EFFECT OF POLYMYXIN ON THE LYSIS OF NEISSERIA CATARRHALIS BY LYSOZYME

Abstract
Lysis of N. catarrhalts, as well as other gram-negative bacteria by lysozyme was demonstrated in cells pretreated with polymyxin B sulfate. Polymyxin action is not enzymatic; antibiotic-cell action takes place immediately at the temperature range studied. Electron micrographs of polymyxin-treated cells of N. catarrhalis show no alteration in the surface structure of the cells. This observation together with the marked damage of the cells following lysozyme treatment reflects a disorganization of the cell wall which renders the mucopolysaccharide substrate accessible to the action of lysozyme.