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CHARACTERISTICS OF BRUCELLAPHAGE.
C R McDuff1, L M Jones, J B Wilson
1Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.
Journal of Bacteriology
|February 1, 1962
Summary
This study characterizes brucellaphage, a virus infecting Brucella bacteria. Researchers determined its optimal growth conditions, stability, and key biological and physical characteristics for potential applications.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Brucellaphage is a virus that infects Brucella bacteria, a significant pathogen.
- Understanding phage characteristics is crucial for developing phage-based therapies and diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a Russian-origin brucellaphage grown on Brucella abortus R 19.
- To determine optimal propagation methods, stability, and physical properties of the brucellaphage.
Main Methods:
- Phage propagation using single plaque transfer and optimization of culture conditions (medium, temperature, aeration).
- Stability testing across various pH levels, temperatures, and in the presence of chloroform.
- Determination of adsorption rate, latent period, and burst size.
- Electron microscopy for morphological analysis.
Main Results:
- Optimal propagation achieved on young Brucella abortus R 19 cultures, yielding titers of approximately 10(10) particles/ml.
- Phage retained activity after lyophilization and storage for 20 months at 4°C.
- Phage demonstrated stability between pH 6-8 for 24 hours at 37°C, with some activity loss at 60°C and complete loss with 10% chloroform.
- Characterized by a slow adsorption rate (K = 3.6 x 10(-11) ml/min), a latent period of 100 min, and a burst size of 121 particles.
- Electron microscopy revealed a polygonal phage approximately 65 mmu in diameter with a short tail.
Conclusions:
- Brucellaphage can be effectively propagated and preserved using established microbiological techniques.
- The characterized physical and biological properties provide a foundation for its use in research and potential therapeutic applications against Brucella infections.