THE IN VIVO INTERACTION BETWEEN STAPHYLOCOCCUS BACTERIOPHAGE AND STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS

Staphylococcus bacteriophage 81 is capable of in vivo interaction with Staphylococcus aureus, Type 80/81. This is immediately made evident by increased levels of bacteriophage and concomitant survival of 81 per cent infected mice. The reaction is dependent upon the use of active, type-specific bacteriophage. The maximal protective effect is observed at a bacteriophage to bacteria ratio of 1:2 and decreased quantities of bacteriophage result in decreased protection. Time and sequence of administration are also determining factors. It is evident that bacteriophage administered intravenously is capable of interaction with the infecting bacterial cell at the site of infection. In vivo produced bacteriophage is apparently eliminated or otherwise rendered nondetectable fairly rapidly, occurring within a period of 5 to 10 days. However, it appears that host defense mechanisms are stimulated in the process and actively play a protective role against subsequent challenge inocula administered up to 3 weeks later.