Coaggregation between bacterial species.
Bacterial coaggregation, or interbacterial adherence, is one mechanism involved in the development of bacterial biofilms that are found on surfaces in nature. Assays used to measure coaggregation rely on the interaction of bacterial cells in suspension or attachment of one species to a second species that has been fixed to a solid substrate. Both semiquantitative and quantitative assays are described. These methods have also been used to determine the nature of the adherence and molecules involved in mediating the interaction, to characterize potential inhibitors, to isolate the bacterial adhesins and receptors, and to isolate adherence-deficient mutant strains. Each of the assay systems offers different advantages, with significant variations in sensitivity. Selection of a particular assay system should depend on the goals of the study to be performed.
Kinder
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Section of Periodontics, University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dentistry 90024.
Holt
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SC
D000190:Actinomyces / Q000502:physiology; D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion; D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D001439:Bacteroides / Q000502:physiology; D003470:Culture Media; D005673:Fusobacterium / Q000502:physiology; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D011865:Radioisotope Dilution Technique; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013045:Species Specificity; D013053:Spectrophotometry / Q000379:methods; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000502:physiology; D013936:Thymidine / Q000378:metabolism; D014316:Tritium
D003470:Culture Media; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D014316:Tritium; D013936:Thymidine