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Structure of the O16 antigen of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

A M Winn1, S G Wilkinson

  • 1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and the Environment, University of Hull, UK.

Carbohydrate Research
|February 24, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Researchers characterized a Stenotrophomonas maltophilia O16 lipopolysaccharide polysaccharide. The structure revealed a branched trisaccharide repeating unit containing D-ribose, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, and N-acetyl-D-mannosamine.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Carbohydrate Chemistry
  • Structural Biology

Background:

  • Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic pathogen.
  • Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are key components of Gram-negative bacterial cell walls.
  • Understanding LPS structure is crucial for serotyping and vaccine development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the detailed structure of the polysaccharide component of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia serogroup O16 lipopolysaccharide.
  • To characterize the repeating unit and identify constituent monosaccharides.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of phenol-soluble lipopolysaccharide from defatted cell walls.
  • Methylation analysis.
  • Chemical degradation studies.
  • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
  • Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).

Main Results:

  • A polysaccharide composed of D-ribose, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, and N-acetyl-D-mannosamine was isolated.
  • Structural analysis revealed a branched trisaccharide repeating unit.
  • Mild acid hydrolysis led to the apparent absence of ribose in some units, identified as an artifact.
  • Partial O-acetylation was indicated by alkaline hydrolysis.

Conclusions:

  • The study determined the precise structure of the Stenotrophomonas maltophilia O16 polysaccharide repeating unit.
  • The findings contribute to the serological characterization of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strains.
  • Understanding LPS structure aids in developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

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