The following studies were done to identify factors that influence the virulence of Xenorhabdus nematophilus and the interactions of the bacterium with the nonself defence systems of nonimmune Galleria mellonella. Isolates of X. nematophilus that are qualitatively similar in biochemical properties differed significantly in virulence for G. mellonella larvae. The production of enzymes such as proteases could not account for differences in the virulence of the isolates. / Growth conditions, influenced the growth rate and the interactions of the bacterium with nonimmune G. mellonella larvae. In general, X. nematophilus cells grown under aerobic conditions were more susceptible to the nonself defences of G. mellonella larvae than those grown under less than ideal conditions, resulting in increased clearance of the bacteria from the hemolymph (blood) of the insects. Clearance of the bacteria from the hemolymph of the insect was positively correlated with culture condition, culture age, and attachment to insect hemocytes in vitro. / Isolates of X. nematophilus produced flagella and fimbriae when grown under microaerobic and aerobic conditions. The type of fimbriae produced was influenced by culture conditions. The injection of both flagella and fimbriae in picogram quantities into nonimmune G. mellonella caused an increase in total hemocyte counts within these insect larvae. The injection of fimbrial and flagellar antigens into G. mellonella larvae caused changes in the hemocyte types found in circulation in the insect's hemolymph. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

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