[The possible pathogenic factors of Actinomyces pyogenes. A review]

Actinomyces pyogenes, an important pathogen of the bovine udder, was mainly characterized by production of the enzymes protease and neuraminidase. Both enzymes could be isolated and further analyzed. In addition A. pyogenes demonstrated lectin-like surface structures which caused hemagglutination reactions of neuraminidase treated erythrocytes. Further surface antigens of A. pyogenes which characteristically cross reacted with antisera against group polysaccharide antigens of streptococci of serological group G allowed an additional serological identification of this species. A. pyogenes further demonstrated binding properties for the plasma proteins alpha 2-macroglobulin, haptoglobin and fibrinogen and bacteriocin-like activities which caused growth inhibition of micrococci and staphylococci.