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The haemagglutinins and fimbriae of Proteus penneri
D E Yakubu1, D C Old, B W Senior
1Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Dundee Medical School, Ninewells Hospital.
Abstract:
The haemagglutinins and fimbriae produced by 18 strains of Proteus penneri were studied and compared with those formed by representative strains of other species of Proteeae. After repeated subcultures at 30 degrees C, 12 P. penneri strains formed only MR/K haemagglutinins which were associated with thin, non-channelled, type-3 fimbriae. Two strains formed simultaneously both MS and MR/K haemagglutinins associated with thick, channelled, type-1 fimbriae and type-3 fimbriae, respectively. Four strains formed simultaneously both MR/K and MR/P haemagglutinins. No P. penneri strain formed either MS or MR/P haemagglutinins alone under these conditions. The type-3 fimbriae from P. penneri strain E180 were isolated, purified and found to be protein of 19 Kda. Immunoelectronmicroscopy studies with antibody to the type-3 fimbriae of strain E180 showed that P. penneri strains at least two antigenic types of type-3 fimbriae. The type-3 fimbrial antigen of the vaccine strain E180 was shared by another eight strains of P. penneri. A further eight P. penneri strains and the strains representative of other genera within Proteeae had type-3 fimbriae of a different antigenic type. The formation of these haemagglutinins and fimbriae suggests that this organism is well endowed to be a urinary-tract pathogen.
Insights
Proteus penneri strains exhibit diverse haemagglutinins and fimbriae, with type-3 fimbriae common. These structures suggest P. penneri
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Haemagglutinins and fimbriae are crucial virulence factors in bacterial pathogens.
- Proteus species are known opportunistic pathogens, particularly in urinary tract infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the haemagglutinins and fimbriae of Proteus penneri strains.
- To compare these structures with other Proteeae species.
- To assess the potential of P. penneri as a urinary tract pathogen.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial culturing and subculturing at 30°C.
- Analysis of haemagglutinin types (MR/K, MS, MR/P).
- Electron microscopy to visualize fimbriae (type-1 and type-3).
- Isolation, purification, and characterization of type-3 fimbriae.
- Immunoelectronmicroscopy for antigenic typing of fimbriae.
Main Results:
- 12 P. penneri strains produced only MR/K haemagglutinins with type-3 fimbriae.
- Two strains produced both MS (type-1 fimbriae) and MR/K (type-3 fimbriae) haemagglutinins.
- Four strains produced both MR/K and MR/P haemagglutinins.
- Type-3 fimbriae from strain E180 were identified as a 19 Kda protein.
- At least two antigenic types of type-3 fimbriae were identified in P. penneri.
Conclusions:
- Proteus penneri displays a variety of haemagglutinins and fimbriae, with type-3 fimbriae being prevalent.
- The presence of specific haemagglutinins and fimbriae suggests P. penneri's capability to cause urinary tract infections.
- Antigenic diversity in type-3 fimbriae may influence host immune responses and vaccine development.