| Abstract: | A virulent isolate of Alcaligenes faecalis was examined in turkey tracheal organ cultures (TTOC) for adherence using immunofluorescent staining and for cytotoxicity using light microscopic observation. Treatment of the bacterial culture with trypsin, antiserum specific for A. faecalis, and N-acetylneuraminic acid inhibited the ability of the organism to adhere to TTOC. Treatment of the bacterium with D-galactose partly decreased adherence of the bacterium. Those treatments that inhibited the adherence of A. faecalis also inhibited the cytolytic activity in TTOC. Treatment of the bacterial culture with D-galactose only partly decreased the cytolytic activity. These data indicate that adherence of the organism to TTOC is necessary for the cytolytic activity characteristic of A. faecalis isolates capable of causing alcaligenes rhinotracheitis in turkeys. |
