Janina Krywienczyk

Occurrence of two serologically distinct groups within Bacillus thuringiensis serotype 3 ab var. kurstaki.

Abstract Two groups distinguishable on the basis of crystal serology have been identified within Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki (serotype 3 ab). The toxicities of these two groups to Trichoplusia ni and Heliothis virescens expressed as T H ratio also differed. It is suggested that serotype 3 ab be separated into two subgroups designated as K-1 and K-73.

Serological investigations of insect viruses. I. Comparison of three highly purified cytoplasmic-polyhedrosis viruses.

Abstract Cytoplasmic-polyhedrosis viruses from Bombyx mori, Malacosoma disstria , and Orgyia leucostigma were isolated and purified by zonal sucrose gradient centrifugation. They were tested in double diffusion and immunoelectrophoresis on cellulose acetate membranes. It was found that the viruses from M. disstria and O. leucostigma are very closely related, and share at least five antigens one of which, at least, is shared with the virus from B. mori .

Serological relationship between three varieties of Bacillus popilliae

Abstract The serological relationship between three varieties of Bacillus popilliae was investigated by double diffusion and immunoelectrophoresis, using antigens prepared from homogenized vegetative cells in the logarithmic growth phase. The results showed the existence of a close serological relationship among the three varieties in agreement with a recently proposed taxonomic scheme for the milky disease bacteria ( Wyss, 1971 ).

Characteristics of a new strain of Bacillus thuringiensis var. thuringiensis berliner (serotype I) isolated from the bumblebee wax moth

Abstract A new strain of Bacillus thuringiensis, isolated from the bumblebee wax moth, Vitula edmandsae, has most of the biochemical and serological characteristics of strains designated as serotype I or as B. thuringiensis var. thuringiensis Berliner. However, the new strain is from 30 to 70 times as virulent for cutworm and silkworm larvae as previously isolated strains of serotype I, produces rapid paralysis in silkworms, and inhibits feeding of cutworm larvae. These effects indicate that it possesses some toxic components uncommon to serotype I strains. This conclusion is supported by the agardiffusion patterns obtained when antigen of the new strain reacts with antiserum prepared from parasporal crystals of other strains.

Serological comparison of ribosomal and viral components

Abstract Subcellular microsomal subfractions such as whole ribosomes, rough membranes, and smooth membranes, from healthy silkworm larvae and from those infected with cytoplasmic polyhedrosis, were prepared. Ribosomal preparations from healthy and diseased insects could not be serologically distinguished by the method of double diffusion on cellulose acetate membranes. Antisera against cytoplasmic polyhedrosis viruses appeared to share at least one antigen with the ribosomes from healthy and larvae of diseased silkworm and guinea-pig liver.

Serological studies of the protein parasporal inclusions of Bacillus thuringiensis var. sotto Ishiwata

Abstract The toxic parasporal protein of Bacillus thuringiensis var. sotto Ishiwata solubilized in vivo in gut juice, and in vitro under alkaline conditions, has been studied by serological methods. Antibodies elicited by alkali-dissolved protein from the crystals of Bacillus thuringiensis var. thuringiensis Berliner, Bacillus entomocidus var. entomocidus Heimpel and Angus, and B. thuringiensis var. sotto, inactivate the sotto protein in vitro and in the gut of larvae of the silkworm, Bombyx mori (linnaeus). Injections of toxin-specific antibody into the hemocoel do not protect larvae against the toxic effects of ingested crystals.

Serological investigations of subcellular fractions from Malacosoma disstria larvae infected with cytoplasmic polyhedrosis

Abstract Subcellular fractions from Malacosoma disstria larvae, both healthy and infected with cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus, were examined by double diffusion in agarose, immunoelectrophoresis, acrylamide gel electrophoresis, and combined methods. An antigen of viral origin was detected in the soluble fraction from the infected larvae. The mitochondrial fraction contained virions. Microsomal fractions showed nonspecific reactions.

Specificity of serological cross-reactions between insect viruses and ribosomes

Abstract Ribosomes from guinea pig liver, Cavia cobaya; frog liver, Rana pipiens; midgut of the silkworm, Bombyx mori; an earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris; a bacterium, Escherichia coli; a fungus of the genus Lactarius; and also the synthetic polyribonucleotides poly A and poly U were serologically compared with the cytoplasmic polyhedrosis viruses from Bombyx mori, the tent caterpillar Malacosoma disstria, and the tussock moth Orgyia leucostigma. The method of double diffusion on cellulose acetate membranes was used. Extensive cross-reactivity was observed, and it is attributed to the ribose phosphate backbone of RNA as a common antigen.