[Lectin typing as an efficient epidemiological marker system for Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections]

A total of 102 Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from Munich with known nutritional requirements were examined for lectin agglutination patterns using Taxonolectin panels containing 14 different plant originated lectins with known specificity. 29 different lectin agglutination patterns were found (in comparison auxotyping showed 17 different groups). All strains reacted with Concanavalin A and Trichosanthes kinlowii and did not show positive reactions with Limax flavus and Ulex europaeus I. 49 Isolates (48%) had lectin agglutination patterns associated with only four lectin groups (in comparison the four major auxotyping groups comprised 58 (57%) of the tested isolates). A correlation between auxotype and lectin agglutination pattern could not be demonstrated. Reproducibility of lectin agglutination patterns was excellent.