98.5 % of confirmed human zoonosis notification rates involve Gram-negative bacteria
May 21, 2024 3:02 pm
In 2020, 98.5% of confirmed human zoonotic disease cases were associated with Gram-negative bacteria, meaning that 98.5% of these cases involve lipopolysaccharides (LPS).
Lipopolysaccharides are the main components of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria.
LPS play several roles in protecting Gram-negative bacteria, including maintaining membrane impermeability against antibiotics. Specific endotoxins with long O-antigen chains can help shield the bacteria from the complement system, preventing it from attacking the bacterial membrane.
These LPS molecules have potential applications in vaccine development and diagnostic tools.
DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6971
