The Hemolysins of Staphylococcus aureus

T^e Hemolysins of Staphylococcus aureusOn the basis of chemical and immunologic evidence, most investigators now believe that Staphylococcus aureus may produce at least four distinct hemolytic proteins.These have been designated alpha, beta, gamma and delta hemolysins.The function of these hemolysins in the economy of the Staphylococcus has not been fully elucidated, but some detail is available with regard to their nature and in vitro mode of action.Agreement on the properties of the four hemolysins has nevertheless been difficult to obtain because of wide variation in methods of purification and choice of strains.Moreover, confusion has existed in many laboratories with regard to the identity of the hemolysin under study.Recent work has permitted a number of generalizations to be made.Amino acid analyses of the hemolysins have revealed that no unusual acids are present.All hemolysins are soluble in water although of somewhat varying stability, and when pure, no carbohydrate, lipid or other accessory materials have been V . 9are taken from the Ph.D.