Binding of radiolabeled Staphylococcus aureus delta-toxin to human erythrocytes.

The addition f [3H]isoleucine to a chemically defined medium resulted in the production of delta-toxin (DT) with a high specific radioactivity (0.47 microCi/mg). The purified tritium-labeled toxin ([3H]DT) was found to migrate in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis as a single band with a molecular weight of 1,600.

Immunogenicity of Staphylococcus aureus delta-toxin.

Studies were conducted to determine the immunogenicity of purified Staphylococcus aureus delta-toxin. Rabbits and guinea pigs immunized with delta-toxin incorporated into a multiple antibody, whereas animals given toxin in saline or toxin in saline with Tween 80 did not produce antibody. The immunoglobulin G (IgG) fraction isolated by chromatography on protein A-Sepharose was examined for the presence of anti-delta-toxin antibody by immunoelectrophoresis, immunodiffusion, quantitative precipitation tests, affinity chromatography, and toxin neutralization tests.