The Role of Spermine in the Inhibition ofStaphylococcus aureusby Human Semen

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Abstract
Human semen, synthetic spermine tetrahydrochloride, and spermine phosphate extracted from human semen have been examined for their inhibitory effect on S. aureus. Human semen inhibited the growth of the 15 strains of S. aureus examined; the inhibition zone was larger on alkaline agar. Spermine tetrahydrochloride, in concns. of 100 mg.% and over, inhibited growth on alkalinized media (pH 7.4) in 53 of 54 tests performed. Using the same medium and concns. spermine phosphate inhibited growth in all 21 tests made. Spermine tetrahydrochloride, in concns. up to 200 mg.%, was active only if the medium was alkaline (pH 7.4). Spermine phosphate in that concn. was active when the medium was alkaline (pH 7.4) and to a lesser degree, at pH 6.8. In this respect spermine phosphate resembles the plasma of human semen. Inhibition of the growth of S. aureus by human semen is due to its spermine content, though other substances which have not been examined may play a part.

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