Distribution of Neuraminidase and N -Acetylneuraminate Lyase Activities Among Corynebacteria, Mycobacteria, and Nocardias

Abstract

In Corynebacterium diphtheriae and closely related neuraminidase-producing corynebacteria, we have found an N -acetylneuraminate (NAN) lyase activity which cleaves NAN into N -acetyl- d -mannosamine and, presumably, pyruvate. In vitro, these lyases can be shown to synthesize NAN. A survey of representative corynebacteria, “plant pathogenic corynebacteria,” mycobacteria, and nocardias revealed that only those corynebacteria closely related to C. diphtheriae exhibited both neuraminidase and NAN lyase activities.