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Slime capsule and fimbriae on Salmonella typhimurium var. cop.--electron microscopic study
1Institut für Mikrobiologie und Tierhygiene, Elektronenmikroskopie, Fachbereich Veterinärmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin.
Abstract:
On Salmonella typhimurium var. cop. we found, under special culture conditions, on the same cell simultaneously fimbriae and mucoid material which was histochemically identified as an acid mucopolysaccharide. Membrane vesicles or invaginations of the cytoplasmic membrane are mentioned as a possible place of the slime production and the function of the glycocalyx is discussed regarding tenacity, as a diffusion barrier and attachment factor.
Insights
Salmonella typhimurium var. cop. cells can produce both fimbriae and acid mucopolysaccharide slime simultaneously. This slime may aid bacterial tenacity, diffusion barrier function, and attachment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Salmonella typhimurium is a significant bacterial pathogen.
- Bacterial surface structures play crucial roles in pathogenesis and interaction with the environment.
- The glycocalyx, a cell coat, is known to be involved in various cellular functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the simultaneous production of fimbriae and mucoid material by Salmonella typhimurium var. cop.
- To characterize the mucoid material produced by the bacteria.
- To explore the potential functions of the observed structures.
Main Methods:
- Culturing Salmonella typhimurium var. cop. under specific conditions.
- Histochemical analysis to identify the composition of the mucoid material.
- Microscopic observation to detect fimbriae and slime on the same cell.
Main Results:
- Simultaneous presence of fimbriae and acid mucopolysaccharide slime was observed on individual Salmonella typhimurium var. cop. cells.
- The mucoid material was histochemically identified as an acid mucopolysaccharide.
- Membrane vesicles or invaginations were suggested as potential sites for slime production.
Conclusions:
- Salmonella typhimurium var. cop. can exhibit a complex cell surface under specific conditions.
- The acid mucopolysaccharide slime may function as a tenacity enhancer, diffusion barrier, and attachment factor.
- Understanding these structures provides insights into bacterial adhesion and survival mechanisms.
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