Studies on the toxin of Aspergillus fumigatus

Abstract

A crude toxin fraction has been isolated from mycelia and culture filtrates of A. fumigatus, and some biological properties such as dermonecrotic, hemorrhagic, hemolytic and lethalitic activities were found in the crude toxin. A hemolytic toxin (Asp-hemolysin) was purified from the fraction. Physical, chemical and biological characteristics were investigated in the hemolytic toxin. The hemolytic toxin production was studied by using different conditions and several strains. The hemolytic activity of Asp-hemolysin was inhibited specifically by Hg2+, and could be restored by addition of SH reagents. Another many characteristics of the hemolysin were discussed in comparison with those in bacterial hemolysins.