[The effect of salvin on the growth and ultrastructure of Staphylococcus aureus 209P]

Antibiotic salvin obtained from Salvia officinalis has been studied for its effect on the growth and ultrastructure of Staphylococcus aureus 209P. The antibiotic in the sub-bacteriostatic concentration considerably elongates the lag-phase (up to 11-12 h) exerting no significant effect on the growth rate of the staphylococcus population as well as it prolongs duration of the exponential phase. The analysis of electronograms of staphylococcus cells subjected to the action of salvin in the concentrations similar to the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), has revealed the cell thinning, inhibition and destruction of the division. The introduction of 5MIC antibiotic into the exponentially grown culture made a cell wall considerably thinner, destructing its external layer; the number of lyzed cells sharply increased. The appearance of bodies not described previously with a membrane envelope and ribosomes as well as of mesosomal structures was observed.