ACTIVATION OF CLOSTRIDIUM BOTULINUM TYPE E TOXIN BY TRYPSIN

Abstract

The intraperitoneal toxicity for mice of cultures of 5 strains of C. botulinum type E was increased 12 to 47 fold by treatment for one hour with 1% crude trypsin (Difco 1:250) at pH 6.0 and 37 C. The toxicity for guinea pigs by sub cutaneous injection was increased similarly. Treatment with trypsin did not alter the toxicity for mice orally. Clarified culture and partially purified toxin were activated in a similar manner. Activated and nonactivated toxins were neutralized by type E antitoxin. Conditions for activation were described, and certain implications of the results were discussed.