Correlation of penicillinase production with phage type and susceptibility to antibiotics and heavy metals in Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

SUMMARY. One hundred and thirty-nine bacteraemia strains of Staphylococcus aureus, representing different combinations of phage type and susceptibility to antibiotics and to cadmium (Cd), arsenate (As) and mercury (Hg), were investigated for penicillinase production. The determination of enzyme activity in induced and uninduced conditions was performed by iodometric titration. The amount of penicillinase produced could be correlated with phage pattern. Epidemically occurring strains of the 94,96 and the 83A complexes produced the largest amount of penicillinase, whereas strains of the 52, 52A, 80, 81 complex were weaker producers. Group-II and group-Ill strains produced the smallest amount.