Variation in the attachment of Streptococcus pneumoniae to human pharyngeal epithelial cells after treatment with S-carboxymethylcysteine.
S-carboxymethylcysteine (S-CMC) is a mucolytic agent that can prevent respiratory infection by decreasing the attachment of respiratory pathogens to human pharyngeal epithelial cells (HPECs). Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of respiratory infections. A previous study revealed that treatment of S. pneumoniae with S-CMC caused a decrease in the attachment of this bacterium to HPECs. In the present study we found that the effect of S-CMC varied according to hosts and strains. S-CMC treatment altered the surface structure of S. pneumoniae, resulting in a decrease of attachment, without affecting the virulence of the bacteria.
Suer
Eda
E
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey.
Sayrac
Suha
S
Sarinay
Elif
E
Ozturk
Hakan Emre
HE
Turkoz
Mustafa
M
Ichinose
Akitoyo
A
Nagatake
Tsuyoshi
T
Ahmed
Kamruddin
K
D000818:Animals; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects*; D002233:Carbocysteine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000382:microbiology; D005100:Expectorants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D010614:Pharynx / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D013296:Streptococcus pneumoniae / Q000187:drug effects*
D005100:Expectorants; D002233:Carbocysteine