A novel serotype-specific gene cassette (gltA-gltB) is required for expression of teichoic acid-associated surface antigens in Listeria monocytogenes of serotype 4b.

ABSTRACT: Listeria monocytogenes serotype 4b strains account for about 40% of sporadic cases and many epidemics of listeriosis. Mutations in a chromosomal locus resulted in loss of reactivity with all three monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) which were specific to serotype 4b and the closely related serotypes 4d and 4e. Here we show that this locus contains a serotype 4b-4d-4e-specific gene cassette (3,071 bp) which consists of two genes, gltA and gltB, and is flanked by palindromic sequences (51 and 44 nucleotides). Complete loss of reactivity with the three serotype-specific MAbs resulted from insertional inactivation of either gltA or gltB. The gltA and gltB mutants were characterized by loss and severe reduction, respectively, of glucose in the teichoic acid, whereas galactose, the other serotype-spec

SUBMITTER: Lei XH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC94985 | biostudies-literature | 2001 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature