Pathogenicity and Virulence of <i>Trueperella pyogenes</i>: A Review

• Main Authors: Magdalena Rzewuska, Ewelina Kwiecień, Dorota Chrobak-Chmiel, Magdalena Kizerwetter-Świda, Ilona Stefańska, Małgorzata Gieryńska
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-06-01
• Series: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
• Subjects: <i>Trueperella pyogenes</i>; virulence; pyolysin; infection; pathogenicity; immune response; <i>Actinomycetales</i>
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/20/11/2737

Bacteria from the species <i>Trueperella pyogenes</i> are a part of the biota of skin and mucous membranes of the upper respiratory, gastrointestinal, or urogenital tracts of animals, but also, opportunistic pathogens. <i>T. pyogenes</i> causes a variety of purulent infections, such as metritis, mastitis, pneumonia, and abscesses, which, in livestock breeding, generate significant economic losses. Although this species has been known for a long time, many questions concerning the mechanisms of infection pathogenesis, as well as reservoirs and routes of transmission of bacteria, remain poorly understood. Pyolysin is a major known virulence factor of <i>T. pyogenes</i> that belongs to the family of cholesterol-dependent cytolysins. Its cytolytic activity is associated with transmembrane pore formation. Other putative virulence factors, including neuraminidases, extracellular matrix-binding proteins, fimbriae, and biofilm formation ability, contribute to the adhesion and colonization of the host tissues. However, data about the pathogen&#8722;host interactions that may be involved in the development of <i>T. pyogenes</i> infection are still limited. The aim of this review is to present the current knowledge about the pathogenic potential and virulence of <i>T. pyogenes</i>.