Open AccessNeuraminidase production by Bacteroides species
Author(s) -
Riley Thomas V.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
fems microbiology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1574-6968
pISSN - 0378-1097
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6968.1984.tb01461.x
Subject(s) - bacteroides fragilis , neuraminidase , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , bacteroidaceae , bacteroides , sialidase , virology , bacteria , antibiotics , virus , genetics
128 strains of Bacteroides isolated from clinical specimens were surveyed for their ability to produce neuraminidase. All strains of Bacteroides fragilis and the B. fragilis group were neuraminidase‐positive, as were strains of B. oralis and B. bivius . All strains of B. capillosus, B. ruminicola, B. disiens, B. multiacidus and B. uniformis did not produce a detectable neuraminidase. When human erythrocytes were exposed to cell extracts of neuraminidase‐producing Bacteroides , and then tested with peanut ( Arachis hypogeae ) lectin, agglutination occurred. It was concluded that the production of neuraminidase by clinical isolates of Bacteroides may be associated with the pathophysiology of severe Bacteroides infections.