Role for Flagella but Not Intimin in the Persistent Infection of the Gastrointestinal Tissues of Specific-Pathogen-Free Chicks by Shiga Toxin-Negative Escherichia coli O157:H7

• DOI: 10.1128/iai.73.3.1836-1846.2005
• Publication Date: 2005-02-24T01:58:44Z
• Authors: Angus Best; Roberto M. La Rag...; A. Robin Sayers; Martin J. Woodward
• Keywords: Intimin; Shiga-like toxin

ABSTRACT Shiga toxin (Stx)-positive Escherichia coli O157:H7 readily colonize and persist in specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chicks, we have shown that an Stx-negative E. isolate (NCTC12900) colonizes SPF chicks for up to 169 days after oral inoculation at 1 day of age. However, the role intimin persistent colonization poultry remains unclear. Thus, investigate flagella, which is a known factor persistence non-O157 poultry, isogenic single- double-intimin aflagellar mutants were constructed NCTC12900. These used inoculate (10 5 CFU) 1-day-old chicks. In general, significant attenuation aflagellate intimin-aflagellate mutants, but not mutant, was noted similar time points between 22 92 inoculation. The intimin-deficient mutant still being shed end experiment, 211 inoculation, 84 more than wild type. Shedding intimin-aflagellar ceased 99 113 respectively. Histological analysis gastrointestinal tissues from inoculated birds gave no evidence true microcolony formation by NCTC12900 or epithelial cells. derivatives associated with mucosa observed as individual cells and/or large aggregates. Association luminal contents also noted. data suggest O157 organisms do require chickens, whereas flagella play this process.