BACTERIOLYSIS OF ENTEROBACTERIACEAE II

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Abstract
Three strains of Escherichia coli and one strain of Aerobacter aerogenes were used as test organisms. Pre-treatment by heat, low pH, or [image]-butanol, or cotreatment with butanol or Versene sensitizes these gram-negative cells to the lytic action of lysozyme. These treatments also increase subsequent tryptic activity on proteinaceous components of the cell. Turbidimetric and microscopic observation of lytic patterns after such pre- or co-treatments indicate that the mechanism by which sensitization occurs is through dissociation of the lipoprotein components of the cell wall which protect the lysozyme substrate. This conclusion has been further supported by hydrogen ion uptake studies on heat or butanol treated cells. The evidence suggests that Versene potentiates lysozyme and trypsin activity through lipoprotein dissociation although chelation may also be important. Studies on residual cell structures remaining after lysis of gram-negative bacteria indicate that some cell wall or cytoplasmic component (probably lipoprotein) also confers rigidity to the cell along with mucopolysac-charide.

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