Phasing Polyps
By Matrin Taylor
Probably the most misunderstood and least chronicled entry of the SPONGE Bestiary is the Phasing Polyp.
This is the first of the new proto-corporeal non-dimentia-indiginous species discovered (and recognized by ZONC). First found in 1995 in Vu Quang forest reserve, which is in Ha Tinh province of north central Vietnam. Specimens are also known from Nghe An province just to the north, and it is suspected from Thua Thien-Hue province and Dak Lak in the southern central highlands. Based on this information, we believe that Pseudopolypryx phaso-nghetinhensis has a wider distribution.
A dangerous and insidious entity, the phasing polyp forms its mass (when shedding incorporeal status) by keying on the tissue mass of a nearby host. Whatever the size of the host, the polyp masses itself to roughly two feet (and/or 38 kg) more mass than its host (the reason for which is still unknown, but could simply be to facilitate consumption), and then immediately begins an invasive cycle.
Phasing Polyps have a unique biphasic invasion cycle with dimorphic forms that are functionally and morphologically distinct. An extracellular form, the elementary body (EB), is infectious but metabolically inactive. Once endocytosed, the EB differentiates into a larger pleomorphic form called the reticulate body (RB), which replicates by binary fission at an alarming rate. The precise mechanism by which EBs attach and gain entry into the host cell is unknown. Recent work suggests that phasing polyps employ a molecular mimic of heparan sulfate to attach to glycosaminoglycan (GAG) receptors on eukaryotic cell surfaces. GAG appears to form a trimolecular complex with the host cell since (EB) infectivity is inhibited by the addition of heparan or heparan sulfate to culture, and pretreatment of EBs with heparan sulfate lyase abolishes EB infectivity. The mechanism of endocytic uptake remains unclear. Once inside the host cell, polyp pleomorphs reside in a membrane-bound vacuole that can evade phagolysosomal fusion. The endosome is transported to the distal region of the Golgi apparatus and incorporates host-derived sphingolipids into the inclusion membrane. Thus it appears that phasing polyps are able to intercept host vesicular traffic bound for the plasma membrane to sequester lipids and possibly other host substances synthesized in the Golgi. Subversion of host vesicular traffic may represent a dual advantage for polyp pleomorphs in obtaining materials from the host for its metabolism as well as in modifying the inclusion membrane to evade lysosomal fusion and immune detection.
In the diagnostic laboratory, molecular techniques present different problems for specimen handling and interpretation of results than cell culture or antigen detection. Inherent in the increased sensitivity of these molecular techniques is the potential for false-positive results due to cross contamination between specimens, and run-to-run contamination from equipment, reagents, and supplies. These problems can be overcome by observing stringent rules for specimen preparation (e.g., dedicated equipment) and separating specimen processing and reagent preparation areas to prevent contamination. Enzymatic or photochemical sterilization can be used to eliminate run-to-run contamination. False-negative results may be due to substances in specimens inhibitory to enzymes used for amplification. Known inhibitors include phosphate ions, heparin, heme, crystals in the urine specimens, and detergents used in specimen processing. Internal controls are now commercially available to detect false negatives. I recommend performing analysis on three separate samples, using different equipment each time. Unless all results are identical, you should consider all of the samples to be contaminated (such is the problem with phasic sample analysis).
Dr. Bustoffson and I are searching for a more sophisticated understanding of the dynamics of the phasing polyp biology and for new safe tools to control the entity before, during, and after analysis. Bio-intensive integrated pest management developed by Western Survivalists, based on an evolving and improving understanding of the phasing polyp, is looking positive, and could lead to better ways of eradicating the entity.
Until that time, the best and only way to deal with phasing polyp is to have combustable materials on your person at all times. In a pinch, you can set yourself ablaze if you are suddenly attacked and begin to undergo phasic-consumption.
Return to Articles
|
