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Identification of a surface virulence determinant of Trichomonas gallinae
Abstract
Trichomonas gallinae is a protozoan parasite of birds (especially pigeons). Strains have been identified that can kill a nonimmune pigeon in less than 3 weeks (virulent), while other strains cause no damage to the host (avirulent). Structurally, these parasites are identical, yet in the host they behave radically different. This study defines characteristics that differentiate two virulent hepatotropic strains from four avirulent strains. The surface of two virulent and one avirulent strain were probed with FITC-conjugated lectins. One lectin, ConA was found to bind 2-3 times more to the virulent strains than the avirulent strain. Analysis of ConA probed western blots of whole parasite and plasma membrane protein showed a 140-150 kDa glycoprotein specific to the two virulent strains, not found in four avirulent strains. Virulent strains were found to adhere earlier and in larger numbers to HeLa and CGBQ cells in parasite-cell culture systems, than avirulent strains. Antiserum to the 140-150 kDa area was not only specific to the two virulent strains (seen by fluorescence) but also blocked adhesion of the two virulent strains and not the one avirulent strain (controls used preimmune Ab or Fab). Virulent strains could destroy HeLa monolayers while avirulent strains did not. The 140-150 kDa antibody was virulence associated, and was effective in decreasing the amount of monolayer destruction when added along with the parasites. The 140-150 kDa glycoprotein appears to be a virulence determinant of two pathogenic hepatotropic strains of Trichomonas gallinae.
Subject Area
Zoology
Recommended Citation
Narcisi, Elizabeth Mary, "Identification of a surface virulence determinant of Trichomonas gallinae" (1990). Doctoral Dissertations Available from Proquest. AAI9110194.
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI9110194