Open AccessProtective Effect of the Nramp1 BB Genotype againstBrucella abortusin the Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Author(s) -
Rosanna Capparelli,
Flora Alfano,
Maria Grazia Amoroso,
Giorgia Borriello,
D. Fenizia,
Antonio Bianco,
Sante Roperto,
Franco Roperto,
Domenico Iannelli
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
infection and immunity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.508
H-Index - 220
eISSN - 1070-6313
pISSN - 0019-9567
DOI - 10.1128/iai.00948-06
Subject(s) - biology , genotype , bubalus , brucella , brucellaceae , direct agglutination test , microbiology and biotechnology , brucella abortus , intracellular parasite , allele , bacteria , brucellosis , antibody , complement fixation test , brucella melitensis , gene , virology , genetics , serology , ecology
We tested 413 water buffalo cows (142 cases and 271 controls) for the presence of anti-Brucella abortus antibodies (by the skin test, the agglutination test, and the complement fixation test) and the Nramp1 genotype (by capillary electrophoresis). Four alleles (Nramp1A, -B, -C, and -D) were detected in the 3' untranslated region of the Nramp1 gene. The BB genotype was represented among only controls, providing evidence that this genotype confers resistance to Brucella abortus. The monocytes from the BB (resistant) subjects displayed a higher basal level of Nramp1 mRNA and a lower number of viable intracellular bacteria than did the monocytes from AA (susceptible) subjects. The higher basal level of the antibacterial protein Nramp1 most probably provides the BB animals with the possibility of controlling bacteria immediately after their entry inside the cell.