Streptococcus suis Serotype 2 Infection Induces Splenomegaly with Splenocyte Apoptosis
Shujie Wang, Gang Wang, Yan‐Dong Tang, Siqi Li, Lei Qin, Menghang Wang, Yongbo Yang, Marcelo Gottschalk, Xuehui Cai
Abstract
Streptococcus suis serotype 2 is considered an emerging pathogen and represents a threat to humans and animals. The spleen is an important peripheral immune organ, and splenomegaly is a consequence of lesions and an important clinical indicator of S. suis infection. However, knowledge of the mechanisms underlying spleen lesions is still very limited. In the present work, we made the investigation to explain the phenomenon and the related immunomodulation in a mouse infection model. The obtained results show that inflammation contributes to splenomegaly, while apoptosis contributes to lymphocyte disruption in spleens. Related signaling pathways were discovered which have never been associated with S. suis-induced splenic injury. The new knowledge generated will help us better understand the mechanism of S. suis pathogenesis.