Affiliation:
1. Department of Biology, Virginia Union University, Richmond, Virginia 23220
2. Fralin Biotechnology Center, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Mycobacterium avium
,
Mycobacterium intracellulare
,
Mycobacterium scrofulaceum
,
Mycobacterium marinum
, and
Mycobacterium chelonae
tolerate high concentrations of the dyes malachite green and crystal violet. Cells of strains of those species decolorized (reduced) both malachite green and crystal violet. Because decolorized malachite green lacked antimicrobial activity, the resistance of these mycobacteria could be due, in part, to their ability to decolorize the dyes. Small amounts of malachite green and its reduced, decolorized product were detected in the lipid fraction of
M. avium
strain A5 cells grown in the presence of malachite green, suggesting that a minor component of resistance could be due to sequestering the dyes in the extensive mycobacterial cell surface lipid. The membrane fraction of
M. avium
strain A5 had at least a fivefold-higher specific decolorization rate than did the crude extract, suggesting that the decolorization activity is membrane associated. The malachite green-decolorizing activity of the membrane fraction of
M. avium
strain A5 was abolished by either boiling or proteinase exposure, suggesting that the decolorizing activity was due to a protein. Decolorization activity of membrane fractions was stimulated by ferrous ion and inhibited by dinitrophenol and metyrapone.
Publisher
American Society for Microbiology
Subject
Infectious Diseases,Pharmacology (medical),Pharmacology
Cited by
82 articles.
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