Klebsiella pneumoniae enterotoxin. II. Physicochemical properties of enterotoxin.

Physicochemical properties and systemic effects of the enterotoxin of Klebsiella pneumoniae has been studied. The enterotoxin had a molecular weight between 10 000 to 50 000. It was protein in nature, and heat and acid stable, inducing a dilatatory response in the gut. It haemolyzed the erythrocytes of various animals including man. It had a capillary permeability activity. In addition, when administered parenterally it increased the level of blood glucose, serum cholesterol, serum alkaline phosphatase and serum acid phosphatase.