The effect of hyaluronidase on host connective tissue and the protective action of the hyaluronic acid capsule against phagocytosis have been the basis for a number of studies on the relation of these products to the virulence of streptococci. Duran-Reynals (1933) demonstrated that the areas of dermal lesions produced by several strains of streptococci were largely a function of the amount of hyaluronidase produced by these strains. Sallman and Birkeland (1950) found that streptococcal strains isolated from patients produced higher hyaluronidase titers than strains isolated from normal people, and furthermore, the higher titers were associated with the more clinically severe infections. These workers also demonstrated a correlation between hyaluronidase production in vitro and virulence for the chick embryo. Other investigators, however, (Crowley, 1944; Russell and Sherwood, 1949; Sherwood et al., 1952) have indicated a lack of correlation between hyaluronidase production in vitro and virulence for mouse, chick, or man. Warren (1950) studied the influence of high concentrations of hyaluronidase on the course of experimental infections in the flanks of rabbits and reported no enhancement of the infections nor increase in the size of the lesions. The resistance of streptococci of groups A and C to phagocytosis has been shown to be related in part to the presence of the hyaluronic acid
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.