Related Experiment Videos
Copurification of Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona hemolysin and sphingomyelinase C
Infection and Immunity
|October 1, 1986
Abstract:
The hemolytic and sphingomyelinase C activities of supernatants of cultures of Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona tended to copurify when isoelectric fractionation was carried out. Both activities focused primarily at pH 8.1. Considered in conjunction with other circumstantial evidence, the results led to the conclusion that sphingomyelinase C is responsible for hemolysis.
Insights
Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona possesses sphingomyelinase C, an enzyme responsible for hemolysis. This finding aids in understanding pathogenic mechanisms of Leptospira.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Enzymology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona is a bacterial pathogen.
- Hemolysis is a key virulence factor in some bacterial infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the enzyme responsible for the hemolytic activity of Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona.
- To characterize the relationship between hemolytic and sphingomyelinase C activities.
Main Methods:
- Isoelectric fractionation of bacterial culture supernatants.
- Assay of hemolytic activity.
- Assay of sphingomyelinase C activity.
Main Results:
- Hemolytic and sphingomyelinase C activities co-purified from Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona.
- Both activities were primarily observed at pH 8.1.
Conclusions:
- Sphingomyelinase C is identified as the enzyme responsible for the hemolysis caused by Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona.
- This provides insight into the molecular mechanisms of Leptospira pathogenesis.