Partially purified leukocidin from Fusobacterium necrophorum damaged bovine peripheral leukocytes as demonstrated by trypan blue staining. Granulocytes were most and T-lymphocytes least sensitive to the leukocidin. Heating for 30 min at 60 degrees C completely inactivated the leukocidin. The cytotoxicity of the leukocidin could be neutralized by homologous anti-leukocidin. Scanning electron microscopy of the exposed cells revealed an apparent destruction of the cell membranes, loss of the microvilli and smoothing of the cell surfaces.
Effects of leukocidin from Fusobacterium necrophorum on bovine peripheral leukocytes in vitro. Publishing Authors By Initials