Correlation between the lipopolysaccharide expression and adhesiveness of clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

Background: The objectives of the present investigation were to determine: (a) whether there is any correlation between the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) expression and adherence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) (serotypes O:3, O:6, and O:11) to 2 human cell lines; and (b) whether strains isolated from respiratory or urinary tract infections have a higher affinity for attachment to similar cell types. Methods: Sixteen clinical strains of P. aeruginosa were selected. ELISA, using specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb), was performed to determine the degree of "O" antigen expression. ELISA was also conducted to determine the adherence. Scanning electron microscopy was performed to determine attachment at ultra structure levels. Results: The results of electron microscopy and ELISA showed the strains were capable of adhering to both cell lines. Blocking assay demonstrated significant reduction in attachment. Serotype O:11 isolates exhibited much higher adherence capability for both cell lines. Conclusions: Our results indicated the LPS may play an indirect role in attachment.