Interspecies Conversion of <i>Clostridium botulinum</i> Type C to <i>Clostridium novyi</i> Type A by Bacteriophage

Abstract

When Clostridium botulinum type C is cured of its prophage it simultaneously ceases to produce toxin. This nontoxigenic culture can then be converted to another toxigenic bacterial species, Clostridium novyi type A or to toxigenic Clostridium botulinum types C or D, by specific bacteriophages. The toxigenicity and type of toxin produced by these cultures depends upon the continued presence of these bacteriophages.