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[Adhesion in meningococcus]
Abstract:
The adhesive activity of 113 meningococcal strains with different invasive properties and 10 Neisseria nonpathogenic strains have been studied. Adhesive properties have been revealed in 80-82% of these strains. Meningococcal strains isolated from the nasopharynx of carriers possess high hemagglutinating activity. The percentage of cells with pili in these strain was also higher than that in meningococcal strains isolated from the liquor of patients. This shows the presence of direct correlation between the number of pili in the cells (according to the data of electron microscopy) and their activity in the hemagglutination test, which makes it possible to use this test for the determination of the adhesive capacity of meningococci, associated with the presence of pili.
Insights
Meningococcal strains from carriers show higher adhesive activity and pili compared to those from patients. Hemagglutination tests can effectively determine meningococcal adhesive capacity linked to pili.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis is a significant human pathogen.
- Adhesive properties are crucial for bacterial colonization and infection.
- Pili are known virulence factors involved in bacterial adhesion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adhesive activity of various meningococcal strains.
- To correlate adhesive properties with the presence of pili.
- To evaluate the hemagglutination test as a measure of meningococcal adhesion.
Main Methods:
- Studied adhesive activity in 113 meningococcal strains and 10 nonpathogenic Neisseria strains.
- Utilized hemagglutination assays to assess adhesive properties.
- Employed electron microscopy to quantify pili on bacterial cells.
Main Results:
- 80-82% of studied strains exhibited adhesive properties.
- Meningococcal strains from nasopharyngeal carriers showed higher hemagglutinating activity.
- A direct correlation was observed between pili presence and hemagglutination activity.
Conclusions:
- Adhesive properties are prevalent in meningococcal strains.
- Hemagglutination activity is a reliable indicator of pili-associated adhesion in meningococci.
- This finding facilitates the assessment of meningococcal adhesive capacity.