PHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS : CORRELATION OF ENZYME PRODUCTION WITH RESISTANCE TO PENICILLIN AND PHAGE PATTERN

Phosphatase activity of anaerobic organisms

Anaerobic organisms were tested for phosphatase activity in different pH ranges. Several groups of organisms displayed characteristic patterns. Bacteroides fragilis, B. melaninogenicus, and B. ruminicola produced phosphatase with strongest activity at pH 8.6. Fusobacterium mortiferum was the only species of this genus to show strong hydrolysis. The enzyme was active in both acid and alkaline ranges. The activity of gram-positive organisms was variable, the most active groups being Clostridium perfringens, Peptostreptococcus intermedius, P. micros, and Peptococcus constellatus. The incorporation of phosphatase activity into the identification scheme of anaerobes seems feasible. There was a correlation of hydrolysis with several important pathogens.

Relationship of staphylococcal toxins and enzymes with serological and phage types

A study has been made of 523 strains of staphylococci on the basis of biological properties, phage typing, and serology. The value of serology in the identification of pathogenic staphylococci has been assessed.