Autolysis of Group N Streptococci. Effects of Media Composition Modifications and Temperature

Abstract

Autolysis in liquid media was investigated with 14 strains of Streptococcus cremoris, Streptococcus lactis, and Streptococcus diacetylactis. Media composition influenced autolysis. When lactose was replaced by glucose as the carbon source, growth and autolysis rates were accelerated. The same final degree of autolysis was reached in media containing glucose, galactose, or a mixture of glucose and galactose. However, when strains were grown on lactose, autolysis occurred. Of three strains tested in media containing sodium chloride, two showed reduced autolysis. The effect of low temperature varied for the different streptococcal species, although five of six strains of S. cremoris showed increased autolysis. © 1983, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.