Absorption of Staphylococcus Bacteriophages

Abstract

Watery extracts ot" staphylococci, prepared by a method similar to that of Burnet [see B. A. 9(1) entry 10741, were studied for their ability to bind phage. Extracts from phage-susceptible strains inactivated to a varying degree staphylococcus phages; those prepared from phage-resistant strains lacked this property. These extracts lose their phage-absorbing capacity on filtration or when precipitated by homologous anti-bacterial serum, but are heat stable, little loss occurring on autoclaving. Susceptible cultures of staphylococci killed by heat at temps. varying from 60[degree] C to autoclaving also absorb staphylococcus phages. On addition of living cells to killed culture on which phage has been absorbed, some of the phage is regained. A strain of staphylococcus that is phage-resistant and yet is able to absorb phage in the living aa well as heat-killed state is also described.