Abstract: | Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were isolated from 20 strains of Fusobacterium nucleatum and examined by paper chromatography, gas liquid chromatography and colorimetric methods for the presence of neutral sugars, amino sugars and 2-keto-3-dexoxy-octonate (KDO). The LPS had in common glucosamine, L-glycero-D-manno-heptose, glucose and KDO. The KDO content was low. Galatose, rhamnose and D-glycero-D-manno-heptose were found in some strains. Based on the sugar composition of the LPS, the F. nucleatum strains could be classified into six chemotypes. |