The Alpha, Beta and Gamma Antigens of Clostridium histolyticum (Weinberg & Seguin, 1916)

Abstract

SUMMARY: Three antigenic components (α, β, γ) are present in toxic culture-filtrates of Clostridium histolyticum. Of these α is the lethal and necrotizing toxin, β is a collagenase, and γ is a cysteine-activated proteinase which attacks altered collagen (e.g. hide-powder or azocoll) but not native collagen. The β and γ-enzymes both attack gelatin. By methods based on the properties of these antigens, Cl. histolyticum antisera can be tested for the corresponding antibodies.