Novel phase-shift marker in cell surface proteins of Bordetella bronchiseptica

Cell surface proteins of phase I cultures of Bordetella bronchiseptica strains from various species of animals were compared with those of isogenic phase III cultures by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A protein band with a molecular mass of 74 kilodaltons was found only in various phase I cultures. This protein disappeared in parallel with antigenic modulation and had strong antigenicity. We found it to be an appropriate phase-shift marker for two reasons: it was readily extracted and recognized, and it was specifically identified by its distinct antigenicity.