Endotoxic Properties of an Extract of S. aureus

Abstract

Summary Comparative dose-response studies on the pharmacologic effectiveness of an S. aureus extract and E. coli endotoxin have been performed with regard to 1) lethal effect in intact and adrenalectomized mice, 2) tumor-necrotizing activity, and 3) lethal and hemorrhagic effects in chick embryo. Results indicate that properties of S. aureus extract are distinctive but similar to those of gram negative endotoxin. It is suggested that this material may be an important virulence factor in certain strains of S. aureus and that its effectiveness in this regard is inversely related to adrenal function of the host.