A New Variant of the Capsule 3 Cluster Occurs in Streptococcus pneumoniae from Deceased Wild Chimpanzees

The presence of new Streptococcus pneumoniae clones in dead wild chimpanzees from the Tai National Park, Cote d'Ivoire, with previous respiratory problems has been demonstrated recently by DNA sequence analysis from samples obtained from the deceased apes. In order to broadenour understanding on the relatedness of these pneumococcal clones to those from humans, the gene locus responsible for biosynthesis of the capsule polysaccharide (CPS) has now been characterized. DNA sequence analysis of PCR fragments identified a cluster named cps3(Tai) containing the four genes typical for serotype 3 CPS, but lacking a 5'-region of >= 2 kb which is degenerated in other cps3 loci and not required for type 3 biosynthesis. CPS3 is composed of a simple disaccharide repeat unit comprising glucose and glucuronic acid (GlcUA). The two genes ugd responsible for GlcUA synthesis and wchE encoding the type 3 synthase are essential for CPS3 biosynthesis, whereas both, galU and the 3'-truncated gene pgm are not required due to the presence of homologues elsewhere in the genome. The DNA sequence of cps3Tai diverged considerably from those of other cps3 loci. Also, the gene pgm(Tai) represents a full length version with a nonsense mutation at codon 179. The two genes ugd(Tai) and wchE(Tai) including the promoter region were transformed into a nonencapsulated laboratory strain S. pneumoniae R6. Transformants which expressed type 3 capsule polysaccharide were readily obtained, documenting that the gene products are functional. In summary, the data indicate that cps3(Tai) evolved independent from other cps3 loci, suggesting the presence of specialized serotype 3 S. pneumoniae clones endemic to the Tai National Park area.