Morphological Stabilization of the Glycocalyces of 23 Strains of Five Bacteroides Species Using Specific Antisera

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1984

Description

Cells of five Bacteroides species were examined following treatment with homologous antisera and staining with ruthenium red. They were enveloped by glycocalyces and these extensive fibrous exopolysaccharide matrices were fully retained as an integral 'capsule' by some cells, while other cells showed 'capsule' as well as detached glycocalyx components forming an intercellular 'slime'. These extensive glycocalyces collapsed during dehydration for electron microscopy and formed electronogous antiserum or when antibody stabilization was omitted. The glycocalyces of all strains, both stabilized and unstabilized, were observed outside the outer membranes of cell walls that showed the 'classic' gram-negative structural organization. Appropriate modifications of the indirect fluorescent antibody test demonstrated an integral 'capsule' on all strains examined; detached glycocalyx and varying amouts of slime were demonstrated after stabilization with homologous, but not heterologous, antiserum.

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS