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Recombinant Protein Expression, Crystallization, and Biophysical Studies of a Bacillus-conserved Nucleotide Pyrophosphorylase, BcMazG
Published on: May 16, 2017
A STUDY OF BACILLUS PYOGENES.
1Department of Animal Pathology of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, Princeton, N. J.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Bacillus pyogenes, a Gram-positive bacterium, causes bone lesions and paralysis in rabbits. This study details its characteristics, including hemolysis and milk coagulation, classifying it within Corynebacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Veterinary Pathology
Background:
- Bacillus pyogenes is a known bacterium in Europe, suspected to be common in other regions.
- Previous characterizations of Bacillus pyogenes have been incomplete or disputed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To thoroughly characterize Bacillus pyogenes strains from cattle and hogs.
- To clarify disputed characteristics and report novel findings on this bacterium's behavior and pathogenicity.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and culturing of twelve cattle strains and one hog strain of Bacillus pyogenes.
- Microscopic examination for Gram staining and pleomorphism.
- Hemolysis testing on blood agar.
- Biochemical tests including fermentation of xylose and milk coagulation.
- Intravenous injection studies in rabbits to determine pathogenicity and observe lesion development.
Main Results:
- Bacillus pyogenes is Gram-positive, pleomorphic, and exhibits beta-hemolysis.
- Growth is enhanced by protein-rich materials but it is not hemoglobinophilic.
- It ferments xylose and causes enzyme coagulation of milk, followed by acid digestion.
- Intravenous injection in rabbits was fatal, leading to bone lesions, paralysis (due to spinal cord compression), and muscle abscesses.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a detailed profile of Bacillus pyogenes, including its hemolytic and fermentative capabilities.
- Pathogenicity studies in rabbits reveal a propensity for bone lesions and paralysis.
- The authors propose reclassifying Bacillus pyogenes within the Corynebacteria genus.
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