The susceptibility to lysozyme of beta-lactamase-producing and non-producing derivatives of Staphylococcus aureus strain 1030.

The killing of Staphylococcus aureus strain 1030 and derived variants of it by lysozyme increased with increased lysozyme concentrations or decreased concentrations of sodium chloride. beta-Lactamase-producing and non-producing derivatives of strain 1030 were constructed. The former were less susceptible to lysozyme. Induction of beta-lactamase synthesis with 2-2'carboxyphenyl-benzoyl-6-penicillanic acid increased the resistance of producer strains to lysozyme. These results are discussed in relation to the spread of beta-lactamase-producing strains of S. aureus.