Scanning electron microscopic study of Streptococcus mutans BHT lysed by lysozyme.

The effects of purified salivary lysozyme (HSL) and hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) on the surface structure of Streptococcus mutans BHT were studied with the aid of scanning electron microscopy. In parallel experiments bacteriolysis was monitored by liberation of 3H-thymidine incorporated into the bacteria. Control cells maintained their shape and had intact cell walls during the experimental period. Exposure of the cells to HSL (5.0 U/ml) or HEWL (5.0 micrograms/ml) for 3 and 18 h resulted in progressive destruction of cell structure. Some cells exhibited ruptures of the cell walls on top of spherical swellings, predominantly located at the ends of the bacteria. After 18 h the majority were disrupted in the septal area leaving numerous empty cup shaped cell walls in the preparations. The findings of the electron microscopic examination were confirmed in the biochemical assay.