Correlation Between the Lipopolysaccharide Expression and Adhesiveness of Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Background: The objectives of the present investigation were to determine: (a) whether there is any correlation between the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) expression and adherence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) (serotypes 0:3, 0:6, and 0:11) to 2 human cell lines; and (b) whether strains isolated from respiratory or urinary tract infections have a higher affinity for attachment to similar cell types. Methods: Sixteen clinical strains of P. aeruginosa were selected. ELISA, using specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb), was performed to determine the degree of 0 antigen expression. ELISA was also conducted to determine the adherence. Scanning electron microscopy was performed to determine attachment at ultra structure levels. Results: The results of electron microscopy and ELISA showed the strains were capable of adhering to both cell lines. Blocking assay demonstrated significant reduction in attachment. Serotype 0:11 isolates exhibited much higher adherence capability for both cell lines. Conclusions: Our results indicated the LPS may play an indirect role in attachment.