The Committee for Promotion of Academic and Social Contribution, National University Corporation Tsukuba University of Technology
Abstract
We determined the morphological and immunological properties of encapsulated strains of
Staphylococcus isolated from clinical specimens. Capsular polysaccharide antigens extracted from cell surface
fractions induced resistance in mice against challenge with the homologous Staphylococcus strain.
Hyperimmune rabbit serum prepared using these strains passively protected mice against challenge with only
the homologous strain. The protective activity was absorbed with homologous capsular polysaccharide, but
not with heterologous organisms, and the nature of the antibody was that of IgM. The capsular vaccine
prepared by us was successful in preventing staphylococcal infections. In addition, because of the
immunoglobulin treatment, mice were protected from infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus strains.
We detected encapsulation in these strains by electron microscopy although no capsules were detected by light
microscopy with negative staining.
Understanding microbiology is often very challenging for visually impaired students, and there have not been
significant improvements in the teaching aids used for educational purposes. However, the morphology of
staphylococci can be identified using tactile graphics. Microbiology education is important for visually
impaired students who aspire to become medical professionals