PURIFICATION AND PROPERTIES OF STAPHYLOCOCCAL BETA-HEMOLYSIN I

Abstract

Haque, Riaz-ul (Ohio State University, Columbus), and Jack N. Baldwin. Purification and properties of staphylococcal beta-hemolysin. I. Production of beta-hemolysin. J. Bacteriol. 88:1304–1309. 1964.—Highest activity of β-hemolysin was observed when buffered saline (pH 7.0) containing 0.001 m magnesium sulfate was used as a diluent, and the tubes were incubated at 37 C for 80 min and then refrigerated for 30 min. Either Heart Infusion semisolid agar or a dialysate of Heart Infusion containing 0.3% agar was suitable for the production of large quantities of β-hemolysin. The concentration of β-hemolysin in semisolid and broth cultures was greatest after incubation for 24 hr. Continued incubation resulted in a loss of active hemolysin in broth cultures but not in semisolid agar cultures. Incubation in atmospheres containing 20% carbon dioxide greatly enhanced the production of β-hemolysin. The presence of fermentable sugars inhibited the production of β-hemolysin. Highest yields of β-hemolysin were obtained when the initial pH of the medium was 5.5 to 5.8.