Morphological examination of cell surface structures of enterotoxigenic strains of Escherichia coli

Abstract

The very fine sinuous K99 pili of enterotoxigenic strains of Escherichia coli can be visualized in shadowed and in negatively stained preparations, especially if the amorphous K30 glycocalyx is not produced, but these very delicate structures cannot be directly resolved in sectioned material. The K99 pili can, however, be thickened by the nonspecific accretion of K30 glycocalyx material, during its condensation as a result of dehydration, to the point where it can be resolved in sectioned material. This visualization is enhanced if the accreted and condensed glycocalyx is stained with ruthenium red. Alternatively and additionally, the K99 pilus can be thickened by the specific accretion of monoclonal antibodies so that it is made visible in sectioned material. The condensation of the hydrated K30 antigen glycocalyx of enterotoxigenic strains of Escherichia coli during dehydration can be prevented by stabilization using specific antibodies so that this capsular glycocalyx structure is identified in sectioned material and is seen in its correct distribution and dimensions. These methods allow the identification and visualization of bacterial surface structures, both in vitro and in vivo, and they provide a useful means of assessing the presence and distribution of these structures at all stages of the bacterial disease and a possible means of assessing their roles in the pathogenic process.