Abstract

The extracellular group B streptococcal enzyme described in numerous reports as a neuraminidase is really a hyaluronidase. Over the past 25 years, the enzyme was routinely assayed with bovine submaxillary mucin as the substrate and by the thiobarbituric acid procedure to measure released sialic acid. Characterization of the actual compound released by the enzyme revealed it to be an alpha,beta-unsaturated derivative of hyalobiuronic acid that was derived from hyaluronic acid contaminating the mucin preparation. Previous reports describing an association of elevated levels of extracellular neuraminidase with virulent strains of group B streptococci must be reevaluated with the recognition that the enzyme is really a hyaluronidase.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.