Proteases of Clostridium botulinum. I. Classification of proteases and literature survey.

Proteolytic activity has long been regarded as an important characteristic for distinguishing between different types of Clostridium botulinum. While all strains of Clostridium botulinum type A examined so far possess proteolytic activity, the types B and F have both proteolytic and non-proteolytic varieties. Clostridium botulinum types C, D and E were generally regarded as non-proteolytic, but different investigators have shown proteolytic activity in certain strains of these types. A summary of the classification of proteolytic enzymes in general is given and further, investigations are reviewed on the proteolytic activity in Clostridium botulinum.