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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Quantifying the Cytotoxicity of Staphylococcus aureus Against Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes
Published on: January 3, 2020
Effect of Bactericidal Substance from Staphylococcus aureus on Group A Streptococci I. Biochemical Alterations
A S Dajani1, E D Gray, L W Wannamaker
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota College of Medical Sciences, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455.
Abstract:
A bactericidal substance isolated from phage type 71 staphylococci has been studied relative to its mechanism of action on streptococcal cells. The substance exerts its effect best at 37 C. No cell lysis occurs as evidenced by lack of alteration in optical density of susceptible cell suspensions. The bactericidal substance results in immediate cessation of protein and deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis as well as degradation of newly and previously formed ribonucleic acid (RNA). The action on RNA seems to be independent of protein synthesis.
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