Determination of plasmid-associated hydrophobicity of Yersinia enterocolitica by a latex particle agglutination test.

A quick and simple method was developed to distinguish hydrophobic from hydrophilic cells. The latex particle agglutination test is based on the hydrophobic interactions between cells and latex particles which result in the agglutination of the suspension mixture. There was a direct correlation between the expression of plasmid-associated cell surface properties and latex particle agglutination by Yersinia enterocolitica. Multivalent cation-induced agglutination of suspensions of washed cells of virulent Y. enterocolitica and latex particles is indicative of their amphipathic character. Electrostatic interaction may also play a role in the latex particle agglutination reaction.