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Differentiation of Bordetella pertussis, B. parapertussis, and B. bronchiseptica by Whole-Cell Protein Electrophoresis and Fatty Acid Analysis

VANCANNEYT, M., VANDAMME, P., KERSTERS, K.

International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology 1995; 45(4):843 · https://doi.org/10.1099/00207713-45-4-843

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Summary auto-generated

This study examined three closely related Bordetella species—B. pertussis, B. parapertussis, and B. bronchiseptica—using two chemotaxonomic methods: whole-cell protein electrophoresis and fatty acid analysis. The researchers analyzed 32 well-characterized strains from diverse geographic origins and hosts. Protein electrophoresis revealed species-specific patterns for all three taxa, with clear separation after excluding a variable protein band region. Fatty acid analysis also showed distinct profiles: B. bronchiseptica uniquely contained 12:0 2-OH, 18:1 ω7c, and 19:0 cyclo, while B. pertussis and B. parapertussis both contained 10:0 3-OH. The two human pathogens were differentiated by the absence of 17:0 cyclo in B. pertussis. These chemotaxonomic differences support classifying these organisms as separate species despite their high genomic DNA homology (73-85%). The authors argue that taxonomic classification should integrate genotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phenotypic data rather than rely solely on DNA homology values, particularly in exceptional cases where these parameters conflict.

Key findings

  • Whole-cell protein electrophoresis produced species-specific patterns distinguishing B. pertussis, B. parapertussis, and B. bronchiseptica with correlation coefficients ≥0.89 within species.
  • Fatty acid analysis identified diagnostic markers: B. bronchiseptica contained unique fatty acids (12:0 2-OH, 19:0 cyclo, 18:1 ω7c); B. pertussis and B. parapertussis contained 10:0 3-OH but differed in 17:0 cyclo and 16:1 ω7c levels.
  • Significant chemotaxonomic and phenotypic diversity among the three species contradicts their high DNA homology values (73-85%), supporting separate species designation despite genomic similarity.
  • The study demonstrates the importance of polyphasic taxonomy, integrating multiple methodologies rather than relying on single genetic criteria for bacterial species classification.

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Abstract

One-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of whole-cell proteins and gas-liquid chromatography of cellular fatty acids were used to determine chemotaxonomic characteristics of strains belonging to Bordetella pertussis, Bordetella parapertussis, and Bordetella bronchiseptica. Species-specific protein patterns and fatty acid profiles were found. Only B. bronchiseptica strains contained 12:0 2OH, 18:1 to7c, and 19:0 cyclo, and the presence of 10:0 3OH was a unique feature of B. pertussis and B. parapertussis strains. The latter two species were differentiated by the absence of 17:0 cyclo in B. pertussis strains. These chemotaxonomic data and the multiple differences in the classical phenotypes of these three species do not correlate with the high DNA homology values. Our findings support the present status of the three taxa as different species and emphasize the importance of a polyphasic approach in bacterial classification.