Production of neuraminidase by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (790.3)

Abstract

Rationale: Neuraminidase (NA), an enzyme which cleaves sialic acids from underlying glycans, is considered a virulence factor for several pathogenic bacteria. The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is also known to produce NA. P. aeruginosa NA (PaNA) has been implicated in biofilm formation and colonization of respiratory epithelium in cystic fibrosis. However, a clear role for PaNA in other disease states has not been determined. In order to investigate potential roles of PaNA in infection, the NA enzyme must be isolated and purified. NA production by other bacteria, such as Streptococcus spp, correlates with the late logarithmic or early stationary phases of bacterial growth. Additionally, conditions such as growth media have been shown to influence NA production. In order to optimize production of NA by P. aeruginosa strain Pa103, growth curves were performed along with NA activity assays. Methods: P. aeruginosa strain Pa103 was grown in various broth cultures: Brain Heart Infusion (BHI), BHI +10% Newborn Calf Serum (NCS), and BHI + 10% heat‐inactivated NCS. Samples were taken hourly for NA activity assays. Results: NA activity peaked in the late logarithmic/early stationary phase of growth, regardless of serum added to the media. NA activity was not enhanced by the addition of serum. Conclusion: P. aeruginosa Pa103 produces NA in agreement with patterns observed in other NA producing bacteria.Grant Funding Source: Supported by R01HL107778