Immunolocation of lipoteichoic acid on group B streptococcal surface

Abstract

The distribution of lipoteichoic acid (LTA) in a reference strain of group B streptococci was investigated by immuno-electron microscopy. Observations of unfixed and unembedded streptococci incubated with LTA-antibodies and protein A-gold complexes indicate that the lipoteichoic acid is located within the bacterial capsule. Gold particles were distributed all around the cell and apparently aggregated to form filament-like structures. Electron microscopic observations of capsular structure in thin sections of cells embedded after stabilisation with wheat germ agglutinin confirmed the location of LTA molecules within the bacterial capsule.