[Effect of dioxidine on DNA and RNA synthesis in Staphylococcus aureus]

The effect of dioxidin on DNA and RNA synthesis by Staphylococcus aureus was studied with the use of labeled precursors and evaluated from the kinetics of DNA and RNA accumulation by the culture. It was shown that dioxidin inhibits DNA synthesis by Staphylococcus aureus cells, with the synthesis of RNA being almost not affected. The main effect manifests within the first hour of the drug interplay with the microbial cell, it is reversible and appears to be realized by the mechanisms of DNA synthesis regulation. Dioxidin does not form complexes or cross-linkages with the DNA molecule. The action of dioxidin on the microbial cell manifests in the derangement of the activity and biosynthesis of extracellular DNase.