The role of hemolysin in corneal infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa considered to be of proven virulence were found to have higher titers of extracellular hemolysin than cultures of lesser virulence. Intracorneal injection of purified hemolysin produced extensive corneal opacification with extensive leukocytic infiltration of the tissue. It is suggested that the hemolysin plays a role in the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa infections by effecting lysis of host cells and/or subcellular organelles, leading to the release of enzymes destructive to corneal tissue.