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Spontaneous aggregation of streptococcus mitis ATCC 903
Scandinavian Journal of Dental Research
|October 1, 1981
Summary
Streptococcus mitis cells aggregate spontaneously in buffers, influenced by growth conditions and pH. Protein or glycoprotein components on the bacterial surface appear crucial for this microbial aggregation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Streptococcus mitis ATCC 903 cells exhibit spontaneous aggregation.
- Microbial aggregation is influenced by nutrient availability during growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors affecting Streptococcus mitis cell aggregation.
- To identify the surface components involved in Streptococcus mitis aggregation.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of Streptococcus mitis cells in various buffers.
- Culturing bacteria with different carbohydrate/nitrogen ratios.
- Testing the effect of pH, carbohydrates, temperature, and chloramphenicol on aggregation.
- Enzymatic and heat treatments to probe surface components.
Main Results:
- Aggregation occurred spontaneously in phosphate, citrate-phosphate, and tris-maleate buffers.
- Aggregation rate decreased with carbohydrate-limited growth conditions.
- Aggregation was optimal between pH 4.4-7.0, inhibited at pH 9.0.
- Temperature and chloramphenicol did not significantly affect aggregation.
- Trypsin or heat treatment inhibited aggregation, suggesting protein/glycoprotein involvement.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial surface protein or glycoprotein components mediate Streptococcus mitis aggregation.
- Nutritional status and environmental pH are critical factors influencing aggregation.