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Pili of Neisseria meningitidis: an electron microscopic study on their occurrence, related to different strain
Abstract:
The occurrence of pili has been assessed for 85 strains of Neisseria meningitidis belonging to different serogroups and serotypes, isolated from nasopharyngeal carriers and patients with acute disease. The evolution of piliation on multiple subcultivation has been followed for 16 strains. Almost all the strains were piliated, regardless of their origin, serogroup or serotype. Piliation was generally maintained, although to a variable extent, through more than 50 passages. Type, regulation and possible function in vivo of the described pili are discussed.
Insights
Most Neisseria meningitidis strains, from carriers and patients, possess pili. Piliation remained stable through extensive laboratory cultivation, suggesting pili are a consistent feature of these bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis is a significant human pathogen.
- Pili are hair-like appendages on bacterial surfaces, often involved in adhesion and virulence.
- Understanding pili in N. meningitidis is crucial for disease research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and stability of pili in various Neisseria meningitidis strains.
- To analyze piliation patterns in strains isolated from different sources (carriers vs. disease).
- To explore the potential role and regulation of pili in N. meningitidis.
Main Methods:
- Assessed pili occurrence in 85 N. meningitidis strains (diverse serogroups/serotypes).
- Monitored piliation changes over 50+ subcultivations for 16 strains.
- Compared piliation based on isolation source (nasopharyngeal carriers, acute disease patients).
Main Results:
- Nearly all 85 N. meningitidis strains examined exhibited pili.
- Piliation was generally maintained across extensive subcultivation (over 50 passages).
- Pili occurrence was consistent irrespective of serogroup, serotype, or isolation source.
Conclusions:
- Pili are a common and stable characteristic of Neisseria meningitidis.
- The consistent presence of pili suggests a fundamental role in the bacterium's biology.
- Further research is warranted on the specific types, regulation, and in vivo functions of these pili.