Studies on the Mode of Action of the Phenolic Antibacterial Agent Fentichlor against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli II. The Effects of Fentichlor on the Bacterial Membrane and the Cytoplasmic Constituents of the Cell

Investigations of the effect of low concentrations of Fentichlor on the metabolic activities of Staphylococcus aurew and Escherkhk coli indicate that the bacteriostatic action of the drug results from a specific inhibition of metabolic reactions within the cell which are energy‐requiring. Bacteriostatic concentrations of Fentichlor inhibit energy dependent uptake of amino acids, assimilation of amino acids and glucose into cellular material and total protein synthesis. In contrast, energy‐independent uptake of amino acids and the uptake of glucose is little affected. These concentrations do not inhibit respiratory enzymes and selective inhibition of energy metabolism by Fentiohlor probably results from a disruption of the mechanism of energy coupling within the cell.