Prolonged survival of non-multiplying Staphylococcus aureus cells undergoing autolysis in the presence of certain inhibitors of cell wall synthesis.

Certain antibiotic compounds including penicillin, cloxacillin and 6-APA caused a prolonged survival of Staph. aureus cells undergoing autolysis in physiologic saline. The retardation of the death rate was dependent upon the type of compound and its concentration. The results suggest that the compounds inhibit the autolytic function of the bacteria.