spectrum. All Cronobacter were able to grow under pH 5.0 condition and able to grow under 6% NaCl concentration. C. dublinensis DSM 18705 has a higher infection rate to Caco-2 cells than other Cronobacter .