Production of toxic antigens in dialyzed cultures of microorganisms.

Data on the production of clostridial toxins in dialyzed cultures are summarized. Principal modifications of this cultivation technique suitable for both research and production are shown. If toxins are released from the cells by autolysis (neurotoxins of Clostridium tetani, C. botulinum; lethal factors of C. novyi and C. sordellii), a 10-fold increase of the antigen concentration in filtrates of dialyzed cultures is found in comparison with normal cultures. If toxins are excreted already during growth (lethal factors of C. perfringens type A, C. septicum), the positive effect of the technique is less significant. A dialyzed culture ensures a well-balanced production of toxic filtrates that contain highly concentrated, relatively pure and strongly immunogenic antigens.