SELECTIVE DESTRUCTION BY PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA OF COMMON ANTIGEN OF ENTEROBACTERIACEAE
Abstract:
Whang, H. Y. (Children's Hospital, Buffalo, N.Y.), and E. Neter. Selective destruction by Pseudomonas aeruginosa of common antigen of Enterobacteriaceae. J. Bacteriol. 88:1244-1248. 1964.-Supernatant fluids and filtrates from several strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, when incubated with common antigen from various enteric bacteria, will produce selective destruction of this antigen, leaving intact the simultaneously present O antigen. This effect is evidenced from hemagglutination, hemolysis, antibody absorption, hemagglutination inhibition, and immunization experiments. The Pseudomonas factor is heat-labile, being destroyed by heating at 100 C for 10 min. The action of this factor on the antigen is time-dependent and temperature-dependent, requiring incubation for 18 to 72 hr and progressing more rapidly at 50 or 56 C than at 37 C. The specificity of the reaction is indicated by the fact that supernatant fluids from cultures of Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, as well as several enzymes, such as pancreatic protease, trypsin, and lipase, have no effect on the common antigen. Utilization of the Pseudomonas factor, conceivably an enzyme, may aid in the eventual elucidation of the chemical nature of the common antigen of enteric bacteria.
Insights
Pseudomonas aeruginosa selectively destroys the common antigen of enteric bacteria, leaving O antigen intact. This heat-labile factor, likely an enzyme, offers insights into bacterial antigen structure.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Enterobacteriaceae share a common antigen distinct from their O antigens.
- Understanding bacterial antigens is crucial for diagnostics and therapeutics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the selective destruction of the common antigen of Enterobacteriaceae by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- To characterize the factor responsible for this selective destruction.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of common antigen with supernatant fluids/filtrates from Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains.
- Assessing antigen destruction using hemagglutination, hemolysis, antibody absorption, hemagglutination inhibition, and immunization experiments.
- Testing the heat lability and optimal conditions (time, temperature) for the Pseudomonas factor's activity.
Main Results:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa supernatant selectively destroyed the common antigen, sparing the O antigen.
- The destructive factor was heat-labile, inactivated by heating at 100°C for 10 minutes.
- Optimal activity occurred between 50-56°C over 18-72 hours, indicating time and temperature dependence.
- Specificity was demonstrated as other bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) and enzymes (protease, trypsin, lipase) had no effect.
Conclusions:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces a heat-labile factor, likely enzymatic, that selectively degrades the common antigen of enteric bacteria.
- This factor's specificity suggests its potential utility in elucidating the chemical nature of the common antigen.
- Further research into this factor could advance understanding of bacterial antigen structure and immune interactions.
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