PRODUCTION OF CYTOTOXIN BY CLINICAL STRAINS OF PSEUDOMONAS-AERUGINOSA

Presence of cytotoxin was studied in extracts of 57 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (46 bacteremia, 4 environmental and 7 Fisher immunotype), 10 Pseudomonas species, and 7 nonpseudomonas isolates. Cytotoxin was identified by Western immunoblot in extracts of all P. aeruginosa isolates. None of the Pseudomonas species or nonpseudomonas isolates were shown to produce this protein. No immunologic cross-reactivity was observed between cytotoxin antibody and P. aeruginosa alkaline protease, toxin A, or elastase, In partially purified extracts of two bacteremia strains and PA 158 (parent strain for cytotoxin production), detection of cytotoxin by Western immunoblot was correlated with biological activity, as measured by the cell swelling assay. Cytotoxin appears to be produced by all strains of P. aeruginosa and biological activity can be demonstrated in extracts of the strains tested. This biological activity is neutralized by specific antibody. Because of its known marked cytotoxic effect on most eukaryotic cells, P. aeruginosa cytotoxin might be an important factor in the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa infections.