Stimulation of the Production of Neuraminidase in Vibrio cholerae Cultures by N-Acetylmannosamine

Abstract

SUMMARY: Addition of N-acetylmannosamine to a basal culture medium inoculated with Vibrio cholerae strain 4Z stimulated the production of neuraminidase. N-Acetylglueosamine and N-acetylgalactosamine under similar circumstances were inactive. N-Acetylmannosamine, added to medium inoculated with V. cholerae, persisted for at least 12 hr; under similar conditions N-acetylglucosamine was rapidly metabolized. Both D-mannosamine HCl and D-glucosamine HCl resisted enzymic attack by 561V. cholerae. The former compound severely inhibited growth of the organisms; the latter had no such effect. These findings are discussed, particularly in their relationship to the discovery that N-acetylneuraminic acid, which is a condensation product between N-acetylmannosamine and pyruvate, also induces neuraminidase.