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DEVELOPMENT OF L-TYPE GROWTH IN NEISSERIA GONORRHOEAE CULTURES
Abstract:
Dienes, Louis (Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass.), Bojana M. Bandur, and Sarabelle Madoff. Development of L-type growth in Neisseria gonorrhoeae cultures. J. Bacteriol. 87:1471-1476. 1964.-Strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (22) were studied immediately after isolation from patients. After 24 to 48 hr of incubation, the cocci in the cultures of several strains grew spontaneously into large bodies which later autolyzed. Usually, a secondary growth of cocci started in the autolyzed colonies. Microscopy of the cultures suggested that the cocci were reproduced inside the large bodies or that they originated from tiny L-type colonies. When exposed to penicillin or glycine, all viable cocci grew to large bodies, and after inoculation into the medium many large bodies started to produce L-type colonies. These usually remained small, but their morphology and growth properties corresponded to the early type of L growth. Typical L-type colonies with the usual appearance and structure were observed in two cases, but further cultivation in transfer was not successful.
Insights
Neisseria gonorrhoeae can spontaneously develop into large bodies and then regrow into L-type colonies, particularly when exposed to penicillin or glycine. This study explores the early stages of L-type growth in these bacterial cultures.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a significant human pathogen.
- Understanding bacterial morphology changes is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spontaneous development of L-type growth in Neisseria gonorrhoeae cultures.
- To characterize the morphology and growth properties of these L-type forms.
Main Methods:
- Cultures of Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains isolated from patients were incubated.
- Microscopy was used to observe cellular changes and colony development.
- Exposure to penicillin and glycine was employed to induce L-type growth.
Main Results:
- Spontaneous development of large bodies and secondary coccal growth observed in cultures.
- Exposure to penicillin or glycine induced large body formation and subsequent L-type colony development.
- Observed L-type colonies showed early growth characteristics, with typical forms seen in two instances but unsuccessful further cultivation.
Conclusions:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae exhibits a capacity for L-type growth, characterized by initial large body formation and subsequent colony development.
- Environmental factors like penicillin and glycine can trigger this L-type transition.
- Further research is needed to understand the stability and implications of L-type growth in Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
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