[Investigation of molecular virulence factors of Yersinia enterocolitica 1B/08 human clinical isolates collected in Poland in 2009].

Abstract

Introduction: The high-pathogenicity Y. enterocolitica bioserotype 1B/O8 has been isolated from human clinical samples since 2004 year in Poland. The group of "American" strains of Y. enterocolitica is considered to be the second, major causative agent ofyersiniosis in Poland, after the predominant bioserotype 4/O3. The high-pathogenicity of Y. enterocolitica 1B/O8 is likely attributed to the presence of a couple of chromosomally encoded virulence factors including yersiniabactin (Ybt). The aim of the present study was to examine the occurrence of known virulence factors in human clinical isolates of Yersinia enterocolitica bioserotype 18/08, isolated in Poland.

Methods: The group of 64 isolates of Y. enterocolitica bioserotype 1B/O8, isolated from clinical specimens in Poland in 2009 year was examined for the presence of the selected virulence determinants by multiplex-PCR.

Results: All of the tested Y. enterocolitica 1B/O8 isolates have the same virulotype (ail+, ystA+, myfA+, myfB+, myfC+ irp1+, irp2+, fuyA+, yst1+ chiY+, ysrS+), specific for the high--pathogenicity American strains of Y. enterocolitica.

Conclusions: Presence of the genes encoding yersiniabactin (irp1+, irp2+, fuyA+), chromosomal secretion system Ysa (chiY+, ysrS+) and Yst1 (yst1+) may argue for the extended pathogenic potential of the Y. enterocolitica bioserotype 1B/O8 in Poland.