Record Details
In vitro identification of Clostridium botulinium by means of extracellular enzyme tests
ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Title | In vitro identification of Clostridium botulinium by means of extracellular enzyme tests |
| Names |
Levant, Emory Marion
(creator) Anderson, A. W. (advisor) |
| Date Issued | 1969-05-07 (iso8601) |
| Note | Graduation date: 1969 |
| Abstract | The purpose of this study was to examine the culture supernatants of various strains of Clostridium botulinum for characteristic extracellular enzymes which can facilitate their rapid identification. A convenient, efficient, water-cooled flat gel electrophoretic unit was utilized to concentrate and purify the total proteins and extracellular enzymes present in the supernatants of various strains of C. botulinum types A, B, C, E and F. The protein-laden gels, after staining, offer evidence for characterization of the strains and possible taxonomic significance. Variations in characteristic proteolytic isozymes, lipases, lecithinases, iron-bound proteins and diaphorases reinforce the separation and identification of C. botulinum types A, B, C, E and F. The variations in numbers and electrophoretic mobilities of the proteolytic isozymes suggest a usefulness in differentiating types A and B. This detectable proteolytic property is used to separate type A and type B organisms from the other known types of C. botulinum. In addition, the detection of a single NADH dependent nitroblue tetrazolium reductase band is indication of a type A or B form. Two such diaphorase bands were found in the supernatants of toxic type E and type F microorganisms. Under the conditions of these investigations the non-toxic forms did not show diaphorase activity. Dehydrogenases characteristic of citric acid cycle metabolism were not detectable in the supernatants using the methods of these investigations. Evidence accumulated using inhibitors and stimulants suggest certain physiological roles for the diaphorases found in the supernatants. The NAD dependency of the diaphorases was established following substitution of NADP into the assay systems. |
| Genre | Thesis/Dissertation |
| Topic | Clostridium botulinum |
| Identifier | http://hdl.handle.net/1957/46071 |
