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Fimbriae and membranes on Haemophilus parasuis

S Münch1, S Grund, M Krüger

  • 1Institut für Mikrobiologie und Tierhygiene, Elektronenmikroskopie des Fachbereiches Veterinärmedizin der Freien Universität Berlin, Germany.

Insights

Electron microscopy revealed a glycocalyx and fimbriae on Haemophilus parasuis within infected CAM, originating from the cell membrane. Conventional cultivation methods did not show these structures.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Cell Biology
  • Microscopy

Background:

  • Haemophilus parasuis is a significant pathogen in swine.
  • Understanding bacterial surface structures is crucial for pathogenesis studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the ultrastructure of Haemophilus parasuis in infected CAM using electron microscopy.
  • To determine if fimbriae are present on Haemophilus parasuis during infection and compare with in vitro cultivation.

Main Methods:

  • Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of thin sections from infected Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM).
  • Conventional bacterial cultivation techniques.

Main Results:

  • TEM revealed an additional layer, the glycocalyx, on the Haemophilus parasuis cell wall.
  • Fimbriae originating from the cell membrane were observed on Haemophilus parasuis within infected CAM.
  • No fimbriae were detected on Haemophilus parasuis after conventional cultivation.

Conclusions:

  • The glycocalyx and fimbriae are present on Haemophilus parasuis during CAM infection.
  • These surface structures may play a role in Haemophilus parasuis pathogenesis.
  • Conventional cultivation may not accurately reflect the in vivo morphology of Haemophilus parasuis.

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