Lysis of Certain Organisms by the Synergistic Action of Complement and Lysozyme

Abstract
A study was made to determine the effect of lysozyme on certain oral organisms after exposure to guinea pig complement (C'). No effect was observed on gram-positive streptococci or strains of Actinomyces whether pretreated with C' or not. Strains of Veillonella, a gram-negative organism, were partially lysed by the synergistic action of C' and lysozyme. This reaction is described in detail.