Specific strains of Streptococcus mutans, a pathogen of dental caries, in the tonsils, are associated with IgA nephropathy

Sci Rep. 2019 Dec 27;9(1):20130. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-56679-2.

Abstract

Streptococcus mutans is known to be a major causative agent of dental caries, and strains expressing the cell surface collagen-binding Cnm protein contribute to the development of several systemic diseases. A relationship between tonsillar immunity and glomerulonephritis has been recognized in IgA nephropathy (IgAN), and specific pathogens may have effects on tonsillar immunity (mucosal immunity). Here, we present findings showing a relationship between the presence of Cnm-positive S. mutans strains in the tonsils of IgAN patients and IgAN condition/pathogenesis. Analyses of tonsillar specimens obtained from patients with IgAN (n = 61) and chronic tonsillitis (controls; n = 40) showed that the Cnm protein-positive rate was significantly higher in IgAN patients. Among IgAN patients, the tonsillar Cnm-positive group (n = 15) had a significantly higher proportion of patients with high urinary protein (>1.5 g/gCr) and lower serum albumin level than the Cnm-negative group (n = 46). Additionally, Cnm protein and CD68, a common human macrophage marker, were shown to be merged in the tonsils of IgAN patients. These findings suggest that Cnm-positive S. mutans strains in the tonsils may be associated with severe IgAN.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers
  • Biopsy
  • Disease Susceptibility* / immunology
  • Female
  • Glomerulonephritis, IGA / diagnosis
  • Glomerulonephritis, IGA / etiology*
  • Glomerulonephritis, IGA / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Palatine Tonsil / immunology*
  • Palatine Tonsil / microbiology*
  • Palatine Tonsil / pathology
  • Streptococcal Infections / complications
  • Streptococcal Infections / immunology
  • Streptococcal Infections / microbiology
  • Streptococcus mutans / immunology*
  • Tonsillitis / complications
  • Tonsillitis / immunology
  • Tonsillitis / microbiology
  • Tonsillitis / pathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers