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Numerical analysis of the characteristics of Corynebacterium diphtheriae strains isolated in Victoria from 1962 to 1971

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

L. F. Gibson
L. F. Gibson
Affiliation:
Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, The N.S. W. Institute of Technology, Westbourne Street, Gore Hill, N.S.W.2065, Australia
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A study of the incidence of diphtheria in the State of Victoria, Australia, was carried out. Numerical analysis of the characteristics of 264 strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae isolated between 1962 and 1971 placed them into 18 varieties plus six strains which were unique in their combination of reactions to the characteristics examined. During the 10-year period, some varieties appeared inter mittently and were recognized by certain defining characteristics but exhibited a gradual change in their antigenic structure. In contrast, when the outbreaks were examined over shorter periods of time, a number of varieties and single strains were found which differed greatly from each other yet possessed the same major serotype antigen. These findings are discussed in terms of a 'one-parent' concept in which the varieties and single strains represent phases of a common ancestor.

By inspection and analysis of the characteristics of the strains, certain associations were apparent. For instance, a correlation was found between the antigenic structure of the organism and the colonial appearance on tellurite blood agar. Similarly, correlation was observed between bacteriophage type, diphthericin type and biochemical activity in that a strain which was highly active in one of the properties was also very active in the other two.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Hygiene , Volume 75 , Issue 3 , December 1975 , pp. 413 - 424
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1975

References

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