Comparison of lipopolysaccharide and protein profiles between Flavobacterium columnare strains from different genomovars

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and total protein profiles from four Flavobacterium columnare isolates were compar. These strains belonged to genetically different groups and/or presented distinct virulence properties. Flavobacterium columnare isolates ALG-00-530 and ARS-1 are highly virulent strains that belong to different genomovars while F. columnare FC-RR is an attenuated mutant used as a live vaccine against F. columnare. Strain ALG-03-063 is included in the same genomovar group as FC-RR and presents a similar genomic fingerprint. Electrophoresis of LPS showed qualitative differences among the four strains. Further analysis of LPS by immunoblotting revealed that the avirulent mutant lacks the higher molecular bands in the LPS. Total protein analysis displayed by immunoblotting showed differences between the strains analysed although common bands were present in all the isolates. FC-RR lacked two distinct common bands (34 and 33 kDa) shared by the other three isolates. Based on the difference of LPS and total protein profiles, it is possible to discriminate the attenuated mutant FC-RR from other F. columnare strains.