Synthesis of a compound with folic acid activity by Lactobacillus arabinosus 17-5

Pediococci in Cheddar cheese

Fifty-nine strains of pediococci were isolated as representing the predominant non-starter flora in a series of Cheddar cheeses made over a period of 5 months. All strains had the same physiological characteristics and were identified asPediococcus cerevisiae. A common antigen was found in 54 of the strains, whereas in the other 5 the antigenic component appeared to be related but not the same. Both antigens were located in the cell wall.

All the strains required folinic acid for growth and it was shown with one strain that the small amount of growth which occurred in sterile milk was greatly increased by the presence of the folinic acid producing starterStreptococcus cremoris924.

FORMATION OF FOLIC ACID RELATED COMPOUNDS BY BACILLUS SUBTILIS

Bacillus subtilis elaborates a series of PGA-related compounds apparently similar to those synthesized by Lactobacillus plantarum, but in larger quantities.Paper chromatography of the broth, or of concentrates derived by ion exchange and carbon treatment of the broth, reveals the presence of six factors having activity for Lactobacillus casei, Streptococcus faecalis, or Pediococcus cerevisiae.Separation of the six active components by standard isolation techniques permitted the identification of four known folic acid related compounds and of two materials not previously reported and presumed therefore to be novel.The four known compounds are pteroic, folic, folinic, and N10-formylfolic acids. Pteroic and folic acids are not produced per se by B. subtilis but arise as degradation products. Both of the novel compounds are unstable. One of these has an Rf value of 0.35 in 5% aqueous Na2HPO4 and is active for S. faecalis but not for L. casei. This compound decomposes to yield pteroic acid. The second novel material has an Rf value of 0.55 and is active for both S. faecalis and L. casei. Decomposition of this material yields folic acid.

Serum vitamin B12 and folic acid (P.G.A.) levels in hypoproteinaemia and marasmus in Indian children

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