EFFECT OF HUMAN SERA ON THE PROPAGATION OF STAPHYLOCOCCAL BACTERIOPHAGES

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Abstract
Human sera prevented both propagation of staphylococcal bacteriophages 52a and 81 and lysis of staphylococci by phage. The factor responsible is heat-stable, precipitated by ammonium sulfate in the globulin fraction, and not affected by incubation with phage or propagating strains. No differences could be detected in the activity of sera from 9 infected patients, 6 nasal carriers, or 4 uninfected noncarriers. Serum failed to neutralize phage, to prevent attachment of phage to the propagating strains, or to inhibit the growth of the propagating strains; rather it appears to prevent propagation of phage after adsorption has occurred.