Volume 11, Number 5, 414-417, DOI: 10.1007/BF00731276

PA-I and PA-II lectin interactions with the ABO(H) and P blood group glycosphingolipid antigens may contribute to the broad spectrum adherence ofPseudomonas aeruginosa to human tissues in secondary infections

Nechama Gilboa-Garber, Dvora Sudakevitz, Masha Sheffi, Ruth Sela and Cyril Levene

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Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa may cause serious infections in most human tissues/organs. Its adherence to them is mediated by a battery of adhesins including the PA-I and PA-II lectins, which are produced in this bacterium in high quantities. PA-I binds to thed-galactose of the erythrocyte glycosphingolipids exhibiting highest affinities for B and Pk (followed by P1) antigens, while PA-II preferentially binds to thel-fucose of H, A and B antigens. IntactP. aeruginosa cells also exhibit a clear Pk and P1 over p preference. Such affinities for the most common human ABH and P system antigens may underlie the widespread tissue infectivity and pathogenicity of this bacterium.

Keywords   Pseudomonas aeruginosa adherence - lectin interactions - glycosphingolipid antigens - ABO blood group - P system antigens

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