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 the
d-galactose of the erythrocyte glycosphingolipids exhibiting highest affinities for B and P
k (followed by P
1) antigens, while PA-II preferentially binds to the
l-fucose of H, A and B antigens. Intact
P. aeruginosa cells also exhibit a clear P
k and P
1 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