Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model
07:26

Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model

Published on: July 1, 2018

Relation between encapsulation and various properties of Streptococcus suis

I W Wibawan1, C Lämmler

  • 1Institut für Bakteriologie und Immunologie, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Germany.

Zentralblatt Fur Veterinarmedizin. Reihe B. Journal of Veterinary Medicine. Series B
|October 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Encapsulation in Streptococcus suis is influenced by cultivation conditions. Encapsulated bacteria showed reduced adherence and phagocytosis, suggesting a role in virulence.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Bacterial Pathogenesis
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Encapsulation is a key virulence factor in Streptococcus suis.
  • Understanding Streptococcus suis encapsulation is crucial for controlling infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the influence of cultivation conditions on Streptococcus suis encapsulation.
  • To determine the impact of encapsulation on bacterial adherence and host immune evasion.

Main Methods:

  • Cultivating Streptococcus suis in media with and without serum.
  • Characterizing bacterial morphology and capsule presence using specific antiserum.
  • Assessing bacterial surface hydrophobicity and adherence to HeLa cells.
  • Evaluating phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear leucocytes.

Main Results:

  • Serum supplementation stimulated Streptococcus suis encapsulation, leading to short chains and uniform turbidity.
  • Encapsulated S. suis reacted with type-1-specific antiserum, while unencapsulated variants were non-typeable.
  • Unencapsulated S. suis exhibited increased surface hydrophobicity and adherence to HeLa cells.
  • Encapsulated S. suis demonstrated reduced phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear leucocytes.

Conclusions:

  • Cultivation conditions significantly affect Streptococcus suis encapsulation.
  • Encapsulation in Streptococcus suis is linked to decreased bacterial adherence and evasion of phagocytosis.
  • These findings contribute to understanding the role of encapsulation in Streptococcus suis pathogenesis.

More Related Videos

Opsonophagocytic Killing Assay to Assess Immunological Responses Against Bacterial Pathogens08:47

Opsonophagocytic Killing Assay to Assess Immunological Responses Against Bacterial Pathogens

Published on: April 5, 2019

Opsono-Adherence Assay to Evaluate Functional Antibodies in Vaccine Development Against Bacillus anthracis and Other Encapsulated Pathogens13:47

Opsono-Adherence Assay to Evaluate Functional Antibodies in Vaccine Development Against Bacillus anthracis and Other Encapsulated Pathogens

Published on: May 19, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Special Staining Techniques01:13

Special Staining Techniques

Specialized staining techniques play a vital role in microbiology by enabling the visualization of specific bacterial structures that remain undetectable with standard microscopy methods. These techniques not only enhance the structural visualization of bacterial cells but also provide critical insights into their pathogenicity and classification. Additionally, they support diagnostic and research endeavors in microbiology by identifying key bacterial features.Capsule Staining for Virulence...
Outer Layers of the Cell Envelope01:18

Outer Layers of the Cell Envelope

The outermost layers of prokaryotic cells play a critical role in their survival, virulence, and interaction with the environment. These layers, often composed of polysaccharides, polypeptides, or proteins, form protective and adhesive structures that vary in organization and function.Capsules and Slime LayersCapsules are highly organized, tightly bound layers that firmly attach to the bacterial cell wall. Capsules are usually made of polysaccharides, though some are made of polypeptides. These...
Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence01:20

Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence

Pathogenic bacteria employ a variety of strategies to establish infections, including the secretion of extracellular enzymes that act as potent virulence factors. These enzymes facilitate bacterial colonization of host tissues and help evade immune surveillance. By targeting structural components of host tissues and interfering with immune mechanisms, these enzymes play a pivotal role in disease progression.Extracellular Enzymes Facilitating Tissue Invasion: Several bacterial pathogens secrete...
Staphylococcal Skin Infections01:29

Staphylococcal Skin Infections

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive coccus that resides harmlessly on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy individuals. When the skin barrier is breached, it can shift from a commensal to an opportunistic pathogen. This transition is facilitated by surface adhesins, such as clumping factor B and S. aureus surface protein G (SasG), which bind to structural proteins, including loricrin and cytokeratin, in the damaged epidermis. Protein A, another key factor, binds the Fc region of...
Streptococcal Pharyngitis01:27

Streptococcal Pharyngitis

Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as “strep throat,” is an acute infection of the oropharyngeal tissues caused by the Gram‑positive Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.Mechanisms of Host Entry and Immune EvasionUpon entering the host, S. pyogenes adheres to the mucosal epithelial cells of the pharynx via surface proteins, notably lipoteichoic acid and the antiphagocytic...
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...