Cell surface structures of Actinomyces israelii.
Actinomyces israelii is the most common cause of human actinomycosis, a chronic granulomatous infection. Periapical actinomycosis involving A. israelii has been identified as an important cause of failure of conventional endodontic treatment. Structures on the bacterial cell surface have been implicated in the pathogenicity of Actinomyces. In this study the ultrastructure of A. israelii was investigated by electron microscopy. Negatively stained preparations revealed the presence of hairlike fimbriae protruding through a thick surface coat on some species, whilst thin sectioning disclosed a Gram-positive cell wall surrounded by a fuzzy outer coat. These structures may be important for the pathogenicity of A. israelii.
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Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Monash University.
Davies
J
J
D000190:Actinomyces / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D000196:Actinomycosis / Q000473:pathology; D002473:Cell Wall / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004396:Coloring Agents; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000382:microbiology; D010861:Fimbriae, Bacterial / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010483:Periapical Diseases / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D010772:Phosphotungstic Acid; D012390:Root Canal Therapy; D012430:Ruthenium Red
D004396:Coloring Agents; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D012430:Ruthenium Red; D010772:Phosphotungstic Acid