[The antilysozyme factor in Klebsiella pneumoniae: its nature, biological functions and genetic control].

The article deals with the data obtained as the result of the comprehensive study of K. pneumoniae antilysozyme factor, playing an essential role in the infectious pathology of weakened children and adults, as it was recently established. The study has revealed that the genes that determine the synthesis of the antilysozyme factor can be localized on the plasmid, tentatively designated pAlz60 and expressed in a wide circle of hosts of the family Enterobacteriaceae, belongs to type fi-, compatibility group Pl. Experiments with genetically related pairs of strains, differing by the presence of plasmid pAlz60, have demonstrated that factor ALz has no influence on the interaction of bacteria with the epithelium, but contributes to the suppression of phagocytosis, the preservation and multiplication of strains having this factor in the phagolysosome. Alz character has been classified with pathogenicity factors ensuring longer persistence of the infective agent in the body. The characterization of the chemical structure of the antilysozyme factor functioning as an inhibitor of lysozyme is presented. The method for the rapid determination of the antilysozyme activity of bacteria has been developed. This method may be used for the evaluation of isolated strains as regards their clinical and epidemic importance.