Abstract
Background: Volcanic ash (VA) particles can adversely affect respiratory health(1) and travel far (2). Particles <10μm (PM10) can be inhaled into the airways; fine <PM2.5 and ultrafine particles <PM0.1 infiltrate the lower respiratory tract. Invasive pneumococcal disease involves bacteria adhering to airway cells via platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR).
Aim: Assess effect of La Palma VA particles on pneumococcal adhesion and PAFR expression in A549 alveolar epithelial cells in vitro.
Methods: VA particles from the La Palma 2021 eruption were collected by airfall on day 1 of eruption 19/09. Samples were filtered (10µm mesh), suspended in DPBS and added to adherent A549 lung epithelial cells (2x105 cells/well) in cell culture plates for 2h. After washing, D39 S. pneumoniae strain was incubated with cells for 2h. Cells were washed and lysed before adherent bacteria were enumerated on blood agar plates for colony forming units (CFU) counts. PAFR expression assessed by flow cytometry.
Results: Incubation with VA (10mg/ml) increased pneumococcal adhesion to A549 lung epithelial cells (fig1A,n=5,median[IQR] 1100 [983 to 1183] vs 2433 [2167 to 2900],**P<0.01) and increased PAFR expression (fig1B,MFI: 0 [0 to 453] vs 2356 [1637 to 3854],**P<0.01).
Conclusion: VA increases PAFR-dependent pneumococcal adherence to airway cells in vitro.
1 Gudmundsson G. Clin Respir J.2011;5:2-9
2 Stevenson JA et al. Atmos. Meas. Tech.2015;8:2069–2091
Footnotes
Cite this article as Eur Respir J 2022; 60: Suppl. 66, 3163.
This article was presented at the 2022 ERS International Congress, in session “-”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2022
