[Electron microscopy of Haemophilus influenzae]
Zhurnal Mikrobiologii, Epidemiologii I Immunobiologii
|July 1, 1987
Summary
Electron microscopy revealed significant shape changes in Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) serovar b strains. Both capsular and noncapsular forms exhibited pronounced pleomorphism across generations.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Electron Microscopy
- Bacterial Morphology
Background:
- Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) is a significant human pathogen.
- Serovar b strains are historically important, particularly in invasive diseases.
- Understanding bacterial morphology is crucial for comprehending pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphological characteristics of H. influenzae serovar b.
- To examine pleomorphism in both capsular and noncapsular forms.
- To document changes in successive generations using electron microscopy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized electron microscopy for high-resolution imaging.
- Studied standard strains of H. influenzae, serovar b.
- Observed both capsular and noncapsular bacterial forms.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated pronounced pleomorphism in H. influenzae serovar b.
- Observed significant morphological variations across successive generations.
- Pleomorphism was evident in both capsular and noncapsular forms.
Conclusions:
- H. influenzae serovar b exhibits considerable morphological plasticity.
- Pleomorphism is a notable characteristic of these bacteria in vitro.
- Further research may explore the implications of this variability in pathogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Overview of Electron Microscopy
The wavelengths of visible light ultimately limit the maximum theoretical resolution of images created by light microscopes. Most light microscopes can only magnify 1000X, and a few can magnify up to 1500X. Electrons, like electromagnetic radiation, can behave like waves, but with wavelengths of 0.005 nm, they produce significantly greater resolution up to 0.05 nm as compared to 500 nm for visible light. An electron microscope (EM) can create a sharp image that is magnified up to 2,000,000X.
01:28Cryo-electron Microscopy
Conventional electron microscopy (EM) involves dehydration, fixation, and staining of biological samples, which distorts the native state of biological molecules and results in several artifacts. Also, the high-energy electron beam damages the sample and makes it difficult to obtain high-resolution images. These issues can be addressed using cryo-EM, which uses frozen samples and gentler electron beams. The technique was developed by Jacques Dubochet, Joachim Frank, and Richard Henderson, for...