Staphylococci, in vitro and in vivo

Abstract

Strains of Staphylococcus aureus were grown in broth and by the membrane technique; both drug-free media and media containing cloxacillin were used. The staphylococci grown in broth containing cloxacillin showed one thick cross wall and were larger than those grown in drug-free broth: 1.6 μm in diameter as opposed to 0.9 μm. The staphylococci grown on membranes placed on agar containing cloxacillin were 2–3 μm in diameter and contained three or more cross walls. Mice were infected intraperitoneally with staphylococci. After treatment with cloxacillin, the peritoneal fluid and spleens contained staphylococci that were 2–3 μm in diameter with three or more cross walls. A staphylococcal endocarditis was induced in rabbits that were then treated with cloxacillin. The staphylococci in the vegetation of the treated rabbits were 2–3 μm in diameter and contained multiple cross walls. Large staphylococci with multiple cross walls were observed in specimens from patients with respiratory infections treated with β-lactam antibiotics. It appears, therefore, that the ultrastructure of staphylococci in vivo is comparable to that of staphylococci grown on a solid support medium such as a membrane, and different from that of staphylococci grown in a liquid medium.