Isolation and characterization of sialidase from Bacteroides fragilis

Among all Bacteroides species, B. fragilis is the most prevalent and the most infectious one. It causes septicemias and all kinds of abscesses mostly in proximity to mucosal surfaces. Among the different pathogenic factors of B. fragilis infections, an endotoxin, a heparinase, a collagenase and sialidase are discussed. The latter was discovered by Mueller and Werner and has been briefly described by our group. The present publication deals with the isolation and characterization of this enzyme. Its substrate specificity with respect to its pathogenic role will be discussed.