LYSOGENY, TOXINOGENY, AND PHOSPHOLIPASE PRODUCTION BY STRAINS OF BACILLUS CEREUS,
Abstract
Seven strains of Bacillus cereus show evidence of ultraviolet-inducible lysogeny. The release of toxin (edema factor) and phospholipase into the medium is well correlated with post-irradiation optical density decline in all of these strains. One strain, 6464, carries a complete prophage, and it has been shown that induction and release of mature phage particles is accompanied by an increase in toxin and phoppholipase titer of culture filtrates. The small amounts of toxin and phospholipase produced by noninduced cultures are also well correlated with spontaneous release of bacteriophage. Static incubation following ultraviolet induction yields more toxin and phospholipase than post-irradiation incubation on a shaker. Post-irradiation incubation at temperatures below 37 C either reduces (30 C) or prevents (26 C) toxin and phospholipase production. From strain 6464, a clone was obtained that was cured of the complete prophage but still exhibited ultraviolet-induced optical density decline accompanied by release of toxin and phospholipase. Mitomycin C also will induce strain 6464 and the cured clone derived from it. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0422366
Entities
People
- Harold B. Stull
- Robert A. Altenbern
Organizations
- United States Army Biological Warfare Laboratories