Biochemical and cultural characteristics of Staphylococcus aureua associated with lysogenic conversion to loss of beta-hemolysin production / by Richard Edward Mason, Jr.
| Author/creator | Mason, Richard Edward author. |
| Other author | Allen, Wendall E., degree supervisor. |
| Other author | East Carolina University. Department of Biology. |
| Format | Theses and dissertations |
| Production | 1974. |
| Description | 49 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm |
| Supplemental Content | Access via ScholarShip |
| Subjects |
| Summary | The purpose of this investigation was: to determine the relationship between animal and human strains of Staphylococcus aureus to lysogenic conversion of the [beta]-hemolysin and fibrinolysin characters; to determine if other physiological characteristics are affected by the phage conversion; and to study the mechanism of conversion. Strain 7-8, which is beta hemolytic and non-fibrinolytic ( [beta]+K-) and of bovine origin, was lysogenically converted by several group F phages to [beta]-K+. This is in accord with the work of Winkler et al. (1965). Serological group A phage 42E was found to convert strain 7-8 to [beta]-K-. Production of coagulase, DNase, lipase, gelatinase, and mannitol fermentation were not correlated with lysogenic conversions to loss of [beta]-hemolysin and gain in fibrinolysin production. S. aureus strains of bovine origin are usually [beta]-hemolytic, non-fibrinolytic, crystal-violet positive, and sensitive to group IV phages. Strains of human origin are usually non-[beta]-hemolytic, fibrinolytic, crystal-violet negative, and insensitive to group IV phages. Beta-hemolytic and fibrinolytic strains can be lysogenically converted to loss of [beta]- hemolysin production and gain in fibrinolysin production. Crystal-violet reactions were not affected by lysogenic conversion of [beta]-hemolysin. Every lysogenically converted [beta]- isolate was insensitive to group IV phage 42D. Further testing with additional group IV phages is necessary to determine if loss in sensitivity to group IV phages always accompanies loss of [beta]-hemolysin production. Beta-hemolytic and non-fibrinolytic ([beta]+K-) variants were regularly obtained from each of the 50 [beta]+K+ appearing colonies of strain 7-8 ([beta]+K-) isolated after treatment with nitrosoguanidine or ethyl methanesulfonate treated phage preparations. Since no stable [beta]+K+ isolate was obtained from any of the [beta]+K+ appearing colonies tested and since no [beta]-K- colonies were found, the theory of Winkler et al. (1965) that conversion to [beta]-K+ Involves two separate loci on the phage chromosome was not confirmed by use of phage mutants. Conversion of [beta]-hemolysin by lysogenization of a serological group A phage has not previously been reported. Phage 42E conversions differed from the group F conversions since fibrinolysin was not affected. This indicates that conversion to [beta]-K+ involves two separate loci on the phage chromosome. |
| General note | Submitted to the faculty of the Department of Biology. |
| General note | Advisor: Wendall E. Allen |
| Dissertation note | M.A. East Carolina University 1974 |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 46-49). |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Thèses et écrits académiques. |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joyner | University Archives | ASK AT SPECIAL COLLECTIONS DESK | ✔ Available | Request Material |
| Electronic Resources | Access Content Online | ✔ Available |