Factors influencing the adhesive properties of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The aim of this study was to evaluate different factors which may influence surface and adhesive properties of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. P. aeruginosa strains exhibited moderate surface hydrophobicity as shown by "salting out" with ammonium sulfate and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The ability to haemagglutinate red blood cells by P. aeruginosa strains was increased when the cells were treated with papain and neuraminidase. The ability of all tested strains to attach to plastic and glass surfaces was independent on incubation temperature. There was no significant difference in the ability of any particular P. aeruginosa strains to adhere to Vero cells in culture. In this study no correlation between hydrophobic properties, intensity of haemagglutination, and ability to attach to Vero cells in culture was observed.