Figure 2

LtaS mutation leads to increased self-aggregation and biofilm formation. Cell-to-cell aggregation in fluid phase (A) and biofilm formation capacity in the presence of porcine fibrinogen (B) after 24 h of incubation at 37 °C of S. suis wild-type P1/7 strain (black) and ΔltaS (blue). Data represent the mean ± SEM from at least three independent experiments. *(p < 0.05) indicate a significant difference between the wild-type and ΔltaS mutant. (C) Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of wild-type P1/7 strain (black) and ΔltaS (blue), × 2.00 k (scale bar: 40.0 µm). The micrographs are representative of the microscopic fields observed on the slide.