CHARACTERIZATION OF IN VIVO ADHESION OF ACTINOBACILLUS PLEUROPNEUMONIAE TO LUNG ALVEOLI OF PIGS

摘要

In previous studies, it was shown that Actinobacillits pleuropneumoniae (App) adheres in vivo to the epithelium of the alveoli or the cilia of the terminal bronchioli of experimentally infected pigs (1). Adherence of bacteria to host tissue constitutes the first step in pathogenesis, allowing colonization and exertion of its pathogenic effects. Previously, we have demonstrated that an App serotype 9 strain grown on a NAD-restricted medium adheres in vitro to cultures of alveolar epithelial cells. Cultivating this strain on a NAD-rich medium resulted in a clear decrease in adherence. It was also demonstrated that proteins play a major role in in vitro adhesion (2), The objective of the present study was to further characterize the in vivo adhesion of App to lung alveoli.