Abstract

ABSTRACTPlasmids from 46 strains of Clostridium botulinum types A, B, E, and F were isolated using a modification of the Minton and Morris procedure (1981). When these strains were examined, 54% contained one or more plasmids ranging in molecular weight from ∼ 69 to 3.4 megadaltons (MDa). Attempted curing of plasmids for two C. botulinum type A strains, 73A and Hall, using acridine orange and elevated growth temperatures (42 to 45°C) produced no changes in plasmid profiles or toxicity as determined by agarose gel electrophoresis and immunodiffusion tests, respectively. However, exposure of type E C. botulinum strain BL764 to 1000 Krad gamma irradiation resulted in loss of one plasmid (8.4 MDa) but toxicity was retained.

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