Legionella Toxin.
Abstract
The presence of a Legionella pneumophila toxin has been clinically suspected since 1978. A common 3,400 molecular weight protein has been found in the cell free extracts of sonicated L. pneumophila organisms serotype 1, as well as L. dumoffii, L. bozemanii, L. micdadei, and L. gormanii organisms, although they are genetically distinct by DNA homology studies. This toxic entity is lethal for macrophages and suppresses the chemiluminescent activity of human polymorphonuclear leucocytes. Since both these cell types are of primary importance in limiting bacterial disease, the common Legionella toxin may play a pivotal role in the establishment of Legionnaire and Legionnaire-like infections. The common antigenicity provides cross-protection in animals immunized with toxin derived from one Legionella species and then cross-challenged with either viable organisms or toxins from a genetically distinct Legionella species. The mechanisms of actions are still being defined. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 29, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA100044
Entities
People
- Kenneth W. Hedlund
Organizations
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases