Cloning of Genes for a Hemolytic Factor of Leptospira interrogans Serovar Autumnalis Strain Congo 21-543

Abstract

A DNA fragment encoding a hemolytic factor was cloned from the parasitic spirochete Leptospira interrogans serovar autumnalis strain Congo 21–543. Initial clones were isolated by screening a genomic library in pBR322 in Escherichia coli for hemolytic activity. Hemolytic activity was coded by a 4.5 kilobase BamHI-HindIII fragment. Southern hybridization with DNAs from other strains of Leptospira using this gene as a probe showed that DNAs from non-parasitic strains failed to hybridize with the probe, whereas those from all parastic strains tested had the sequence which hybridize to the probe. © 1990, Center For Academic Publications Japan. All rights reserved.