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Haemagglutination patterns of Aeromonas spp. related to species and source of strains
Abstract:
The study included 138 A. sobria and 182 A. hydrophila isolated in Perth from samples of diarrhoeal or non-diarrhoeal faeces or from domestic water. Strains were grouped in relation to agglutination of human, horse, rat and guinea pig erythrocytes and the effect of sugars on haemagglutination. Agglutination of red cells of all four species (primary group 1) was most commonly associated with A. sobria, particularly those strains isolated from faeces of patients with diarrhoea. Most A. hydrophila associated with diarrhoea also belonged to group 1 but A. hydrophila from non-diarrhoeal stools or from water most commonly agglutinated human and guinea pig cells but not horse erythrocytes (primary groups 2 and 3). Fucose-resistant haemagglutination (FRHA) of strains in primary group 1 occurred with about 68% of the strains of A. sobria associated with diarrhoea. Mannose-resistant haemagglutination (MRHA) was limited to 29% of strains of A. sobria associated with diarrhoea. The predominance of primary group 1 among strains of Aeromonas spp. associated with diarrhoea and the proportion of these strains showing FRHA suggest that haemagglutination of cells from human, horse, rat and guinea pig, particularly if fucose-resistant, should be considered in a search for characteristics, which possibly contribute to virulence of Aeromonas spp.
Insights
Certain Aeromonas strains, particularly Aeromonas sobria, show specific red blood cell agglutination patterns linked to diarrhea. Fucose-resistant haemagglutination in these strains may indicate virulence factors in Aeromonas species.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Aeromonas species are increasingly recognized as opportunistic pathogens.
- Understanding the virulence factors of Aeromonas species is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the haemagglutination properties of Aeromonas sobria and Aeromonas hydrophila strains.
- To correlate haemagglutination patterns with clinical isolates and potential virulence.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of 138 A. sobria and 182 A. hydrophila strains from fecal and water samples.
- Grouping strains based on erythrocyte agglutination (human, horse, rat, guinea pig) and sugar inhibition.
- Assessing fucose-resistant haemagglutination (FRHA) and mannose-resistant haemagglutination (MRHA).
Main Results:
- Primary group 1 agglutination (all four erythrocyte types) was common in A. sobria from diarrheal feces.
- A. hydrophila from diarrheal sources often belonged to primary group 1, while others showed different patterns.
- Approximately 68% of diarrheal A. sobria strains exhibited fucose-resistant haemagglutination (FRHA).
Conclusions:
- The predominance of primary group 1 and FRHA in Aeromonas strains associated with diarrhea suggests these traits may be virulence indicators.
- Haemagglutination patterns, especially FRHA, warrant further investigation as potential virulence markers for Aeromonas species.