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Cytotoxicity of Bacillus piliformis
L K Riley1, C J Caffrey, V S Musille
1Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211.
Abstract:
Seven isolates of B. piliformis, the agent of Tyzzer's disease, obtained from various host species, were examined for cytotoxic activity by incubating culture filtrates on BRL 3A rat-hepatocyte and 3T3 mouse-fibroblast cell lines. One isolate exhibited cytopathic effects on BRL 3A cells, but not on 3T3 cells. Three other isolates were strongly cytotoxic for 3T3 cells but only slightly so for BRL 3A cells. The remaining three isolates showed no cytotoxicity for either cell line. The cytotoxic products were greater than 100 kDa in mol. wt, thermolabile, and partly destroyed by trypsin treatment. The data show that some B. piliformis isolates produce cytotoxic proteins, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of Tyzzer's disease.
Insights
Some B. piliformis isolates produce cytotoxic proteins, potentially contributing to Tyzzer
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- B. piliformis is the causative agent of Tyzzer's disease.
- The pathogenesis of Tyzzer's disease is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cytotoxic activity of B. piliformis isolates.
- To determine if cytotoxic proteins contribute to Tyzzer's disease.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of B. piliformis culture filtrates with BRL 3A rat-hepatocyte and 3T3 mouse-fibroblast cell lines.
- Characterization of cytotoxic products (molecular weight, heat stability, trypsin sensitivity).
Main Results:
- One isolate showed cytopathic effects on rat hepatocytes.
- Three isolates were cytotoxic to mouse fibroblasts.
- Cytotoxic products were heat-labile proteins >100 kDa.
Conclusions:
- B. piliformis isolates can produce cytotoxic proteins.
- These proteins may play a role in the pathogenesis of Tyzzer's disease.