Changes in somatic antigens of Pseudomonas aeruginosa induced by bacteriophages.

TLDR: A survey of various strains of P. aeruginosa has been conducted to determine the extent of changes in the somatic antigens induced by bacteriophages.

Abstract: For at least 50 years, the somatic antigens of Pseudomonas aeruginosa have been widely studied [1-5], and more than 10 serotypes have been recognized on the basis of heat-stable antigens alone. In the United States, the antigenic schema most commonly accepted is the one established by Verder and Evans [5]; in Europe, that of Habs [6] appears to be the best known. The relationship between these 2 systems has been clarified by Muraschi et al. [7]. Most studies of somatic antigens were conducted as a means of recognizing types within the species for use in epidemiological surveys. Serotypes may be important from the viewpoint of immunological protection against the infections, since immunity is type-specific [8]. The bacteriophages of P. aeruginosa have been employed in epidemiological surveys [2, 9, 10]. Plaques of P. aeruginosa produced by phage action contain mutants which develop rapidly and often exhibit characteristics quite dissimilar to those possessed by the original strains. A survey of various strains of P. aeruginosa has therefore been conducted to determine the extent of changes in the somatic antigens induced by bacteriophages.