Interactions between listeriae and lectins.

Interactions between members of the genus Listeria and lectins are described. L. monocytogenes was shown to be heterogenous with respect to agglutination by lectins. L. monocytogenes serotype 4b had a pattern of lectin binding distinct from the other listeriae. Titration of the listeriae with lectins proved to be useful in further distinguishing serotype 4b. The results show that lectins may provide useful probes as diagnostic reagents for listeriae.