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Neisseria gonorrhoeae MS11mkC opacity protein expression in vitro and during human volunteer infectivity studies.

Authors :
Schmidt KA
Deal CD
Kwan M
Thattassery E
Schneider H
Source :
Sexually transmitted diseases [Sex Transm Dis] 2000 May; Vol. 27 (5), pp. 278-83.
Publication Year :
2000

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Neisseria gonorrhoeae MS11mkC harbors 11 independently expressed opacity (Opa) protein genes with distinct in vitro expression frequencies. In experimental infections in which human male volunteers were inoculated with transparent (Opa), piliated (P+) strains, the authors associate onset of symptoms with recovery of opaque (Opa+) gonococci.<br />Goals: In vitro and recovered (Opa) protein expression rates were compared to determine if the human host influences Opa expression.<br />Study Design: Opa expression was determined using Western immunoblot analysis; Opa sizes were determined using a scanning densitometer.<br />Results: Seven of 10 Opa proteins were identified in gonococci recovered from all of the volunteers at frequencies consistent with in vitro results (Opa C, 29.5 kDa; Opa K, 30 kDa; Opa G, 31 kDa; Opa I, 32 kDa; Opa J, 33 kDa; Opa D, 34 kDa; and Opa H, 37 kDa) (P > or = 0.01, Fisher exact test). Opa B (30.5 kDa) was identified at lower than expected frequencies, whereas Opa E (31.2) and F (31.5) were identified at higher' than expected frequencies. When recovered gonococci were reanalyzed for in vitro expression frequencies, they were consistent with preinfection frequencies.<br />Conclusions: The host may influence the prevalence of some Opa proteins.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0148-5717
Volume :
27
Issue :
5
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Sexually transmitted diseases
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
10821601
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1097/00007435-200005000-00008