Recent Chemical Investigations of Bacterial Toxins

Abstract

The chemical investigation of bacterial toxins holds much of practical and theoretical significance not only in immunology but also in physiology and chemistry. The ultimate objectives of

The Neurotoxin of Shigella Dysenteriae (Shiga)1

“…This was reiterated by McCartney and Olitsky(66) when they found that increased aerobiosis also decreased the incubation time for neurotoxin production in stationary broth filtrates. These findings are in agreement with those of Dubos et al (34) and of Olitzki and Bichowsky(85).Eaton (37) reviewed literature on bacterial toxins in general and stated that the lethal toxin of the staphylococcus (Micrococcus pyogenes) was not affected by anaerobic conditions.The toxins of tetanus, botulinus and clostridial gas gangrene are the on July 16, 2020 by guest http://mmbr.asm.org/ Downloaded from…”

“…In general, bacterial toxins have been found sensitive to acid and alkaline environments. Eaton (37), in a review article, indicated that this was true of diphtheria and tetanus toxins. In the succeeding years, Petermann and Pappenheimer (89) reported denaturation of diphtheria toxin at pH below 5.6 and above 10.…”

The Neurotoxin of Shigella Dysenteriae (Shiga)

“…These findings are in agreement with those of Dubos et al (34) and of Olitzki and Bichowsky (85). Eaton (37) reviewed literature on bacterial toxins in general and stated that the lethal toxin of the staphylococcus (Micrococcus pyogenes) was not affected by anaerobic conditions. result of anaerobic conditions which are, of course, essential for the growth of the organisms producing them.…”