Relationship between DNA nuclease and the virulence of Streptococcus suis serotype 9

Abstract:

[Objective] In addition to Streptococcus suis serotype 2, Streptococcus suis serotype 9 (SS9) is also a currently prevalent serotype and a zoonotic pathogen. In our previous study, SS9 DNA nuclease (SsnA) was considered as a candidate virulence factor. To clarify the impact of SsnA on SS9 virulence, we constructed ssnA mutant (ΔssnA) and studied its biological functions. [Methods] We evaluated the virulence of wild type strain and ΔssnA in a zebrafish infection model and compared the adherence rate to HEp-2 cells, the survival rate in pig blood, and enzymatic activity between wild type stain and ΔssnA. [Results] In a zebrafish infection experiment, the 50% lethal dose value of ΔssnA was 11.2-fold higher than that of wild type strain. The adherence rate of ΔssnA to HEp-2 cells was only 60.61% of the wild strain level. The survival rate of ΔssnA in pig blood was declined to 71.88% of wild strain level. The enzymatic activity assay showed that SsnA can degrade both linear and circular DNA. [Conclusion] SsnA contributes to SS9 virulence in a zebrafish infection model, the adherence to HEp-2 cells, and the survival in pig blood. SsnA is indeed an essential virulence factor for SS9.