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G F Gerlach

Publications and source records attributed to G F Gerlach.

43 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Identification and characterization of the genes encoding the type 3 and type 1 fimbrial adhesins of Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae are known to express two morphologically and functionally distinct filaments, the type 3 and the type 1 fimbriae. The gene (mrkD) encoding the adhesion of K. pneumoniae type 3 fimbriae was identified by transcomplementation analysis with the pap fimbrial gene cluster of Escherichia coli. The nucleotide sequence of the mrkD gene was determined. In addition, the determinant coding for the K. pneumoniae type 1 fimbrial adhesion was identified, and its nucleotide sequence was deduced. The predicted amino acid sequences of the K. pneumoniae adhesion proteins are compared, and similarities with the major fimbrial structural proteins (MrkA and FimA) are discussed.

Adhesins, Bacterial↗

Characterization of two genes encoding antigenically distinct type-1 fimbriae of Klebsiella pneumoniae.

A uropathogenic isolate of Klebsiella pneumoniae was shown to exhibit a mannose-sensitive hemagglutinating phenotype and to produce type-1 fimbriae consisting of subunits with a different electrophoretic mobility than those previously investigated. The gene cluster encoding expression of fimbriae was cloned and the genetic organization of the encoded polypeptides was determined. The gene encoding the major fimbrial subunit was localized and further examined by nucleotide sequence analysis. Comparison of two K. pneumoniae fimbrial genes revealed a nucleotide sequence agreement of 73%, and amino acid sequence agreement of 84% for the mature fimbrial subunits. Predictions of putative antigenic sites were correlated with regions demonstrating amino acid variability. In agreement with these predictions, no serological cross-reactivity between both fimbrial proteins could be demonstrated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Efficacy of an immunomodulating drug in immunodeficient and immunocompetent mice.

Bacillus subtilis culture filtrate (BSKR) was examined for its immunomodulating ability in the immunodeficient beige mouse and the immunocompetent Han:NMRI mouse strain. Following various application schemes the mice were challenged either subcutaneously with Escherichia coli or intranasally with Streptococcus pneumoniae. The mortality rates and the median of survival time were determined. Following subcutaneous application of BSKR Han:NMRI mice challenged with E. coli showed a decrease in mortality regardless of the application scheme. Using the beige mouse a protective effect was observed only after single applications of relatively low doses. Using Sc. pneumoniae as the challenge organism, a subcutaneous application of BSKR caused a decrease in mortality only if it was given on the day prior to infection. In both infection models the intranasal application of BSKR and/or of saline proved to be beneficial by either significantly decreasing the mortality or considerably increasing the survival time of beige and Han:NMRI mice.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Molecular characterization of the type 3 (MR/K) fimbriae of Klebsiella pneumoniae.

The expression of type 3 (MR/K) fimbriae by Klebsiella pneumoniae requires the production of at least four polypeptides with molecular masses of 20.5, 25, 34, and 78 kilodaltons. The genes encoding these polypeptides are located on a gene cluster 5,500 base pairs in length. The nucleotide sequence of the major fimbrial structural gene was determined, and its transcription was shown to initiate in vitro 157 base pairs upstream of the translational start site. The predicted amino acid sequence for the fimbrial subunit comprised 202 residues, including a signal peptide of 22 amino acids. Despite similarities in the organization of the gene cluster, the nucleotide and the amino acid sequence of the major fimbrial subunit revealed little agreement with other known fimbrial subunit sequences.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The role of detergent in labeling of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae bacteria.

The chelating agents oxine, acetylacetone, tropolone, and 2-mercaptopyridine 1-oxide were analysed for their suitability in labeling the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (E.r.), strain B10, with 111In and 67Ga. The labeling conditions were improved. The bactericidal activity of the labeling process was investigated. The different chelates did not result in a significant difference in labeling yield. The addition of 0.01% detergent to the labeling buffer doubled the labeling yield up to 45%. Labeled bacteria were injected intravenously into rats. The percentage organ distribution was determined and compared with a control group.

Animals↗