抗酸菌の耐熱性酸性フオスフアテース

Abstract

Three hundred sixteen strains of mycobacteria, including tubercle bacilli, other acid-fast pathogens, and several saprophytic mycobacteria were examined for the presence a 70°C heat stable acid phosphatase. The acid phosphatase test, devised by the authors, was performed on filter paper, using the “SM TEST” (Ishizu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) and 10 minute incubation time at 21-25°C.Among the slowly growing mycobacteria, M. kansasii gave a positive reaction, whereas none of mammalian tubercle bacilli, M. avium and M. intracellulare gave positive reaction. It is worthy of note that, among the Group III mycobacteria, all strains of M. gastri, Subgroup “V” and most of M. terrae and M. novum were positive to this test. These finding are helpful for differentiating M. avium and M. intracellulare from Group III saprophytes.Among the rapidly growing acid-fast bacilli, M. fortuitum and M. marinum, which gave positive reactions may be distinguished from the others, which gave negative reactions. This test is one of the differential keys between M. fortuitum and M. runyonii, which are similar in many biological and biochemical properties, as well as the pathogenicity for mice.This test for acid phosphatase determination is rapidly and easily carried out in the laboratory. The results of the test, except in rare cases, were not ambiguous and reproducible in all cases. For these reason, it is felt that the method provides an additional biochemical criterion to identify and classify various strains of mycobacterium.