Capsulated cells ofAeromonas salmonicidagrown in vitro have different functional properties than capsulated cells grown in vivo

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Abstract
When grown in vivo in the peritoneal cavity of rainbow trout, Aeromonas salmonicida produces a clearly defined capsule with virulence-related functions. Aeromonas salmonicida grown in vitro in a glucose-rich medium (GRM) has also been reported to produce capsular material. Because in vitro mimicry of in vivo induced traits is highly desirable in vaccine design, the extent to which growth in GRM mimicked in vivo growth was examined. Antibodies specific to in vivo grown cells partially labeled the surface of GRM-grown cells, as well as two distinct proteins (81 700 and 41 000 Mr) in immunoblots of mutants with S-layer or lipopolysaccharide defects. GRM-grown strains showed an increased sensitivity to trout serum in contradistinction to the complete serum resistance of in vivo grown cells; as well, GRM-grown cells were more adherent to trout macrophages. Thus in spite of possessing some surface antigens normally expressed in vivo, cells grown on solid GRM did not possess all functional properties of in vivo grown cells.Key words: Aeromonas salmonicida, bacterial capsules, mimicry of in vivo conditions, furunculosis vaccines.