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The Ex Vivo Colon Organ Culture and Its Use in Antimicrobial Host Defense Studies
Published on: February 13, 2017
CUTANEOUS REACTIONS WITH CULTURE FILTRATES OF THE COLON TYPHOID TYPE
1Institute of Pathology and the Department of Hygiene and Bacteriology, Western Reserve University, Cleveland.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Synthetic culture filtrates from colon-typhoid bacteria induce skin reactions and stimulate antibody production. These potent biological agents are heat-stable, UV-resistant, and exhibit group-specific Shwartzman phenomenon activity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Ecker and Rimington previously observed skin reactions using synthetic medium culture filtrates from colon-typhoid group organisms.
- The Shwartzman phenomenon is a known biological response involving specific bacterial components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm and extend the findings of Ecker and Rimington regarding bacterial culture filtrates.
- To investigate the properties and immunological effects of these filtrates, including their role in the Shwartzman phenomenon.
Main Methods:
- Concentrated and dialyzed synthetic medium culture filtrates from colon-typhoid bacteria were prepared.
- Filtrates were tested for thermostability and resistance to ultraviolet radiation.
- Intravenous and intracutaneous injections were administered to rabbits to assess immune responses, including precipitin production and skin reactions.
- The Shwartzman phenomenon was investigated using these filtrates and homologous antisera.
Main Results:
- The study confirmed and extended Ecker and Rimington's observations on skin reactions induced by the filtrates.
- The filtrates demonstrated significant thermostability and resistance to ultraviolet radiation.
- Intravenous filtrate injections stimulated precipitin production, while intracutaneous injections alone did not.
- The Shwartzman phenomenon was confirmed and found to be group or species-specific, with enterococcal filtrates failing to induce it.
- Skin reactions (erythema and edema) were not obliterated by mixtures of filtrates and homologous antisera.
Conclusions:
- The culture filtrates from colon-typhoid bacteria possess potent biological activity, inducing characteristic skin reactions and stimulating antibody production.
- These filtrates are robust, showing stability to heat and UV radiation.
- The Shwartzman phenomenon induced by these filtrates is specific to certain bacterial groups, suggesting a shared active product between Shwartzman and Ecker/Rimington preparations.
