Comparative immunochemistry of lipopolysaccharides from Branhamella catarrhalis strains

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were extracted and purified from the type strain and from a clinical isolate of Branhamella catarrhalis. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of glucose, galactose, and glucosamine in different molar proportions in the LPS from these two isolates, whereas there was no difference between the two isolates in the ratios of ketodeoxyoctonate, phosphate, and the fatty acids C12, 3-OH-C12, and 3-OH-C11 present. Heptose or 3-OH-C14 was not detectable in either preparation. LPS from both strains appeared semirough according to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis, presenting a core polysaccharide plus one repeating unit. Immunoblotting, passive hemolysis, and hemolysis inhibition assays using anti-LPS antibodies from immunized rabbits demonstrated cross-reactivity between the LPS preparations; however, antigenic dissimilarities were also found, suggesting that more than one serotype may exist. The lipid A isolated from the two LPS was serologically identical and exhibited cross-reactivity with lipid A of members of the family Enterobacteriaceae. The B. catarrhalis LPS were biologically active, causing lethality in D-galactosamine-sensitized C57/BL6 mice and inducing Limulus amoebocyte lysate gelation.