Relationship Between Group B Streptococcal Serotypes and Cell Surface Hydrophobicity

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Abstract
Summary: Cell surface hydrophobicities of streptococci of serological group B were determined by the adherence of the bacteria to hexadecane droplets. A significant adherence to hexadecane was observed with the group B streptococcal type reference strains Ib, V, Ic, R and X, but not with those of serotype Ia, II, III and IV. Cultivation of the bacteria in microcapsule‐inducing media reduced the hexadecane adherence properties. The adherence to hexadecane was not related to fibrinogen binding properties of the cultures. Screening a large number of group B streptococci isolated from humans and bovines revealed that those with polysaccharide type antigen alone were generally hydrophilic, those with protein antigen alone or with protein antigen in combination with polysaccharide antigen were mostly hydrophobic. Cultivation of the bacteria under microaerobic conditions or after a single mouse passage enhanced microcapsule production and correspondingly reduced the hexadecane adherence values. Treatment of the bacteria by guanidinium chloride or by neuraminidase enhanced the hexadecane adherence. The hydrophobic component on group B streptococcal surface appeared to be partly inactivated by heat or proteolytic treatment of the bacteria.

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