Properties of a Salivary Bacteriolysin and Comparison with Serum Beta Lysin

¹ Temple University School of Dentistry, Philadelphia

A detailed study of a bacteriolysin found in saliva of caries-immune persons was done with reference to critical factors modifying the response of bacterial cells to the lysin, and factors related to the effectiveness of the lytic action. Both culture age and methods of handling affected the susceptibility of bacterial cells to the lysin. The lysin was effective over a wide range of pH values, was effective in dilutions of saliva, was relatively unaffected by the presence of nutritive media, and was definitely affected by storage temperatures. Comparison with published properties of serum beta lysin showed that the salivary lytic factor had no requirement for calcium or bicarbonate ions; its mode and range of activity was different from beta lysin. The relationship of the salivary lytic factor to other recognized antibacterial agents of human origin was discussed.