Effects of hemolymph from immune and non-immune larvae of Galleria mellonella on the ultra-structure of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The ultrastructure of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a pathogen of Galleria mellonella is rapidly altered after in vitro exposure to the hemolymph of vaccinated larvae. The bacteria were treated with normal and immune hemolymph for periods of time ranging from 7 to 28 min at 28 degrees C. In contrast to the apparent non-damaging effects of normal hemolymph, the immune hemolymph caused progressive damage to the cells within 7 min. The initial attack was directed towards the cell wall. Complete degradation was observed after 14 to 28 min exposure to the immune hemolymph.