Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus Supernatant Containing Streptolysin S Alters the Equine Nasal and Vaginal Mucosa, Modulating Equine Herpesvirus 1, 3 and 4 Infections

TL;DR

A toxin from a common equine bacterium damages nasal and vaginal tissues, making it easier for equine herpesviruses to replicate.

Contribution

This study shows that streptolysin S from Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus enhances equine herpesvirus replication by damaging mucosal epithelium.

Findings

SLS-containing supernatants at dilutions 10−2 and 10−3 compromised epithelial integrity in equine nasal and vaginal explants.

Viral replication increased in explants treated with SLS 10−3, indicating that epithelial damage facilitates herpesvirus infection.

The study demonstrates a bacterial-viral interaction that exacerbates disease through mucosal damage.

Abstract

The equine respiratory and reproductive tract microbiomes are complex and subject to constant fluctuations. Among the microbial inhabitants, Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) is recognized as the dominant bacterium. It is an opportunistic pathogen that may occasionally lead to various types of infections. A key virulence factor of SEZ is the streptolysin S (SLS) toxin, which is responsible for the characteristic β-hemolysis on blood agar and tissue damage. Viruses and bacteria may interact and aggravate lesions and disease. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an SLS-containing supernatant from SEZ on the nasal and vaginal mucosa and the subsequent replication of equine herpesviruses. The SLS-containing supernatant was prepared, and three 10-fold dilutions (optical density “OD” 10−2, 10−3, 10−4) were applied to equine nasal and vaginal explants. Untreated and EGTA-treated explants served as controls. Epithelial integrity was assessed by measuring the thickness and intercellular spaces. Nasal explants were inoculated with EHV-1 and EHV-4, while vaginal explants received EHV-1 and EHV-3. Viral replication was estimated via immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy. SLS-containing supernatants 10−2 and 10−3 compromised epithelial integrity. Viral replication increased in explants treated with SLS 10−3, demonstrating SLS’s damaging effects on the epithelium, facilitating equine herpesvirus replication.

Figures