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[Detection and study of the labile toxic factor of Proteus mirabilis]
Abstract:
The author studied the dynamics of toxin formation of the high- and low-virulent Pr. mirabilis strains. The high-virulent strain produced toxic substances of the exotoxin type detectable in 1-2-day broth cultures. Later the activity of the culture medium of both cultures under study was due to substances of the endotoxin type. By physico-chemical and immunobiological properties, and also by chemical composition of Pr. mirabilis "early toxin" was similar to the exoenterotoxins of enterobacteria. A principal possibility of concentration and purification of Pr. mirabilis "early toxin" with the use of ultrafiltration and gel-chromatography was demonstrated.
Insights
Proteus mirabilis high-virulent strains produce exotoxin-like substances early in culture, later shifting to endotoxin-like activity. This early toxin shares properties with enterobacterial exoenterotoxins, and can be purified.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Proteus mirabilis strains exhibit varying virulence.
- Bacterial toxins play a crucial role in pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamics of toxin formation in high- and low-virulent Proteus mirabilis strains.
- To characterize the properties of early-produced toxins.
Main Methods:
- Cultivation of high- and low-virulent Pr. mirabilis strains.
- Detection and characterization of toxic substances in broth cultures.
- Physico-chemical and immunobiological analyses.
- Ultrafiltration and gel-chromatography for toxin concentration and purification.
Main Results:
- High-virulent Pr. mirabilis produced exotoxin-type substances in early (1-2 day) cultures.
- Later culture stages (both strains) showed endotoxin-type activity.
- "Early toxin" exhibited similar physico-chemical and immunobiological properties to enterobacterial exoenterotoxins.
- Ultrafiltration and gel-chromatography proved effective for concentrating and purifying the "early toxin".
Conclusions:
- Proteus mirabilis toxin production is dynamic, with distinct exotoxin and endotoxin phases.
- The early-phase toxin is biochemically similar to known enterotoxins.
- Purification methods like ultrafiltration and gel-chromatography are feasible for this toxin.