Staphylococcal polysaccharide products inhibitory to Staphylococcus aureus bacteriophage

Abstract

Four products derived from Staphylococcus aureus cultures were partially purified and tested for inhibitory activity against staphylococcal phage. Phage inhibition, a specific stable phenomenon, was concentration dependent. All inhibitory products contained carbohydrate and amino acids, the most active (phage 73 lysate product) having a high carbohydrate content. Galactose, glucosamine, five or six amino acids, and possibly 3-O-methylglucose and a uronic acid were found as components in all active preparations. However, the exact nature of the active material remains undetermined.