Studies on Anaerobic Bacteria

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Abstract
Two sera were prepared by injection of cells of Cl. butyricum heated for 30 min. at (1) 60[degree] and (2) 65[degree]C; and 2 sera for Cl. thermosaccharolyticum using cells heated at (1) 80[degree] and (2) 85[degree]C. After complete O (somatic)-absorption of these sera, and subsequent tests with whole-cell antigen, the H (flagellar) agglutinogen was found to have been destroyed only in the case of Cl. thermosaccharolyticum heated at 85[degree]C. In vitro tests of the course of heat inactivation of the H antigens were performed by testing pure H (completely O-absorbed) antisera of the 2 organisms with homologous antigens given various heat treatments. Destruction by heat did not occur at any critical point, but took place gradually, and curves plotted for the rates of destruction of the H antigens were strikingly similar, with the important exception that gradual inactivation of the H antigen of the thermophile occurs at temp. about 20[degree]C higher than in the case of the mesophile. As the pH of the antigens during heat treatment was increased or decreased from neutrality, inactivation became progressively more rapid. Blood serum added to the antigen suspension during heating appeared to exert no protective influence against inactivation of the H antigens; glycerine, a dehydrating agent, gave marked protection. Least inactivation of the H antigens was observed in concn. of 0.4 and 0.8% NaCl. Tests performed on the absorptive ability of Cl. thermosaccharolyticum cells given various heat treatments indicated that destruction of- absorbing capacity closely paralleled inactivation of agglutinability.

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