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Association between Bordetella pertussis agglutinogen 2 and fimbriae

E J Carter, N W Preston

    Journal of Medical Microbiology
    |August 1, 1984
    PubMed

    Insights

    Fimbriae, hair-like appendages on Bordetella pertussis, are linked to agglutinogen 2. This suggests fimbriae may aid bacterial attachment, explaining serotype prevalence and potentially impacting whole-cell pertussis vaccine efficacy.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Immunology
    • Bacteriology

    Background:

    • Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough.
    • Pertussis vaccines are crucial for public health.
    • Understanding bacterial virulence factors is key to vaccine development.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the relationship between fimbriae and agglutinogens in Bordetella pertussis.
    • To explore the role of fimbriae in bacterial attachment to host cells.
    • To assess the implications for pertussis vaccine composition.

    Main Methods:

    • Microscopic examination of Bordetella pertussis strains for fimbriae.
    • Serotyping of bacterial isolates to determine agglutinogen presence.
    • Correlation analysis of fimbriation, agglutinogen type, and bacterial source (clinical vs. laboratory).

    Main Results:

    • Fimbriae were present on Bordetella pertussis strains with agglutinogen 2 (serotypes 1,2,3 and 1,2).
    • Fimbriae were absent on strains lacking agglutinogen 2 (serotypes 1,3 and 1).
    • This correlation held true for both clinical isolates and virulent laboratory strains.

    Conclusions:

    • Fimbriation in Bordetella pertussis is strongly associated with the presence of agglutinogen 2.
    • Fimbriae may enhance bacterial adherence to mucosal surfaces, potentially explaining serotype predominance in unvaccinated populations.
    • Agglutinogen 3 is likely not a fimbrial antigen, suggesting fimbriae-alone vaccines may be less effective than whole-cell vaccines.

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