NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGENS PB6K FOR ALPHA TOXIN PRODUCTION

Abstract

A potent toxin was produced by a strain of Clostridium perfringens PB6K in a chemically defined medium consisting of 19 amino acids, fructose, vitamins and minerals. A large amount of L-arginine (10 mg/ml or higher concentration) was required for toxin production. An excess of L-cystine (0.1 mg/ml or higher) reduced the yield of toxin seriously. Zinc and manganese, though ineffective for growth, were necessary for satisfactory production of toxin. Although magnesium and iron were indispensable for growth, their excesses were deleterious for this organism; the harmful effects were more prominent for toxin production than for growth.