Effects of norfloxacin and rifampicin on growth and streptolysin S production in hemolytic streptococci.

Norfloxacin, a nalidixic acid analogue, inhibited streptolysin S (SLS) production when added to young streptococcal culture. DNA synthesis was mainly affected, but increment of cell mass, RNA and protein was also significantly reduced in streptococci treated with norfloxacin. In stationary phase cells and in the washed resting bacteria, the toxin production was resistant to the drug. Pretreatment with norfloxacin did not abolish the cellular capacity to produce SLS. Although extracellular SLS was detectable at log phase of streptococcal growth, enhanced production of the toxin occurred upon cessation of coccal multiplication. In contrast to norfloxacin, lower concentration of rifampicin inhibited SLS production, even added at late log or early stationary phase. Roles of growth phase, medium and carrier in induction of SLS production were analyzed as well.