Antimicrobial activity of catalase at acid pH.

Abstract

Crystalline catalase exerts an antimicrobial effect when combined with iodide ions and a H2O2 generating system. The antimicrobial effect is optimal at pH levels below 5.0 and is inhibited by azide, cyanide, ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione, cysteine, 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, methimazole, propylthiouracil, ergothioneine, thiocyanate, thiosulfate, formate, ethanol, NADH, NADPH, and tyrosine. The influence of catalase, of either leukocytic or microbial origin, on the antimicrobial activity of the leukocyte is considered.