THE PROCESS OF HYALURONIDASE FORMATION BY HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCI

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Abstract
Group A and group C streptococcal strains have been shown to give rise to hyaluronidase-producing mutants. Such mutants may have differing capacities for hyaluronidase production. Hyaluronidase was not found intracellularly. Its production was associated with the active metabolism of the streptococci. Anaerobic metabolic conditions favor hyaluronidase formation by the streptococci studied. Conflicting reports in the literature on streptococcal hyaluronidase production may be resolved in the light of the hyaluronidase-producing mutation, the existence of mutants of differing enzyme capacities, and the rate of hyaluronidase inactivation under active cultural condition.