MICROBIC DISSOCIATION OF LACTIC ACID STREPTOCOCCI

Abstract

The induction of microbic dissociation of the lactic acid streptococci by the presence in the medium of a carbohydrate with a specific configuration has been studied.Strains of Streptococcus lactis and Streptococcus cremoris have been shown to undergo dissociative changes when grown in the presence of glucose. Lithium chloride and phenol have been found to be without influence. The change from the S- to R-form was accompanied by loss of lactose-fermenting ability.The cultural, colonial, and biochemical characters of the organisms at different stages of variation have been described.It is suggested that the organism must be in a susceptible condition before dissociation can be induced.