Proteases of Clostridium botulinum. II. The relationship between growth medium and the production of proteases by Clostridium botulinum types A, B, C, D, E and F.

The present investigation was carried out in order to find a suitable medium for the production of proteolytic enzymes from different types of Clostridium botulinum. Proteolytic activity was found in Clostridium botulinum types A, B, C, D and F, while supernatants of Clostridium botulinum type E did not possess any proteolytic activity at all. Skim milk medium possessed the greatest ability for the production of proteolytic enzymes from the different cultures of Clostridium botulinum tested, while Robertson’s meat broth produced lowest amounts. Highest titres were usually found after 4–5 days of incubation and, after this period, the level of proteolytic activity decreased.