LETHAL AND CYTOLOGIC EFFECTS OF LYSOZYME ON TUBERCLE BACILLI

Abstract
Avian and mammalian tubercle bacilli treated with high concns. of crystalline egg-white lysozyme for prolonged periods exhibit cytologic changes. Young cells of the BCG strain of M. tuberculosis var. bovis treated with 1000-2000 [mu]g of lysozyme/ml. for 48 hrs. were reduced by approx. 99%. Characteristic cytologic changes were a lobulation and marked increase in the density to electrons of the cytoplasm and a loss of the cell membranes. Cytoplasmic fragments were insoluble and remained acid-fast.