Bacteriolysis by a Species of Streptomyces

Abstract

SUMMARY: The lysis of dead Bacterium coli by concentrates prepared from filtrates of a Streptomyces sp. is probably due to proteolysis. In any event the lysis can be accounted for by proteolysis, even if the action of other bacteriolytic enzymes cannot be excluded. The streptomyces preparation contains at least two proteolytic enzymes, one digesting casein and the other digesting protein(s) present in Bact. coli. The substrates of the autolytie enzymes of Bact. coli are probably different from those of the streptomyces enzymes.