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New fimbrial hemagglutinin in Serratia species
Abstract:
Strains of Serratia marcescens, Serratia liquefaciens, Serratia marinorubra, and Serratia plymuthica produced one or more of the following hemagglutinins (HAs): mannose-sensitive HA and mannose-resistant K-HA (MR/K-HA) and P-HA (MR/P-HA) (J. P. Duguid and D. C. Old, in E. H. Beachey (ed.), Bacterial adherence, vol. 6., p. 185-217, 1980). Most strains (82%) were multiply hemagglutinating. The properties of the three HAs are described. Each HA was associated with a distinct type of fimbria: mannose-sensitive HA with type 1 fimbriae. MR/K-HA with type 3 fimbriae, and MR/P-HA with a new type of thin fimbriae provisionally called MR/P fimbriae. This is the first report of the production of MR/P-HA and MR/P fimbriae by Serratia species. The range of Serratia HAs, which may reflect in vivo colonization potential, is more complex than previously reported.
Insights
Serratia species produce multiple hemagglutinins (HAs) and fimbriae, including novel MR/P-HA and MR/P fimbriae. This complexity suggests a greater in vivo colonization potential than previously understood.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Adherence
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Serratia species are known to produce hemagglutinins (HAs) involved in bacterial adherence.
- Previous research has identified mannose-sensitive and mannose-resistant hemagglutinins in some bacterial species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the hemagglutinins produced by various Serratia species.
- To investigate the association between specific hemagglutinins and fimbrial types.
- To report the novel production of MR/P-HA and MR/P fimbriae in Serratia.
Main Methods:
- Culturing of Serratia marcescens, Serratia liquefaciens, Serratia marinorubra, and Serratia plymuthica strains.
- Hemagglutination assays to detect mannose-sensitive HA, MR/K-HA, and MR/P-HA.
- Electron microscopy or other relevant techniques to characterize fimbrial types associated with each HA.
Main Results:
- Most Serratia strains (82%) exhibited multiple hemagglutinating activities.
- Mannose-sensitive HA was associated with type 1 fimbriae.
- MR/K-HA was linked to type 3 fimbriae.
- A new type of thin fimbriae, provisionally named MR/P fimbriae, was associated with MR/P-HA production.
Conclusions:
- Serratia species display a more complex range of hemagglutinins and fimbriae than previously recognized.
- The identification of MR/P-HA and MR/P fimbriae represents a novel finding in Serratia.
- The diverse HA repertoire of Serratia may contribute to varied in vivo colonization strategies.