Augmentation of clostridial partial haemolysis by some bacterial species

Abstract

One hundred and fifty-six strains of bacteria representing 12 genera were tested for augmented haemolysis in the presence of an alpha-toxin-producing strain of Clostridium perfringens. Synergistic haemolysis was produced by Aeromonas hydrophila, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Serratia marcescens. Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The pattern of synergistic haemolysis by S. ureus differed from that observed with S. epidermidis, although they both correlated with delta-lysin production. In the case of A. hydrophila, A. calcoaceticus, and S. marcescens, lipase production correlated with augmented haemolysis. Synergistic haemolysis by all strains tested was inhibited by clostridial antitoxin.