Phenotypic diversity of Tropheryma whipplei clinical isolates. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boumaza, Asma Fatima; Arrindell, Jeffrey; Ben Azzouz, Eya; Desnues, Benoit
• Is Part Of: Microbial pathogenesis. Volume 158(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: Tropheryma whipplei -- Clinical isolates -- Pathogenicity -- WiSP -- Whipple's disease; Pathogenic microorganisms -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- microbiology -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- parasitology -- Periodicals; Micro-organismes pathogènes -- Périodiques; Pathologie moléculaire -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.9041
• DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105074
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0882-4010

Abstract

Abstract: Tropheryma whipplei is a bacterial pathogen responsible for a wide range of infections in humans, covering asymptomatic carriage, acute infections, chronic isolated infections and classic Whipple's disease. Although the bacterium is commonly found in the environment, it very rarely causes disease. Genetic comparison of clinical isolates has revealed that main variations were found in region encoding T. whipplei surface glycoproteins called WiSP. However, no association has been made between the genetic diversity and the clinical manifestations of the infection. In this study we evaluated the phenotypic diversity of 26 clinical isolates from different origins and taken from patient with different infection outcomes. MRC5 and macrophages cells were infected, and bacterial uptake, survival and the pro-and anti-inflammatory potential of the different clinical isolates was assessed. No significant difference of phagocytosis was found between the different isolates; however, we found that bacterial replication was increased for bacteria expressing high molecular weight WiSP. In addition, we found that the expression of the genes coding for IL-1β and TGF-β was significantly higher when MRC5 cells were stimulated with isolates from chronic infections compared to isolates from localized infections while no significant differences were observed in macrophages. Overall, our study revealed that, as previously observed at the genetic level, phenotypic diversity of T. whipplei isolates is associated with the expression of different WiSP, which may result in subtle differences in host responses. Other host factors or genetic predisposition may explain the range of clinical manifestations of T. whipplei infections. Highlights: Tropheryma whipplei infections encompass several clinical entities The glycoprofile varies greatly between clinical isolates. Bacterial uptake, replication and host response are similar. Host factors may explain the range of clinical manifestations.