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Isolation and some properties of fimbriae of oral Streptococcus intermedius

Taihei Yamaguchi1, Nobuko Matsunoshita

  • 1Department of Oral Medicine and Health Promotion, Kagoshima University Dental School, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan. yamatai@dentb.hal.kagoshima-u.ac.jp

Current Microbiology
|August 7, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcus intermedius fimbriae were isolated and purified. These fimbriae mediate bacterial aggregation in saliva, suggesting a role in oral colonization.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Streptococcus intermedius is a bacterium associated with various infections.
  • The surface structures of S. intermedius, particularly fimbriae, are not well characterized.
  • Understanding fimbriae function is crucial for elucidating bacterial adhesion and pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize the fimbriae of Streptococcus intermedius 1208-1.
  • To investigate the role of these fimbriae in bacterial aggregation.
  • To develop an antiserum against the purified fimbriae.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of fimbriae via pipetting and sonication.
  • Purification using ammonium sulfate precipitation and column chromatography.
  • Characterization by heat treatment and SDS-PAGE.
  • Immunological detection using rabbit antiserum and immunogold staining.
  • Saliva aggregation assays.

Main Results:

  • Linear, fiber-like fimbriae were successfully isolated and purified from S. intermedius.
  • Heat treatment with SDS dissociated fimbriae into smaller subunits.
  • Rabbit antiserum specifically recognized the fimbriae on bacterial surfaces.
  • Serotype g or related strains produced fimbriae and exhibited aggregation in human saliva.
  • Aggregation was inhibited by anti-fimbriae antibodies (Fab fragment) and purified fimbriae.

Conclusions:

  • Streptococcus intermedius produces distinct fimbriae that mediate aggregation in human saliva.
  • These fimbriae are potential adhesins involved in bacterial colonization.
  • The generated antiserum can be used for further studies on these fimbriae.

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