Use of green fluorescent protein in visualisation of pneumococcal invasion of broncho-epithelial cells in vivo

Kadioglu, A., Sharpe, J. A., Lazou, I., Svanborg, C., Ockleford, C., Mitchell, T. J. and Andrew, P. A. (2001) Use of green fluorescent protein in visualisation of pneumococcal invasion of broncho-epithelial cells in vivo. FEMS Microbiology Letters, 194(1), pp. 105-110. (doi: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2001.tb09454.x)

Abstract

The pneumococcus is the principle cause of bacterial pneumonia and also a major cause of bacterial meningitis. The mechanisms and sites of pneumococcal adherence and invasion of the respiratory tract in vivo are not clear however. We have made pneumococci expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) and used it to trace pneumococcal adherence and invasion in vivo. By using GFP pneumococci we have shown bacterial adherence and invasion of broncho-epithelial cells in vivo by 4 h post-infection, with increases in pneumococcal invasiveness by 24 h. Using confocal image analysis we have shown varying levels of pneumococcal penetration and internalisation into host cells, as well as translocation through epithelial layers. To our knowledge this is the first report of pneumococcal invasion and cellular translocation in vivo

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Mitchell, Professor Timothy
• Authors: Kadioglu, A., Sharpe, J. A., Lazou, I., Svanborg, C., Ockleford, C., Mitchell, T. J., and Andrew, P. A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: FEMS Microbiology Letters
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 0378-1097
• ISSN (Online): 1574-6968
• Published Online: 09 January 2006