The production of neuraminidase and fucosidase by Helicobacter pylori: their possible relationship to pathogenicity.
The pathogenicity of enterobacteria often correlates with their production of neuraminidase (sialidase). Forty-nine Helicobacter pylori isolates have therefore been examined for their production of neuraminidase and other glycosidases. All 49 isolates produced considerable neuraminidase (median 228 IU/microg protein, interquartile range 121-370), pH optimum 7.5. Nine of the 49 also produced fucosidase (median 23 IU/microg protein, interquartile range 12-39), pH optimum 7.0. Production of these enzymes did not correlate with bacterial Cag A expression or duodenal ulceration. Neutrophils exposed to neuraminidase show increased adherence to endothelium so the neuraminidase production by H. pylori could partly explain the predominant neutrophil inflammatory infiltrate seen in H. pylori-associated gastritis. Inhibition of this enzyme by use of neuraminidase-inhibitors could be a useful therapeutic approach.
Dwarakanath
A D
AD
Department of Medicine and Medical Microbiology, University of Liverpool, UK.
Tsai
H H
HH
Sunderland
D
D
Hart
C A
CA
Figura
N
N
Crabtree
J E
JE
Rhodes
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005798:Genes, Bacterial; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000201:enzymology / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009439:Neuraminidase / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D010437:Peptic Ulcer / Q000382:microbiology; D005644:alpha-L-Fucosidase / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D009439:Neuraminidase; D005644:alpha-L-Fucosidase