The lipopolysaccharide O side chain of Vibrio vulnificus serogroup E is a virulence determinant for eels

• DOI: 10.1128/iai.65.6.2475-2479.1997
• Publication Date: 2020-01-06T19:18:04Z
• Authors: C Amaro; B Fouz; E G Biosca; E Marco-Noales; R Collado
• Keywords: Vibrio vulnificus; Vibrio Infections

Vibrio vulnificus is a gram-negative bacterium capable of producing septicemic infections in eels and immunocompromised humans. Two biotypes are classically recognized, with the virulence for being specific to strains belonging biotype 2, which constitutes homogeneous lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-based O serogroup (which we have designated E). In present study demonstrated that side chain this LPS determines selective 2 eels: (i) 1 do not belong E) destroyed by bactericidal action nonimmune eel serum (NIS) through activation alternative pathway complement, (ii) (of resistant NIS, (iii) rough mutants lacking polysaccharide sensitive NIS avirulent eels.