Abstract
The bactericidal activity of Streptococcus pneumoniae toward Staphylococcus aureus is mediated by hydrogen peroxide. Catalase eliminated this activity. Pneumococci grown anaerobically or genetically lacking pyruvate oxidase (SpxB) were not bactericidal, nor were nonpneumococcal streptococci. These results provide a possible mechanistic explanation for the interspecies interference observed in epidemiologic studies.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Antibiosis* / drug effects
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Catalase / pharmacology
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Hydrogen Peroxide / pharmacology*
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Microbial Sensitivity Tests
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Pyruvate Oxidase / deficiency
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Pyruvate Oxidase / genetics
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Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
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Staphylococcus aureus / physiology*
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Streptococcus pneumoniae / genetics
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Streptococcus pneumoniae / growth & development
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Streptococcus pneumoniae / physiology*
Substances
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Hydrogen Peroxide
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Catalase
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Pyruvate Oxidase