Abstract
Extracellular toxic substance of Vibrio anguillarum was partially purified from cell-free culture filtrate of the bacteria. Two fractions (GI and GII + III) obtained by Sephadex G-200 chromatography following DEAE-cellulose chromatography were lethal for rainbow trout and mice. By sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, GI and GII + III fractions were found to be composed of 2 components each. The components of the GI fraction had molecular weights of 40 K and 34 K, and those of GII + III had molecular weights of 60 K and 37 K. A carbohydrate band was associated with the protein band of 40 K. Findings at necropsy were enterotoxingenicity and peripheral vascular disorder. The toxic substance in the GI fraction was resistant to trypsin, protease, ethyl ether and acetone but was sensitive to potassium periodate. The toxic substance was comparatively thermostable but was inactivated by heating at 100°C or 121°C for 20 minutes. The toxic activity of the GI fraction was completely neutralized by anti-GI rabbit serum.
