The Effect of Enzyme Treatments on Brucella abortus Cell Walls

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Abstract
Cell walls of Brucella abortus which were treated with trypsin, "Pronase" (a protease from Streptomyces griseus), or lysozyme were more sero-logically reactive than cell walls treated with ribonuclease, pepsin or lipase or those with no enzymic treatment. Ribonuclease decreased reactivity of cell wall suspensions. Electron microscopy revealed the presence of round "plates" following treatment with certain of these enzymes. "Plates" were also shown to be embedded in fragments of the cell wall following lysozyme treatment. Still smaller round bodies were also seen to be present. These particles are believed to be a sub-unit of B. abortus cell walls and are correlated with serologic reactivity.