Quantitative assay of glycocalyx produced by viridans group streptococci that cause endocarditis

A quantitative method to determine glycocalyx production by strains of viridans group streptococci from patients with endocarditis is presented. There is good correlation between this new tryptophan quantitative assay and qualitative assays employing polysaccharide stains (ruthenium red, periodic acid-Schiff, and Cellufluor) or the Molisch test. The quantification of the glycocalyx production in glucose substrate in vitro by viridans group streptococci correlates with the size of cardiac vegetation and ease of antimicrobial sterilization in experimental endocarditis. The relationship of in vitro quantification of glycocalyx to maintenance of infection, morbidity of infection, and antimicrobial treatment is discussed.