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Quorum Sensing Signal Molecules Produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Cause Inflammation and Escape Host Factors in Murine Model of Urinary Tract Infection

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Abstract

Quorum sensing (QS) is well established for its role in pathogenesis of various infections of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, its role in local tissue damage during urinary tract infection (UTI) is not yet fully established. To have insight in this, the present study was planned. UTI was established in mice using standard strain PAO1 and its isogenic QS mutant JP2. One group was challenged only with QS signals. Damage was assessed in terms of histopathology and pathology markers, malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNI). Effect on pathogen motility, uroepithelial adhesion, and host serum sensitivity was also ascertained. PAO1-infected mice showed severe inflammation and tissue destruction, while mice infected with JP2 showed no significant destruction. JP2 was also unable to mount any tissue pathology markers, MDA and RNI, whereas PAO1 showed significantly higher levels of these two. Presence of only QS signals also showed considerable renal pathology. Strain JP2 also showed less motility, reduced uroepithelial cell adhesion, and increased serum sensitivity. Result highlights that QS signals induce local tissue pathology along with interference of host protective mechanisms during UTI.

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Abbreviations

QS:

Quorum sensing

UTI:

Urinary tract infection

MDA:

Malondialdehyde

RNI:

Reactive nitrogen intermediates

HCl:

Hydrochloric acid

NaCl:

Sodium chloride

UEC:

Uroepithelial cell

PMNs:

Polymorphonuclear leucocytes

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The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microbiology, BMS Block, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India, 160014

    Parul Gupta, Ravi Kumar Gupta & Kusum Harjai

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  1. Parul Gupta
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  2. Ravi Kumar Gupta
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  3. Kusum Harjai
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Correspondence to Kusum Harjai.

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Gupta, P., Gupta, R.K. & Harjai, K. Quorum Sensing Signal Molecules Produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Cause Inflammation and Escape Host Factors in Murine Model of Urinary Tract Infection. Inflammation 36, 1153–1159 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10753-013-9650-y

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