Intra-serotype variation of <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae</i> capsule and its quantification.

ABSTRACT: Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) is a leading respiratory pathogen that depends on a thick layer of capsular polysaccharide (CPS) to evade immune clearance. Disease prevention by CPS-based vaccines is limited because of the species' high genome plasticity and ability to express over 100 different capsule types (serotypes). Generally, intra-serotype variations in capsulation are overlooked, despite the genetic variability of the bacterium. This oversight may result from a lack of standardized, reliable, and easily available methodology to quantify capsulation. Here, we have modified two methods to analyze the Spn capsule: immunoblot quantification of CPS in bacterial lysates and light microscopy to assess capsule thickness. Two assays were used because each measures disti

SUBMITTER: Eichner H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11960111 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature