Distribution and properties of the mannose-resistant hemagglutinin produced by Salmonella species.

Presence or absence of mannose-resistant hemagglutination (MRHA) or sheep erythrocytes by Salmonella species was found to be consistent within most serotypes tested and did not correlate with O-antigen. Broad-host-range serotypes including S. typhimurium and S. enteritidis produced MRHA while host-specific serotypes including S. typhi, S. dublin, and S. gallinarum were MRHA-negative. MRHA produced by S. typhimurium was soluble, heat-stable, and not inhibited by any of eleven carbohydrates tested. Further investigation of MRHA may provide insight into mechanisms of Salmonella pathogenesis.