| Autor: |
Thomas F. Meyer, T. Schwan, Thomas Rudel |
| Rok vydání: |
1999 |
| Předmět: |
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| DOI: |
10.1016/s0580-9517(08)70116-8 |
| Popis: |
Publisher Summary Phase variation can be conveniently monitored by viewing the colony morphology with a stereo microscope. Plating serial dilutions of Neisseriu gives rise to distinct single colonies varying in shape and transparency. Variable oblique substage lighting reveals colony phenotypes ranging from clear, fully translucent colonies to strongly opaque ones. This opacity phenotype largely correlates with the absence and presence of Opa proteins in the outer membrane of N. gonorrhoeae. In N. meningitidis the opacity phenotype is hidden by the expression of a polysaccharide capsule. Another colony phenotype correlates with the pilus formation. Colonies consisting of piliated bacteria (P) differ in shape from non-piliated (P-) colonies. Since the number of variable genes is constantly growing, understanding underlying genetic mechanisms leading to phase and antigenic variation is essential. Cultivating Neisseriu is generally not connected with major problems. However, sporadic difficulties may arise resulting from subtle changes of laboratory and management routine, initially not noticed by practitioners. To circumvent such situations it is recommended to take certain common practice precautions. |
| Databáze: |
OpenAIRE |
| Externí odkaz: |
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