Binding of Type-III Group-B Streptococci to Buccal Epithelial Cells

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Abstract
A binding assay was used to study the attachment of type III group B streptococci (GBS) to buccal epithelial cells [human]. An adhesin with the characteristics of a protein is the molecule on the streptococcal cell surface responsible for attachment to the buccal cells. The bacterial adhesin probably recognizes a sugar on the surface of the mucosal cells, as periodate oxidation of the buccal cells caused a significant reduction in subsequent adherence of GBS. A sonicate of type III GBS blocked the binding of the organism to buccal cells. The effects of physical and chemical modifications of the sonicate on its ability to prevent bacterial attachment are described; these corroborate the evidence gained from heat and periodate treatments of the buccal cells and GBS. Apparently, a lectin type of attachment mechanism for type III GBS which can be blocked by N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, rather than attachment by means of a lipoteichoic acid as described for group A streptococci, is responsible for adherence.