STUDIES OF STAPHYLOCOCCAL TOXINS IN RELATION TO TOXIC EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS (THE SCALDED SKIN SYNDROME)

Abstract

Summary.— A diffusible product which causes extensive epidermal splitting in new-born mice, has been obtained from phage group II staphylococci in a highly purified form. It is free of staphylococcal α-toxin, δ-toxin and hyaluronidase and has a molecular weight of approximately 33,000. Criteria of purity are presented and the possible role of this factor in experimental T.E.N. is discussed.