Production of group C streptococcus phage-associated lysin and the preparation of Streptococcus pyogenes protoplast membranes.

Optimum conditions of pH, temperature and multiplicity of bacteriophage infection for the production of phage-associated lysin from Group C streptococci were defined. Lysin obtained by the optimum method was used to make protoplast membranes of Group A type 12 streptococci. These membranes consistently contained very low concentrations of rhamnose, indicating minimal cell wall contamination. The development of such a reproducible technique for the preparation of protoplast membranes will permit more meaningful studies on the involvement of these membranes in the pathogenesis of acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.