TOXIC EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS PRODUCED BY AN EXTRACELLULAR PRODUCT OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS

Abstract

SUMMARY.— A typical phage group 2 staphylococcal isolate from a case of toxic epidermal necrolysis of Ritter's type produces a diffusible macromolecular thermolabile product which rapidly induces epidermal necrolysis in new‐born mice. The susceptibility to this necrolytic factor decreases markedly with age. The factor responsible has been partly purified.