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Immunological characterization of an exopolysaccharide from the Staphylococcus aureus strain Smith diffuse
T E West1, B A Lewis, M A Apicella
1Division of Infectious Diseases, State University of New York, Buffalo 14215.
Journal of General Microbiology
|February 1, 1987
Summary
Staphylococcus aureus exopolysaccharides (EXPs) were isolated and purified, showing distinct immunological properties from teichoic acid. These findings aid further studies on bacterial virulence and serology.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus exopolysaccharides (EXPs) are linked to virulence in animal models.
- An EXP from S. aureus strain Smith diffuse is found in over 64% of clinical isolates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize exopolysaccharides (EXPs) from Staphylococcus aureus.
- To differentiate EXP from teichoic acid using immunological and biochemical methods.
- To establish a method for obtaining S. aureus EXP for further research.
Main Methods:
- EXP isolation from culture supernatants using enzymatic and chemical treatments.
- Purification via cation-exchange and molecular-sieve chromatography.
- Characterization using isoelectric focusing, crossed immunoelectrophoresis, and tandem immunoelectrophoresis.
Main Results:
- The isolated EXP exhibited a pI of 3.6, distinct from teichoic acid (pI < 2.7).
- Immunoelectrophoresis confirmed EXP contains two components, one unique and not teichoic acid.
- EXP composition includes 2-amino-2-deoxyglucuronic acid, glucose, mannose, and galactose, with minimal protein and no fatty acids or nucleic acids.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully isolated and purified Staphylococcus aureus EXP.
- Immunological and biochemical analyses confirm EXP is distinct from teichoic acid.
- The developed method provides a basis for future serological and virulence studies of S. aureus EXP.