Lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin) of Proteus bacteria-chemical structure, serological specificity and the role in pathogenicity

Abstract

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) of Gram-negative bacteria are composed of three regions: О-specific chain (OPS), the core oligosaccharide and lipid A. All three regions of Proteus LPS were studied. The differences in the structure of OPS serve as the basis for the serological classification of Proteus strains. The serological classification scheme of these bacteria currently consists of 76 serogroups. The structural diversity of the core region is characteristic for Proteus sp. and distinguishes this genus from other bacteria. In this paper the results of structural, immunochemical and serological studies of all three regions o f Proteus LPS, as well as a function of LPS as endotoxin and its role in the formation of urinary stones, swarming phenomenon and bacterial growth in biofilm are reported.