Adherence and surface properties of buoyant density subpopulations of group B streptococci, type III.
From clinical isolates of group B streptococci, buoyant density subpopulations with variable amounts of type-specific polysaccharide can be derived. The ability of these subpopulations to adhere to vaginal epithelial cells and to glass was assessed by using [3H]-labeled bacteria. Subpopulations with no or minute amounts of capsule showed good adherence capacity and a hydrophobic cell surface. In contrast, a large capsule made the bacteria less adherent and rendered their surface hydrophilic. A negative cell surface charge, judged by determination of the z-potential, was directly related to the amount of capsule. Proteinase K treatment of less encapsulated variants significantly decreased the cell hydrophobicity. The ability of a GBS strain to express different surface characteristics may be a mechanism for adaptation to environmental changes, and may thereby contribute to the pathogenicity of GBS.
Granlund-Edstedt
M
M
Department of Clinical Bacteriology, University Hospital, University of Umeå, Sweden.
Sellin
M
M
Holm
A
A
Hakansson
S
S
D001422:Bacterial Adhesion / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D016667:Bacterial Capsules; D015373:Bacterial Typing Techniques; D002452:Cell Count; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D019286:Endopeptidase K; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004848:Epithelium / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D010641:Phenotype; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases / Q000502:physiology; D012794:Sialic Acids / Q000032:analysis; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013499:Surface Properties; D013997:Time Factors; D014316:Tritium; D014621:Vagina / Q000166:cytology / Q000382:microbiology
D012794:Sialic Acids; D014316:Tritium; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases; D019286:Endopeptidase K