FIG. 1.

Representation of the localization and known functions of B. cenocepacia virulence determinants. All of the established and proposed virulence determinants are discussed in the appropriate subsections of this review. BDSF denotes cis-2-dodecenoic acid, diffusible, nonhomoserine lactone signal molecule. Virulence determinants with proposed or unknown functions are denoted with question marks. (Inset A) Bacteria fixed in the presence of alcian blue and stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate to visualize the extracellular matrix produced by bacterial cells from the virulent rough colony morphology phenotype described by Bernier et al. (14). The exact composition of this extracellular matrix is unknown but is proposed to consist of exopolysaccharide and possibly lipopolysaccharide and proteins (14). (Inset B) Bacterial cells negatively stained with uranyl acetate to visualize flagella. Bars, 0.5 μm. (Electron micrographs courtesy of Maria Soledad Saldías, reproduced with permission.)