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Category: Bacterial Pathogenesis
The Bacillus anthracis Exosporium: What’s the Big “Hairy” Deal?, Page 1 of 2
< Previous page | Next page > /docserver/preview/fulltext/10.1128/9781555819323/9781555816759_Chap13-1.gif /docserver/preview/fulltext/10.1128/9781555819323/9781555816759_Chap13-2.gifAbstract:
In some Bacillus species, including Bacillus subtilis, the coat and a glycoprotein layer referred to as the spore crust are the outermost layer of the spore ( Fig. 1 ). These spore structures are discussed in more detail in Driks and Eichenberger ( 108 ). In others, such as the Bacillus cereus family, there is an additional layer that envelops the coat, called the exosporium, which is distinct from the crust. In the case of Bacillus anthracis, one of the three pathogenic species of the B. cereus family, a series of fine hair-like projections, also referred to as a “hair-like” nap, extends from the exosporium basal layer ( 1 – 4 ) ( Fig. 1 ). Other exosporium-producing Bacillus species, such as Bacillus megaterium, lack this “hairy” nap ( Fig. 1 ). Separating the exosporium from the rest of the spore structure is an area referred to as the interspace ( 5 ).
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Electron micrographs of B. subtilis, B. anthracis, and B. megaterium spores. The spore coat (white bar) or exosporium (black bar) as present is labeled for the various species. The arrow indicates the presence of a crust on the B. subtilis spore. The B. subtilis micrograph is courtesy of Adam Driks, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL.
Electron micrographs of B. subtilis, B. anthracis, and B. megaterium spores. The spore coat (white bar) or exosporium (black bar) as present is labeled for the various species. The arrow indicates the presence of a crust on the B. subtilis spore. The B. subtilis micrograph is courtesy of Adam Driks, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL.
Association of spores to bronchial epithelial cells. Micrographs of spores associated with the bronchial epithelial cells. Samples were stained with spore stain (malachite green) and counterstained with a Wright-Giemsa stain. (A) Ames spores (indicated by white arrows) with the cells. (B) bclA mutant spores with the cells. Reprinted from reference 45 with permission.
Association of spores to bronchial epithelial cells. Micrographs of spores associated with the bronchial epithelial cells. Samples were stained with spore stain (malachite green) and counterstained with a Wright-Giemsa stain. (A) Ames spores (indicated by white arrows) with the cells. (B) bclA mutant spores with the cells. Reprinted from reference 45 with permission.
Scanning and transmission electron micrographs of the interaction between B. anthracis spores and bronchial epithelial cells. (A) Adherence of Ames spores to cells 2 h postinfection. Bar corresponds to 5 µm. (B) Adherence of bclA mutant spores to cells 2 h postinfection. Bar corresponds to 10 µm. (C) bclA mutant spores incubated with cells. Bar corresponds to 5 µm. (D) Close-up view from boxed area in panel C. Bar corresponds to 0.5 µm. Reprinted from reference 45 with permission.
Scanning and transmission electron micrographs of the interaction between B. anthracis spores and bronchial epithelial cells. (A) Adherence of Ames spores to cells 2 h postinfection. Bar corresponds to 5 µm. (B) Adherence of bclA mutant spores to cells 2 h postinfection. Bar corresponds to 10 µm. (C) bclA mutant spores incubated with cells. Bar corresponds to 5 µm. (D) Close-up view from boxed area in panel C. Bar corresponds to 0.5 µm. Reprinted from reference 45 with permission.