INHIBITION OF SYNTHESIS OF THE CELL WALL OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS BY CEPHALOTHIN

Abstract

Cephalothin, 7-(thiophene-2-acetamido)-cephalosporanic acid, suppresses synthesis of the cell of Staphylococcus aureus. Exposure to this agent led to a reduction in the degree of incorporation of carbon-14-lysine into the mucopeptide of the cell wall material and to an accumulation of N-acetyl glucosamine in the cell. The intensity of the lesions was comparable to that produced by penicillin.