Life cycle of Rickettsia slovaca in L929 cell line studied by quantitative real-time PCR and transmission electron microscopy

FEMS Microbiol Lett. 2009 Apr;293(1):102-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2009.01510.x. Epub 2008 Feb 10.

Abstract

Rickettsia slovaca, a member of spotted fever rickettsiae, is an agent of a mild human disease known as Tibola or Debonel. Using quantitative real-time PCR we identified the highest point of multiplication of wild and standard type (strain B) of R. slovaca on the second vs. the fourth day postinfection. Comparing both types of R. slovaca by transmission electron microscopy substantiated different cytopathological and morphological changes in infected cells and other differences, for example a slight shift of stages during the life cycle that presented in a variety of forms and localization of the studied Rickettsia within the infected cells. Our study provides a valuable insight into the pathogenicity and virulence of R. slovaca.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Dermacentor / microbiology
  • Fibroblasts / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • L Cells
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission / methods*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Rickettsia / classification
  • Rickettsia / genetics
  • Rickettsia / growth & development*
  • Rickettsia / pathogenicity*
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA

Substances

  • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins
  • OMPA outer membrane proteins