Clostridial sialidase

On the basis of this anti-proteolytic effect of sialic acids, a hypothetical model435 for the role of sialidase in clostridial infections is shown in Scheme 4. It is considered that the bacterial enzyme releases sialic acids from cell-surface glycoproteins of the infected tissue, which thereafter can be readily attacked by proteases. This cooperation between sialidase and protease may support the spreading of the bacteria. Acylneuraminate pyruvate-lyase, also shown in this model, degrades sialic acids for energy supply, and growth, of the bacteria. 

Roggentin, P., Gutschker-Gdaniec, G.H.M., Hobrecht, R., and Schauer, R., 1988b, Early diagnosis of clostridial gas gangrene using sialidase antibodies, Clin. Chim. Acta 173 251-262. 

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