The cell-surface antigens of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron

Three strains of B. thetaiotaomicron of different origin were investigated. Lipopolysaccharides were extracted from the studied strains using a phenol-water method. The best purification of LPS was achieved by digestion with nuclease and subsequent ultracentrifugation. Capsular material (CPS) was obtained from the most heavily encapsulated strain. The preparation were analyzed chemically, and their serological activity was determined. All antigens were active with homologous antibacterial sera in immunodiffusion, crossed immunoelectrophoresis, and passive hemagglutination tests. In the CPS equal amounts of saccharides and proteins were detected. All antigens were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with SDS. Capsular antigen slowly migrated in the gel in the form of a single band. Migration pattern of lipopolysaccharides of the studied B. thetaiotaomicron strain was characteristic for S-type LPS.