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Ultrastructural study of surface components of Streptococcus suis
M Jacques1, M Gottschalk, B Foiry
1Groupe de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses du Porc, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada.
Journal of Bacteriology
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Streptococcus suis strains possess a distinct outer capsule and fimbriae, with capsular thickness varying based on detection methods. Morphological differences in surface structures were observed among these reference strains.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Streptococcus suis is a significant veterinary pathogen.
- Understanding the surface structures of Streptococcus suis is crucial for developing effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the capsular material and fimbriae of nine reference strains of Streptococcus suis.
- To investigate morphological differences in surface structures among Streptococcus suis serotypes.
Main Methods:
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed.
- Cells were labeled using polycationic ferritin, immunostabilization, or glutaraldehyde-lysine fixation.
- Negative staining was used to visualize surface structures.
Main Results:
- All examined Streptococcus suis reference strains displayed a capsule with variable thickness (20-375 nm).
- Capsular material appeared thicker when detected via immunostabilization compared to other methods.
- Peritrichous fimbriae, approximately 2 nm in diameter and up to 250 nm long, were observed on all strains.
- Morphological variations in surface structures were evident among the reference strains.
Conclusions:
- Streptococcus suis reference strains possess a discernible capsule and fimbriae.
- The thickness of the capsule is influenced by the preparation and detection methods used.
- Distinct morphological differences in surface structures exist among Streptococcus suis reference strains, potentially impacting virulence and host interaction.