title: Effect of R-plasmid RP1 on surface hydrophobicity of Proteus mirabilis.
abstract: The presence of R-plasmid RP1, as well as the conditions of growth, affected the surface hydrophobicity of a clinical isolate of Proteus mirabilis. However, results depended upon the method of assessment. Stationary phase plasmid-containing cells appeared to be less hydrophobic than plasmid-free cells when hydrophobicity was measured by the contact angle method, but more hydrophobic when measured by bacterial adherence to hydrocarbons or hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Cells growing in a chemostat differed in hydrophobicity from stationary phase cells and results varied with the growth rate. Plasmid-mediated effects were greatest in iron-depleted cells, and differences between plasmid-containing and plasmid-free cells were virtually eliminated by pre-treatment with antiserum.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Onaolapo
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Klemperer
mesh_terms: D002845:Chromatography / Q000379:methods; D011513:Proteus mirabilis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D011815:R Factors; D013499:Surface Properties