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Biomedical subjects

S Langermann

Publications and source records attributed to S Langermann.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1984

Pilus-mediated adherence of Escherichia coli K1 to human oral epithelial cells.

We examined the effect of host age and health status on the adherence of mannose-sensitive piliated Escherichia coli K1 to human oral epithelial cells. Mannose-sensitive piliated bacteria adhered in comparable numbers to newborn, older infant, and adult cells (125 +/- 61, 198 +/- 54, and 139 +/- 69 bacteria per cell, respectively). Prematurity and serious illness did not alter adherence in newborns. The increased susceptibility of premature newborns to E. coli K1 cannot be explained by enhanced epithelial cell adherence.

Carbohydrates↗
PubMed1983

The role of pili and capsule in the pathogenesis of neonatal infection with Escherichia coli K1.

The role of pili and capsule was studied in neonatal infection with Escherichia coli K1. E coli strains were selectively cultured into three phases: mannose-sensitive (MS) piliated, non-mannose-sensitive (NMS) piliated, and nonpiliated. A high percentage of neonatal rats fed each phase of K1 strains developed bacteremia; there was no bacteremia with non-K1 strains or an acapsular mutant of K1 strain C94 (C94K-). Oral cavity colonization was noted in nearly 100% of rats fed K1 strains, non-K1 strains, or C94K-, regardless of the phase of piliation at feeding. Only MS piliated bacteria were found on oral cavity culture, indicating a rapid shift of NMS piliated and nonpiliated bacteria to the MS piliated phase. Conversely, only nonpiliated bacteria were found on blood culture when neonatal rats were fed piliated bacteria. Colonization of ileal epithelium was not observed. Thus, in vivo phase variation may be important in colonization and bacteremia with E coli K1.

Adhesiveness↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Adhesins as targets for vaccine development.

Blocking the primary stages of infection, namely bacterial attachment to host cell receptors and colonization of the mucosal surface, may be the most effective strategy to prevent bacterial infections. Bacterial attachment usually involves an interaction between a bacterial surface protein called an adhesin and the host cell receptor. Recent preclinical vaccine studies with the FimH adhesin (derived from uropathogenic Escherichia coli) have confirmed that antibodies elicited against an adhesin can impede colonization, block infection, and prevent disease. The studies indicate that prophylactic vaccination with adhesins can block bacterial infections. With recent advances in the identification, characterization, and isolation of other adhesins, similar approaches are being explored to prevent infections, from otitis media and dental caries to pneumonia and sepsis.

Adhesins, Bacterial↗