Certain chemical and biological properties of phenol extracts from Listeria monocytogenes

A toxic component obtained by phenol extraction of Listeria monocytogenes 9-125 was found to have a molecular weight of about 2 X 10(6). This material was composed of carbohydrate, protein, lipid, phosphorus, and a component resembling 2-keto-3-deoxyoctanate. Infrared spectrums indicated that similarities existed between this material and Salmonella abortus-equi lipopolysaccharide. Mild acid hydrolysis produced water-soluble and water-insoluble fractions. Sheep erythrocytes sensitized with aqueous phase extracts were agglutinated by antiserums against the whole listerial cells. Further, lethality tests conducted in chicken embryos showed that this component was toxic to them.