meRfi®-GM
The Digital Textbook on Gut Microbiota and Beyond

Abscesses can be considered as beneficial to the host by limiting the spread of disease; however, if left untreated they can cause obstructions and further bacterial dissemination if ruptured
Wexler 2007 Clin Microbiol Rev. 20: 593–621

The capsular polysaccharide complex of Bacteroides fragilis plays a crucial role in promoting the formation of intra-abdominal abscesses, which is a pathological response of the host to invading microorganisms. This complex is made up of two distinct polysaccharides, each featuring repeating units that contain positively charged amino groups and negatively charged carboxyl or phosphate groups. Through the analysi…