ENZYMES OFCLOSTRIDIUM TERTIUM

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Abstract
Thirty strains of C. tertium were examined for their capacity to elaborate adaptive enzymes which specifically inactivate blood group A antigen. Enzymes produced by 2 strains (Iseki; McClung No. 1259) were obtained in quantity from cultures in a semi-defined medium containing glucosamine. Material from the Iseki strain inactivated soluble blood group A antigen and certain inhibitors of influenza virus hemagglutina-tion and acted upon human erythrocytes to destroy the A,M, and N antigens, the influenza virus (strains PR8 and PR301) and Columbia SK virus hemagglutinin receptors, rendering the cells panagglutinable. Chicken erythrocyte receptors for influenza virus (strains PR8, PR301, FM1, and Conley) were also inactivated. Strain 1259 did not produce these enzymes. Both strains were shown to elaborate peptidases, which along with the A-splitting activity of the Iseki strain, were inhibited by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, suggesting their activation by metal ions. The A enzyme activity was inhibited by specific antibody.